Sacrifice

The Descendants #2

by Mayandree Michel

War has never been won and love has never been saved without… Sacrifice

As the new Empress of the Ischero Empire, Cordelia fights for the safety of her divine disciples, including Victor – the only powerless demigod, from the threat of Hades’ Apolluon. While Cordelia awaits her anointment from Zeus, she finds solace in her growing relationship with Evan and believes that everything is falling into place, until the Apolluon increase their attacks on the Ischero and the mortals of Nickel City, and the elders object to the mission to search for her parents, causing division in the empire.

Just when Cordelia believes things can’t get any worse, Victor vanishes, bringing about a new threat to end her union with Evan for good, and the mortals begin to suspect that the Ischero are nothing like them at all. Due to the growing persecution from the residents of the town, Cordelia decides that relocating is the answer.

In the new city, just as the members of the empire begin to find peace, familiar faces begin to emerge and true identities are revealed. In order to guarantee her empire's safety, Cordelia must decide between saving herself and making the ultimate sacrifice without any help from the gods.

Genres: Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy, Romance, Greek Mythology, Paranormal, Demons

414 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2012

About the author

Mayandree writes young adult paranormal romance and historical fantasy. When she's not writing, she's playing with her kids, reading or sketching. Her first novel, Betrayal (The Descendants, #1) & 2nd, Sacrifice (The Descendants,#2) are available now. The third novel in the series, Mercy, will release in September 2014.

Websites:

http://mayandreemichel.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayandr...

Twitter & Instagram: mayandreemichel

Reviews

[Mrs.mckoy]

Im glad to FINALLY have an -official- release date for this book.

[Elli Benak]

The first book was the best! I fell in love with Evan from the very beginning, but I think I may like Victor a little too!

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrifice is the second book in Mayandree Michel's Descendants series. The Series mainly revolves around the protagonist, Cordelia, a demi-goddess who came back to rule her empire after being killed and sent to the future for a while. Cordelia is now the empress over all the Ischero, but her new obstacle isn't memory loss any more; Hades isn't happy with the way Cordelia killed the Appoloun Queen by accident and now wants Delia's powers for himself.

Now I have to admit that I had huge issues with Betrayal: The Descendants Book 1. Betrayal was a long book, nearly three times as long as Sacrifice. And the length didn't work in the story's favor. Betrayal was too long, had too many spelling and grammatical mistakes, the characters were annoying and difficult to like, and the pacing was inconsistent.

Sacrifice was all the things I had wanted Betrayal to be. It was much shorter, so the bigger story-line was pressed into a tight corset - but it worked.
The pacing was engaging and I finally felt like something was happening.

The side characters, especially Evan, were further developped and finally gained some substance that I missed in Betrayal.

And the greatest thing about Sacrifice was the aspect of the love story which I was very happy with Evan and Cordelia have decided to be together and marry... but destiny doesn't want them to. When both of them meet their true loves, they are cruelly ripped apart. Vastly entertaining, if you asked me. This is probably the first time I read a YA book where the heroine actually breaks up with Boy Number 1 and chooses Number 2 even though No 1 and her went along really well. That was actually what made the book a 4-star book for me, since it was original and I always wanted it to happen ever since I met Victor. .

I also have to say some negative things, though. Cordelia is a character that I dislike thoroughly and all I ever wanted for her was to be slapped for being an arrogant, ignorant, idiotic and stupid bitch who thinks that just because her parents happen to be the last Emperors of Ischero, she is automatically able to rule an empire.
Unfortunately, Cordelia is so far from being mature enough to rule that I constantly seethed at my Kindle for the first half of Sacrifice, wanting to throttle her myself.
The decisions she made, oftentimes defying the Elders, who only told her the truth, that her decisions were rash and based on her emotions only (which is the truth, but why would an empress listen to intelligent advice?) and that she should reconsider. Cordelia never reconsidered anything. Instead, she just pushed through with her decisions, which caused a LOT of trouble for everyone.
Was she sorry? A little. Did she take responsibility for what she has done? No. 'Cuz empresses don't do that.
Cordelia is a complete Nut-Job who's more interested in controlling her love-interests and whining about Evan than ruling her empire and saving her people from the Appoloun.
She needs to either grow up dramatically in Mercy or finally get the punishment she deserves for her mistakes she never repentented for or even acknowledged.

Victor: I had a problem with Victor in this book because there was practically no evil left in him. No, an evil love interest would have been so much more thrilling.

All in all, I'll give Sacrifice four stars for being original. And I hope for Mercy to be better.

