Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dark Mission #4

Sacrifice the Wicked

Rate this book
It's a battle of the sexes in this hot new book in Karina Cooper's Dark Mission series, as reluctant allies become passionate lovers in a world on the brink of destruction

375 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 25, 2012

8 people are currently reading
392 people want to read

About the author

Karina Cooper

23 books265 followers
After writing happily ever afters for all of her friends in school, Karina Cooper eventually grew up (sort of), went to work in the real world (kind of), where she decided that making stuff up was way more fun (true!). She is the author of dark and sexy paranormal romance, steampunk urban fantasy, and writes across multiple genres with mad glee.

One part glamour, one part dork and all imagination, Karina is also a gamer, an airship captain’s wife, and a steampunk fashionista. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with a husband, a menagerie, a severe coffee habit, and a passel of adopted gamer geeks. Visit her at www.karinacooper.com, because she says so.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
51 (25%)
4 stars
81 (40%)
3 stars
52 (26%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,760 followers
November 20, 2015

Sacrifice the Wicked is the fourth book in Karina Cooper’s Dark Mission series, and is an intriguing, exciting, sexy story!
From the cover:

Parker Adams has always done what’s expected of her . . . until a double agent with nothing to lose ignites a passion she doesn’t dare give in to.

Mission Agent Simon Wells is everything Parker Adams has been trained to fight: manipulator, murderer, spy… witch. But for her, what makes Simon most dangerous is his mesmerizing sexual magnetism, powerful enough to tempt even the famed ice queen of the Mission. Though she knows better, each encounter with the deceptive agent leaves her craving more.

Simon isn’t a man to let go of what’s his, and his pursuit forces Parker, a woman he can’t get out from under his skin, to make a stand that could destroy her. If they can work together, they might survive the politics that have enslaved their devastated world—or fall victim to the pitfalls of desperation, bone-deep mistrust, and a hunger that threatens to consume them.
I began this book having not read the previous installments, and I’ll say this right up front – I really don’t recommend it. If you have the opportunity, I strongly encourage you to start at the beginning and work your way through

Based on this book alone I can tell you that the world Ms. Cooper has created is complex, compelling, and without a doubt, fascinating, but it was Simon and Parker’s relationship progression and their off-the-charts sexual chemistry that drew me in and kept me turning the pages. The storytelling is so well done that even though I probably should have set it aside until I could read the other books, I couldn’t put it down.

I’m looking forward to reading the series from the start because this is one hell of a world and I want to explore every bit of it!

3.5/5 stars

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle the Romance Witch.
2,529 reviews75 followers
October 24, 2012
I began this series on a whim when I found the first book at a used store, and have been keeping up. This was another intriguing installment in the series for sure. Set in post-apocalyptic Seattle, after a huge worldwide catastrophe has left most settlements cut off from each other and a large gap in the classes, the world is not a friendly place for witches. The church blames witches for the disasters that have befallen the world and the masses have turned against any and all forms of magic in fear of something like this happening again. Parker is the new leader of the field arm of the church, the group that is actively hunting and disposing of these hated individuals. She suspects witches are beginning to eat away about the foundation of her Mission, and is confronted with the proof in the form of Agent Simon Wells. Both a Witch and a Mission agent, he is riding the rim between his mission and his peers, all while trying to protect himself and save his own life from ending in a terrifying and extremely explosive fashion. Together they are faced with their own mortality and morality and they race to stop a modern day dr. Mengele who is causing the deaths of hundreds of "subjects", i.e.. witches. Faced with the truth our the organization and the love of a good man , who just happens to also be a witch, Parker must decide if she is willing to give it all up to save her lover and prevent the coming destruction or all she had ever believed in. With the return of several favorite characters and lots of action and suspense this installment of the story was definitely worth the read, though I did feel there were a lot of lose ends. Can't wait to read the next in the series to see if some of those are all nicely tied up.
Profile Image for Jen Davis.
Author 7 books726 followers
January 4, 2013
If you still have a copy of All Things Wicked sitting on your bookshelf, heed my advice and reacquaint yourself with it before you pick up this book. I didn't and I wish I had. If you've never read a Dark Mission book before, I suggest you start with Blood of the Wicked. Otherwise, you'll have no idea what is going on here.

