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The Sacrifice
The most powerful weapon against evil is sacrifice.
Attorney Scott Ellis is defending Lester Garrison, a 16-year-old accused of opening gunfire on a Sunday afternoon church gathering.
At the same time, Scott's volunteer work at the local high school brings him into contact with Kay Wilson, an English teacher and former girlfriend. Unknown to either of them, Catawba High School is not just a place of learning--it's a battleground for an age-old struggle between good and evil. On one side are praying students and a simple janitor with an extraordinary faith. On the other side is a deeply troubled young man intent on mass destruction.
Caught in the middle, Scott and Kay learn that lasting victory will require the ultimate sacrifice.
Attorney Scott Ellis is defending Lester Garrison, a 16-year-old accused of opening gunfire on a Sunday afternoon church gathering.
At the same time, Scott's volunteer work at the local high school brings him into contact with Kay Wilson, an English teacher and former girlfriend. Unknown to either of them, Catawba High School is not just a place of learning--it's a battleground for an age-old struggle between good and evil. On one side are praying students and a simple janitor with an extraordinary faith. On the other side is a deeply troubled young man intent on mass destruction.
Caught in the middle, Scott and Kay learn that lasting victory will require the ultimate sacrifice.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
71 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Robert Whitlow
50 books969 followersRobert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 7, 2022
An exciting read!
October 16, 2019
I really like Robert Whitlow’s books, but this one was, by far, my favorite. It was so relevant and encouraging. There are several plot lines weaving together towards the finish, and Whitlow does a good job keeping them all going and interesting. The group of Christian high-schoolers who pray weekly in the cafeteria , and their effect on the culminating event, was amazing and inspiring. If I could sum up the most important message of this book it is that consistent, specific prayer is EFFECTIVE and life-changing and WILL make a difference in the world around us. This may have been a work of fiction, but I’ve seen this truth played out in my own personal life and in the lives of those I’ve known. As Christians we are too quick to put our hands up in defeat at what we can’t “do,” and not realize the privilege and power that comes through the intercessory prayers of God’s people. The difference isn’t in how good a person is or how many “things” they do for God, but in realizing that God CALLS us to pray in order to open up the power of His throne room to our and others’ lives. Will tragedy always be averted? Will “bad” things or people not win the day? No, but when God’s people pray intercessory prayers, hearts are changed and eternity can be affected for God’s purpose and glory. Just as Jesus lives to intercede for us, so we ought to commit to intercede for others. The last chapters of this book were such an awesome reminder of this. Be encouraged, child of God, seek, ask, pray!!!
July 23, 2020
I really struggled to get into this book and it didn’t pick up for me until the end. It felt like too many characters weren’t fully developed and the different plot lines just didn’t flow together. The ending was a bit predictable but I enjoyed the parts with the students prayer group and the janitor and how that tied into the ending.
January 1, 2017
I always enjoy a good Robert Whitlow novel!
January 22, 2024
Trying to do too much (2 stars)
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, known for his Christian legal thrillers. I could handle the simplistic 'accept Jesus' conversion stories that appeared a few times – that’s to be expected of a lot of Christian fiction. But he has some strange ideas how God works, because in this novel it is not the Word that produces conversion, but human experience. God tells people things (eg he commands a janitor to immigrate to America, and later he tells that same person to take a school yearbook and pray for a specific girl). One character gets words from God and tells someone all kinds of things. Another character gets a song in her head because she’s a Christian. Angels also appear to someone and do things. So yes: theologically problematic in multiple ways.
There are other problems: a character gets into a romance with lady who is on the verge of divorce, even though she is still a married woman at that point, and this is presented positively and sympathetically. Even on the level of plot it is disappointing, because there are too many plot lines, and the author is clearly trying to do too much at once. I’ll have to try one of his highest rated books to see whether or not I should give up on Whitlow once and for all.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, known for his Christian legal thrillers. I could handle the simplistic 'accept Jesus' conversion stories that appeared a few times – that’s to be expected of a lot of Christian fiction. But he has some strange ideas how God works, because in this novel it is not the Word that produces conversion, but human experience. God tells people things (eg he commands a janitor to immigrate to America, and later he tells that same person to take a school yearbook and pray for a specific girl). One character gets words from God and tells someone all kinds of things. Another character gets a song in her head because she’s a Christian. Angels also appear to someone and do things. So yes: theologically problematic in multiple ways.
There are other problems: a character gets into a romance with lady who is on the verge of divorce, even though she is still a married woman at that point, and this is presented positively and sympathetically. Even on the level of plot it is disappointing, because there are too many plot lines, and the author is clearly trying to do too much at once. I’ll have to try one of his highest rated books to see whether or not I should give up on Whitlow once and for all.
September 1, 2025
No one with a rag in one hand and a bucket of soapy water in the other stood vigil over the students who prayed in the cafeteria each Tuesday. No one carefully studied an old yearbook and asked the Holy Spirit to reveal young people and teachers who needed special prayer.
