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Prophecy of the Sisters #3
Circle Of Fire
The stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's critically acclaimed trilogy
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2011
57 people are currently reading
5203 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Zink
29 books1,470 followersMichelle Zink is author of the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy, A Temptation of Angels, and This Wicked Game. Her next book, Lies I Told, releases Spring 2015.
Learn more on Michelle's blog at www.michellezink.com.
Learn more on Michelle's blog at www.michellezink.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
October 6, 2011
The thing is with a book being the last, you expect it to be amazing and almost everything gets wrapped up. The thing is, Circle of Fire does wrap everything up, but it's not that amazing.
Circle of Fire was a disappointment to me because not much happens at all. It's the same thing like in Guardian of the Gate, they just look for the last keys and the Stone. Not much happens. At all.
Lia's anger and distrust (throughout practically the whole novel) towards Sonia got annoying. Learn how to forgive Lia. People make mistakes.
Dimitri is way too perfect. Seriously. This guy is way too perfect and I got me irritated at times. I dont get why everyone love him, he's so boring!
It's been a very long time since I've read the Guardian of the Gate but I thought Lia and Alice would fight or have an epic showdown, or something when they saw each other. Nope. I swear I thought they hated each other and Alice was going to help the Souls and Samuel get Lia but nothing like that happens. They just talk and talk and talk...and talk.
Oh yeah, one thing I thought would have brought major drama and excitement would be Alice but she's not that evil anymore. She doesn't make you a little bit freaked at all.
Now the ending. The ending is how you'd think it be, but it's not exciting or suspenseful. It was actually really boring. Maybe because I was really tired and sleepy but I had no clue what was happening in the ending.
Overall, if you've read the first two books in the series then you might as well finish it but the series and the book were a big MEH.
Circle of Fire was a disappointment to me because not much happens at all. It's the same thing like in Guardian of the Gate, they just look for the last keys and the Stone. Not much happens. At all.
Lia's anger and distrust (throughout practically the whole novel) towards Sonia got annoying. Learn how to forgive Lia. People make mistakes.
Dimitri is way too perfect. Seriously. This guy is way too perfect and I got me irritated at times. I dont get why everyone love him, he's so boring!
It's been a very long time since I've read the Guardian of the Gate but I thought Lia and Alice would fight or have an epic showdown, or something when they saw each other. Nope. I swear I thought they hated each other and Alice was going to help the Souls and Samuel get Lia but nothing like that happens. They just talk and talk and talk...and talk.
Oh yeah, one thing I thought would have brought major drama and excitement would be Alice but she's not that evil anymore. She doesn't make you a little bit freaked at all.
Now the ending. The ending is how you'd think it be, but it's not exciting or suspenseful. It was actually really boring. Maybe because I was really tired and sleepy but I had no clue what was happening in the ending.
Overall, if you've read the first two books in the series then you might as well finish it but the series and the book were a big MEH.
October 27, 2011
I loved the first book of the series. It was creepy, unique and with just the right amount of romance. The sequel was a disappointment and this final book is no different.
The plot was predictable and I felt like the romance overshadowed everything. What I loved about the first book was that it gave me the chills but the last two books were just meh.
The more realistic part of book was Lia's unwillingness to forgive Sonia.It was a bit narrow minded of her but that's what make it believable.
Alice was my favorite character and during the first two books especially on the first, she was really creepy and mysterious but in the finale I felt like she lost all that in place of a love-struck teenager. Her falling for James was also a bit cliche.
James. I liked James in the first book and I was really really disappointed that he was just cast aside like that especially in the second book. Yes, I ship him and Lia but it was fine that they didn't end up together, I just don't like how it happened. This book portrayed James as a narrow-minded idiot who was just using Alice to get over Lia. I felt like his character was wasted.
Lia. Instead of rooting for her, I was just really annoyed since the second book. Everything just goes her way! I felt like she turned into Bella Swan and her Edward Cullen is Dimitri. Their relationship makes me want to puke. Dimitri is too perfect. No one is that perfect. I was expecting for him to be some kind of traitor in the end just so I don't lose faith in this book but I was sorely disappointed.
Overall the book is a must-read if you've read the first two books and had been following the trilogy. But I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I'm fine with the ending but how it getting to it was just bleh.
The plot was predictable and I felt like the romance overshadowed everything. What I loved about the first book was that it gave me the chills but the last two books were just meh.
The more realistic part of book was Lia's unwillingness to forgive Sonia.It was a bit narrow minded of her but that's what make it believable.
Alice was my favorite character and during the first two books especially on the first, she was really creepy and mysterious but in the finale I felt like she lost all that in place of a love-struck teenager. Her falling for James was also a bit cliche.
James. I liked James in the first book and I was really really disappointed that he was just cast aside like that especially in the second book. Yes, I ship him and Lia but it was fine that they didn't end up together, I just don't like how it happened. This book portrayed James as a narrow-minded idiot who was just using Alice to get over Lia. I felt like his character was wasted.
Lia. Instead of rooting for her, I was just really annoyed since the second book. Everything just goes her way! I felt like she turned into Bella Swan and her Edward Cullen is Dimitri. Their relationship makes me want to puke. Dimitri is too perfect. No one is that perfect. I was expecting for him to be some kind of traitor in the end just so I don't lose faith in this book but I was sorely disappointed.
Overall the book is a must-read if you've read the first two books and had been following the trilogy. But I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I'm fine with the ending but how it getting to it was just bleh.
October 7, 2015
Reviewed on 07/10/15 (my exams just ended yesterday so here is my very very very late review of Circle of Fire)
Rating: 5 bloody solid Stars
This book was downright sad but beautiful in every way possible. The way Michelle Zink used similes and metaphors fit in so well with the plot and made it flow so well. Most of the characters were well developed, except for maybe Sonia and James, I really wanted to know more of them.
Lia: I just wanted to know; HOW THE HELL DID SHE BECOME SO SEDUCTIVE?! MAN, BARING HER NAKED BODY IN FRONT OF DIMITRI LIKE ITS NO ONE'S BUSINESS, GURL WHERE IS YOUR DIGNITY AND SHES ONLY WHAT 18? she developed the most among all the characters. from the shy, rather plain lovestruck girl who was always compared to her twin to the brave, seductive, beautiful warrior who saved the world. Her moment with Alice's departure was bittersweet, but I'm glad she understood the price Alice paid for her, for James and for the safety of the world.
Dimitri: BOOK BOYFRIEND 101
Alice: I view her as rather mysterious and cynical at first, but then realized she just wanted something of Lia's. Lia had the attention of her father, the love of James and the care of Aunt Virginia, but Alice had nothing. Henry had Edmund, but Alice was just alone, and lonely. Her development wasn't that drastic but drastic enough to make me cry when she passed away. Her love for Lia was astonishingly deep, so deep that she was able to defy her obedience to Samuel and help Lia close the gate. That was something I want to applaud her for.
James: He's rather lovestruck to be honest and I would never ever get a guy like him. Honestly? Dating your ex girlfriend's sister just because she looks like her?? Now that's an asshole move. What made it worse was how Alice knew. She undeniably knew that James didn't truly love her, he just loved her for her splitting resemblance to Lia. But he's rather faithful, so I'll give him for that.
Luisa: Can someone tell me how she and Lia made up again? I don't get it. How did the both of them make up when I clearly remembered how coldly Luisa treated Lia just because the latter was still unable to forgive Sonia for her betrayal??? Other than that, Luisa's portrayed as a beautiful girl, one that would stick up for her friends.
Sonia: Okay, every time she conversed with Lia or even had interactions, my fingers would be crossed and I wouldn't even know when I hold my breath. Her character was much undeveloped, from showing signs of betrayal to having betrayed them to being so apologetic and then being friends with them again? Dude, this isn't how-you know what? Never mind.
Helene: Typical, spoilt brat. I don't even want to start.
Brigid: She was cool, I like her. But isn't Garrett a little too old for her?
Aunt Virginia, Edmund and Una: I LOVE LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND IF ANY OF YOU READS THE SERIES, I SINCERELY HOPE YOU ALL DO TOO.
This series, being so amazing and enthralling, was definitely the biggest surprise for me. I didn't feel much connection with the first and second books, but this last one can take your breath away, I guarantee that.
Rating: 5 bloody solid Stars
This book was downright sad but beautiful in every way possible. The way Michelle Zink used similes and metaphors fit in so well with the plot and made it flow so well. Most of the characters were well developed, except for maybe Sonia and James, I really wanted to know more of them.
Lia: I just wanted to know; HOW THE HELL DID SHE BECOME SO SEDUCTIVE?! MAN, BARING HER NAKED BODY IN FRONT OF DIMITRI LIKE ITS NO ONE'S BUSINESS, GURL WHERE IS YOUR DIGNITY AND SHES ONLY WHAT 18? she developed the most among all the characters. from the shy, rather plain lovestruck girl who was always compared to her twin to the brave, seductive, beautiful warrior who saved the world. Her moment with Alice's departure was bittersweet, but I'm glad she understood the price Alice paid for her, for James and for the safety of the world.
Dimitri: BOOK BOYFRIEND 101
Alice: I view her as rather mysterious and cynical at first, but then realized she just wanted something of Lia's. Lia had the attention of her father, the love of James and the care of Aunt Virginia, but Alice had nothing. Henry had Edmund, but Alice was just alone, and lonely. Her development wasn't that drastic but drastic enough to make me cry when she passed away. Her love for Lia was astonishingly deep, so deep that she was able to defy her obedience to Samuel and help Lia close the gate. That was something I want to applaud her for.