This book draws heavily on the events of the previous installment and while there is a little bit of recap, there is not much. So I spent a little too much time, straining my brain to remember who, for instance, Nadia Parrish was, and where the hero fit in to the Eve project. The book assumes a working knowledge of the world-building and of past events.

All that being said, I think this is my favorite book in the series. The romance was smoking hot. Phenomenal sexual tension and sweltering bedroom action. (*fans self*)

Simon Wells is an agent for the mission, but he is also a genetically engineered witch. He's been placed in the mission as a spy for another sector of the Order. There are, in fact, other witches who have been placed in similar positions. But their DNA is degenerating. And it's Simon's job to take them out cleanly, before they die an ugly death and expose the program.

Parker is the Mission's director and she takes her job seriously. She knows there is something amiss with Simon and Sector Three, but she has no idea how deep it goes. The fact that she is wildly attracted to Simon only makes matters worse.

When Parker's name appears on Simon's hit list, he decides enough is enough. He won't kill this loyal, amazing and dedicated woman, just because she is getting too close to the truth. So the two of them go on the run... trying to get one step ahead of Sector Three and the timebomb of Simon's faulty DNA that's ready to blow at any moment.

Parker is this amazingly put together woman, who maintains absolute control at all times. Except with Simon. There is a sinful dominating quality about him that simply makes her melt. (And me too!!) He reduces her to her most feminine and pliant... and he is so sexy and growly and... It's just really hot. She fights it and fights it, which makes it all the more satisfying when they finally get together. Rraw!

I'm not going to say too much more except to warn you that there is a big, wet, sticky cliffhanger. None of the other books ended this way, so when I got to the last page, I was unprepared for the story to end without resolution. Boo!!!! Clearly, I will be reading book 5 to see what the hell happens next.

Rating: B



*ARC Provided by Avon
Profile Image for Laura.
124 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2025
Should be 5 stars

This book meets my 5 star review requirements. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It also pissed me off.

Spoiler alert

The main lead male is a manipulator he uses the attraction of the main female to manipulate her and uses other things to manipulate others. He has to be a manipulator given his upbringing. I do get that. It just really is something that irritates me in a book Especially the sexual manipulation. To then turn it into something positive is hard to buy. it's really hard for someone to manipulate you sexually and then for you to be in love with them going forward, at least in my experience, Very few books I feel are successful in making that transition from manipulator to lover by choice. This book did a better job than most but I still felt like there should have been more animosity and tension as they made their transition to a different kind of relation. The other aspect of this book to be warned about is very much spycraft The whole series is really it just becomes more so as the books go on and the stakes are raised it's a good book it's a good series I gave the others 5 stars so you should definitely read the series and don't skip this book you need it. It's worth it. It may not be as good as the others but it's still a really good book. The whole series is really enjoyable so far and I can't wait to see what the author does next the series is very unique and special and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy romance with Many intense moments of action and suspense.
Profile Image for Deborah Gebhardt.
891 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2024
Fifty years before the events of these stories, Seattle was devasted by a massive earthquake. None saw it coming, except the witches and who could they tell and be believed?
The new Seattle was rebuilt upon the ruins, the old government was dismantled, including law enforcement. A cathedral was built and its missionaries sent out, not to protect and serve the citizens, but to hunt down (killing if necessary) witches and those who aid them.
I suggest you read these in order, each couple's story is "complete" with their novel, but the backstory continues and develops and so they read better in order.
Missionary, Simon Wells, has been tasked with recovering information that Director Parker Adams isn't supposed to have, while, against his better judgment, he finds himself falling in love with her. They might have a common enemy in the politics that has made their world so very hard to survive in.
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,171 reviews81 followers
June 22, 2015
This is the fourth book in Karina Cooper’s post-apocalyptic series, Dark Mission. This series is based in Seattle after it was almost entirely destroyed and there is a war between the witches (who were blamed for the massive earthquake that helped destroy Seattle) and the witch hunters who are a part of the church which has basically become the biggest power left and rules both secular and non-secular. Each book as a different main character but the overall plot is continued through each book. I don't think this would be a very good stand alone book as too much has happened in previous books that make a big difference in this book. Both main characters in this book have had a fairly large role in previous books as well.

