Secret Sacrament

Secret Sacrament #1

by Sherryl Jordan

Terrified, a young Navaron child watches helplessly from his hiding place as a young Shinili woman is brutally beaten and abused by a group of drunken Navaron men. Too frightened to answer her pleas for help, the child runs away, taking with him the sacred bone carving of the Shinili people. In doing so, he forever binds himself and his fate to them. Gabriel is no ordinary boy. His life is now marked out for greatness by powers beyond his understanding...He's never wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a wealthy, sea-faring merchant, celebrated by all in the ancient empire of Navora - but cold and distant to his family. Haunted by a terrible childhood secret Gabriel spurns family tradition and duties as the eldest son, to pursue a life of helping others. Derived from a deep sense of guilt and strange mysterious visions Gabriel knows that he is destined to become a healer, with the power to decipher dreams, no matter what his overbearing family argues. But against his will, Gabriel finds himself caught up in the power struggles of a corrupt Empire, endangering all that he loves. His decision to hold true to his destiny is one that will cost him dearly, and one that threatens to tear apart the entire Navoran Empire - but which might just end up saving an entire people.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Science Fiction Fantasy

382 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Award-winning New Zealand author Sherryl Rose Jordan (née Brogden) (1949-2023) began her writing career with picture books, but soon moved on to novels for older readers. Her breakthrough came with Rocco, published in the United States as A Time of Darkness, and since that time she has gone on to pen many more titles for young adult and juvenile readers that have been published both in her native New Zealand and throughout the world.

The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found this book at my high school library years ago and loved it then, now it felt like a perfect time to revisit Secret Sacrament by Sherryl Jordan, and curious to see if my perspectives have changed since then.

The Plot
The best part of this book was the plot; it was well-structured and seemed to get the most attention, even if it was predictable.

Gabriel, who is driven by powerful dreams and secret guilt, that shape his future decisions and the path he takes as an adult, to his family’s shame, though his mother and brother are supportive, as Gabriel turns his back on the family’s shipping business and instead chooses a different path and decides to reject position and wealth to become a healer.

Writing
I found this still to be a very easy read, fast-paced due to all the time jumps, true it was a bit disorientating for all the continual time jumps from the introduction with a young Gabriel at 7 years old when he witnesses a young Shinali woman being murdered.

Multiple time jumps, I found it interesting with seeing Gabriel at the different points of his life, his dad's funeral, his career choice in what he chose to follow his dreams to be a healer instead of the family business when he was only 14 years old.

Then another time jump when he's 18 years old, he's been studying at a Navora Academy when he's approached by Salverion, the Grand Master of Healing at the Citadel, who, of course, accepts the invitation, preparing to study for 7 years, but he won't be able to have frequent visits with his family and his beloved brother.

You guessed it, another time jump, this time through Myron's POV, up to this point, the story had been told through Gabriel's POV, and these two brothers couldn't be more than polar opposites to each other.

But it's abit concerning, when Myron's POV, takes over in telling the story through his eyes, because even though you knew something dreadful was going to happen to him, you didnt know WHEN, only that it was SOON, I would've liked to have the suspense to be more impactful instead o predictable, but you could still feel the utter loss of Myron's presence

Characters
Gabriel and Myron - they're brothers, Gabriel's the eldest, like I've mentioned earlier, the two couldn't be more different but I wish the author explored more of the weaknesses and strengths of their individual characters and more room to grow, instead, it felt like I was reading in between the lines a lot.

Gabriel is introverted, quieter, and more reserved, often accused by his father and his uncles of being a coward even when he was a kid he was force-fed this "You're a coward" and I'm like "Crikey, that's a bit harsh, he's only 7, or 14 years old" and of course young Gabriel ran!

Predictable behavior of a 7-year-old to avoid punishment and his father's wrath but of course later when he returns home there was a familial confrontation with his father, who gives Gabriel a life lesson, with a person's actions, have consequences, true, but Jager's execution could've been done more compassionately, yet firm, leaving Gabriel an overwhelming, lingering feeling of wanting his father's acceptance, approval and love but never receiving it.

But more importantly, Gabriel is driven by guilt from not being able to save or help the Shinali woman who was murdered in front of him, but mate, YOU were ONLY 7 years old at the time!!! Over time he is able to heal from this, through his love for the Shinali people and even more so through his love and bond with Ashila, that ultimately he makes self-sacrifice to save the people he loves.

Very rare we got to see his humor come out, and it only shines through with people he feels comfortable with ie: Myron, Subin (his younger sister), Ferron (a slave Salverion freed, and becomes Gabriel's friend and advisor, Salverion and Sheel Chandra.