James: He's rather lovestruck to be honest and I would never ever get a guy like him. Honestly? Dating your ex girlfriend's sister just because she looks like her?? Now that's an asshole move. What made it worse was how Alice knew. She undeniably knew that James didn't truly love her, he just loved her for her splitting resemblance to Lia. But he's rather faithful, so I'll give him for that.
Luisa: Can someone tell me how she and Lia made up again? I don't get it. How did the both of them make up when I clearly remembered how coldly Luisa treated Lia just because the latter was still unable to forgive Sonia for her betrayal??? Other than that, Luisa's portrayed as a beautiful girl, one that would stick up for her friends.
Sonia: Okay, every time she conversed with Lia or even had interactions, my fingers would be crossed and I wouldn't even know when I hold my breath. Her character was much undeveloped, from showing signs of betrayal to having betrayed them to being so apologetic and then being friends with them again? Dude, this isn't how-you know what? Never mind.
Helene: Typical, spoilt brat. I don't even want to start.
Brigid: She was cool, I like her. But isn't Garrett a little too old for her?
Aunt Virginia, Edmund and Una: I LOVE LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND IF ANY OF YOU READS THE SERIES, I SINCERELY HOPE YOU ALL DO TOO.
This series, being so amazing and enthralling, was definitely the biggest surprise for me. I didn't feel much connection with the first and second books, but this last one can take your breath away, I guarantee that.
March 29, 2012
*****FINAL RATING: 4.85 STARS*****
CATCHALL
Because I am incredibly lazy and the worst procrastinator in the history of everything, this review has taken months for me to actually write. On the bright side, this is my second review today! I'm working on it, I'm catching up…but anyway. Circle of Fire was fantastic finish to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters series. I loved every intense and soft moment of it. I reread it often, especially my favorite parts.
THE HEROINE
AMALIA MILTHORPE
Lia is such a fantastic heroine. I adore her very much. She makes hard decisions and handles them very well. She also knows her priorities and chooses her battles. Lia knows the difference between things that are worth it and things that aren't. I love her for being strong in the face of difficult things. She isn't perfect, but she's realistic and human.
THE LOVE INTEREST
DIMITRI MARKOV
*swoon*
...
...
...
Sorry. It's just that, oh, well, Dimitri is so hot. Ridiculously, insanely hot. He also has some of the sweetest and most romantic lines I've ever read. I love him for always being supportive but never condescending, strong but never pushy. He always seems to know just the thing to do. He's wonderful for Lia, too. Reading about Dimitri just makes my heart ridiculously happy. Dimitri is one of the most amazing male leads I've ever had the good fortune to read about. Everything about him is marvelous and, furthermore, scorchingly hot.
THE SISTER
ALICE MILTHORPE
Overall, we don't see as much of Alice as we do in previous books, and she is much less the focus of this book. What we do see of her, however, is shockingly revealing. We learn so much more about her, and why her heart is the way it is. We also learn she is indeed capable of love. Alice becomes a much deeper character in this book, becoming far more than just the villain.
THE OTHER SECONDARY CHARACTERS
There are so many other fantastic secondary characters, but none of them really exist enough in the book to say much more than a few lines about them, so to save everyone's time I won't mention them here. I will say only that all the secondary characters were fantastically developed and I loved each and every one of them. Each character offered something slightly different in a beautiful and marvelous way.
THE PLOT
The plot of Circle of Fire was full of intrigue and anticipation. Every moment felt like something new was being discovered. There was an exciting race for time involved, a shocking and untraditional betrayal, and heart-pounding romance.
The plot was exciting and had a lot of great substance to it. There were some things that were completely unexpected, and some things also that weren't. There was real surprise involved with some things, but I loved being surprised. It was a fantastic plot line, basically.
The plot was very thick and actually required me to do a lot of thinking. I couldn't just read simply through. There were real issues involved, and I really had to think about some things that were mentioned.
THE ROMANCE
LIA AND DIMITRI
I love, love, love Lia and Dimitri's romance so much. It is absolutely beautiful and smooth. It is also one of the sweetest romances I've ever seen. Dimitri is such a steady and wonderful guy, and he really is always there for her. He's definitely good for her, and it's easy to see that from the way they speak. Their romance is also explored much more in this novel than in Guardian of the Gate, and I loved that. Reading about their romance is enough to make any girl squeal with absolute delight. They're one of my favorite pairings, ever. Period.
SECONDARY ROMANCES
There are actually quite a number of secondary pairings, although some are more implied than explicitly stated. Still, I love this fact. Thinking about all the cute little couples puts a smile on my face. Sure, it's a little bit fairy-tale-like perfect, but hey, it's a book. If you take a closer look, the romances are also all different--sometimes by just a little, sometimes by a lot.
THE WRITING
Michelle has some of the most beautiful writing I have ever come across. It is gorgeous and flawless and absolutely lovely. Lia's voice is so desperate and real, and it really contributes to making her a much more genuine character. She speaks from her time period and sounds just the way I imagine her. The description is absolute beautiful and isn't overkill at all. It has also much improved from Prophecy of the Sisters, when it was already very, very good.
THE ENDING
This was the absolutely perfect ending to the trilogy. I smiled and I cried. I felt all at once both happy and sad. The ending wasn't annoyingly coincidentally perfect, and everything was exactly as it should have been. The focus at the end of the story is perfect, too. Lia finishes by first continuing to close the rest of the story for the reader, showing how everything will be afterward and how she will spend the rest of her life before ending with a few very deep, gorgeous, and contemplative thoughts.
WRAPUP
I adored this series, and will soon be reading the recently released A Temptation of Angels eagerly. Michelle Zink has herself a crazy fan who will probably follow her wherever she takes me. This tries as a whole was fantastic and could not have been better.
FINE.
Find more of my reviews on Sparkles and Lightning!
CATCHALL
Because I am incredibly lazy and the worst procrastinator in the history of everything, this review has taken months for me to actually write. On the bright side, this is my second review today! I'm working on it, I'm catching up…but anyway. Circle of Fire was fantastic finish to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters series. I loved every intense and soft moment of it. I reread it often, especially my favorite parts.
THE HEROINE
AMALIA MILTHORPE
Lia is such a fantastic heroine. I adore her very much. She makes hard decisions and handles them very well. She also knows her priorities and chooses her battles. Lia knows the difference between things that are worth it and things that aren't. I love her for being strong in the face of difficult things. She isn't perfect, but she's realistic and human.
THE LOVE INTEREST
DIMITRI MARKOV
*swoon*
...
...
...
Sorry. It's just that, oh, well, Dimitri is so hot. Ridiculously, insanely hot. He also has some of the sweetest and most romantic lines I've ever read. I love him for always being supportive but never condescending, strong but never pushy. He always seems to know just the thing to do. He's wonderful for Lia, too. Reading about Dimitri just makes my heart ridiculously happy. Dimitri is one of the most amazing male leads I've ever had the good fortune to read about. Everything about him is marvelous and, furthermore, scorchingly hot.
THE SISTER
ALICE MILTHORPE
Overall, we don't see as much of Alice as we do in previous books, and she is much less the focus of this book. What we do see of her, however, is shockingly revealing. We learn so much more about her, and why her heart is the way it is. We also learn she is indeed capable of love. Alice becomes a much deeper character in this book, becoming far more than just the villain.
THE OTHER SECONDARY CHARACTERS
There are so many other fantastic secondary characters, but none of them really exist enough in the book to say much more than a few lines about them, so to save everyone's time I won't mention them here. I will say only that all the secondary characters were fantastically developed and I loved each and every one of them. Each character offered something slightly different in a beautiful and marvelous way.
THE PLOT
The plot of Circle of Fire was full of intrigue and anticipation. Every moment felt like something new was being discovered. There was an exciting race for time involved, a shocking and untraditional betrayal, and heart-pounding romance.
The plot was exciting and had a lot of great substance to it. There were some things that were completely unexpected, and some things also that weren't. There was real surprise involved with some things, but I loved being surprised. It was a fantastic plot line, basically.
The plot was very thick and actually required me to do a lot of thinking. I couldn't just read simply through. There were real issues involved, and I really had to think about some things that were mentioned.
THE ROMANCE
LIA AND DIMITRI
I love, love, love Lia and Dimitri's romance so much. It is absolutely beautiful and smooth. It is also one of the sweetest romances I've ever seen. Dimitri is such a steady and wonderful guy, and he really is always there for her. He's definitely good for her, and it's easy to see that from the way they speak. Their romance is also explored much more in this novel than in Guardian of the Gate, and I loved that. Reading about their romance is enough to make any girl squeal with absolute delight. They're one of my favorite pairings, ever. Period.
SECONDARY ROMANCES
There are actually quite a number of secondary pairings, although some are more implied than explicitly stated. Still, I love this fact. Thinking about all the cute little couples puts a smile on my face. Sure, it's a little bit fairy-tale-like perfect, but hey, it's a book. If you take a closer look, the romances are also all different--sometimes by just a little, sometimes by a lot.
