Sacrifice

The Chosen #3

by Denise Grover Swank

**Includes the short story Middle Ground.** Everything Emma loves has been ripped away—Jake, Will, and her unborn baby. Within minutes of confronting her new reality, Emma is thrust in the middle of a war between two supernatural beings and she’s the prize. After convincing Emma that Will is dead, Raphael insists that he’s the only hope for saving her son, but she resents Raphael’s dangerous supernatural hold over her. After a revelation from Alex, Emma suspects the only way to escape Raphael’s control is to find the fourth element—Water. He was losing his mind. You can’t love someone you don’t know. The Vinco Potentia thinks Will knows something about a woman he doesn’t remember. Will’s only memory of Emma is their few minutes together in the forest, but he is consumed with emotions for her—love and belonging. When James shows up and helps Will escape, his story seems off and Will wonders what he’s hiding. So while James wants to find way to sever Will’s connection to Emma, but Will’s not convinced he wants to be free. You are not bound to destiny. The book stolen from the Vinco Potentia holds the key to a new set of rules and everyone involved will stop at nothing to get it. Torn between her destiny and her desires, Emma will face her biggest sacrifice yet.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Supernatural

406 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2012

Reviews

[April Mallison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrifice is the 3rd book In Denise Grover Swank’s “The Chosen” series. After reading the first two books in the series and falling in love with the characters and the plot twists and turns, I was anxious to read this book and get answers to many of the questions posed in Hunted. (the 2nd book). I was pleasantly surprised to discover that not only were so many answered, but even more were posed, leaving me burning through the pages to discover what would happen next.

In Sacrifice we once again follow Will Davenport, Emma Thompson and Jake Thompson through a mind boggling journey that never fails to deliver fast paced action, supernatural twists, and a relationship that overcomes obstacles mere mortals wouldn’t prevail over.

Will is the hero readers love to cheer on and root for. Emma is the feisty, never- give- up heroine readers aspire to be.

I was swept up into the supernatural world that unfolded in this book and loved to hate the villains just as much as I did in the first two books. Many of the characters introduced in the second book were expanded on in this book. I discovered, to my wonder, many of them acted in ways I couldn’t have predicted if I’d tried. (Which is a LOT of what I look for in a book).

With his memory of the past month and a half completely erased, Will struggles to remember who the woman in the woods is, and why he has such strong feelings regarding her. Imprisoned back in the secret compound, he first must escape the wicked intentions of a mysterious secret society and figure out what exactly he’s gotten himself into then decide how to get himself out. When Will hears Emma’s telepathic cries he thinks he’s losing his mind. But is he? And what of the other mysterious voice telling him what he should and shouldn’t reveal to his enemies? Dare he listen? What does it mean? Could these voices be real or has he completely lost his mind? With the help of his friend James, he sets out to get answers he has no recollection of, but there are forces that would rather he never remember- perhaps not even survive his quest. But is James telling the truth? Can he trust him?

Emma remembers everything. Her grief over losing Will is almost more than she can bear. She hopes that he’s still alive and wants to seek him out, but Raphael is determined that she must hone her powers to ensure their survival. Raphael assures her that Will is dead. If that’s true, why does Emma feel a connection is still there? She tries to reach out to Will in her mind, (like they have done in the past), but to no avail. Emma knows that Raphael has his own agenda but she must discover how to harness and use her supernatural powers if she wants to save herself and her son Jake and possibly reconnect with the one person in her life she has ever fully trusted/ loved.

