Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot. for Readers' Favorite

Circle of Fire is the third book in a young adult trilogy by Michelle Zink. This novel meets the criteria of excellence exhibited by the first two books in this series. In the final adventure Lia desperately attempts to solicit the cooperation of her estranged sister, Alice, as she struggles to find the missing pieces of the Prophecy required to permanently close the Gates. With Dimitri loyal and committed, she garners the courage to find the elusive stone essential to solving the generations of mystery leading to the death of her parents and her brother. She travels to Ireland to the Cairns in search of the magical Stone, and there she encounters an unexpected piece of the puzzle.

Eventually, Lia must make a decision to either yield to her fate or fight to the end. Just at the moment Lia gratefully yields to the Beast, and it appears the Souls shall have their way, fate intervenes, and goodness makes an unexpected appearance.

This story can stand on its own, although the young reader would benefit from having read the first two books. This is a story with multiple themes which are interwoven to intrigue the mind with thought-provoking possibilities. Beyond the beautifully written fantasy, there are ethical and moral considerations which will tease and activate the minds of the young readers. This is a story for and about generations, and it is likely that it will continue to be read for generations to come.