THE WRITING
Michelle has some of the most beautiful writing I have ever come across. It is gorgeous and flawless and absolutely lovely. Lia's voice is so desperate and real, and it really contributes to making her a much more genuine character. She speaks from her time period and sounds just the way I imagine her. The description is absolute beautiful and isn't overkill at all. It has also much improved from Prophecy of the Sisters, when it was already very, very good.
THE ENDING
This was the absolutely perfect ending to the trilogy. I smiled and I cried. I felt all at once both happy and sad. The ending wasn't annoyingly coincidentally perfect, and everything was exactly as it should have been. The focus at the end of the story is perfect, too. Lia finishes by first continuing to close the rest of the story for the reader, showing how everything will be afterward and how she will spend the rest of her life before ending with a few very deep, gorgeous, and contemplative thoughts.
WRAPUP
I adored this series, and will soon be reading the recently released A Temptation of Angels eagerly. Michelle Zink has herself a crazy fan who will probably follow her wherever she takes me. This tries as a whole was fantastic and could not have been better.
FINE.
Find more of my reviews on Sparkles and Lightning!
September 20, 2025
This was a random Coles find when they (used to...) do their $5 book sales. The cover looked cool, the employee told me it was THE BEST and IT WAS TOTALLY A STANDALONE... Well, lies. It's the third book in a series! I had no clue what was going on.
Despite my research, I felt lost. The book also wasn't highly engaging or fast, so tie in being lost and the pace not picking up... It lost me. I read it, but... it lost my heart.
So, I need to read the first book and come back to this. We'll see if in my reading travels I ever pick it up.
But for me, this was a one. I just couldn't get into it. Okay writing though, just not fast enough and it didn't help me understand what was going on very well.
One out of five stars.
Despite my research, I felt lost. The book also wasn't highly engaging or fast, so tie in being lost and the pace not picking up... It lost me. I read it, but... it lost my heart.
So, I need to read the first book and come back to this. We'll see if in my reading travels I ever pick it up.
But for me, this was a one. I just couldn't get into it. Okay writing though, just not fast enough and it didn't help me understand what was going on very well.
One out of five stars.
August 1, 2011
I have completely fallen in love with this series and Michelle Zink's writing. There's such a great cast of characters, an addicting romance, a well written lore and not to mention a setting I love in this series. I get so caught up with the storyline and it's lawless plot, that before I know it I've sat and read the whole book, which is what happened with Circle of Fire.
With the conclusion of the series, Circle of Fire wraps things up nicely and also takes things up a notch, i.e. fabulous chemistry that continues to heat up between Dimitri and Lia. I liked the twists that Michelle threw into the story with one of the sisters, and how she tied up a few things from earlier on in the series. There's some fabulous sites via the journey Lia and Dimitri take from England to Ireland and back to Lia's home in search of answers. Speaking of the time period, I loved the Masquerade that takes place at the beginning of the book.
I really adored Lia in Guardian of the Gate, but the character who really stole the show for me in Circle of Fire is Dimitri. If I listed all the things I loved about him and the lines he says, this review would be extremely long. I don't think I could love Dimitri more than I already did, but Michelle proved me wrong yet again. I adore some his unconcern for the lesser cares of society during this time period (which has to do with some of the more comical lines he says to Lia) and I absolutely adore the way he treats Lia. Let me give you a teaser,
Dimitri, his voice a murmur in my ear, speaks to my hesitation. "I love you, Lia. We don't speak of it often, but know it now. Know it, and tell me your fears so that I can rid you of them."
I'm not one who sighs often when I read, but I sighed out loud as I read that. Talk about a Knight in shining armor. The chemistry and connection that Lia and Dimitri have is so beautiful. The love they have for each other, the respect, admiration, and trust is so well developed. I also enjoyed settle sense of humor they have with each other during their private conversations. Gareth is another character I have come to really like in this series. His fierce devotion to both Lia and Gareth is more than commendable.
I enjoyed being whisked away with this story, and I highly recommend picking up this series if you haven't already. Circle of Fire is the perfect conclusion to a great series. If you've already read Prophecy of the Sisters & Guardian of the Gate, than I definitely recommend picking up Circle of Fire when it's out on Wednesday.
With the conclusion of the series, Circle of Fire wraps things up nicely and also takes things up a notch, i.e. fabulous chemistry that continues to heat up between Dimitri and Lia. I liked the twists that Michelle threw into the story with one of the sisters, and how she tied up a few things from earlier on in the series. There's some fabulous sites via the journey Lia and Dimitri take from England to Ireland and back to Lia's home in search of answers. Speaking of the time period, I loved the Masquerade that takes place at the beginning of the book.
I really adored Lia in Guardian of the Gate, but the character who really stole the show for me in Circle of Fire is Dimitri. If I listed all the things I loved about him and the lines he says, this review would be extremely long. I don't think I could love Dimitri more than I already did, but Michelle proved me wrong yet again. I adore some his unconcern for the lesser cares of society during this time period (which has to do with some of the more comical lines he says to Lia) and I absolutely adore the way he treats Lia. Let me give you a teaser,
Dimitri, his voice a murmur in my ear, speaks to my hesitation. "I love you, Lia. We don't speak of it often, but know it now. Know it, and tell me your fears so that I can rid you of them."
I'm not one who sighs often when I read, but I sighed out loud as I read that. Talk about a Knight in shining armor. The chemistry and connection that Lia and Dimitri have is so beautiful. The love they have for each other, the respect, admiration, and trust is so well developed. I also enjoyed settle sense of humor they have with each other during their private conversations. Gareth is another character I have come to really like in this series. His fierce devotion to both Lia and Gareth is more than commendable.
I enjoyed being whisked away with this story, and I highly recommend picking up this series if you haven't already. Circle of Fire is the perfect conclusion to a great series. If you've already read Prophecy of the Sisters & Guardian of the Gate, than I definitely recommend picking up Circle of Fire when it's out on Wednesday.
January 3, 2013
Spoilers
This was really boring. I can't even begin to fathom why I wanted to finish the series when I barely liked the first two books. What made this positively horrid was the utterly dull writing and the insufferable heroine (Lia). I had to force myself to finish and I suffered horribly in doing so.
I hated Lia, I couldn't relate to her AT ALL. She was a self righteous, holier than thou, hypocritical, self pitying, boring, bitchy fucking bitch cow. Her sister Alice was supposed to be evul yet she came across as more sympathetic and relatable than Lia. I wasn't surprised that Alice turned out 'evul' when she'd been hounded by the devil since birth. You would think with the forces of evil after her, she would have had the unconditional support and love of her family but did she? Did she fuck, her family only cared about Lia, Alice was pretty much left to her own devices. Lia had her parents love, her brother's, her aunt's, her friends, Edmund's, James' and Dimitri's. Who the hell did Alice have? No-one. She wasn't loved or even liked by anyone, so I don't blame her for turning to the bad guys. I was pissed that Alice sacrificed herself, especially after the shit life she had, and what was even worse was that she basically ended up in hell — so she had a shit life and even shitter afterlife. That's great, give the only likeable character the worse ending possible. If anyone deserved that shit, it was Lia, she had everyone's love and support yet she still complained about how hard done by she was and how upset she was that Alice had everything, when in actual fact Alice had nothing. Lia didn't deserve the things she had in her life, she hadn't worked for anything yet she still got everyones love, loyalty and support — she was the worst kind of Mary Sue. It was all so unsatisfying - Lia was extremely unlikeable and the fact that she got a HEA whilst her sister who was the true hero got nothing, pissed me off no end. An awful end to an awful series. I am glad that I've read this though because it's been on my TBR for ages, now I can go ahead and burn it.
This was really boring. I can't even begin to fathom why I wanted to finish the series when I barely liked the first two books. What made this positively horrid was the utterly dull writing and the insufferable heroine (Lia). I had to force myself to finish and I suffered horribly in doing so.
I hated Lia, I couldn't relate to her AT ALL. She was a self righteous, holier than thou, hypocritical, self pitying, boring, bitchy fucking bitch cow. Her sister Alice was supposed to be evul yet she came across as more sympathetic and relatable than Lia. I wasn't surprised that Alice turned out 'evul' when she'd been hounded by the devil since birth. You would think with the forces of evil after her, she would have had the unconditional support and love of her family but did she? Did she fuck, her family only cared about Lia, Alice was pretty much left to her own devices. Lia had her parents love, her brother's, her aunt's, her friends, Edmund's, James' and Dimitri's. Who the hell did Alice have? No-one. She wasn't loved or even liked by anyone, so I don't blame her for turning to the bad guys. I was pissed that Alice sacrificed herself, especially after the shit life she had, and what was even worse was that she basically ended up in hell — so she had a shit life and even shitter afterlife. That's great, give the only likeable character the worse ending possible. If anyone deserved that shit, it was Lia, she had everyone's love and support yet she still complained about how hard done by she was and how upset she was that Alice had everything, when in actual fact Alice had nothing. Lia didn't deserve the things she had in her life, she hadn't worked for anything yet she still got everyones love, loyalty and support — she was the worst kind of Mary Sue. It was all so unsatisfying - Lia was extremely unlikeable and the fact that she got a HEA whilst her sister who was the true hero got nothing, pissed me off no end. An awful end to an awful series. I am glad that I've read this though because it's been on my TBR for ages, now I can go ahead and burn it.
April 12, 2014
What an exquisite finale to a fantastic series! I couldn’t have hoped for more when reading Circle of Fire and I know without a doubt that these characters won’t leave me, even though the final page has been turned.