“Sacrifice”, is not short on villains, and each of them will do whatever they must to achieve their sinister plans. Can good prevail over evil? Is Emma even strong enough to save herself and her son? What about Will? Can he re-discover his lost memories and find Emma in time to work together against the wickedness that threatens their survival and possibly the survival of the world? What about 5 year old Jake? Where does he fit into everything? Will he REALLY be an enemy of Will’s in the end, as Jake has predicted? Or are people just trying to make them believe it for their own ends? Will Emma ever find Jake and be reunited with the son who’s been her entire reason for living? Do the prophesies, foretold in the mysterious writings, hold the key to the questions Emma and Will have and can they discover the answers in time? Many questions were answered in Sacrifice, often in ways I couldn’t have predicted, and even more were posed that have me thankful at the prospect of a 4th book, so that I can continue on the supernatural journey with Emma, Will, and Jake.

If you’re looking for a book series that will keep you guessing, has unpredictable twists and turns, is full of suspense and action, well….then this is the book for you. This 3rd book offers so much, yet leaves the reader asking for so much more. Intriguing and worth the read? Absolutely!

Action, suspense, supernatural / paranormal elements, romance, good vs. evil, and the questions of what exactly is going on and how it will play out, are the ingredients for an amazing story that you won’t want to stop reading and will hope continues on. You will be rooting for the “good guys”, wondering who the “bad guys” are, as well as their real intentions, and you’ll question every assumption you might have made about this series. I would, and have, recommended this series to friends and fellow readers. You will NOT be disappointed! WARNING: if you pick up this series you will quickly be addicted. But beware, at the end of each book you will be left wanting more and wondering what could possibly happen next.

[Stormy Udell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to warn fellow vocal and emotional readers do not read this in public. I cried, mildly mumbled curses and had quite a few verbalized "Really?!?!" or "WTF" moments. Which are all positive reactions, however when in public it makes you look a little unstable. If you don't mind the stares then go for it but don't say I didn't warn you. Warring gods, non-stop action and not one but two types of love - the one that can only happen between a mother and her son and the one that endures through it all - dominate the entire series . It's a new twist on many different concepts, breathing a breath of fresh air on the genre. Denise Grover-Swank's writing brings to life a group of incredible characters, that will haunt your imagination for days after reading. She ends the book in the perfect cliff hanger...the type that keeps you gripping the edge but you find mild comfort in the toe hold you just found. If you can't tell I absolutely love this series and Sacrifice didn't disappoint, the worst part about it is the wait for the next book. Happy Reading - and go buy the first two books!

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that this book (the third in the series) did get a little annoying at times. At times I heard myself saying "Again..REALLY, come on!!" but that was because I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out where it was headed! Emma became annoying at times and Will sure needed to find himself a new best friend but all in all it added to the story, yep, actually it did :-)
By this time you are so wrapped up in these characters that you are fighting for them to get through it all.
The ending gets your heart revved up for the next one! Oh, and by the way, poor Albuquerque!
Good job Denise!
Well, on to the next one!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thing are changing....This is a whole new challenge for Emma. Another intense awesome creation by Denise.
I again could not put this book down.
I had my suspicions about many different characters not knowing who to trust. Who will help Emma and who will hurt. I had no idea what to expect and was shocked quite a few times with the twists this took. Was such a fun ride that pulled me in.
Did give quite a cliffhanger but I have every intention of immediately starting the final book of the series. Loved it!!

[Ashley Maude-Lecholat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3, of the Chosen series, just made it very interesting! Once again I find myself asking the characters in this book to find some answers because they seem so real. The subject is kind of “out there” supernatural powers and being connected to specific elements but it all works so well! In this book we learn a little more about Will and an unexpected action from Emma turns things upside down. Finally, what I had hoped for all along starts to take shape. An excellent cliff hanger ending has me yearning for book 4. Fantastic page turner with well developed characters and a great story!!

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good! Again I couldn't put the book down. There was so much action and suspense I had to know what was going to happen next. I think Emma and Will are some of my favorite characters ever. I am torn between wanting to know how it all ends and not wanting it to end at all.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with this series. On the one hand, I love the story and the author's ability to show and not tell. She really knows how to tell a good story and this one is different enough from the paranormal stuff out there that it allowed me to actually be surprised by many of the plot's twists and turns. I found myself caring about the characters and their relationships and really NEEDING to know what happens next.