[Joanna Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books itself was very good ! Enjoyed it ! Their where so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. However I thought the ending was cruel. I see that it had to go down that way but it was cruel. Brought tears to my eyes. I disagree with that union. Evander <3333 Besides that I thought the book was excellent.

The banter between Victor and Evander was hilarious <3 Go Evander !

Delia was brave, beautiful, and awesome just as usual. She is becoming a good leader but at times there was moments that she relied to much on her emotions.

A very emotional book ! If you want a book that has : romance, greek mythology, mystery, teenage book, emotional, and cruel. THIS IS YOUR BOOK !

[Carmen]

I haven't read the first book- but I'm already hypnotized by the cover. Forget it, I'm adding this book.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A YA spectacular read full of Greek Demigods, intense romance and passion this book is just an AMAZING read!!

As a avid reader and huge fan of the Young Adult genre I was excited to be able to read the second book in the ‘Descendants’ series by Mayandree Michel, that follows on from book 1 Betrayal. Character-driven this is a tale that will have you glued to the pages, as you encounter the most exciting of adventures amidst perilous danger! I love the character of Cordelia who is the equivalent of Bella Swan (from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight saga) combined with Hermione (from JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series ); which is the most unlikeliest of combinations, I know! She is head over heals in love with Evan but who does not let her relationship with him cloud her judgment, for she is strong minded and fearless & especially determined when approached by the enemy. I would compare Evan with the hypnotizing Edward Cullen, with Nickolas as more of the ‘best friend’ kind of guy whom you want to hang out with.




It is true that war has never been won and love has never been saved without…Sacrifice.

Divine disciples, including Victor (the only powerless demigod), from the threat of Hades’ Apolluon. While Cordelia awaits her anointment from Zeus, she finds solace in her growing relationship with Evan and believes that everything is falling into place, until the Apolluon increase their attacks on the Ischero and the mortals of Nickel City, and the elders object to the mission to search for her parents, causing division in the empire. Just when Cordelia believes things can’t get any worse, Victor vanishes, bringing about a new threat to end her union with Evan for good, and the mortals begin to suspect that the Ischero are nothing like them at all. Due to the growing persecution from the residents of the town, Cordelia decides that relocating is the answer. In the new city, just as the members of the empire begin to find peace, familiar faces begin to emerge and true identities are revealed. In order to guarantee her empire's safety, Cordelia must decide between saving herself and making the ultimate sacrifice without any help from the gods.

This fantastic, amazing and totally gripping story is so dramatic and intense that it will keep you awake into the early hours reading in a feverish frenzy. The absorbing drama and words lure you into a tantalizing trap, so that you cannot help but loose yourself in Cordelia’s story of her unequivocal and irrevocable love for Evan. Imaginative and totally original this inspired piece of literature is a must-have addition to any bookshelf, for all those fans of this particular genre and those who love Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I was rooted to the spot, enthralled by this exciting tale that left me breathless and which sent chills down my spine it was just SO good!

[Wren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea what happened. First of all, I really really loved the first book. I was so excited when I finally got this book and I couldn't wait to enter back into this world.

Well it wasn't what I expected. The cover I didn't like at all. It doesnt do the series justice. Then when it came to actually reading the book, I had trouble keeping interest for the longest time.

There were many may parts that I loved and couldn't put the book down. Then it wouldn't be as amazing. I really tried to finish the book, but I just couldn't. I would love to give the next book a shot and hopefully it'll turn out better.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, I read on because I wanted to know what happened but I wasn't desperate to read on. I kept hoping I'd get sucked into the story more, but it just didn't happen. The relationship developments weren't as big a surprise as I think they were intended to be. I was hoping for Evan and Delia, but liked Victor. Evangelia, however, I detested. I'll read the next book, to find out how the series concludes.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first one was amazing. I can't wait for this sequel!

[Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten)]

Yay! Can't wait for this one.
Although the title has me a bit worried!!

jun

[Debrah]

I hope this one is a fantastic as Betrayal

[Amber Ivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and cried a lot. I was deeply saddened by the ending. I should be happy for all involved but I'm not. This book has lots of heartache and the battle with Hades was intense. I felt the pain that Cordelia felt whether it was over Evan or her parents. I will definitely read this one again and can not wait for Mercy. I also wonder, was Victor's dream what happened in the Underworld or is it just about to begin at the end of the book? If I were to guess, I would say that it is just about to start. Evan's came true, Cordelia's came true, so Victor's will come true and I am wondering what happens. Please January and hurry up!