This book centers around Director Parker Adams who leads Sector Five is the unit that mainly hunts down the witches. Her unit has been infiltrated by Sector Three and the agents are witches. Simon Wells is a witch who works for Sector Three but is assigned to Director Parker. She knows that he is a witch and has no choice but to accept his working in her unit but she doesn't like it and knows there is more going on then she is being told. She is running her own investigation to figure out what Sector Three is up to and SImon is trying to dissuade her from that since he knows it will put her in grave danger and he is very attracted to her.

Sector Three has been running human experiments and Simon is one of those, unfortunately something went wrong and all the witches that were experimented on are dying. Simon doesn't have long to live and he knows it. In fact, he has been assigned to kill the witches before they degenerate completely and the experiments come to light. Simon has his own agenda but everything changes when he find Director Adams name on the hit list.

I'm not sure why I don't love this series. The world is intriguing and very different. However, it seems I constantly find myself taking forever to get through the books. Maybe if I read them closer together I would like them more since I seem to forget a lot between the books. The characters in this book are just okay for me. Director Adams is a very strong female who wants to know what is going on and wants to take care of her people. She has a very strong since of responsibility and I enjoyed her being in lust with Simon but still making the decisions that would be best for her division. The part I didn't get was how she went from lust to love. They end up on the run together since several agents are trying to kill her and within two days they are in love.

Simon falling in love with Parker was easier to believe. Maybe because throughout the book he is always trying to protect her and you know he has feelings for her. Or maybe because you know he is dying and so it is easier for him to admit that he is falling for her. He is a strong hero but not completely black and white. He has a selfish streak and doesn't always make the best decisions but I think that just makes him more believalble and well rounded.

There is a lot of action in the book until about the middle of it and then it just bogs down. The characters in previous book are brought back in and I had trouble remembering exactly what had happened with all of them (Again because it was a long time in between books). Instead of big action scene at the end that closed this part of the story it ended in a big cliffhanger.
I still think there issome good in the Dark Mission series. Cooper has created an interesting world of witches & hunters in an intense Seattle setting.

I really want to love this series, I just don't. There is one more to finish it up and although I'm curious to see how it all ends I'm not in a hurry to buy it. I guess that's the bottom line, it's a decent read but doesn't leave me wanting more.
Profile Image for Beth Dawkins.
Author 11 books22 followers
October 10, 2012
Director Parker Adams knows that Sector Three has infiltrated her Mission with witches. She has also taken classified reports that have to do with GeneCorp, and she believes are connected with Sector Three. Simon Wells takes it upon himself to relieve Adam’s of the classified reports. He breaks into her house, and accomplishes this, but on the way out someone takes the reports from him when he starts to have a degradation attack. He is a GeneCorp witch, and he knows that he doesn’t have that long to live. After he steals the report Adams meets with an informant. After her meeting with the informant Simon finds her name on Sector Three’s hit list.

This is the fourth book in Cooper’s post-apocalyptic series, Dark Mission. Each book so far has revolved around shifting POVs of a heroine and hero, who fall in love. Simon and Adams played a large role in the book before this one, All Things Wicked. Sacrifice the Wicked feels a lot like a middle book. Events don’t play out as heavy as they did in All Things Wicked. This being the fourth book I encourage readers to start at book one, unless they want a quick romance with danger sprinkled in.

I didn’t know how to feel about Parker Adams. She is a stronger female lead than some of the women in the past, and has a level head for the most part. I enjoyed her falling in lust with Simon, but I didn’t enjoy her falling in love with him. When he comes to her apartment to save her, she is ready to shoot him, and rightly so. They end up having to run for their lives. Her attraction for Simon isn’t about just how hot he is. It is also for how alpha male he is. The steamy scenes are hot, but it is no more than two days together (maybe less) before they are declaring love. Danger happens, and Simon is the hero that rocks her world.

Simon was much easier to get a handle on. He is strong in almost all ways, but he is dying. It’s something he has come to terms with until Adams is in his life. He quickly falls for her without meaning to, and for some reason this is more believable on his side. Perhaps it is because he is dying, or that he admits to dreaming about her, but most of all, I think it’s the romance of him coming for her when she is in danger. Cooper does a great job of showing the reader how much Adams means to him.

