Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Title: Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Pages: 352
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Publication Date: August 1, 2009

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters---

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, they find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Prophecy of the Sisters is an unprecedented and transcendent start to a new series. From the turn of the first page, up until the flip of the last page, Zink persistently keeps the reader captivated and absorbed in the book. Zink writes with perfect balance and vivid imagery that establish the dark, cryptic, and elegant ambiance that is the Prophecy of the Sisters.

Zink's engrossing and powerfully suspenseful plot was executed with great authenticity and skill. Zink's lyrical and alluring prose helped cultivate the eerie and graceful atmosphere throughout the totality of the novel. The vividly-described setting is matched flawlessly with the ominous, enigmatic time era.

An interesting aspect of the novel is the relationship between Lia and James. Their easy-flowing romance has suddenly become dark and secretive. What used to be luminous and blithe is now withdrawn and obscure. The bonds between her and James seem to slowly crumble with the lack of trust and--seemingly--love.

Throughout the entirety of this novel, the reader will feel like Lia is suffocating and trapped in all the events and conflicts that distinguish themselves. Lia, herself, is a strong and unique character...not at all like any stereotype. The unknown mysteries about the prophecy pique her interests. And as she delves deeper, and deeper, she is slowly becoming the very heart of the prophecy. She must fight against Alice; no matter what it takes. Intense pressure and grief must not overcome her. If it does, nothing will ever be the same...everything will change---for the worse.

The Bottom Line: If I was to describe the Prophecy of the Sisters, I would choose beautiful. Beautiful is a simple word, yet it portrays more than any other word could. Zink delivers a magical tale of two sisters with the surrounding of lies, deceit, and hate. This debut author seems like she's been in this business for a much longer than 2009. I can't wait for the next installation of the series to come out! A+ :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 8.5/10
Characters: 9.5/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9.5/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 95.5/100 (A+)