Update 7/16/19 The third book never came out and I never got to know. However, I feel the same as I did when I first read this book. At the end, it says that more disciples will die and more battles ensue. I can't help also wondering which he was referring to. I also wonder what Ares meant by "You wear him well". Never forget that this is a romance novel. So, I never had a problem with her worrying about her love life in this series. I never thought that she should just "give in" just because the gods wanted her to. They never care for much about what happens to the demigods, to the point that they were allowed to be murdered, but they are insistent about this? Why? I never did, and still don't , trust Evangelia. Bethany has always been good about her feelings and knowing things, except that one time with Niko about Sascha. I don't believe in coincidences. Where was she in the mines? If Victor brought her, where was she? I was hoping that we would get the answers to that. Also, how is it that they did survive the banishment? It never tells us. I was hoping to find that as well. I don't think that the elders being taken had anything to do with Delia not being able to let Evan go. She was in love with him, by her choice. She's 17 and not quite ready to rule when it is thrust upon her. Remembering how I was at 17, she actually is acting her age. Though, I did feel she was a bit selfish when she didn't kill her parents at first because she "ignored Athena's advice." However, I think that it was how the Gods intended anyway. I think they wanted her to go to Hades.


I disliked that way that we were emotionally brought towards her love for Evan and, in this book, it felt thrown away. I was hoping that Mercy would rectify that. We spent so much of the first book falling in love with their love and it was cruelly taken. I didn't feel the same attachment to Victor as I did Evan. I think that the gods set in motion for her to destroy her parents so she would learn to stop being selfish, and to put others first. I think that they knew Hades' plans and set it up. I keep thinking about Hermes' reaction when she talked about her forgetting her parents. If she would've just let them go, what would've happened?

Victor was arrogant. I liked him the way he was in this book, still seductive and sexy, but we are made to forget that he "killed her" in the first one. Tried to do it again, as well. He didn't get banished because she forgave him. I understand forgiving, but it seemed like it was forgotten. As everyone went about their daily lives, it seemed as though the events in the first book didn't exist. Yes, he was out for revenge but if he truly had that love for her that he claims, and you know he felt it as she did, why did he kill her? Worse, why is everyone okay with the fact that he is fighting for her heart and pushing her to him? Just because the gods wanted it? Yes, Evan's father destroyed what the Gods intended but in this book they were so heartless in accepting her will. They did exactly what they say that they wouldn't do and interfered in the matters of demigods. I understand that Victor, after losing his powers, realized that he loved her and he wants her. But, he was right when he said that Evan had won her love fairly. He cheated his way into her heart. Saving her from Hades may make up for the way he almost killed her but does it really show love? When he was willing to hurt her to get it? It was "I want you, so I shall have you." "Don't resist." He didn't try to actually court her. He used schemes to get her and his knowledge, thanks to Ares, of the irresistible bonds that the Gods use for their betroths to fall in love.

Speaking of Ares, what is he up to? I think that he knew Hades' plan. He set the plan in motion for the Lykanos to attack Victor, while disguising it as Victor's means to trick Delia. I am sad to know that Evan couldn't fight as hard as Cordelia. But, at the same time, Cordelia is stronger than he is. She certainly didn't help herself in that matter by "testing Evan". She should have just told him she was jealous. He probably needed to know that. It would have helped him as well. She could've said, "You need to help her but I don't like it." He has always been vocal about his feelings and he deserved the truth even if it didn't help in the end.

Since there won't be a third one to read, I'm just going to have to guess at what was intended.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sacrifice by Mayandree Michel was a little disappointing for me. The story immediately starts from when Betrayal leaves off. Cordelia is determined to find her where her parents are buried, but meanwhile Hades' forces are strengthening in power and in number daily. Cordelia is also started to feel strong feelings towards Victor, and will have to choose between him and Evan.
Here's the things I liked.
1. The story picked right up where it left off. There was maybe a sentence to sum up what happened in the last book, which meant more time for everything else.
2. Bethany comes back around. This made me so happy. Cordelia regains her BFF, and their friendship is better and stronger than it has ever been.
3. Bethany herself. Bethany is my favorite character. She is so strong despite what has happened to her. She is so upfront with her feelings, all the time.
Here's the things I didn't like.
1. The overall tone and plot of the book. It seems like an almost entirely different author wrote Sacrifice. It had very little development at all, and it was so slow. It felt very thrown together.
2. Cordelia is a terrible leader. She is so self-centered through the entire book. Every decision she makes for her entire empire is based on how it will benefit her. She won't listen to ANYONE. Ever.
3. The inconsistency between books. Maybe I feel this way because I read Betrayal a month ago, but there are huge mistakes between the Cordelia at the end of Betrayal and Sacrifice. At the end of Betrayal, Cordelia revamps her wardrobe with jeans and cowboy boots. In Sacrifice, she is always wearing some kind of dress. I know this sounds like insignificant details, but Cordelia was SO against skirts, yet within an hour of purchasing her new wardrobe, she's back in them? It's just things like this that make me think the author intended Sacrifice to go in a different direction, but then scrapped those ideas.
4. The freaking love triangle. In Betrayal, Cordelia had to deal with the love triangle her former self created. She even commented on how selfish she was. But then she turns around and does it again?! I don't get it!
5. Sacrifice was almost a stand-alone. I know I already touched on this with #3, but nothing Cordelia learned or did in Betrayal was tied in with Sacrifice. besides the major stuff. Even Bethany almost instantly forgives Cordelia even though she was so angry with her.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend Sacrifice. It honestly ruined Betrayal, and I really enjoyed that book. There was just too much inconstancy and so much potential to be better.