The hate part comes from 2 things: 1) I hate cliff-hanger endings to books in a series. Yes, I understand that I should want to read the next one and these endings ensure that I do. However, the end of a book is not the same thing as the end of a chapter. I should have some kind of closure at the end of the book. Instead, it feels like this series (the first 3 books, anyway) are one continual book chopped up into smaller pieces. 2) There is an overuse of words and phrases that a seasoned author would recognize and correct. "Scared the _____ (hell/shit/crap) out of me" needs to not be used 20-30 times in a book. Emma and her son Jake bite their lip a lot. When they're thinking, when they're upset, when they're worried, when they're scared. There's a lot of lip-biting. The could be less lip-biting. Also, there is an excessive use of gratuitous swearing. I can handle swearing if it really serves some kind of purpose, not just because everyone in the book was apparently in the Navy. (Ok, no one was in the Navy, but they all swear like sailors!)

Overall, none of the things I hate are going to keep me from reading book 4 when it comes out. I like the series and I need to see how the end unfolds.

(If you are offended by moderate to excessive swearing and some mild to mildly-steamy sex scenes, this series is not for you!)

[Jagged · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can do anything if the alternative is unacceptable."

I was apprehensive to read this book. As much as I loved the previous ones, I wasn't sure I was liking where this book was heading. Swank truly is talented. To take me from nervous, to blown away, it's just unheard of. I mean, I can be impressed, and I can be wrong about if I am going to enjoy a book or not; but, it really is a rare feat to have me dead wrong about my initial instincts about a book. I absolutely loved this book.
Swank has a fantastic writing style. She really knows how to bring out the characters flaws and strengths. They feel real. They pop off the page. They make you love them--even if they're evil. I enjoyed them all. I was completely engrossed--as I was with all the books I've read in this series--nothing was done in my house today. Nothing. Not even a cooked meal.
My favourite thing about these books is the action. It grips me, and I can't help but read every word and tear through the pages like they're on fire. My only complaint was that it took entirely too long in this book for there to be any action; however, I wasn't disappointed by the action I was given.

So, I thought I knew about Will...then I wasn't so sure...then I was positive I was right...and I was still wrong. Good job! and the cliffhanger...fuck you, Swank. You do realize I have to read the next one, right? I mean...how could you? That's a whole other book! I am so looking forward to it.

[Deb Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book, and the entire series a 10, I would!!!!

Sacrifice is the third in a four part series. It is one of the best series I have ever read. Grover Swank has written a wonderful world full of wonderful characters. They are larger than life and you will both love and hate them but you will feel strongly about them all. Will and Emma have been separated and Will's memories have been erased. He is captured by one of the secret societies that have been after them. More of the prophecy is revealed and Emma gains more power. Can Will survive his imprisonment? Can Emma survive Raphael? What is happening to Jake now that his grandfather, Aiden has him? The love story continues (and make no mistake, this is above all, a love story). There is an epic battle looming but lots of smaller battles in the meantime. If you like tons of graphic sex, this is not for you. But if you enjoy a mix of love, mystery, action, with a little bit of sex and lots of mystical, paranormal then get these books. Chosen, Hunted, Sacrifice, and the next book, Redemption are just what you want. Might as well get all of them because you WILL want to read them ALL!! If you check right away you might still be able to get them for 99¢ each. But even if you have to pay full price, it it worth it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I finished this novel in about 24 hours time. It, like its predecessor, fell completely prey to my unquenchable appetite for this series. It was brilliant, once again, and I was not disappointed. This series is like a modern day Greek mythology story. It is full of many surprises and twist. It leaves you wondering what will happen next. And it, most certainly, leaves you begging for more. So upon discovering that the fourth book was already released for the intention of my consuming; my only reaction was...