The start of the book is full of action and lusty scenes that pull the story along until just past the midway point in the book. After that the novel slows down. It starts to get really confusing. Like all of the novels in this series, I expected a big show down at the end. Instead all I found was the first cliff hanger in this series. Nothing changes for Simon and Adams. I felt let down by this, the start of the novel was an improvement, but it fell off towards the end.

I still think there is some good in the Dark Mission series. Cooper has created an interesting world of witches & hunters in an intense Seattle setting. In the first novels I wanted more out of the setting, which happened in the All Things Wicked. In Sacrificed the Wicked the strong point is Simon’s character. He is one of the better protagonists in this series. On the other hand this book reminds me of Blood of the Wicked, the first in the series. There aren’t any surprises, or anything new here and it’s starting to feel as if the romances are being recycled.
1,122 reviews302 followers
Read
October 10, 2012
Director Parker Adams knows that Sector Three has infiltrated her Mission with witches. She has also taken classified reports that have to do with GeneCorp, and she believes are connected with Sector Three. Simon Wells takes it upon himself to relieve Adam’s of the classified reports. He breaks into her house, and accomplishes this, but on the way out someone takes the reports from him when he starts to have a degradation attack. He is a GeneCorp witch, and he knows that he doesn’t have that long to live. After he steals the report Adams meets with an informant. After her meeting with the informant Simon finds her name on Sector Three’s hit list.

This is the fourth book in Cooper’s post-apocalyptic series, Dark Mission. Each book so far has revolved around shifting POVs of a heroine and hero, who fall in love. Simon and Adams played a large role in the book before this one, All Things Wicked. Sacrifice the Wicked feels a lot like a middle book. Events don’t play out as heavy as they did in All Things Wicked. This being the fourth book I encourage readers to start at book one, unless they want a quick romance with danger sprinkled in.

I didn’t know how to feel about Parker Adams. She is a stronger female lead than some of the women in the past, and has a level head for the most part. I enjoyed her falling in lust with Simon, but I didn’t enjoy her falling in love with him. When he comes to her apartment to save her, she is ready to shoot him, and rightly so. They end up having to run for their lives. Her attraction for Simon isn’t about just how hot he is. It is also for how alpha male he is. The steamy scenes are hot, but it is no more than two days together (maybe less) before they are declaring love. Danger happens, and Simon is the hero that rocks her world.

Simon was much easier to get a handle on. He is strong in almost all ways, but he is dying. It’s something he has come to terms with until Adams is in his life. He quickly falls for her without meaning to, and for some reason this is more believable on his side. Perhaps it is because he is dying, or that he admits to dreaming about her, but most of all, I think it’s the romance of him coming for her when she is in danger. Cooper does a great job of showing the reader how much Adams means to him.

The start of the book is full of action and lusty scenes that pull the story along until just past the midway point in the book. After that the novel slows down. It starts to get really confusing. Like all of the novels in this series, I expected a big show down at the end. Instead all I found was the first cliff hanger in this series. Nothing changes for Simon and Adams. I felt let down by this, the start of the novel was an improvement, but it fell off towards the end.

I still think there is some good in the Dark Mission series. Cooper has created an interesting world of witches & hunters in an intense Seattle setting. In the first novels I wanted more out of the setting, which happened in the All Things Wicked. In Sacrificed the Wicked the strong point is Simon’s character. He is one of the better protagonists in this series. On the other hand this book reminds me of Blood of the Wicked, the first in the series. There aren’t any surprises, or anything new here and it’s starting to feel as if the romances are being recycled.
- Beth
Profile Image for Novels On The Run.
846 reviews67 followers
February 3, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle - February 1st 2013:

RATING: 4.5 SMEXI SIMON STARS!!

Location, topside, New Seattle, and is the proverbial poop flying about in this installment.

Mission Agent Simon Wells, and Director Parker Adams, as Parker must keep reminding Mr Wells, she is the Director, he is the Agent, are getting themselves in and out of a pile of doo doo continuously in this installment.