[Joana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so, I really liked Betrayal and was excited to read Sacrifice. And I ended up kind of disappointed… Halfway through the book I was screaming at the characters (*cough*Cordelia*cough*) for some of their decisions…
I liked some things in this book such as the rekindled friendship between Cordelia and Bethany, the more frequent presence of the other Icheros, and, of course, the sweet moments between Evan and Cordelia.
Things I didn’t like: Cordelia was starting to get on my nerves, with all the indecisions and stubbornness, not taking anyone’s opinion into consideration.
I’m sorry but I just can’t like and trust Victor, I’m always expecting him to backstab Cordelia. Also, I think he’s really, really smug and it just annoys me to no end…
Evangelia… Well, I also can’t seem like her. I totally agree with Bethany when it comes to Lia.
The thing I hated the most: The Ending!!!
I understand the whole attraction deal, I really do, but one of the things I liked most about the concept of the series was the “fighting destiny and making our own choices” idea, which kind of went to hell…
Also, it just didn’t seem believable to me that Cordelia would immediately get into bed with Victor, but I’m team Evander all the way, so…

Here’s to hoping Mercy will be better for those of us who are rooting for Evan.. ^.^

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greek Mythology? Check. Romance? Check.

At first I felt a little disconnected with the characters and I think this was because its been a about a year ago that I read Betrayal (which I fell in love with immediately). However, once I got into the book I reconnected and really enjoyed Sacrifice.

The Love Triangle? I wish had been settled earlier in the book. I was expecting this hot moment when Cordelia and Victor finally hooked up and feel that it was actually kind of a boring moment. I'm glad that Evan has Evangelia but I'm not sure about her. The jury is still out on Evangelia...hhmmm. Over all I am satisfied with the way things turned out.

The battle scene? I had a hard time getting into because I was having a hard time seeing this in my mind. As I was reading I tried to picture what was going on but I really needed a visual. I had to read some things over and really think about seeing it in my head. This I believe kept me from grasping the severity of the situation.

Overall I still liked the book very much because of what the story is based on and I really like the characters. Sacrifice has love, mystery, conflict, and action! Two thumbs up to Mayandree for another great book. I look forward to the next one!!!

P.S. Please hurry ;)

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a matter of full disclosure I haven't read the first book in the series and would likely have enjoyed this one more if I had.

The plot as I can make out is that there is a demi-goddess named Cordelia who was killed and sent to the future, but now has come back to rule her kingdom. Yeah, it is as crazy as it sounds. Her biggest problem is Hades, her arch nemesis!

The biggest issue I have with this book is that I don't like Cordelia. I feel like the more I read the more I'm realizing in many cases it all comes down to characters and whether or not you feel for them, and like them, and at least don't want to throw them off a cliff. The writing has to be TRULY extraordinary in most books/genres for that not to matter, and while the author is good, she's not extraordinary.

The plot is original if nuts, and the pacing moved things along. However, overall, I just can't really recommend this one.

I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads Program.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

expect |ikˈspekt|
verb [ trans. ]
regard (something) as likely to happen : we expect the best | [ trans. ] he expects the stock market to sink further [with clause ] : we expect that farmers will harvest 63 million acres of hay.
• regard (someone) as likely to do or be something : [ trans. ] they were not expecting him to continue.
• believe that (someone or something) will arrive soon : Celia was expecting a visitor.
• look for (something) from someone as rightfully due or requisite in the circumstances : we expect great things of you.
• require (someone) to fulfill an obligation : [ trans. ] we expect employers to pay a reasonable salary.
• ( I expect) informal used to indicate that one supposes something to be so, but has no firm evidence or knowledge : they're just friends of his, I expect | [with clause ] I expect you know them?