How? Read on....

Myron is the polar opposite, more outgoing, adventurous, bold, and daring, maybe to the point of being arrogant or cocky, depending on your perspective, but at his core, he has a good heart, they both do.

I found Empress Petra very interesting and wish we saw more of her and more inner workings in what she thinks and feels, and how she came to the throne in the first place, we only get glimpses through conversation between Gabriel and the empress, or between Gabriel and other characters.

Relationships
Gabriel had a more positive relationship with his mother Lena and his favorite brother Myron, who nurtured and supported Gabriel in his endeavors and dreams.

An emotionally distant relationship between Gabriel and his father Jagar who he continually tried to gain approval from but never received and his father was quick to voice faults he saw in Gabriel, what Jagar deemed acceptable for his eldest son to be, very similar to the relationship between Klaus Mikaelson/Mikael from TVD/The Originals

My impression of Jager, was he was a very cold, hard man, but later in the books through Lena's eyes, he did care but didn't show it, wish we saw more of Jager, but I saw a man with faults, he loves his family, his children but also very traditional in his mindsight, whereas Lena, Gabriel, Myron's and Subin's mother, is the complete opposite.

The love story between the star-crossed lovers from warring nations: Gabriel and Ashila came across as wooden, a bit forced, and predictable, I could see them as friends, sure, but I would've liked to see their relationship unfold a bit more and not rushed; as an individual, I do like Ashila's character but I'm hoping for more development growth in the next book, cuz I can't remember it very well.

Setting
The story takes place in a medieval time period very reminiscent of the European settlers to the New World with similar themes and issues that arise, a more superior technologically advanced civilization that invades a more primitive civilization and not long before conflict arises between the two nations.

The Empire colonized the Shinali people and force the country’s already existing people into exile as they profit from the natural resources of the land that is known as Navora, which is governed by Empress Petra and her councilors, whose majority are corrupt.

Medically – their medical technology, education, and training are quite advanced probably to the standards of the early to mid-20th century despite the setting of the story being implied to be medieval in an alternate Earth universe with its own histories and timeline.

There are still pockets of Navora’s population who struggle with real themes that are reminiscent to that of medieval Europe and worldwide due to the lack of understanding of hygiene practices but in this case, the poorest of the Navorans struggle for resources.

Whereas; the Shinali have their own medical knowledge and practices based on their cultural and spiritual beliefs, that both equal and rival Navoran’s empire equivalent “The Citadel” which handles different types of learning, education, and training based on the occupations and subject matter

Medical lore in this story is a mix of spiritual healing, in which both Shinali and Navorans hold spiritual healing and dreams very highly and seriously which leads to several characters' choices being influenced by dreams.

The scenes involving surgery are quite descriptive and the author illustrates Salverion, Sheel Chandra, Gabriel, Ashila, and Thandeka possessing an understanding of the human anatomy, whereas we know that in real history that it took centuries for people to understand many things ie: birth control herbs, antiseptics, proper infection control, sealing arteries and basic human anatomy.

Through centuries of trial and error, social norms and expectations of science were deemed as heresy but in this story, it feels like that part of history was skipped and medical advancements were able to be explored and experimented with to further one’s understanding but somehow still stuck in a medieval way of daily life based on the stone housing structures very similar to Ancient Rome, Greek, and the country folk, is very medieval England, Scotland in the materials used to build the infrastructure.

I found that aspect to be very interesting, like the Dark Ages didn’t happen at all, and yet medical knowledge progressed to modern-day standards but technological and industrial progress was frozen in a mix between ancient times to 15th century standards. Cool :D

Overall, I feel that this book would be great debate material for young readers in English to discuss these themes and issues brought up throughout, about overcoming discrimination and oppression, political injustice based on corruption, fear, greed and ambition, cultural understanding and acceptance despite the differences in beliefs, way of living, and so forth.

In the end, the positive message is a beautifully told powerful story of destiny and hope and renewal of two nations: Navora and Shinali, for a coming renewal.

[Myth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Checked out from library. After reading several non-fiction books I was hoping to find something easy and fun in fantasy. This book was a gamble and I didn't really get what I wanted, but there was no great loss.

Overall, I liked the book in the way one likes a book of tropes. There's something familiar and easy about it. A three is the most I could give it though. It was a meh plot line, meh story, meh writing, meh characters with a touching ending.