I’ve become so attached to the characters within Michelle Zink’s Prophecy of the Sisters series, so much so that I’m really sad to see them go. Each book so far has left me with lots of food for thought long after the last page, and Circle of Fire is no different. I can’t even begin to describe my love for the characters Michelle has created, or the settings in which their adventures take place in. I’ll miss the charged horseback rides to unexplored places, miss venturing to Altus and reminiscing with Lia about the lifestyle it promises… I’ll just miss the whole thing, full stop!
Lia is a character I’ve loved since the beginning, but her self-discovery and her journey has moved her firmly forward as one of my favourite literary heroines. Her relationships with those around her, especially Dimitri, are ones I’ll cherish and feel for a long time.
The ending was brilliantly bittersweet, and I won’t give it away (even though I want to! I want to talk about it!), but I couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect conclusion, really. I must admit I accidentally spoiled myself when I lost my page and saw a certain accented paragraph before I read it, but it didn’t suck out the enjoyment for me, which was good.
Plot-wise we start on a quite lighthearted note, which was a great way to set the stage and re-introduce the characters before the real action went underway. We didn’t have to wait long, though, before a huge spanner was thrown into the works with the appearance of Alice and James. I have to say, Alice has been one of the cruellest and most cunning characters I’ve ever read! I literally felt like wincing (or running and hiding!) whenever she’d throw a sharp word or morbid promise Lia’s way. After reading Guardian of the Gate, I was curious to see how the dynamic between Alice/Lia/James would play out and I was quite pleased with it.
Still, I adore the relationship between Lia and Dimitri most of all, and how Lia described how she had turned into a ‘new’ version of herself throughout the pace of the series, thus changing her feelings toward both boys and the future she could have had/has with each one. Lia is an incredibly strong character, and I find that each decision she makes is the one I would have chosen myself in her position.
I’d say all in all, Circle of Fire was a little darker than it’s predecessors, but it still managed to hold onto the beautifully-woven friendships and personalities of the characters that we readers adore. If you’re worried about reading the final book, don’t be. You’re in safe hands!
I can’t wait to read more of Michelle Zink’s writing. With A Temptation of Angels coming out, I’m sure I’ll be reading and enjoy more of her work very soon. She definitely has a forever fan with me!
Recommended to: Followers of the series will be very impressed! If you haven’t delved into this incredible world yet, do yourself a favour and pick up the first in the series, Prophecy of the Sisters.
April 28, 2013
Zero star or negative star. It's that bad, trust me.
Comparing with Circle of Fire, Clockwork Angel by Cassie. Clare suddenly reads like it was penned by William Shakespeare.
Circle of Fire is one of the worst final books I had read in the recent period, hitting the rock bottom together with Breaking Dawn, Ascend (final book of the Trylle series) and Rapture (final book of Fallen series.)
If you are determined to read this book, then brace yourself and be prepared for silly love triangle, cardboard cutout characters, good-for-nothing heroine, Arch Evil who never did anything truly horrible and scary, unrealistic dreamboats and supporting characters who were only there to serve as useful plot devices, and a REALLY BAD ENDING.
Seriously, at the end of the day I feel sorry for the supposed evil twin Alice and I am pissed that Alice eventually met a bad end whilst her undeserving sister Lia, who didn't have to give up anything, who always needed to be rescued by the others, who couldn't even face down the bad guys on her own, got everything and could go on living happily with her unrealistically perfect boyfriend.
I'm so royally pissed.
There are so many things gone wrong in this book. Let me pick up Lia, our 'heroine' as an example. Lia is simply UNBELIEVABLE as a supposed 'heroine', and a highly unlikable one in it. For the longest of time she held her friends and companions responsible for their past mistakes whilst everyone forgave her every time she screwed up or being tempted by the Dark Force.
And then there's James, Lia's past boyfriend. In book 3 we are told that the unsuspecting James was engaged to Alice, the evil twin, and Lia went all like: "How could James do this!? How could he!? HOW COULD HE!?"
But may I ask, whose fault it is for James to fall under Alice's spell? Lia, just give me a freaking break! James went to Alice because you ditched the poor guy without any EXPLANATION! You never warned James of Alice's evil-doing! You never wrote a letter to him after you ditched him! IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT!
*takes deep breath*
Lia, GROWN THE FUCK UP AND START ACTING LIKE AN RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR ONCE!
Michelle Zink should take some writing lesson before she starts writing anything again.
Ms. Zink's writing is flat, toneless, dry, sandy, make-believe, emotionless and without style. She is also obviously guilty of the Tell, not Show offend, plus this woman can't write any descent scene of battle or conflict to save her life. I can't even say she has interesting, original ideas for her books--everything she wrote had already been done 100% better in the past by someone else.
Comparing with Circle of Fire, Clockwork Angel by Cassie. Clare suddenly reads like it was penned by William Shakespeare.
Circle of Fire is one of the worst final books I had read in the recent period, hitting the rock bottom together with Breaking Dawn, Ascend (final book of the Trylle series) and Rapture (final book of Fallen series.)
If you are determined to read this book, then brace yourself and be prepared for silly love triangle, cardboard cutout characters, good-for-nothing heroine, Arch Evil who never did anything truly horrible and scary, unrealistic dreamboats and supporting characters who were only there to serve as useful plot devices, and a REALLY BAD ENDING.
Seriously, at the end of the day I feel sorry for the supposed evil twin Alice and I am pissed that Alice eventually met a bad end whilst her undeserving sister Lia, who didn't have to give up anything, who always needed to be rescued by the others, who couldn't even face down the bad guys on her own, got everything and could go on living happily with her unrealistically perfect boyfriend.
I'm so royally pissed.
There are so many things gone wrong in this book. Let me pick up Lia, our 'heroine' as an example. Lia is simply UNBELIEVABLE as a supposed 'heroine', and a highly unlikable one in it. For the longest of time she held her friends and companions responsible for their past mistakes whilst everyone forgave her every time she screwed up or being tempted by the Dark Force.
And then there's James, Lia's past boyfriend. In book 3 we are told that the unsuspecting James was engaged to Alice, the evil twin, and Lia went all like: "How could James do this!? How could he!? HOW COULD HE!?"
But may I ask, whose fault it is for James to fall under Alice's spell? Lia, just give me a freaking break! James went to Alice because you ditched the poor guy without any EXPLANATION! You never warned James of Alice's evil-doing! You never wrote a letter to him after you ditched him! IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT!
*takes deep breath*
Lia, GROWN THE FUCK UP AND START ACTING LIKE AN RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR ONCE!
Michelle Zink should take some writing lesson before she starts writing anything again.
Ms. Zink's writing is flat, toneless, dry, sandy, make-believe, emotionless and without style. She is also obviously guilty of the Tell, not Show offend, plus this woman can't write any descent scene of battle or conflict to save her life. I can't even say she has interesting, original ideas for her books--everything she wrote had already been done 100% better in the past by someone else.
August 18, 2011
Having read and very much adored Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate, I was quite excited to see where Alica and Lia's tumultuous journey would end. It was quite bittersweet to read this last installment, since the end of a series is always sad, and I've been reading this one since the beginning. However, I did really like this book, and I'm happy to say that it left off in a great place.
I appreciated that, despite this being the last book in the series, there was still plenty of action because of all the things that Lia had to do before she reached her final confrontation. In fact, most of the book is made up of her search for the rest of the elements of the Prophecy. This did actually annoy me a bit, since I was waiting for a big showdown that would inevitably occur, and it took so long to get to that that it felt rushed in the end. However, the journey to that end was rather exciting. There was nice balance between Lia looking for the remaining keys, finding the rest of the Prophecy, dealing with Alice, and trying to deal with the friends she already has; because of all the different subplots going on, the book is constantly fun to read, made even better by the many twists included.
I also liked the few new characters introduced in this installment, as well as all the old ones. The new ones helped keep the story fresh and brought plenty of new information and help to the table, which was appreciated by both Lia and me. I wish that they had more time to be developed, though, because they got so little time to do much of anything that it was difficult to view them as people rather than just vessels to make ensure that the Prophecy would work. Luckily, I still loved the returning characters, for they definitely took their roles seriously and managed to use their personalities to shine. I loved seeing all the teamwork between Lia and her friends, as well as the issues they have in dealing with everyone else, especially Alice. Alice and Lia's relationship became even more intense in this book, which provided a whole new level of emotion that gave the ending a much bigger impact.
Circle of Fire is an exciting, action-packed conclusion to a fantastic series, and I'm sure fans of the first two installments won't be disappointed.
I appreciated that, despite this being the last book in the series, there was still plenty of action because of all the things that Lia had to do before she reached her final confrontation. In fact, most of the book is made up of her search for the rest of the elements of the Prophecy. This did actually annoy me a bit, since I was waiting for a big showdown that would inevitably occur, and it took so long to get to that that it felt rushed in the end. However, the journey to that end was rather exciting. There was nice balance between Lia looking for the remaining keys, finding the rest of the Prophecy, dealing with Alice, and trying to deal with the friends she already has; because of all the different subplots going on, the book is constantly fun to read, made even better by the many twists included.