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the storyline. I liked the first better but this was still good. Delia remembers who she is and now is trying to find her parents. Victor is trying everything to get Delia away from Evan. We meet a new (old) member of the Demigods family that will play a important place in Victor's role to get his powers back and have Delia as his own. There is fighting, love drama, time traveling (again) and a good plotline. I really did love the book and storyline was written great-flowed nicely. Just upset that Delia ends up with the wrong guy (in the end). Don't get me wrong - they both had adavantages for her but I had hoped she would end up with Evan not Victor. (so sad!!) Wonder if there will be another by what Zeus said - that this was not the end of their struggles but the beginning??

[Princess Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the first book... Didn't have me drooling, but I was intrigued. So I stuck at it and read the second (it was free after all). I have to say this second book had me glued to my kindle for hours. I couldn't put it down the characters enticed me in, getting to know them all. I have a tendency to love the bad boys in books - Cato from The Hunger Games, Draco from Harry Potter, Julian from The Forbidden Game. But NEVER have I been so INFATUATED with a character like I am with Victor. He's suave, sophisticated, charming, and despite the fact that he's the bad guy he's COMPLETELY in love with Cordelia and I love (and defend!) all his bad choices because he was doing it partly for his family and partly because he would do ANYTHING to be with her. And that is more than the average good guy would do.

[Evita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the second book was a disappointment, the author didn't explain a lot of things and also had a lot of details in the parts that contained action the it lagged on, once again just like in the 1st book I had skipped about half the book, authors when writing need to make every page important, they need to entwine important clues or information and that's what this author did not do, I could skipped it and I would still understand everything. The ending was more disappointing me then divergent a ending.. She had a twist in the ending, and fine that was great but she didn't continue on explaining how they got to that point. It was horrible, one page she felt one way and two pages in she gets in bed with him?? Good idea wrong person to write it...

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is still there just like it was in the first book. Overall this story had much much better flow. But the grammar is horrid. I don't understand why this isn't proof read. The creativity is there and that's why its gets the stars but my mind had to auto correct all the spelling and other issues. Its sad because the makings for a good series is here. But shes need to step it up a bit. Overall good story and plot but terrible spelling and grammar.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced and engaging read and overall I enjoyed it.

I did feel like things became a bit difficult to follow towards the end...especially the fighting scenes.

I appreciated the feelings that Evan and Delia had for each other but they were so judgmental when they thought someone didn't have the good of the empire as their first priority when all they were doing was thinking about their own feelings.

So, I liked it but I thought it could have been a lot better.

[AiVi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I especially loved how Delia chose Victor. In the previous book, yeah, victor was a total evil douche but he was so caring in this book. I learned to love him and really hoped that Delia would choose him, which she did!!! Overall, this is a book you should read and I can't wait for the last book to come out.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Spoiler alert**

Ok this one gets 2.5 stars. Good story but seriously, how could it end on this note? Victor hasn't redeemed himself in the slightest and did such horrendous things to gain power, cannot make me want to think of him as a viable alternative to Evan. Hoping the next book redeems itself.

[H. T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like this series (this is the second book in it) and find it quite entertaining and original and many ways. However, the editing of this book is AWFUL. Nevertheless, I would gladly read the next book in the series because this book did keep my attention despite the cringe worthy spelling errors.

[Christy VanDerwerken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm torn as to what rating to give this book. The grammar kills me but I was able to read it without too much distraction and I understood everything perfectly. I enjoyed the story line and I'm interested to read the final book in this series.

[Tarni · Rating 3 out of 5]

eh, it was not as good as the first book in this series. I still loved it and was captured by it, but i was heart broken when Evan just let her go and she just got over him in an instant.
still beautiful and totally reccomend.

[Mehak · Rating 2 out of 5]

SERIOUSLY ?!? I am so confused as to why the author even wrote the novel when it was all destiny and not will ... It seemed like all the pain was for nothing .. Yeah I finished the book but I am not getting back to it ...

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOOOOO! i did not like the ending to the second book, as i wished that delia would end up with Evander.... i hate it when books turn out like that :( but overall very i mean VERY good story, as well as extremely detailed descriptions. hooked the whole way through

[Paulene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Gods! This super duper amazing and awesome. Everything is perfect and my heart is about to explode because the drama and romance is so freakin' overwhelming. I just can't wait to get my hands on the next book! Dear Zeus, please make the publication faster. :D