Jordan tried to cover a lot of ground in one book and managed to do it more or less. Which is more than many authors who try to cover the length of time and grandeur of the plot can say. The writing however was a little amateur (it was obviously a lot of work and didn't seem to come naturally.) There was a lot of over usage of words like beautiful. Sometimes settings and things were weakly described and summed up as amazing or some other synonyms. The main character is in awe often.

Originally, I thought this story was written in third person omnipresent, which it could be said to be, but it seems clear when the third person changed from character to character. There was a pretty large cast of characters in this book, which is typical of fantasy. I didn't need a chart at the beginning of the book.

I'm not giving this a two or one star review, so I don't feel like I really have to explain myself to the people who love it. Does it seem like people tend to read the 1 to 2 star reviews more often than the highly rated ones? I do want to briefly address what I found lack luster in the book.

The plot line is a chosen one type. The world wasn't well explored. Many notions about it were taken for granted or explained if and when they were relevant. That's partly due to a need to keep it short and easy to read for youngsters, but I hate giving that excuse. There are impressive books out there for kids that I love reading.

The resources for this book's plot were kind of spread thin. There are several time skips, some very large. I've never read and loved a book that threw in huge time skips (as part of a coherent linear time-line.) The plot isn't character driven or driven by an immediate adventure or quest. It's driven by a prophecy and the politics of country falling into corruption. Jordan appears keenly aware of her time line and the sequence of events that need to happen in the plot. In a way this is so apparent it takes all the mystery out of it, which works for some I suppose, but it isn't my cup of tea. It doesn't seem like she cared if there was much left unsaid though, since in the Foreword she mentions Myron dies.

The best part of this book was the plot; it was well structured and seemed to get the most attention, even if it was predictable.

The characters were a bit lack luster. They didn't feel entirely fleshed out and felt a bit like playing pieces in a game. The characters I liked the most were the ones who showed flaw - Petra and Tarkwan and Gabriel's mother seemed like real characters. They have enough history to have depth and have flaws that get them into trouble. Gabriel's major flaw is supposed to be that he's a coward and he has a sort of naivete. These flaws are normal, forgivable reactions to the reader. He doesn't have any particular flaws or quirks that make him more interesting (he does like to run). And I have to say it takes a lot of courage to be a medic of any kind. I think it takes all the courage in the world to help people even when you know some of them are going to die and to continue helping people even after some do die. Occasionally, Gabriel's personality seemed inconsistent. Also, how many times do we need to be reminded about his looks and that he has wavy/curly red-golden hair that's frequently damp. I'm pretty sure I've read a similar description in another book with a character who had "damp curls." Do you people, with curly hair, have some kind of dampness issue?

Everything in the world (other than the immediate politics) is taken for granted. There's clearly a theology we're meant to take as a kind of Christianity I guess. There's nothing in particular about the world that's unique or interesting. It's as if Jordan is promising not to surprise us or scare us with anything unfamiliar. There will be no worlds through wardrobes, no moving stairs or talking pictures, no fairy folk living underground, no monkey librarians or talking dragons or humanoid trees or some mythology or festivity that we're truly unfamiliar with. There's nothing with an outstanding sense of creativity, quirk or unexpectedness.

Part of this might be due to this feeling more like it should've been written to an adult audience, but was condensed and made a middle grade book. For a middle grade book it seems like there's a longing to be more erotic and sexual. I imagine it would've been better if it had been written to adults. Aside from the erotic parts, the world would probably be more in-depth.

Something that kind of confused me was that it almost seems set up as if it should be a part of a series. At the end of the book it's clear that it's the end of Gabriel's story. Ironically, the end of the story could still be seen as a coward's way out. Courage is in the eye of the beholder.

*Edit: I've found some grammatical errors and correcting them.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Secret Sacrament struck me as an odd amalgamation - as if Louisa May Alcott wrote an epic fantasy screenplay for Disney. Most of the novel reads as a simple, relatively staid middle grade level coming of age story, but it occasionally lurches into scenes of sex and violence. Gabriel, the healer trainee protagonist, was too much of a vanilla goody-two-shoes for my taste, and in general both characters and cultures were painted in too broad of strokes for me. For example we were told the main villain was convincing and evil, but we were only shown one let's-kill-the-hero cacklefest and one je accuse scene. Also, we aren't told much about the love interest except that she's pretty, a healer, and as brave as the rest of her tribe. It wasn't enough for me to buy into the characters, although simple characters wouldn't have bothered me so much if the novel had stayed firmly in middle grade mode (who cares that the people are simple in Walter Farley, after all?). Also, I have seen the tribal/conquering culture dynamic done with much more detail and creativity in other novels. The combination of painted faces, dancing around fires, canoe races and brave fighting falls pretty squarely in the stereotypical. Sherryl Jordan is a talented writer, but I was left with the impression that this genre didn't fit her.

[Aelvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel has never been the son his father wanted to have. On his father's death, Gabriel relinquishes his role in the family's trading company in order to become a healer. Despite his natural talent and astonishing success, Gabriel remains troubled by the dying woman he refused to help when he was a child. But Gabriel is part of a prophecy, and his actions will shape the future of two nations.

Gabriel is an engaging main character. His terror as a child caused him to make a decision he forever regrets, and perhaps it is the pain that makes him so gentle and loving. He makes a very good healer. Far more interesting to me is that he sees and interprets dreams. He reminds me of Daniel.

The themes are pretty simple and straightforward, but still powerful. Gabriel's statements about how people can't lose their lives was especially good. There's a lot of theological stuff that bears thinking about.

The only thing that disappointed me was that the book ends at the first stages of the prophecy's fulfillment: as though I'd just spent the whole book preparing for the ultimate point only to stop short. I understand why Gabriel made the decision he did. I just wanted to see the fruit of that decision.

On a more positive note, it appears Jordan has another book forthcoming with a title that hints it is the sequel! That would be very nice, and could possibly raise my opinion of the mini-series. For this book, on its own, Recommended.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel, oldest son of a noble house in Navora, is expected to take over the family business when his father dies suddenly. He wants nothing to do with it. He wants to be a healer. Gabriel gets his way and becomes a well-known and respected healer. When his brother is brutally murdered, Gabriel gets a rare chance to visit his family in the farming community.

While running for exercise one morning, Gabriel encounters a woman of the Shinali tribe. Ashila and Gabriel feel an instant connection. He falls in love with her and the rest of the Shinali Nation. But there is a treaty that says that no Navoran person shall interact with the Shinali. But Gabriel's visions and dreams are telling him that evil doings are in the future. He chooses to remain with the Shinali people as they are exiled from their land and put into prison.

There exists a prophecy that states a Navoran will bring the two nations together again. Many people believe Gabriel to be that person. He refuses to acknowledge the possibility. But as his dreams and visions become clearer, he is less able to ignore them.

A fantastic fantasy/adventure novel.

[kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It is a "high lot good." You'll have to read it to understand that phrase.
The story of Gabriel, a young healer, is wonderfully told. Gabriel is a great character, clearly and sympathetically drawn as are the members of his family, teachers and the people of the Shinali tribe.
This has an ending that was completely unexpected, right for the story but definitely shocking.
This is a book I will re-read and recommend to other's looking for a thoughtful and entertaining read.

[Ryan Turk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read it in high school, and felt so connected and inspired by the main character, I don't think I will ever read the same way again.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Content spoiler: The MC/point of view character dies. There's lots more death too. That's about all I remember from this book now, about 15 years past reading.

My hatred for this book was so extreme that I couldn't forget the plot for years. It was probably well written. I remember feeling sick for hours after finishing it. It was the first book I ever threw across the room in disgust, and the first book I ever tried to get rid of. I remember carrying it around as if it were poison, pinched between finger and thumb and dangling precariously-my copy was hefty.

I also remember, 2 years ago, trying to remember the title of this book to ask my friend what she thought of it-she'd let me take it from a box of books she was getting rid of and thus precipitated my first major book crisis (and all the ones since-she is the best!). Major kudos to the Goodreads "What's the Name of This Book" thread for helping me find it again.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world is divided, roughly, between the city dwelling merchants, and the much more primitive rural farmers. The two sides collide when a well-educated physician must flee the city and finds refuge with the more agrarian people.

I did find the main characters a bit dull in their unblemished and consistent personalities: Good people are wholly good, and bad ones are wholly bad, with the exception of Empress Petra, who is both, and Gabriel's father, who dies quite early on in the novel. There is some violence, and a murder, as well as some really nasty political manipulations. But on the whole this is a pleasant and safe read for middle schoolers, with only a gentle romance and NO sex, and there is a sequel if they like it.

I did not find this novel as compelling as other works by this author, notably Winter of Fire, and The Raging Quiet. But it was a fun read, and an interesting medieval sort of world she created here.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of YA-ish, but a good story.

