My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book # 1 in The Gods of Trivium series, Sacrifice brings forth a fantasy world in all its technicolor brilliance.
This is the 2nd fantasy book that I have read recently where GODS are more or less even weaker than humans, oopsie, creates quite an impression you see…LOL!
Vicky Walklate’s Sacrifice is all about rituals and customs followed by humans who are led by their sorcerers to live alongside the creatures in their world. And what a creature world it is, called Jothesia, there are all kinds of shifters, air, water, ground, and then dwarfs, nalfies, demons, eachy, harpy, to name a few. The dragon shifters are the most powerful of the lot and it is the 3 dragon brothers Rhetahn, Mhaljett, and Storren who are revered as the Gods whose magical powers have to be replenished every 25 years. It is this ritual for which Libby is forced to participate by the High sorcerer and by coincidence chosen as the sacrifice to the Gods.
Libby was an easy character to fall in love with, her kindness and compassion, and of course, the sassy banter with Rhetahn the highlight of the novel. Once she realizes that her blood could be the reason for the mayhem that halts the sacrifice, Libby reluctantly joins Rhetahn as they travel the realm to meet the High sorcerer. The story builds from a painful loss of love but the author skillfully manages to weave a web of deceit and intrigue that has been waiting to happen for more than 2000 years. I loved this fantasy world with its underground tunnels and rivers and the dwarfian town of stalactites. The romance that develops between Libby and Rhetahn felt too quick, I would have loved to have a little slower pace for the feelings to change from enemies to lovers.
It was however the supporting characters like Dax and Fen that absolutely held my fascination. Dax especially with his no-fear attitude to Rhetahn in laying out the truths as he sees fit was superb. Storren has a very minuscule presence in the story but his easy-going charm was definitely felt so much that I hope the author has a full-length role for him in the next.
The ending is an explosive revelation about Libby’s origins, and I can’t wait to grab my hands on the copy of the second book in the series.
Many thanks to the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
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 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.
A word from the author: Please note this is Book 1 of a duology and ends with an HFN (Happy For Now). The couple’s full HEA (Happy Ever After) will follow in Book 2.
Also please note the following content notes/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.
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ooo the concept of this does sound interesting!
Yes, it was a good plotline with a sassy heroine:-)