And so I shall have it, damn you! I shall have that book!! I haven't had this much fun with a series in a while. Yes, it has its flaws, but the story is just so compelling. So, well done Denise Grover Swank. You've made me an addict. Four willingly given stars.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it is hard to keep readers interested in a series by the time they get to book 3. Not Denise Grover Swank. Her writing is so thrilling and appealing that I could not put this book down.

My main reason for loving this series is the relationship between Emma and Will. There is a shift in this book that had me gasping and hoping things were going to be back to normal for them.

The other characters in the book had you on the seat of your pants willing them to stay away.

There is a 4th book in this series, and I am grateful that I can just start it straight away without waiting for its release.

Thanks Denise for a super read with this series.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has me hooked! Love the heck out of it.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my disappointment with book two in the Chosen series, I was very pleased that "Sacrifice" put things back on track. Our story begins right where the previous one ended, Emma believes that Will is dead and she is heartbroken to the point that she goes with Raphael. He is a sneaky sob as Emma is about to find out. While he lets her grieve her loss for a couple of days he immediately begins applying the pressure for her to hone her abilities and bond with him. Emma's feelings are too raw and she doesn't perform as he expects neither is she willing to join with him. Needless to say, Raphael is furious. He takes out his frustration on Emma.

Meanwhile, Will has lost his memory and is now in the hands of the bad guys. When interrogated, Will doesn't understand what is going on. The enemy thinks he is being a smartass. Even though he is confused he has enough awareness to try to escape. Then someone from his past who he is close to comes to give him assistance. Will has vague memories of a woman but he cannot quite put his finger on who she is to him. Over time his memories begin to improve and he realizes that the woman is Emma. He tries to communicate with her through her dreams but she doesn't believe it is real. He only knows that she is miserable and he has to find her.

As Will gets ready to look for Emma he discovers that his mother is in the hospital dying of cancer. He needs to see her but wants to make sure that it is not a trap. There are a lot of hurt feelings between Will and his mother but they both realize that it is time to repair the damage. Will's mother gives him a parting gift knowing that she will never see him again. Will does not understand its significance but in time all will be revealed.

Emma and Will reunite as he exits the hospital. They go on the run as they try to locate Jake. Jake is in his own personal hell with Aiden, his grandfather. There is nothing loving about this monster but Jake will learn to shut out Aiden's power with a little help from a new acquaintance. There is so much turmoil and deception at each and every turn that it is hard to know who the good and bad guys truly are. One thing for sure, if Will, Jake and Emma are to survive they had better figure things out soon.

Although parts of this plot were convoluted, this was a much better read than the second book. Emma's character is growing from weakness to a strong force to be reckon with. What she has yet to learn is that she is so much more with Will in her life. Let's hope she discovers this and embraces it before it is too late. I cannot wait to see how this series ends.

[Musings of a Middle-aged Mum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books by D G Swank before and I love her, so I was very excited to read Chosen.
This book did not disappoint. It follows the story of Emma and her son Jake who live a life on the run from mysterious armed men who are hunting to kill, and appear to get help from a stranger, Will.

This book is supernatural/fantasy, but full of a mother's love for her son. A mother who will do anything to protect him, even giving up her old life to live in hotels from a suitcase. When I chose this book, it was based on the title alone, for my A to Z challenge, so I didn't know what it was going to be about in advance. As I was reading through, I thought that the child, Jake, was the Chosen one, since he is the one with supernatural powers, but it turned out not to be the case.

I couldn't put this book down. It is very well written and kept me wanting more. So much so, that I had to find out what happened next, and next, and next. Not only that, the kindle books have been updated to contain short stories, that give further information about each of the characters, so I had to read those too: Chosen, (short story Emergence), Hunted, (short story Homecoming), Sacrifice, (short story Middle Ground), and Redemption.

Very good, I highly recommend this series.

[Jennifer Haebich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes!