It does remind me of a nursery rhyme about the little girl with the curl, right in the middle of her forehead. The good people in this book are very, very good, almost saintly. The bad ones are...horrid. Baddies who are so bad they practically wear black hats, and rub their hands together while cackling Buwahahahaha!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Low-magic fantasy. Liked the premise of viewing everything through a healer's perspective. Feels like it was written under the direct influence of Dances With Wolves, particularly when one looks at the original publication date. Makes me interested to find out the conclusion in the sequel. Bitter-sweet.

[trijnewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik las dit boek als tiener en was er zo zwaar fan van dat Gabriel een van de namen was die ik serieus overwoog voor zoonlief. Het ruim twintig jaar later herlezen was wat raar omdat ik me sommige dingen blijkbaar niet juist herinnerde, maar ik werd al snel weer meegesleept door het verhaal. Het blijft een schoontje!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just so spiritual and beautiful.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, really enjoyed reading this book again! I knew what was going to happen, but I enjoyed the journey, and I can't wait to reread his daughter's journey!

[Cassandra Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with great character development, fictional government conspiracies, and many loveable characters.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF about a hundred-some pages in. More on that later maybe.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may need to make a "Why did I wait so long?" shelf....

[kavi]

It’s been three years since I started reading this book…. I don’t think I will ever be able to finish this.

[Megan]

DNS 7/16/2021

[Tamera · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching ❤️ but too short

[Anisha Dussoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutes Herzensbuch, auch wenn es mich immer zu Tränen rührt!

[L. Petunia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this about 10 years after I first read it because I recently read the sequel, The Time of the Eagle. I bumped the rating up to 4.5

I think this is one of my favorite Jordan books, and I do like it slightly more than the sequel, but yes, I'd forgotten how BADLY this book needed a sequel with that ending, wow. The villain is a little flat, but not as flat as he is in the sequel since we spend more time with him. It's not heavy on the action, but there's just something about this world and the characters that I loved, and the ending sucker-punches you.

I do agree that the POV seemed strained at times. It seemed to mostly be 3rd person from Gabriel's point of view and then would randomly very briefly follow another character from time to time. There were fantasy tropes, but I loved it nonetheless.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a powerful thought process. It makes you think about what each object in this book symbolizes in this world. And how exquisite, the ending, the death, and yet the beginning of the Time of the Eagle. The sacrifice, the love, the charming way this novel weaves the tale of Gabriel. The richness and the quality of the cultures and ways of life; the amazing characters who steal your hearts.

This book is entirely worthy of five stars. It will forever be amongst my list of the Greatest Books Ever.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story about a boy who decides he wants to heal and help and what he has to do to fulfil that wish.

Gabriel saw an attack on a helpless Shinali woman, the tribe his people are supressing, have invaded. This has stayed with him all his life. She gives him a bone, this bone reminds him of her and gives him strange visions.

When he has an opportunity to meet with some Shinali he finds that things aren't as straightforward as he may have been lead to think.

There are moments where it's a little obvious but it's a good read.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seven-year-old boy witnesses a brutal attack on a woman from another tribe. He takes a bone carving from her as she lays dying and is wracked with guilt for years. A prohecy from his own nation and the tribe 'Shinali' drive his destination.
At 14 Gabriel declares at his fathers funeral he wants nothing to do with his family's business and wishes to becom a healer. As the prophecy unfolds Gabreil finds great honour in the healing Citadel with the empress, treachery, murders, plague, battle evil power, love and war.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unbelievably hard to read. The story is beautifully and lyrically written. I felt that the author believed every word she wrote. It’s a tale of sacrifice and love and of giving of yourself when it’s the hardest thing to do. I was very moved by this book. There are only two things I would wish differently of it: One, I felt that the prophecy needed to play out a bit more. And Two, I thought that the antagonist needed to come to a nasty end.

[Brett Price]

The book reminds me of a Poccahontas story of some sorts. The young man in the story line is so gentle and i love it. I wish i could have the same hardworking mentality and dedication. Its funny like every time he is faced with a problem, he runs!! I could never live and die the way he does it kills me!! LIke he just lies down and dies!! I mean who does that!! Besides that its a good book especially for anyone who is interested in fantasy or historical fantasy kind of books.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would give this book 4 stars simply for how well it managed to engage my emotions. However, I couldn't say that I liked it. It was a very anxious read for me. I thought I knew which direction the story was going to end and I didn't like it. I almost lay the book down for fear of the ending. The main character in the story was the only one I didn't find believable. The story is well-written.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd had this book in the back of my mind for years and then I came across the info on a back page of my blog...
The ending where he dies, at peace with himself and the people, 'He lifted up his arms and began to run'--there's eucatastrophe in that.