The Holly King's Sacrifice

Codex Celestia #2

by Chloe Parker

The Infernal Legion demands an offering, and I've been chosen as this year's Yuletide feast...



The great white north was forsaken by the Heavenly Host years ago, and here, horned, red devils rule supreme. We don't know where they came from - hell or a distant galaxy - but we know one thing.



Every year, their Holly King is given a Snow Queen...and she's never seen again. So when I'm given to the Holly King, Ulfric, I'm terrified.



But that's because I don't know what pleasures await.


THE HOLLY KING'S SACRIFICE is a holiday alien viking romance with a gruff, antlered alien hero and a fierce heroine. Read on a cold winter night for a viking alien romance that brings the heat.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Dystopia, Science Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Chloe Parker is a full-time smut peddler and part-time academic working on a PhD in alien eggplant. When she's not dreaming up angsty, fantastical love stories, you can find her spending time with her three little dogs and her delightfully weird husband.

Follow Chloe on Social Media!
Newsletter: chloeparker.substack.com
Tiktok: @chloe.parker.author
Instagram: @chloesinspace
Facebook Group: Clarissa Bright and Chloe Parker's Book Fiends

Reviews

[CriSsStina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read was much better than the first book in the series. Fyi: These are standalones in the same world.

I liked both the main characters and their fast developed relationship. Which is understandable under the circumstances of how they met each other. The world building was a little bit better than the first book.

I might be greedy, but I wanted an epilogue with this couple. I'm really curious about what happened next. Maybe they'll appear in the next book, fingers crossed 🤞🥹.

* some sort of end of the world setting (earth was attacked by two different alien species, and these species are at war with each other)
* she is human, he is an alien (has antlers, is very tall, hence the humans believe these aliens came from h3ll *rolling eyes*)
* they become mates
* his age is not mentioned. She's 25 and a V

Also, I'm not sure how long these aliens live and if, once she's mated with him, she will live longer, etc. (This was not addressed, and it's quite annoying since I want to know 😂)

Ps: Lovely cover again, and this time time works well with the book's content 👌

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This story did not go the direction I was expecting. Aspen is left in the woods in midwinter as a sacrifice to the “demons”. They have a rocky start but open up to one another with time.
I feel like I still didn’t know who Ulfric was at the end of the book. He was just a somewhat grumpy dude. Aspen had a personality and relatively fleshed out background.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: hypothermia, forced nudity, pyre, violence, gore, animal attack

[Marian Pattechat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping atmosphere, intriguing world building, a strong and inquisitive heroine to root for, an MMC with looks and a way of speaking to swoon over, and well-written spicy scenes - that's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!

[Diana Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: 4.5
FMC: Aspen
MMC(s): Ulfric
Tropes: Kidnapped by a Viking, post-apocalyptic, ancient aliens, fated mates
> Reviewer add:
Perspective: First person, dual
Plot or character driven: Character
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes.
> With only one character? No.
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes.
> Personal favorite? When he wants to be used.
> State of the joystick? Ribbed with bronze; thick.
Burn speed: Slow, around 74%
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, but if you have read other books in the Codex Celestia series it will make more sense.
Re-Readability: High. This is an easy little novella.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Check beginning of book. I’d add religious content (Ulfric has a distinct Pagan history; Aspen is Christian) and religious attitudes from both.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.

“Belief can be stronger than blood, and far stronger than reason. And when fear is involved, belief grows ever stronger.”

Aspen has been chosen as a sacrifice to the Holly King. It’s not her death that he wants. (Insert smiling imp emoji here.)

A Pagan holiday story has arrived! There was a part very early on that smacked me a little because I knew what the story was essentially, but it becomes clear that this is very much something that Aspen believes and she’s been socialized to believe while not being entirely accurate. It made me appreciate the story more.

