DISCLAIMER: Sacrifice was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review as part of Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA). Thanks to BBNYA team and The Write Reads for having me on this tour.


Summary

Dragon gods rule the realm, demons lurk in the shadows and a sorcerer hides a dangerous secret. A war is brewing in Jothesia, and the gods have no idea.

Being selected as a human sacrifice to the immortal dragon shifters is supposedly an honor, but rebellious Libby doesn’t see it that way. When the sacrificial ritual goes badly wrong, she finds herself in a reluctant alliance with eldest god Rhetahn. He’s grumpy, cynical, and utterly exasperating …and she can’t get him out of her head.

Rhetahn knows there’s something wrong with this sacrifice, and it’s not just her infuriating stubbornness or the way she makes his jaded heart skip a beat. When misfortune befalls his brothers and renders him powerless, his only choice is to unite with Libby to seek answers.

Setting out on a dangerous quest across the realm, the compelling attraction between them is undeniable, yet doomed. To recover his magic, regain his strength and prevent the demons from seizing power, Rhetahn needs her blood. He must kill her at the end of their journey, even if it breaks his heart to do so.

But a terrible power lies hidden in Jothesia, one that could destroy everything the gods have built. Libby and Rhetahn’s forbidden relationship may be the realm’s only hope against utter ruin.

Content Warnings: Mild-moderate blood, cursing, death/dying, deep water attack/trauma, drugging/poisoning, kidnap/forceful deprivation of personal autonomy, mention of suicide, sexual contact (consensual), violence, vomiting


Review

This story was thoroughly enjoyable. There were so many twists and turns (literally) that I couldn’t put it down. The fantasy elements felt well-crafted and I was quite immersed in their world which is how it should be for a fantasy romance. The main thing that let the pacing down was the romance element. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the romance elements, but they needed more time to develop. Enemies to lovers should feel more drawn out and intense. By the time they connect for the first time, you should feel butterflies in your stomach and goosebumps, but this didn’t deliver on that for me. 

Libby is daring and rebellious. She doesn’t want to die and from all her commentary along the way that’s evident. I do believe more focus could’ve been put on her journey for the first book, it seemed to get overshadowed by her and Rhetan’s romance at some point. 

Rhetan… I can’t explain fully, other than he’s a bit of an ‘ick’ but I feel this way about all 500+ year old Gods/fae etc at first that go after the attentions of 20-year-old women. Inevitably, I fall for them so there’s time for Rhetan yet. It’s clear he’s never had much development in emotional intelligence – specifically for his own. I guess being one of ‘The Three’ grants you privileges most others will not ever know.

The side characters – Fen and Dax – are actually some of the best. Dax is a true sweetheart and can see through people’s lies, especially Libby’s. Fen is cheeky and lovable (he could become my favourite!). I got choked up when what happened to Fen… happened. No spoilers. It takes a lot for me to start crying over a book these days so the fact this one nearly managed means I had a significant emotional response to it. It kept me on the edge of my seat at all times which I loved.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing style and quality were great in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of it, and everything felt as though it had been fully considered before it had been put on the page. I just wish the romance elements had been more developed, and enemies to lover slow burn reigned supreme. However, in saying this, I’m really excited to see what happens in book 2!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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