I also liked the few new characters introduced in this installment, as well as all the old ones. The new ones helped keep the story fresh and brought plenty of new information and help to the table, which was appreciated by both Lia and me. I wish that they had more time to be developed, though, because they got so little time to do much of anything that it was difficult to view them as people rather than just vessels to make ensure that the Prophecy would work. Luckily, I still loved the returning characters, for they definitely took their roles seriously and managed to use their personalities to shine. I loved seeing all the teamwork between Lia and her friends, as well as the issues they have in dealing with everyone else, especially Alice. Alice and Lia's relationship became even more intense in this book, which provided a whole new level of emotion that gave the ending a much bigger impact.
Circle of Fire is an exciting, action-packed conclusion to a fantastic series, and I'm sure fans of the first two installments won't be disappointed.
May 8, 2016
Éste libro me ha sorprendido un poco por el cambio de los acontecimientos que dió, y sobre todo por la fortaleza de la protagonista aunque hubo momentos en que me desesperaba pero sobre todo por que al final se veía el apoyo que tenía desde un principio y que a pesar de que odié en su momento a Alice, lloré porque al final ella demostró que sobre cualquier cosa pase lo que pase... ellas siguen siendo hermanas, su amor y odio sobre pasó por encima del mal y aunque fué triste y sorprendente ver quién se sacrificó, todo terminó tal como debía ser.
Por eso le doy cuatro estrellas. Porque me encanta la mitologia griega.
Por eso le doy cuatro estrellas. Porque me encanta la mitologia griega.
July 2, 2018
Nečekala jsem to, ale poslední díl Sester mě bavil! Není to sice žádné terno,co si budeme povídat, ale četlo se to rychle, bylo to napínavé a jsem ráda, že se po prvním díle jakž takž vyřešil milostný trojúhelník. A pozor, dokonce tu máme sex! Konec jsem čekala, takže žádné překvápko. Ale asi ok.
3/5*
English review:
Circle of Fire is the last installment in Prophecy of Sisters trilogy. Readers are expecting big finale with epic battle and conclusion to the whole series. Is it there? Well...
To be honest, I wasn't fan of the first and second book. Maybe if I read them back in 2012-2013, I might have another opinion, but now in 2018... they were just plain and super boring. Same can be said about the characters. We also have love triangle here which is a little bit disturbing at times. Personally, I didn't like either of the suitors for Lia.
Circle of Fire was far better than previous two books. At least for me. It was kinda gripping and I enjoyed reading the book. Well, as far as I can tell. I am glad love triangle finally disappeared and I even started to like Dimitri. Characters are still kind of plain without any interesting features, but author at least managed to show how important trust is. Author also didn't avoid physical romance between Lia and her lover, which was nice surprise. You know how these YA authors back then tended to avoid it, right?
As for the conclusion, I liked it, eventhough I knew what's gonna happen since the beginning because the series is very predictable. Don't expect anything fancy or action packed, because you won't get it. It happens on few pages and then boom, end. I wish author added a little bit information about what happened after the end (as for Sisterhood and stuff like that).
To conclude this, I would not recommend series if you are looking for a lot of world building and lot of action. Prophecy of Sisters is your generic YA story with mistreated main character who is looking for love. First two books are really boring, the third one is a little bit better, but still... it can't save the series.
3/5*
3/5*
English review:
Circle of Fire is the last installment in Prophecy of Sisters trilogy. Readers are expecting big finale with epic battle and conclusion to the whole series. Is it there? Well...
To be honest, I wasn't fan of the first and second book. Maybe if I read them back in 2012-2013, I might have another opinion, but now in 2018... they were just plain and super boring. Same can be said about the characters. We also have love triangle here which is a little bit disturbing at times. Personally, I didn't like either of the suitors for Lia.
Circle of Fire was far better than previous two books. At least for me. It was kinda gripping and I enjoyed reading the book. Well, as far as I can tell. I am glad love triangle finally disappeared and I even started to like Dimitri. Characters are still kind of plain without any interesting features, but author at least managed to show how important trust is. Author also didn't avoid physical romance between Lia and her lover, which was nice surprise. You know how these YA authors back then tended to avoid it, right?
As for the conclusion, I liked it, eventhough I knew what's gonna happen since the beginning because the series is very predictable. Don't expect anything fancy or action packed, because you won't get it. It happens on few pages and then boom, end. I wish author added a little bit information about what happened after the end (as for Sisterhood and stuff like that).
To conclude this, I would not recommend series if you are looking for a lot of world building and lot of action. Prophecy of Sisters is your generic YA story with mistreated main character who is looking for love. First two books are really boring, the third one is a little bit better, but still... it can't save the series.
3/5*
August 11, 2025
Meilleur que le deuxième, mais une fin comme on se l’imagine.
Une épilogue sur sa prise de pouvoir à Altus aurait été une finalité à explorer. La politique et organisation interne sont deux des éléments les plus aptes à être poussés hors la prophétie elle-même.
J’aurais probablement aimé davantage ce roman dans mon adolescence.
Une épilogue sur sa prise de pouvoir à Altus aurait été une finalité à explorer. La politique et organisation interne sont deux des éléments les plus aptes à être poussés hors la prophétie elle-même.
J’aurais probablement aimé davantage ce roman dans mon adolescence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2021
I wish Lia died instead of Alice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2011
You know, I’m really pretty bummed that this is the last of the trilogy. I really am. We may be getting novellas or short stories in the future from the “Prophecy” universe, but at least we now have some sort of closure with the “Prophecy” storyline and characters. it was wonderfully fast-paced – wasting no time with a quick review of the previous books for the reader, we go right from where second book left off. Because of all of this (and more), Zink once again proves herself a powerful voice in paranormal YA lit with ease and grace in “The Circle of Fire”.
I think my favorite part of this book was Lia having to face who she ran away from (the end of book one), and how everything kind of took off from there. Zink very gently inserts the idea that once someone’s gone, you can’t replace them (even if you happen to look like them), and we start to see the breakdown of Alice’s tough girl attitude toward her sister through Lia’s visions of what’s going on in Alice’s neck of the woods. While I’m sorry we didn’t get to better know the third key, this was more than made up with by us getting to know the fourth and final key very well on the way back to London. If anything, it made the reader feel like yes, time really is running out for Lia and the keys and everything needs to be put together ASAP, before Samael’s influence gets too strong. I liked feeling that kind of pressure, it made me really feel as if I were there with Lia, too.
But I think the most heartbreaking part of the story is the reality that comes crashing back to us at the end of the book – that of the divided sisters. With Alice’s one question (“Can I be good again?”), I had to put down the book for a few hours because it really kind of chilled me. I think we all ask ourselves that, no matter what age we are, no matter where we are in our lives, even if we’re children or old folk. If anything, this was far more poignant than any supernatural plot element. This made the sisters feel more real than ever, almost to the point of being surreal. I don’t have siblings, but I do remember asking that question as a child to various people. Hell, I still do now. Can one be good again? I don’t think this question pertains just to one’s actions, but perhaps to the state of innocence/arrogance that is childhood. Can I go back to being innocent? Can I go back to ignorance, not knowing about this or that awful truth? I think Alice is not just asking if she can be good again through her actions, but through the very act of knowing that one day, in some way or another, she’d have to choose sides. Having to know that since she was a child didn’t give her a state of innocence that is childhood at all, as she reveals in this third book. Alice always knew. Lia was the one who did not.
I won’t completely spoil this last book, because it’s definitely one of the trilogies/series out there in YA lit that deserves a read. Zink asks really important questions through Lia and Alice in these books, supernatural plot elements or not withstanding. There is no forced moral of the story, nor is there a forced message, but these questions demand our attention and our own thoughts as to how we can do our best. This is hard to do, for any genre. Therefore, the last in the trilogy has made it to my best of 2011 list so far.
Go ahead and give this trilogy a read and see this world for yourself. Ask yourself the same questions, and see what answers come out of it.
(posted to librarything, goodreads, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
I think my favorite part of this book was Lia having to face who she ran away from (the end of book one), and how everything kind of took off from there. Zink very gently inserts the idea that once someone’s gone, you can’t replace them (even if you happen to look like them), and we start to see the breakdown of Alice’s tough girl attitude toward her sister through Lia’s visions of what’s going on in Alice’s neck of the woods. While I’m sorry we didn’t get to better know the third key, this was more than made up with by us getting to know the fourth and final key very well on the way back to London. If anything, it made the reader feel like yes, time really is running out for Lia and the keys and everything needs to be put together ASAP, before Samael’s influence gets too strong. I liked feeling that kind of pressure, it made me really feel as if I were there with Lia, too.
But I think the most heartbreaking part of the story is the reality that comes crashing back to us at the end of the book – that of the divided sisters. With Alice’s one question (“Can I be good again?”), I had to put down the book for a few hours because it really kind of chilled me. I think we all ask ourselves that, no matter what age we are, no matter where we are in our lives, even if we’re children or old folk. If anything, this was far more poignant than any supernatural plot element. This made the sisters feel more real than ever, almost to the point of being surreal. I don’t have siblings, but I do remember asking that question as a child to various people. Hell, I still do now. Can one be good again? I don’t think this question pertains just to one’s actions, but perhaps to the state of innocence/arrogance that is childhood. Can I go back to being innocent? Can I go back to ignorance, not knowing about this or that awful truth? I think Alice is not just asking if she can be good again through her actions, but through the very act of knowing that one day, in some way or another, she’d have to choose sides. Having to know that since she was a child didn’t give her a state of innocence that is childhood at all, as she reveals in this third book. Alice always knew. Lia was the one who did not.