I really enjoy this world, I enjoyed the clash of cultures so to speak, and I can’t wait for more in this world of stories.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world Chloe Parker has set up is so interesting. I feel like I need to work through her back list and I might have more details, but this one was still enjoyable. I loved the couple and learning more of the lore in this universe.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 “Glorious woman. You hold me between agony and ecstasy.”
~~~
Aspen is amazing! She’s brave, strong and resilient. Even more, I loved her constant curiosity and inquisitiveness. And she knows how to survive, too, because she’s had to do it her whole life in Manistique. Aspen is a remarkable young woman and I loved her so, so much!

Ulfric is the second to Skoll Warlord Odran and a lieutenant of the Kjarr-M’yr Clan. He’s strong, dangerous, growly and deadly. But there’s more to him than his fearsome appearance. Because Ulfric is also a caring, honorable and fiercely protective warrior who I couldn’t help but adore.

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Aspen and Ulfric! Each year, the people of Manistique make an offering to the Infernal Legion, and this year’s sacrifice is no other than Aspen. And after she’s taken by the Holly King, she discovers there’s more to the demons she’s been taught all her life. But there is also a quest to determine her destiny from now on. I loved Aspen and Ulfric together! I loved how supportive he was, helping her accept herself exactly as she is, showing her time and time again that there’s no reason for her to be ashamed of herself or her curiosity. Sometimes, making a deal with the devil might be the best thing that could happen to you. Even more, I loved how protective they were of each other. And when Aspen proved herself more than worthy and they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were so hot and I couldn’t get enough. There couldn’t be more perfect Snow Queen for the Holly King than Aspen. She and Ulfric were just amazing!

Overall, the story is another incredible addition to the series! It might be a short read but it has everything - action, danger, bonfire celebrations, adventure, chasing in the winter woods, smoking-hot passion and spectacular characters.

I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved it!

[Grey Story · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty solid read for me although it felt like the end of it was a weird fast forwarding to get to the end goal.

The whole worldbuilding aspect was a little confusing because it's from our sheltered FMC's point of view and she's not given many answers - or many answers she's given aren't shared with the reader. I thought initially it might have been better if I had read the first book in the Codex Celestia but after reading the first one now I can confidently say it did not provide more answers. If anything, I have more questions. For example, if the "Angels" are so adamant about tracking down all humans to the point of employing specialized hunters, why are entire towns of humans like the one in this story left unbothered? I feel like I want to know way more about what's going on in the background.

It's not that the front and center story is boring or anything (I was very into the holly king's look and intrigued by their society setup) but the context of this massive life-changing world event is clearly important to the characters and story yet not really provided. That kind of thing puts a damper on enjoying the story.

There were a lot of little things that didn't make much sense, either. If the "demons" are well aware of the human "sacrifices" being left nude in the harsh winter, why not bring them clothes or a blanket or something to help ward off the cold? How is it Ulfric hums the holly king song like it's pure coincidence and he doesn't know it very well or think about it ever, only for it to be a central, important song that everybody knows very well at the end? The "demons" strategy on creating an alliance with humans made no sense.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being chosen as your town’s annual tribute is no prize, as Astrid will be the first to admit. Every person given to the demon Holly King has never returned. So when she’s selected as the tribute, she’s doomed, right?

Parker packs a lot into a short novella. We learn the world is reeling after alien angels and demons have appeared on Earth. But just as more is being discovered about the angelic forces in other books Parker has written about this event called the Convergence, in this story Astrid starts to realize that everything the angels have told her people may not be true.

I loved how this book is presented almost entirely from Astrid’s POV, so we discover what’s going on with the demons just as she does. And Ulfric is delicious, with a noble soul inside an initially off-putting exterior. There’s just enough revealed of this world to have the elements of The Holly King’s Sacrifice make sense, and Parker nicely reminds us in this novella that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

If you haven’t read the Convergence books, this novella is a great intro into the challenges of that world. And it’s wonderful to see a holiday romance that reminds us that legends like the Holly King—the ancient personification of winter—and the Snow Queen are a vital part of this solstice time of year!

[RusticRabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, I was reminded of the conflict with aliens from one of my favorite TV series, Falling Skies. I loved the conflict between different types of aliens on Earth as well as how the different alien species got intertangled with human religion, which causes some issues for the characters of this book. Ulfric and Aspen are very enjoyable characters that fit together well. Aspen is inquisitive and Ulfric loves to answer her questions. I love how Ulfric and the other Skoll, and the culture as a whole, are designed. In addition, from what was there about the Boreans, they are very interesting with genetic modification which makes me excited to read more in this series because they seem like very devious and interesting characters.
This book feels cozy and wintery while still being spicy and having some action scenes as well. I had trouble putting it down. It is honestly the perfect pace for the length and everything fits together naturally. The world building is done well for such a short book and I plan on reading the rest of the series soon.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read and I loved the storyline that’s between Good v’s Evil or Demons v’s Angels depending on what you have been told to believe but every year there is a Sacrifice . Aspen is a human that asks to many questions and so her community has chosen her for this years sacrifice to the demons of the forest and she knows she will never come home again. Holly King Ulfric is an skull alien Viking who is on Earth try to save it from the Evil Bornean aliens but now hee goes to collect the neatest Sacrifice and as it turns out she is his fated mate but she must pass the trial first but before that happens he is attacked and she saves his life. When Aspen first see’s Ulfric she is scarred but soon realises he is nothing like what her mind had made or of what she was told and then he tells her she must pass a trial first but when they are attacked she saves his life and the closer they get the stronger her feels for him grows and now she understands why nobody returns because they are very well taken care of and cherished and protected by there mates.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh yeah, I really liked this one! Short and to the point, The Holly King’s Sacrifice had action, drama and even a bit of a slow-burn romance (well, as slow burn as you could get in around 80 pages).

Personally, I thought Aspen was a great main. She was brave, spirited and remarkably brave, considering she was offered up as a sacrifice for The Holly King. Her counterpart, Ulfric, was a perfect match for her. I loved how the two of them worked together to actually communicated and correct the misunderstandings Aspen had of the ‘demons’ and ‘Angels’. It moved a little quicker than I may have liked, but it was still a lovely afternoon read. A nod to Chloe Parker for the connection to her previous books – Skoll warriors seem to make the best lovers!

Thank you Chloe Parker for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wanted a sexy viking alien demon to chase and snatch you in the dark snowy woods and put you on the altar in more ways than one-- this is it. Public sacrifice. Bonfire celebrations. Caves. Fur nest beds. Rescue from an attack. Intimacy. Bonding. Loved this so much. Just... wow! The world building and smut and characters and tropes and pacing. She's a badass with moxie. Thank goodness no 3rd act breakup or miscommunication. No toxicity or OW or angst or assholes but still fear and some great kink. I wanted it to be longer because it was so good but it still ended on a perfect note. And the book Warlord and the Waif by Chloe Parker follows similar lines so I'll definitely be reading that next! I've never re-read a romance in my life but the Holly King is going to be my first.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful read by this author and, per usual, she killed it with the world building and characters. Aspen has been selected by her town to be the winter sacrifice and Ulfric, kind of a sexy Viking alien, is the one to 'test' her. She may have been filled with fear but she was strong and brave. She wasn't sure what she was being tested for but she sure wanted to succeed. Ulfric wanted her to succeed, too ;) Expect to get fully caught up in this story as it's filled with adventure, bonding, bonfire...celebrations ;P, and so much heat. This was a one-sit read for me and I really enjoyed the pacing as these two found their way to an HEA. Well done!

[spidermse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Glorious woman," he growls. "You hold me between agony and ecstasy."

I adored this story. Could not put it down. It did not feel like 80 pages at all.

The world building was interesting and we kept finding out tidbits of new information about it throughout the story. I loved the utopian vibes from the world.

Ulfric was so sweet and sexy. Can I be sacrificed to the Holly King?