Emma is a badass! Her power grows and so does her knowledge. No matter what gets thrown at her she still gets back up and fights!
Alex and Raphael, are after the same thing but all for selfish reasons. Emma sees through the bullshit but will they dangle something she can't refuse in front of her.
Now Will. I don't want to give away any spoilers but OMG! I freaking new it! You want to know what I am talking about you need to read this book (sorry not sorry). I guess it's true when they say that love an conquer all.
Denise has written an amazing book that I haven't been able to put down and can't wait to continue on with my read. I Can't suggest this book enough. It's full of suspense, drama, love and so many twists you are stuck on a never ending rollercoaster. Brilliant book!

[Rachel (rachelee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely the best book in this Urban Fantasy Thriller series so far! The cliff-hanger ending from the previous book just ups the stakes in this one.

This series is so full of plots twists and surprises. It really keeps you guessing. And HOLD UP we now have three bad guys?! All fighting for power and control! As the rules just keep on changing

The suspense continues. The supernatural element rises. The romance between Will and Emma, as they somehow find their way back to each other after Will loses his memories, is to die for!

My only complaint is that sometimes I felt as though the characters kept talking in circles - like the dialogue is repetitive even in the same scene. It IS a lot of info dumping in some cases as they try to figure out what is going on, so maybe the author is just trying to help us understand it all better? But sometimes I felt like it's just filler.

However, the ending of this book probably holds one if my favorite scenes. It starts off heartbreaking, then BAM! Major suspense, as an important moment between Will & Emma happen, plus a HUGE reveal to top it off! I just might have to go read it again.

Now on to read the epic conclusion!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Emma lost Jake, Will and her unborn baby she ended up with Raphael and he tried to train her at his home in Tennessee. Alex enters the story again when he rescues Will and James in South Dakota, rescues Emma and reunites her with Will. They move to the Southwest for Emma to practice her powers and develop them until she can control them.

They have the book that tells of the prophesy, Will meets he father and finds he is the son of the element Water, which leads to being reunited with Emma and repeating the bonding rites to unite them forever. After all the Sacrifice more is to come in the final book and I am looking forward to what might happen next in this exciting series.

[shirley Margaret Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrifice; Chosen#3 (The Chosen)

I hadn't read anything by this author until I received a free copy of the first book in this series of 4
I loved the storylines and the characters.
I just couldn't set the book down.
I couldn't wait to read the following books (which I actually purchased)!!!!
I've just finished book 3 and now downloading the last book in this series and can't wait to see how the story ends.
If you enjoy a good thriller and also like to read about special people who have just discovered that they have hidden powers,you will really enjoy these books.
This will be the last book of.this series and this will be the series of 4 read within approx: 7 days.
You will find yourself not wanting to miss a thing.

[CA Portnellus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book less stars for the great many errors in it. The story also just swirled about like water in a clogged sink, not quite moving forward or building the proper crescendo and resolve for the story arc. Also the characters continue to rehash and rue their foibles and backstories then of a sudden snap out of it and move on. Such 'old tales' become dull especially when something big is looming large on the horizon. We want to engage in the big stuff. The other thing is that the characters are in a blender, a continuous maelstrom of encounters with the bad guys. It too, becomes tedious. Sometimes making everyone want to throw up like Emma. That gal has some serious gut troubles!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Short review. Third installment in the action packed series. More answers were reveal but also more answers. The chapters with Emma being stuck with Raphael was giving 'Sleeping with the Enemy' vibes Raphael is super creepy I couldn't wait for Emma to get as far away from him as possible. There's a reason for why Raphael is the way he is that will have you feeling slightly sympathetic for what he has gone through. Poor Jake he's being using as a weapon against Emma and being turn into a weapon by a man who only cares about himself. The last part of the book is my favorite part of the book it was emotional and had me yelling I knew it about that reveal.

[Patricia Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

The war has begun...