I won’t completely spoil this last book, because it’s definitely one of the trilogies/series out there in YA lit that deserves a read. Zink asks really important questions through Lia and Alice in these books, supernatural plot elements or not withstanding. There is no forced moral of the story, nor is there a forced message, but these questions demand our attention and our own thoughts as to how we can do our best. This is hard to do, for any genre. Therefore, the last in the trilogy has made it to my best of 2011 list so far.
Go ahead and give this trilogy a read and see this world for yourself. Ask yourself the same questions, and see what answers come out of it.
(posted to librarything, goodreads, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
November 7, 2011
This is the final book in the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy. In it we continue on Lia's journey to find the last key and to unravel the last bit of the prophecy. Lia is accompanied by her beau Dmitri and his friend Gareth along with Luisa, Sonia, Aunt Virginia, and the new members of their troop that they meet along the way.
I think this was my favorite book of the trilogy. Mostly because of all the drama between Lia and Alice. I could not believe that she went all the way to London just to rub it in Lia's face that she was engaged to James. Then to top it off James is still all lovesick over Lia. I thought the James in this book was way needier than the James in the second book. So I'm not sure how true to the character the author really was. I feel the same way about Alice at the very end of the book when the big fight goes down. It was only a few days prior that Lia had begged Alice to help and there was no hope of getting her to assist in closing the gate. Then poof, right there at the end she just magically appears. Another occurrence of the author not being true to the already well established character.
I also had an issue with how long the author had them journeying back and forth to all of these places. I mean I get it, this is the late eighteen and early nineteen hundreds and travelling takes longer than it does now but did she really need to up her page count by spending endless time having them chased or suffering from hallucinations whilst on the road?
There was an upside to this whole book and that upside goes by the name Dmitri. He is one of those strong stand alone characters. Zink could have essentially written an entire series based around him in my opinion. He did not show up until halfway through the second book but I still believe he stole the show. He out shined even the main character. I like that he was a unique man in a world full of clones. He was completely in love with Lia and was not afraid to show it. Even now in 2011 that sort of thing does not happen. Dmitri is a rare individual who I would like to have seen more of.
Overall, decent story, a few technical things that irked me but the trilogy ended on a good note and that is what is important.
I think this was my favorite book of the trilogy. Mostly because of all the drama between Lia and Alice. I could not believe that she went all the way to London just to rub it in Lia's face that she was engaged to James. Then to top it off James is still all lovesick over Lia. I thought the James in this book was way needier than the James in the second book. So I'm not sure how true to the character the author really was. I feel the same way about Alice at the very end of the book when the big fight goes down. It was only a few days prior that Lia had begged Alice to help and there was no hope of getting her to assist in closing the gate. Then poof, right there at the end she just magically appears. Another occurrence of the author not being true to the already well established character.
I also had an issue with how long the author had them journeying back and forth to all of these places. I mean I get it, this is the late eighteen and early nineteen hundreds and travelling takes longer than it does now but did she really need to up her page count by spending endless time having them chased or suffering from hallucinations whilst on the road?
There was an upside to this whole book and that upside goes by the name Dmitri. He is one of those strong stand alone characters. Zink could have essentially written an entire series based around him in my opinion. He did not show up until halfway through the second book but I still believe he stole the show. He out shined even the main character. I like that he was a unique man in a world full of clones. He was completely in love with Lia and was not afraid to show it. Even now in 2011 that sort of thing does not happen. Dmitri is a rare individual who I would like to have seen more of.
Overall, decent story, a few technical things that irked me but the trilogy ended on a good note and that is what is important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2017
OMG je suis TELLEMENT soulagée d'avoir fini cette trilogie...
ATTENTION SPOILERS!!!
Les scènes "d'amour"(entre guillemets parce que pendant deux tomes ils jouent à "qui allumera l'autre le premier" mais ils ne concretisent jamais, hein, faut pas exagérer, on déconne pas avec les convenances du 19ème, quand même...) entre Lia et Dimitri le-beau-gosse-parfait-en-tous-points sont hyper gnan gnan et cul cul la praline, c'est digne d'un roman harlequin de la pire espèce. Lia m'enerve, et elle se la pète en plus : c'est tjs de la faute des autres (surtout celle de Sonia, vrai bouc émissaire, à qui elle ne pardonne pas d'avoir été manipulée et possédée par les Ames, alors que bon, ca va, elle n'a pas fait exprès la pauvre, et de toute façon, elles sont amies oui ou non? La pauvre Sonia elle s'en prend plein la gueule... Lia la laisse completement tomber au moment où Sonia a le plus besoin d'elle) Lia n'a de cesse de repeter qu'elle a livré maintes batailles et qu'elle n'est plus à ca près mais je n'y crois pas une seconde. Harry Potter, Frodon Sacquet, Katniss Everdeen, ok eux on sent à quel point ils en ont bavé. Mais Lia Milthorpe? Non, c'est pas crédible ce discours. Le fait même de l'avoir le rend peu crédible. Lia n'en a que pour son mec c'est relou... Et quand elle revoit James pour la premiere fois depuis qu'elle lui a brisé le coeur en partant sans laisser d'adresse, elle prend limite l'excuse qu'il est trop débile pour qu'elle prenne la peine de s'en vouloir pour ce qu'elle lui a fait. Elle est assez détestable et en même temps assez peu charismatique. Eh euh à la toute fin Lia devient voyante comme par magie, elle a une vision de la Garde qui la poursuit, alors qu'elle n'a jamais eu de visions avant, mais enfin bon, c'était bien pratique pour la suite de l'histoire... En apprenant, qu'ils sont poursuivis, la réflexion qui vient au petit groupe c'est qu'ils ne peuvent pas arriver à Avebury et accomplir le Rite directement, il faut d'abord qu'ils s'occupent de la question de leur hébergement. Pas grave si d'eux dépend la fin du monde, hein? Nan mais sérieux?!! WTF?!! Bon j'avoue, le dernier chapitre est un peu émouvant, mais la fin est assez déprimante et assez vite expédiée, comme d'hab. Dans l'ensemble je me suis ennuyée. A périr. NEXT!
ATTENTION SPOILERS!!!
Les scènes "d'amour"(entre guillemets parce que pendant deux tomes ils jouent à "qui allumera l'autre le premier" mais ils ne concretisent jamais, hein, faut pas exagérer, on déconne pas avec les convenances du 19ème, quand même...) entre Lia et Dimitri le-beau-gosse-parfait-en-tous-points sont hyper gnan gnan et cul cul la praline, c'est digne d'un roman harlequin de la pire espèce. Lia m'enerve, et elle se la pète en plus : c'est tjs de la faute des autres (surtout celle de Sonia, vrai bouc émissaire, à qui elle ne pardonne pas d'avoir été manipulée et possédée par les Ames, alors que bon, ca va, elle n'a pas fait exprès la pauvre, et de toute façon, elles sont amies oui ou non? La pauvre Sonia elle s'en prend plein la gueule... Lia la laisse completement tomber au moment où Sonia a le plus besoin d'elle) Lia n'a de cesse de repeter qu'elle a livré maintes batailles et qu'elle n'est plus à ca près mais je n'y crois pas une seconde. Harry Potter, Frodon Sacquet, Katniss Everdeen, ok eux on sent à quel point ils en ont bavé. Mais Lia Milthorpe? Non, c'est pas crédible ce discours. Le fait même de l'avoir le rend peu crédible. Lia n'en a que pour son mec c'est relou... Et quand elle revoit James pour la premiere fois depuis qu'elle lui a brisé le coeur en partant sans laisser d'adresse, elle prend limite l'excuse qu'il est trop débile pour qu'elle prenne la peine de s'en vouloir pour ce qu'elle lui a fait. Elle est assez détestable et en même temps assez peu charismatique. Eh euh à la toute fin Lia devient voyante comme par magie, elle a une vision de la Garde qui la poursuit, alors qu'elle n'a jamais eu de visions avant, mais enfin bon, c'était bien pratique pour la suite de l'histoire... En apprenant, qu'ils sont poursuivis, la réflexion qui vient au petit groupe c'est qu'ils ne peuvent pas arriver à Avebury et accomplir le Rite directement, il faut d'abord qu'ils s'occupent de la question de leur hébergement. Pas grave si d'eux dépend la fin du monde, hein? Nan mais sérieux?!! WTF?!! Bon j'avoue, le dernier chapitre est un peu émouvant, mais la fin est assez déprimante et assez vite expédiée, comme d'hab. Dans l'ensemble je me suis ennuyée. A périr. NEXT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2011
Circle of Fire is the conclusion to Michelle Zink’s Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy. The trilogy centers around two twin sisters, Alice and Lia, and a prophecy that has been passed down by the women in their family for generations. Two twin sisters, One the Guardian, the other the Gate. The Gate has the power to bring hell to earth while the Guardian is responsible for keeping the Gate in check. (The review may be a little confusing for anyone not familiar with the trilogy.)