One criticism I did have was the use of the "w" word with regards to a Native American mythological creature. I've seen many indigenous tribes ask for it not be used and I feel like that's a simple request as there are many other ways to describe a creature with a skull head.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen it's way too inquisitive for the likes of her family and her Village. There's been an alien invasion on Earth and they're posing as angels. But Aspen doesn't believe everything she's told and because she asked him any questions she sacrificed to quote unquote demons. Ulfric is looking for a word to make to try and bring the humans around to seeing the truth.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me of a fairy tale story, or of an old folklore tale. It had magical elements to it, the fear of the monsters in the forest and the annual sacrifice. It also had good versus evil, a trial to earn trust, fated mates and plenty of steam. It was a bit of a slow build, but the story never bored me. In fact, it left me craving more of the people of the Skoll and their battle for Earth.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I give into where I know I now belong.'

I enjoyed this first book in this series, but I liked this one even more. Good world building. The story is exciting and fast-paced right from the start. I liked both Aspen and Ulfric. I loved that Aspen comes to learn that what the humans believe is very mistaken. It's an interesting take on aliens and I loved it. I look forward to reading the next book. 5 stars

P.S.- The cover art is just beautiful!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Myths Made New
Aspen has been sacrificed by her village to the Holly King. While she thinks the demon is going to eat her alive, body and soul, something very different is in store for her and Ulfric. I enjoyed how Aspen’s initial fear at the start of the book made everything that followed feel more vivid and vibrant. The larger universe this book is a part of is a fantastic place to read, and this story is a love addition.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short winter tale will keep you warm for sure. Though it may be frustrating when the FMC is quick to judge who is a monster and who isn't, she eventually comes to her senses.

Who is a monster and who is a hero? Who is a sacrifice and who is the going to change the minds of them all? I love a book that pushes preconceived notions.

[Kelsey Coussou Buckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy this one either, the swamp monster one wasn’t a favorite of mine.

I liked this one way more! I was worried at first about it being an alien with a skull face, so if that’s a worry for you too, the skull is just a mask.

I didn’t think I would continue with the series, but this book makes me want to.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a nice story but, like the FMC, I have more questions. This is actually an alien romance, the FMC is inquisitive and the MMC is a patient male. I liked their love story and perhaps I will look for more of this kind of story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[YarnWyvern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy Chloe's writing. I have been following the world she has created through all of her alien romances, and it is so much fun to pick up more and more books, and learn more about the world and cultures within.

This holiday spin added a lovely bit of magic to an already fun world.

Like most of her books about the Convergence, you don't have to read them all, but the more you read, the more you learn.

This one is great for those who also want a nice spin on holiday mythos.

[D.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really pretty! I can't get over how lovely this story was. The only complaint I have is that it was only 80 pages. I would have loved to spend more time in this world with these characters. But now that I've discovered this author, it's time to go check out her backlist!

[Racheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, quick read and I need more of this world asap! I loved the holiday elements that were sprinkled into this novella, as well as how perfect the relationship dynamic and build up was between Aspen and Ulfric. Overall, I'd give it a solid 5 stars!

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this

I am so glad I found this book and I am even more excited to read more in this world. At only 80 pages we get quite the story of not only love but also self acceptance. I also really enjoyed this unique take on aliens. And honestly, this cover is perfection

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I love the tribute sort of set-up in general. The setting here with the aliens was well done. I loved the characters and was so happy for them. I wish it was a bit longer as the novella felt a bit rushed. But it's also nice to have some quick reads for a busy season.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen and Ulfric
Now I want to BE sacrificed! Fantastic world building, Aspen is curious and very resiliente, She is crealy a survivor. Ulfric is a migthy viking Warrior but he has a soft spot for Aspen. Now Aspen knows why no One ever returns and its so worth it.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short holiday season read. This is one of 3 books in the Codex Celestia series. It features a human - Aspen and an alien King Ulfric. There is a lot in this short read as with the others in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read and I'm glad I gave it a chance!! I thought the post-apocalyptic world with religious end of days references was very intriguing and the main characters were compelling. I do wish it was a full length novel, but I still really enjoyed it!!

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy and hot Christmas story featuring aliens. I really liked this story to read under the blankets with hot coffee.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.