Fast paced scenes with some time out for Simon to get a tumble between the sheets with the straight laced, by the book, Parker.

That book is getting thrown in the shredder.

Simon is rewriting it.

Corrupt agents, who does Parker trust? Can she, should she, place her trust in Agent Wells? Does she have a choice?

Parker has to dig deep and decide does she go with her gut feeling and trust nobody, not even her own people? Things are not adding up. There is a political game being played and she aims to find out who the players are.

But she can’t do it alone.

Parker didn’t figure into Simon’s big picture. She was a means to get what he needed done. He is dying like all the witches. He needs answers and quick. He has selfish motives, but then he can’t seem to get Parker Adams out of his heart, out of danger, out of his bed, out of his mind.

Back to the drawing board.

Parker is in trouble, up to her eyeballs. Simon is playing on two teams. Parker does not like what she is uncovering and the powers above want her snooping stopped.

Permanently.

Kayleigh is finding her world turned upside down. Who does she trust? Something isn’t feeling right. But her father would not lie to her....would he?

The witches are just subjects, nothing more.

Aren’t they?

I like Danny, I hope he gets a bigger role in future installments. There was something very engaging about the guy.

Jonas...sweet Jonas.... Karina you had me worried. Don’t do that to me! Not nice!

Executions, corrupt team members, loyal friends who had been tucked into the background coming into play, new friends, political terminations, dying witches, lust, and fast paced action makes this series very intriguing to read.

Book 1 to book 4, so much has changed, been uncovered. Who is loyal, who is trustworthy? Can the remaining witches be saved from a horrible death..... or an execution?

What is worse?

Who is 100% batting for good and who is only appearing to bat for good?

I think you will be surprised!

If you enjoy Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghost series, I think you would enjoy this series.

I just happened to get an email showing me a novella. Just after I wrote this review.

Bouncy. Bouncy.

Now I get Jona’s novella...Woot!! Wicked Lies # 4.5 .....and ummmm....from the blurb, me thinks it may be Team Jonny :)

I did a double take!

* waggles eyebrows*

Bring . It. On!

Michelle
Profile Image for Michelle  novelsontherun.
659 reviews62 followers
February 3, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle - February 1st 2013:

RATING: 4.5 SMEXI SIMON STARS!!

Location, topside, New Seattle, and is the proverbial poop flying about in this installment.

Mission Agent Simon Wells, and Director Parker Adams, as Parker must keep reminding Mr Wells, she is the Director, he is the Agent, are getting themselves in and out of a pile of doo doo continuously in this installment.

Fast paced scenes with some time out for Simon to get a tumble between the sheets with the straight laced, by the book, Parker.

That book is getting thrown in the shredder.

Simon is rewriting it.

Corrupt agents, who does Parker trust? Can she, should she, place her trust in Agent Wells? Does she have a choice?

Parker has to dig deep and decide does she go with her gut feeling and trust nobody, not even her own people? Things are not adding up. There is a political game being played and she aims to find out who the players are.

But she can’t do it alone.

Parker didn’t figure into Simon’s big picture. She was a means to get what he needed done. He is dying like all the witches. He needs answers and quick. He has selfish motives, but then he can’t seem to get Parker Adams out of his heart, out of danger, out of his bed, out of his mind.

Back to the drawing board.

Parker is in trouble, up to her eyeballs. Simon is playing on two teams. Parker does not like what she is uncovering and the powers above want her snooping stopped.

Permanently.

Kayleigh is finding her world turned upside down. Who does she trust? Something isn’t feeling right. But her father would not lie to her....would he?

The witches are just subjects, nothing more.

Aren’t they?

I like Danny, I hope he gets a bigger role in future installments. There was something very engaging about the guy.

Jonas...sweet Jonas.... Karina you had me worried. Don’t do that to me! Not nice!

Executions, corrupt team members, loyal friends who had been tucked into the background coming into play, new friends, political terminations, dying witches, lust, and fast paced action makes this series very intriguing to read.

Book 1 to book 4, so much has changed, been uncovered. Who is loyal, who is trustworthy? Can the remaining witches be saved from a horrible death..... or an execution?

What is worse?

Who is 100% batting for good and who is only appearing to bat for good?

I think you will be surprised!