The story starts off a few months after the last book stopped with 3 of the 4 keys being found. Lia must now locate the 4th key, the stone and the Rite. A variety of characters, both old and new, help Lia in her journey to discover where these 3 things are located. Lia ventures to the Cairns in Ireland, where she encounters a few unexpected things and some interesting people. Alice has journeyed nearer to her sister and brought James along with her. She reveals to her sister that she and James are now engaged. Lia wrestles with her unresolved feelings for James, as she continues to further her relationship with beau Dimitri. Samuel (Satan) and the Souls are mentally wearing down on Lia and the 4 keys. Lia often admits that she does not think she will be strong enough to resist Samuel much longer. So accompanied by the 4 keys, Gaerth, Dimitri and Aunt Virginia the group set out to end the epic ordeal and finally get rid of the Gate. They are not without their challenges, the rite cannot be performed without Alice’s help and she has sworn allegiance to Samuel. Meanwhile, Aunt Virginia’s health is failing and Lia has a vision of the Guard chasing the group. The last few chapters fly by and are packed with emotion. The ending is perfect and beautifully written, a wonderful end to the trilogy.
This is a great series for anyone who has a sister. I feel like the last book really played to my emotions because I have a sister and I could completely identify with Lia’s feelings.
This book, and series, was awesome. I did give it 4 stars though. This is because I reserve the 5 star rating for books that I would want to pick up and read 500 times over. A great read, definitely recommended!
The story starts off a few months after the last book stopped with 3 of the 4 keys being found. Lia must now locate the 4th key, the stone and the Rite. A variety of characters, both old and new, help Lia in her journey to discover where these 3 things are located. Lia ventures to the Cairns in Ireland, where she encounters a few unexpected things and some interesting people. Alice has journeyed nearer to her sister and brought James along with her. She reveals to her sister that she and James are now engaged. Lia wrestles with her unresolved feelings for James, as she continues to further her relationship with beau Dimitri. Samuel (Satan) and the Souls are mentally wearing down on Lia and the 4 keys. Lia often admits that she does not think she will be strong enough to resist Samuel much longer. So accompanied by the 4 keys, Gaerth, Dimitri and Aunt Virginia the group set out to end the epic ordeal and finally get rid of the Gate. They are not without their challenges, the rite cannot be performed without Alice’s help and she has sworn allegiance to Samuel. Meanwhile, Aunt Virginia’s health is failing and Lia has a vision of the Guard chasing the group. The last few chapters fly by and are packed with emotion. The ending is perfect and beautifully written, a wonderful end to the trilogy.
This is a great series for anyone who has a sister. I feel like the last book really played to my emotions because I have a sister and I could completely identify with Lia’s feelings.
This book, and series, was awesome. I did give it 4 stars though. This is because I reserve the 5 star rating for books that I would want to pick up and read 500 times over. A great read, definitely recommended!
January 7, 2013
Wow. Bad. Bad, bad, bad. I read the first book because I saw the author speak at Decatur Book Festival and it was pretty decent. A bit of a rip off on Gemma Doyle but it did have an interesting setup with twin sisters, one of which is the 'evil twin'..So it had some promise and I went on to read the 2nd book. The 2nd book is where things veer badly off base (for me). The Victorian setting and feeling is somewhat tossed aside as the girls travel to a place called Altus where women don't have to wear corsets and they are the ruling power, sort of a goddess/high priestess thing, etc. So to me the author undermined the original gothic setting of her book with this new direction. More importantly the straight laced character gets a boyfriend and they begin a passionate and sexual relationship(not very Victorian, fairly modern). All very out of synch with the origins of the character. Much much later I finally decided to read this final book in the series. I finally put it aside without finishing. I couldn't read any more. In this installment the main character becomes fairly unlikeable. Worse yet, she is boring. And the female friendships she forged in the original book are pushed to the side while she pursues her quest with her handsome, perfect, overprotective boyfriend Dmitri. And by 'pursue her quest' I mean occasionally the author has some other character reveal info to her in a very creaky mechanism for moving plot forward. So - no plot, no interesting secondary characters, too much of the 'perfect' love interest fawning over the main character, and a heroine that is kind of a cold fish. Blegh. The author DOES have an ability to set a tone in her writing - this is the one redeeming quality. But she needs a lot of work on plot, direction and character development.
March 18, 2012
4.5 stars. Also on http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.com
Damn, what a book! An awesome end to a wonderful trilogy. I really became friends with Lia, Dimitri and the keys. I must admit, Lia was very annoying sometimes. She kept bitching about the fact that Sonia betrayed her. But it was not that Sonia had a choice. I really wanted to smack Lia and tell her to shut up about it. She messed up the whole friendship with everbody. Brigid was lovely! And I fell in love with Gareth, haha. He sounds adorable.
About the story. This time, the game is on. Lia has decided that she can't longer wait to shut the gate for Samuel and his Souls. The call of the Souls becomes more tempted for her and she doesn't want them to enter the world. There's only one way to do it; end the Prophecy on the right time, with all the keys and the stone on the right place. They already know everything about the Rite, so they travel to Avebury. She even tried to pursuade her sister Alice - because they need her power - but that failed. Lia wants to try it anyway, even if that means she will die attempting to resist Samuel. That took a lot of courageous and I respected her for that. Just when her relationship with Dimitri is developing in something more that a fling, she might lose it because of her stubborn sister.
The ending of the story is just.. amazing. I hoped for it, but I never expected it. Now I feel sad that I must part with these new made friends and I hope that this is just another 'happily ever after.'
I can say that I will keep an eye on this author. I can't wait for her next book 'A temptation of Angels'.
Damn, what a book! An awesome end to a wonderful trilogy. I really became friends with Lia, Dimitri and the keys. I must admit, Lia was very annoying sometimes. She kept bitching about the fact that Sonia betrayed her. But it was not that Sonia had a choice. I really wanted to smack Lia and tell her to shut up about it. She messed up the whole friendship with everbody. Brigid was lovely! And I fell in love with Gareth, haha. He sounds adorable.
About the story. This time, the game is on. Lia has decided that she can't longer wait to shut the gate for Samuel and his Souls. The call of the Souls becomes more tempted for her and she doesn't want them to enter the world. There's only one way to do it; end the Prophecy on the right time, with all the keys and the stone on the right place. They already know everything about the Rite, so they travel to Avebury. She even tried to pursuade her sister Alice - because they need her power - but that failed. Lia wants to try it anyway, even if that means she will die attempting to resist Samuel. That took a lot of courageous and I respected her for that. Just when her relationship with Dimitri is developing in something more that a fling, she might lose it because of her stubborn sister.
The ending of the story is just.. amazing. I hoped for it, but I never expected it. Now I feel sad that I must part with these new made friends and I hope that this is just another 'happily ever after.'
I can say that I will keep an eye on this author. I can't wait for her next book 'A temptation of Angels'.
August 17, 2011
Circle of Fire
I guess your guessing why I've read this book for like such a long time, well first of all, I've been so busy for weeks already, and I read Exposed first since it was the first ting I practically saw since I had to read Mythology for school so I had to stop with Circle of Fire for a while.
Dimitri as usual made me fall in love as ever, it just made me feel so nice and wonderful to know that a guy like Dimitri can exist maybe not in our world, but in a world even like theirs, the older times.
Seeing James again angered me and made me feel sort of weird, cause I still hated him from the start, I mean Dimitri is just too awesome to beat right?
Alice, mmhhh... Alice well, she's just awesome, you might think she's such a (bad word attached here) at first and the few books before, but in the end you might not know this yet since you haven't read it, but she might be just like that for a reason to say.
Lia, as usual, the brave courageous girl who just seemed to be so awesome and amazing.
Summary:
As they set to close the Gate for Samael, Lia must find the last key and try to encourage her sister to join her for battle against Samael and the souls. With her, trusted and loyal Gareth, and the love of her life Dimitri as they set sail, and on horse on a journey they can't seem to find so right yet so frightening.
Again, Michelle Zink never fails to make me love her books much and much more, can't wait for another book by her.
I guess your guessing why I've read this book for like such a long time, well first of all, I've been so busy for weeks already, and I read Exposed first since it was the first ting I practically saw since I had to read Mythology for school so I had to stop with Circle of Fire for a while.
Dimitri as usual made me fall in love as ever, it just made me feel so nice and wonderful to know that a guy like Dimitri can exist maybe not in our world, but in a world even like theirs, the older times.
Seeing James again angered me and made me feel sort of weird, cause I still hated him from the start, I mean Dimitri is just too awesome to beat right?
Alice, mmhhh... Alice well, she's just awesome, you might think she's such a (bad word attached here) at first and the few books before, but in the end you might not know this yet since you haven't read it, but she might be just like that for a reason to say.
Lia, as usual, the brave courageous girl who just seemed to be so awesome and amazing.
Summary:
As they set to close the Gate for Samael, Lia must find the last key and try to encourage her sister to join her for battle against Samael and the souls. With her, trusted and loyal Gareth, and the love of her life Dimitri as they set sail, and on horse on a journey they can't seem to find so right yet so frightening.
Again, Michelle Zink never fails to make me love her books much and much more, can't wait for another book by her.
February 27, 2014
Not quite sure what to think of this trilogy.
First, the pros:
The writing is absolutely beautiful. Michelle Zink has the whole historical 19th century vibe perfectly. The way the characters speak and think, so old-fashionedly and all, is very realistic. And the way she describes scenery has a very lyrical quality to it.
The worldbuilding is quite good too. The Planes, Altus, Avebury- very realistically done as well. The characters have some depth to them, and grew well throughout the trilogy.
Now, for the cons.