Emma has lost everything...Jake, Will, her unborn child. She quickly realizes that in order to get back everything she has lost, she needs to join the war of the immortals, even though she doesn't too. In this book you will see Emma learn how to rely on herself while trying figure out how to get rid of the hold Raphael has on her.

After Will has lost all of his memories, he fights to figure out why he has such strong feelings for Emma. His good friend James has a lot of answers, but are they the truth? Who can Will trust?

This book will keep you on your toes and wanting more.

[Samantha Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd book in this series was good, but not as much as I hoped. I felt like the first book was very slow and then the second book seemed to really pick up and get interesting. But after reading the 3rd book, it went back to slow. I am not sure if its because there is SO much going on in this series, but I had a hard time finishing it. I love DGS and all of her books, but this series so far has been my least favorite of hers. But that said, she is still an amazing writer and all of her books are well written and full of suspense, twists, game changers, and they always keep you guessing.

[Samantha Malstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Sacrifice is a great continuation of the Chosen set and the tension building up to the end of the series is evident in this book. Things are starting to set in place although new crazy twists and turns happened that I was not expecting at all. I was so engrossed in this book that I couldn’t put it down until the end and I’m only taking a break to write this review before I dive right in to the next book. I know the series will only get better from here and I can’t wait to see the conclusion.

[Emily Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loosing everything and everyone she loves, Emma is forced to train to win a battle she was forced into. Starting to have second thoughts on Raphael Emma isn't sure she can trust him anymore, unfortunately she doesn't have any other choice. Emma has to learn to trust her instincts. Emma continues to develop as a strong character, but also softening in her emotions to open herself to love. This book is incredibly captivating. The plot has twists and turns that I never saw coming. I tried to predict what would happen, but I never got it right! Looking forward to the final book!

[D Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous story!!

Emma and Will are killing me! So are the rest of the characters. Such a plot line with such emotion! Wowza!

Confession: I got so angsty over where this story was headed that I opened the last book and read a few pages of the last chapter so I wasn't weeping like a baby for this whole book like I was for book 2. That's how good this author is. If I die of a heart attack in 2019, it's her fault. ;)

Contains 1-2 very light petting scenes that lead to the bedroom (and that's the entirety of sex scenes), swearing, and people dying everywhere.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I was able to read this whole series straight through because I don't know if I could have waited for the books to release. I was dying to know how Emma and Will's relationship would pan out after the ending of book 2 and book 3 did not disappoint. Still incredibly fast paced and well written, which kept me turning the pages. Lots of character development throughout this novel as well. And did I mention I just love Emma and Will? One of my favorite novel couples by far.

[Andrea Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved every word and page of Sacrifice! It was full of everything I wanted the 3rd book of The Chosen series. I can feel the story line bubbling to peak and I am excited to reach the peak. I love Emma and Will and their joining. I am excited for more details about Will and Marcus and what changes Marcus brings to the story!
The short story Middle Ground following Sacrifice was also intriguing!

[Khrista Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to stay a step ahead

Sacrifice is an amazing read!! I couldn't put it down, it is non stop action from page 1.
So much happens in this book every player in this story is trying to play catch up. Emma is growing in her power and has come to some conclusions about the prophesy. Will has changed yet again being reunited with Emma and getting an unexpected gift from his mother. Jake is still being groomed by Aiden to expand his growing powers.

[Michele Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!

This book series has its hooks into me. I can’t wait to hear what happens next. I was so happy about Will and Emma and how they have finally progressed where they should be and have become closer. Each has had so many setbacks and heartaches. I hope they are able to save Jake and get their own HEA. Guess I got to read what happens next!! A million stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ x 100,000!!!!

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!

This is a tense and lethal story of Will, Emma and her son Jacob. Will they ever see the end of this united or gone forever in the after life.
I could not put any of these books down. I felt like I was watching the actions through each if their eyes and hearts.
Once you start, don't Stop!
This is an author like Jeff Wheeler and Dannika Dark. She is beyond them.
Ty for this intense ride.