If you enjoy Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghost series, I think you would enjoy this series.

I just happened to get an email showing me a novella. Just after I wrote this review.

Bouncy. Bouncy.

Now I get Jona’s novella...Woot!! Wicked Lies # 4.5 .....and ummmm....from the blurb, me thinks it may be Team Jonny :)

I did a double take!

* waggles eyebrows*

Bring . It. On!

Michelle
Profile Image for Paranormal Romance.
1,312 reviews46 followers
April 7, 2025
The heroine is on the trail to unravel the conspiracy behind who's been killing her agents and slowly dismantling her power over her people. She knows the hero is a traitor, a spy for a secret organization who have gone against the Church and have long since manufactured witch super soldiers.

The hero himself is such a creature-created in a lab with a strict expiry date that's fast approaching. He's already showing the signs all of his brethren had before he was tasked to put them down. He has enough on his plate without having to deal with the frustrating but captivating mission Director. When her snooping ends up putting her name on the kill list, the hero-not surprised with the news after having warned her off her stubborn digging-knows that he can't let her die. Not only does she hold the cure for what's killing him but rather more pressing, he can't stand the idea of her dying-not while he stills lives.

So, he breaks ties with his organization and saves her from attack, tries to get her somewhere safe. But the heroine doesn't make it easy on him. She's had to fight for everything in her life and fight harder to keep control over her life that's rapidly falling apart. She's horribly stubborn and ignorant to the fact that there's nothing she can do to save her division or her people. She doesn't trust the hero. Partly because he does everything in his power to aggravate her and make her see red with irritation but also because he's a witch. Although he's an oxymoron-a witch/ witch hunter, and everything she's been taught to hate, she's attracted to the man. But he keeps secrets and she's not the type of person to follow anyone blindly. She asks a million questions-especially at times when they clearly have no time for answers. It drove me freaking crazy when she was blabber on about answers or "insert threat here"-when they're being hunted by assassins or running for their lives while the hero is bleeding out from a knife wound. Although it was an admirable trait the loyalty she had for her soldiers, over all I could not stand the woman.

I enjoyed the hero. He was flippant and jovial at most times-mainly just to arrogate the stern joyless heroine, but he really was a tortured soul. Knowing he was dying from massive headaches that made him gush blood from his nose to having to hunt down and kill his fellow soldiers-he hide his pain well. I thought their romance was a bit stretched at least on the heroine’s side as she spent most of the book practicing her ice maiden routine. When she suddenly flipped and became affectionate-I didn't belief it. I liked this book but I wasn't in love.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
Author 8 books322 followers
October 1, 2012
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.

Karina Cooper has taken the primary world building conflict of her Dark Mission series to a new level. What was once witches versus witch hunters, now boils with conspiracy within the Mission. We know witches were being made a la super soldiers for the Mission. We know that many of these manufactured witches have died. And we learned some of our key players in the earlier novels are products of GeneCorp.

This time we spend time with Mission Director Parker Adams. She’s still trying to figure out what the hell went on at the old GeneCorp building at the end of All Things Wicked. She’s trying to investigate Operation Wayward Rose, but Sector Three isn’t having it. She knows witches have infiltrated her mission and is trying to figure out which people are truly hers. It’s quite infuriating for her. She is a dedicated and fiercely loyal woman. Her determination—or stubbornness, depending on who you ask—is a defining trait and one that amplifies the chemistry between her and Missionary-slash-Project-Salem-agent Simon Wells.

Simon can’t help but push Parker’s buttons. It’s too fun for him, and he’s running out of time for fun. He works for Sector Three, but is embedded in Parker’s Mission. He isn’t exactly hiding this from her. He can’t hide his feelings, either. As Sector Three turns up the heat, he has to choose between orders and the woman he loves. (Guess which way he goes there.)

Simon and Parker have a dynamic push-and-pull relationship with power plays and smoking-hot sex. Hard not to love that, right? What impressed me even more is somehow Cooper wrote her best hero yet. I thought I was head-over-heels for Silas. Then I was charmed by Phin. In the last book, I was surprised how quickly Caleb became my new favorite. Now bossy, protective, snarky, possessive Simon is my favorite of the Dark Mission heroes. Not kidding, folks. If you enjoy alphas, you’ll swoon for Simon.