My main issue? The book, though short as it was, dragged on. Actually, this was a problem throughout the trilogy for me. The books were quite boring, to be honest. The characters just went on long journeys, one after the other, and it was all riding horses and setting up camp and it was quite slow. I actually think they could have all been compressed into one thick- and more fast paced- book. While the book's premise was very unique and interesting, it failed to capture my complete attention. So yes, I guess my main issues are with the plot and the pacing. And the anti climatic- and predictable- ending.
The Rating
Somewhere between 2-3 stars. Great premise, but failed to live up to itself. More on character development and dialogues, less action. Lacked the mindblowing ending to the trilogy I was hoping for. Would I recommend it? To fans of historical romance and fantasy, maybe.
First, the pros:
The writing is absolutely beautiful. Michelle Zink has the whole historical 19th century vibe perfectly. The way the characters speak and think, so old-fashionedly and all, is very realistic. And the way she describes scenery has a very lyrical quality to it.
The worldbuilding is quite good too. The Planes, Altus, Avebury- very realistically done as well. The characters have some depth to them, and grew well throughout the trilogy.
Now, for the cons.
My main issue? The book, though short as it was, dragged on. Actually, this was a problem throughout the trilogy for me. The books were quite boring, to be honest. The characters just went on long journeys, one after the other, and it was all riding horses and setting up camp and it was quite slow. I actually think they could have all been compressed into one thick- and more fast paced- book. While the book's premise was very unique and interesting, it failed to capture my complete attention. So yes, I guess my main issues are with the plot and the pacing. And the anti climatic- and predictable- ending.
The Rating
Somewhere between 2-3 stars. Great premise, but failed to live up to itself. More on character development and dialogues, less action. Lacked the mindblowing ending to the trilogy I was hoping for. Would I recommend it? To fans of historical romance and fantasy, maybe.
September 9, 2016
The first book in this series was awesome. I loved it. These last two have been so disappointing though. I think this would have worked better as a two book series to be honest. I think the stretching required to get three books out of the story were what hurt it in the end.
Nothing seemed to really happen in the second or third books. Particularly this last book it seemed like an endless list of traveling, visiting the Otherworlds, and angsty phrases about ending the prophecy.
Then the end. Seriously!? It's obvious how it will end, but we get NO explanation for WHY Alice changes her mind about Samael and closing the Gate. She just says it's all lies and that's it. No other explanation for why after working with Samael and the Souls her whole life that within a week's time she changes her mind completely. Sure Lia saw a hint of hesitation when Alice was telling her she was still in favor of bringing Samael into the world and ruling beside him, but a hint of hesitation to completely changing sides in a week and no explanation? It is frustrating to say the least.
Nothing seemed to really happen in the second or third books. Particularly this last book it seemed like an endless list of traveling, visiting the Otherworlds, and angsty phrases about ending the prophecy.
Then the end. Seriously!? It's obvious how it will end, but we get NO explanation for WHY Alice changes her mind about Samael and closing the Gate. She just says it's all lies and that's it. No other explanation for why after working with Samael and the Souls her whole life that within a week's time she changes her mind completely. Sure Lia saw a hint of hesitation when Alice was telling her she was still in favor of bringing Samael into the world and ruling beside him, but a hint of hesitation to completely changing sides in a week and no explanation? It is frustrating to say the least.
Read
December 1, 2011Short and Sweet: The Prophecy of the Sisters series has long been a favorite of mine. Zink's incredible writing making the pages fly by. The history. The sibling rivalry. All of it, just amazing. The final book of the series, Circle of Fire, follows in this great tradition. Although it had been a while since I had read the last book, Zink quickly got me back on track. It was finally time to find out how the Prophecy would end. Would it be happily ever after or the end of the world? I was on the edge of my seat, dying to get to the end so I could discover the answer. And once I did... well, you will just have to read it yourself to find out.
Final Verdict: Circle of Fire is fantastic! Zink's has incredible gift. Creating characters that move you. A world that is full of life. Just amazing... all of it. However, the ending was not exactly what I was hoping for. Satisfying, yes. What I was wanting? Not exactly. But all things considered.. it works. And that was good enough for me to feel complete with the series. If you have not started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
Final Verdict: Circle of Fire is fantastic! Zink's has incredible gift. Creating characters that move you. A world that is full of life. Just amazing... all of it. However, the ending was not exactly what I was hoping for. Satisfying, yes. What I was wanting? Not exactly. But all things considered.. it works. And that was good enough for me to feel complete with the series. If you have not started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
April 5, 2018
Okay, so the thing I didn't like about this book was that it was kinda slow and stuff didn't happen.
I mean, stuff did happen, but it wasn't necessary the most interesting stuff.
And I kinda just wish there was more of an epilogue (Or a chapter similar to an epilogue). I really like reading books where they end the series with a nice long epilogue!
I can't believe I've just finished this series! <3
I mean, stuff did happen, but it wasn't necessary the most interesting stuff.
And I kinda just wish there was more of an epilogue (Or a chapter similar to an epilogue). I really like reading books where they end the series with a nice long epilogue!
I can't believe I've just finished this series! <3
July 27, 2013
Εκπληκτική πλοκή, αριστοτεχνικά δεμένη. Στο τρίτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς οι συνέπειες της προφητείας βαραίνουν περισσότερο από ποτέ τα κλειδιά και κυρίως την Λία.
Χωρίς να αναφέρω ονόματα μη θέλοντας να σποϊλάρω, μαθαίνουμε και βλέπουμε αφενός το πάθος, τον έρωτα, τη φιλία, την αξία της οικογένειας, ενώ από την άλλη βλέπουμε την καχυποψία, το φόβο και την αυτοθυσία για αυτούς που αγαπάμε. Η αντοχή, η δύναμη και η υπομονή τραβηγμένες στα όρια τους.
Έχει ενδιαφέρον θέμα πλεγμενο μυθολογικά και τις προσωπικές στιγμές ίσα μοιρασμενα. Το τέλος επίσης είναι ικανοποιητικό, αν και όχι εντελώς προβλέψιμο. Δεν βρίσκω κανέναν λόγο για να μην διαβαστεί.
Χωρίς να αναφέρω ονόματα μη θέλοντας να σποϊλάρω, μαθαίνουμε και βλέπουμε αφενός το πάθος, τον έρωτα, τη φιλία, την αξία της οικογένειας, ενώ από την άλλη βλέπουμε την καχυποψία, το φόβο και την αυτοθυσία για αυτούς που αγαπάμε. Η αντοχή, η δύναμη και η υπομονή τραβηγμένες στα όρια τους.
Έχει ενδιαφέρον θέμα πλεγμενο μυθολογικά και τις προσωπικές στιγμές ίσα μοιρασμενα. Το τέλος επίσης είναι ικανοποιητικό, αν και όχι εντελώς προβλέψιμο. Δεν βρίσκω κανέναν λόγο για να μην διαβαστεί.
May 23, 2016
Neuběhl ani rok a mně se už podařilo celou sérii dočíst. Po prvním díle jsem si řekl, že by se to mohlo zlepšit, že to bylo jenom zakolísaní.
Po druhé knize mi došlo, že se to nezlepší.
Avšak i přesto mi třetí díl přišel o jeden malý atom lepší. Skončilo to tak, jak se dalo očekávat, Lia byla pořád naivní. Síla přátelství vždy vyhraje a... však víte, jak to vždycky skončí. Velká část mě je ráda, že to konečně skončilo a já mohu s čistou duší říci: Další série v knihovničce dočtená. Bohužel, tohle je jediný důvod, proč jsem Proroctví sester dokončil – jenom kvůli tomu, aby na mě knihy z poličky s nepřečtenými knihami nekoukaly.
Co už.
Po druhé knize mi došlo, že se to nezlepší.
Avšak i přesto mi třetí díl přišel o jeden malý atom lepší. Skončilo to tak, jak se dalo očekávat, Lia byla pořád naivní. Síla přátelství vždy vyhraje a... však víte, jak to vždycky skončí. Velká část mě je ráda, že to konečně skončilo a já mohu s čistou duší říci: Další série v knihovničce dočtená. Bohužel, tohle je jediný důvod, proč jsem Proroctví sester dokončil – jenom kvůli tomu, aby na mě knihy z poličky s nepřečtenými knihami nekoukaly.
Co už.
February 21, 2016
2.5*
The book is written very well, and while I did really enjoy the first and second book in this series I think I simply waited too long before I picked this one up. I just didn't really care about the characters or the plot of the story anymore. I had a hard time remembering what all of the terminology was for this series and was often detached from the story/confused by it as a result.
On the plus side, here's another series on my shelf that I have finished!! :)
The book is written very well, and while I did really enjoy the first and second book in this series I think I simply waited too long before I picked this one up. I just didn't really care about the characters or the plot of the story anymore. I had a hard time remembering what all of the terminology was for this series and was often detached from the story/confused by it as a result.
On the plus side, here's another series on my shelf that I have finished!! :)
October 7, 2011
I loved this book and the ending.I think there needs to be another book just to say what happend later.I was interested to the very end and even after that i wanted more.Michelle Zink is an amazing writer!
January 13, 2016
The story "Circle of Fire" is perfection! I really loved the plot twist at the end, although I know I am going to miss Alice. everything about the book was great, and the ending really was a great way to close it off. I recommend this book to people who like mystery.
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