Sacrifice the Wicked is heavy on the action and the sexual tension. If you love antagonistic relationships, clandestine meetings and conspiracies mixed in with heart-string-tugging romance, pick it up.

Sexual content: Sex
Profile Image for Melinda.
525 reviews
January 8, 2015
I don't really know what to say about this novel. I liked that the plot was different and unique for me. It seems to be set in post-apocalytic Seattle in the midst of a battle between witches and witch hunters. The witch hunters belong to the Church which is kind of a governmental organization but not. The main characters Parker and Simon are on different sides of the battle, but they are hella attracted to each other.

I was more interested in the world than the romance. Goodreads doesn't list this book as being part of a series but the author's website does. This is book 4 of the series and I really wish that I had read the other books first becasue I was lost a few times in the plot. There were things that weren't really explained like why witches are bad in this world. As someone who hasn't read the other books, I thought that witches were being persecuted by the church (sounds familiar doesn't it). I will read the early books because I want to understand the world built but I had a hard time connecting to Parker and Simon as a couple. I liked Parker a lot as a character. And I spent the whole novel rooting for her. Simon I sympathized with but I didn't really connect with his character. I believed that I would have liked this novel a little more if I had read the series from the beginning.
Profile Image for Vanessa theJeepDiva.
1,257 reviews118 followers
March 1, 2013
After the fan incident in All Things Wicked, yeah stuff hit it. I could not wait to dive into Sacrifice the Wicked. The revelations made were going to have some strong repercussions that flowed over into the next book. There was also that thing that Simon and Parker had not going. I knew these two would be a treat to read, especially considering there was a huge non trust potential enemy thing.

Simon is very sexy and extremely dangerous. I was left questioning his motives more times that I can count. He made an intense hero to fall in love with. He was paired with an equally intense heroine. Parker is one passionate woman. She is determined in outing the spy’s that have infiltrated her mission and uncover all the secrets that are being covered up by the Church. She also has full intentions of overthrowing all the conspiracies she is finding along the way. Parker has near fatal tunnel vision when it comes to these tasks. As a pair they are a force to be reckoned with and one the Church should fear.

The Dark Mission series has a dark edge that readers don’t get to see too often. I love dark books. The darkness in this series is often cruel and always heartless. The deeper readers are taken into this gritty post-apocalyptic Seattle the darker things become. The secrets that have been hidden for decades are beginning to be revealed at an alarming rate. The pace is accelerating and I am so glad I jumped on this thrill ride.

The ending left me slightly aggravated. I can assure you I would have been even more upset if I had to wait for the next book in the series. Luckily it is in my Kindle. It is not a cliff hanger. There are just questions I need answers to right this second.
Profile Image for Robin Priddy.
98 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2014
Mission Director Parker Adams knows that something is not right within the church. She hbas started an undercover operation trying to find out just what Operation Wayward Rose is. Sector Three keeps throwing roadblocks in her way. They have even gone so far as to pup spys in as her agents. Parker doesn't know who she can trust. But there is one agent she knows for sure is an agent for Sector Three. Parker values control above all else but there is something about this undercover agent that draws her to him.
Simon Wells is not only a Missionary but also a witch. He is part of Sector Threes Project Salem. They are combining DNA from Missionarys and Witches to creat their own brand of super soldiers. But there is something wrong the subjects are dying and they can find no way to stop it. Simon is part of a group that has managed to live longer than the other groups but they are still dying. When Simon finds Parkers name on a hit list he knows it is up to him to save her. Now he has to choose between doing his duty or saving the woman he has come to love.
This is the fourth installment in Ms Copper's Dark Mission series. This book has two very strong characters. Parker who values control and Simon who is all alpha male. The interaction between the main characters is very intense. The action and romance is this story is just the correct mix. This is a series that keeps getting better and better with each story. The fifth installment in the series, One for the Wicked is sechulded to be released April 30th 2013.
Profile Image for Jo .
2,679 reviews68 followers
September 24, 2013
Sacrifice the Wicked is several books into the Dark Hunter novels. It seems to start where the last on left off and ends very abruptly.

I would not recommend reading this series out of order. The world building was done in previous books. In Sacrifice the Wicked I was dropped into the world with no explanation. It was the same with back-story. Side characters appeared with no explanation of who and what they were. While I read I got the impression I should recognize the world, know the back-story, and remember the characters.

Having said all of that I liked the story enough that I will go back and find the previous books and will read the next book when it comes out.
This is a fast paced book filled with tension. The two main characters, Parker Adams and Simon Wells, are front and center for most of the story. Parker is the Mission Director and Simon is suppose to be one of her Missionaries. (This is where you really need to know the world building and the back-story.) Parker is on the up and up, a really good director concerned for her people. Simon is on a plant but is playing for more than one side. When things start to go really wrong the two are thrown together.

The story is built on things that happened in previous books. The action moves the plot forward putting characters where they need to be for the next book. Then it just quits. That is what made me compare it to the old movie serials. There is exciting action, some story movement but it leaves you wanting to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,050 reviews
November 1, 2012
If you’re looking for a fun, sexy paranormal romance that doesn’t have vampires or werewolves in it Karina Cooper’s Dark Mission series is for you. I’ve been enjoying this series from the beginning. I love the post-Armageddon world she has built in Seattle and the cast of characters that keep you guessing who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy. Even though each story has their own HEA there is an overarching plotline between all four books so I do not recommend starting here with Sacrifice the Wicked because it can get a little confusing. But because I’ve been enjoying the series since the beginning I fell in love again with Ms. Cooper and her witches. Simon Wells has been working undercover at the Mission as an agent hiding that he is really a witch. He has been reporting to Director Parker Adams but what he feels for her is a little more than just your typical boss/employee relationship. When Parker’s life is on the line Simon will throw out any agenda he previously had to save the woman he cares for. But can Parker set aside her many years as a Mission agent to understand the real agenda? Great movement in the storyline paired with great action and a steamy romance made this another fun read. I’ll be sad to see this series come to an end.
Profile Image for Julz.
5 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2013
I don't know what I feel where this book is concerned. First of all I haven't read any of the others before it so dropping in during the middle of a series was really confusing and I spent most of my time trying to figure out what's going on. Regardless of that there's non stop action that really pulls you in and never really a down moment. Super exciting. Although the ending is an issue for me. It's not a cliffhanger since you're not left sitting there thinking "OMG what now?" More like it just ends. Drops you off on what feels like the middle of the story with no warning. I'm definitely going to read the next book to see what happens and hopefully feel less confused with that one.
Profile Image for Ellie.
95 reviews
October 19, 2012
Steamy and perfect for all you in-charge women who have a bedroom submissive hidden inside you. Simon is all alpha male and everything Director Adams needs to make her let go. In general, the story line has moved in a totally different direction than the first books lead me to believe. This book starts out of nowhere and leaves you wondering what it all has to do with the main plot until the end. Things are heating up fast (in more ways than one). I wonder how many more books Ms. Cooper plans to write in this series. I'd like to see it concluded as opposed to dragged on and on.
Profile Image for Britt Marczak.
510 reviews42 followers
May 11, 2013
More like 4.5 Stars. I really liked the tension and chemistry between Parker and Simon. As I've said before, characters always sell me on a book, pretty much regardless of plot.

But the plot in Sacrifice the Wicked is also wonderful. You really feel the climax of the series building. Each page turned has more and more tension escalating. It was really hard putting this one down and forcing myself to sleep between reads.

Beautifully done, Karina.

Another book I've loved!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
73 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2012
For the first time in along time I can honestly say I really didn't like this book much. The ending was crap. I understand it leaves more to the imagination but come on now! The next book (if it comes to it) needs to step up and explain a helluva lot. Otherwise its a no go for me.
Profile Image for Erin.
140 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2013
of all the books in this series, Sacrifice the Wicked is my favorite. I Loved that Parker is forced to take a much harder look at all that she considers true. I love that Simon makes such a wonderfully flawed hero.
Profile Image for Kelly at.
1,145 reviews13 followers
Read
September 8, 2012
I had to DNF this book. Not because it was bad. But because I really think that I need to start with book one to understand the world. Starting with book 5 is not recommended.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.