No one prayed for lockers or praised God while operating a buffing machine. Tao was gone. But Tao’s prayers remained. True intercession endures beyond this earthly life. Amen is not a word of ending but an affirmation of faith for the future. Tao’s prayers didn’t die when he took his last breath. They remained alive like unseen banners suspended from the cafeteria ceiling and hidden signs posted along the hallways where he’d worked. Nothing God inspires is lost. Nothing his servants do in obedience is wasted.
Thank you, for this prayer without ceasing. 🙏
No one prayed for lockers or praised God while operating a buffing machine. Tao was gone. But Tao’s prayers remained. True intercession endures beyond this earthly life. Amen is not a word of ending but an affirmation of faith for the future. Tao’s prayers didn’t die when he took his last breath. They remained alive like unseen banners suspended from the cafeteria ceiling and hidden signs posted along the hallways where he’d worked. Nothing God inspires is lost. Nothing his servants do in obedience is wasted.
Thank you, for this prayer without ceasing. 🙏
January 18, 2019
This was the first book I have read by Robert Whitlow, and it was a *good read* but I really can’t go above three stars. There was a little too much drag in the plot, but many instances of shine, as well. The last few chapters were riveting. If I had rated it in the few minutes after reading the last five chapters or so, the rating might have been higher, but upon reflection, I have to take the entire book into account. That being said, I have to stick with a three-star rating, meaning that the story had merit, it entertained me, and I wanted to find out what the conclusion would be, also there were some very good Christian messages/lessons and quotable quotes, but I don’t think I would put it on my top-reads-of-all-time list.
July 1, 2020
I loved this book. I'm not typically into courtroom style books, but Robert Whitlow did a great job keeping me engaged in the various plots going on in the story. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that certain aspects of the plot was very predictable. If you read it, you'll probably quickly realize which plots I'm referring to. But the good news is that even though I figured out certain parts of the plot early, it's all still executed in a manner that left me feeling fulfilled and happy that I gave this novel a chance. I would definitely recommend this book to other people (in fact, I recommended it to my daughter earlier today!). I look forward to reading more by Robert Whitlow.
June 23, 2017
This is one of Whitlow's best examples of how a contemporary writer can present a riveting and compelling story that combines faith and plot without resorting to preachy overtones or flat technique.
The storyline weaves together several sub-plots that finally merge into an amazing conclusion that surprisingly hit me emotionally, as I become invested in the main characters. It's not often a writer can create characters who are so developed that I become attached to them. This, to me, is what stands out about Whitlow.
Whitlow is adept at developing plausible characterization through backstory, dialogue, and an appropriate omniscient point-of-view.
He is rapidly becoming a favorite author.
The storyline weaves together several sub-plots that finally merge into an amazing conclusion that surprisingly hit me emotionally, as I become invested in the main characters. It's not often a writer can create characters who are so developed that I become attached to them. This, to me, is what stands out about Whitlow.
Whitlow is adept at developing plausible characterization through backstory, dialogue, and an appropriate omniscient point-of-view.
He is rapidly becoming a favorite author.
February 6, 2023
‘Evil still exists in this world and bad things happen. But God has not left his people without the right to petition heaven’
4.5⭐️
Lots of characters and storylines that intertwine. I found one glaring medical error that the author never followed through. Relating to a blood glucose of 215 in a diabetic that was then left alone. ( I fully expected serious repercussions but it was never mentioned again).
The author delved into the spiritual realm but handled it very well. And I cried at the end so gave it an extra half star.
‘Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it’
4.5⭐️
Lots of characters and storylines that intertwine. I found one glaring medical error that the author never followed through. Relating to a blood glucose of 215 in a diabetic that was then left alone. ( I fully expected serious repercussions but it was never mentioned again).
The author delved into the spiritual realm but handled it very well. And I cried at the end so gave it an extra half star.
‘Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it’
January 14, 2020
A book about the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid with his unfathomable love for us. Again a romance book of sorts. A relationship that didn’t complete itself as a teenager romance because there were questions that each never asked of the other. Assumptions were made instead. The English teacher is going through a divorce currently and their old romance is allowed to flare up again. Scott is a lawyer.
October 15, 2022
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Every Scott Whitlow book I have read has a happy ending: many people in the books either begin or strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord: endings such as that cannot be eclipsed. Yes, it was a "happy ending" in the most profound sense of the Word.
Once I finish and publish this review, I am switching over to the Kindle store to by another one!!
Every Scott Whitlow book I have read has a happy ending: many people in the books either begin or strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord: endings such as that cannot be eclipsed. Yes, it was a "happy ending" in the most profound sense of the Word.
Once I finish and publish this review, I am switching over to the Kindle store to by another one!!
November 16, 2023
I almost gave up on this book a few times. I believe there was a lot in the story the author could’ve done without. The story was all over the place and focused more on Kay and Scott’s personal relationship than the main plot. I would’ve enjoyed reading more about Tao and his spiritual experiences and Lester. Although the ending was predictable, it was still enjoyable and a tear jerker for sure. Unfortunately it ended as soon as the best part of the story started.
April 16, 2025
Although Mr. Whitlow is not my favorite author, I've read several of his books and find them very readable. I enjoy the legal, as well as the N. Carolina setting. This particular book is very Christian, urging the reader throughout to consider the role of God in his/her life. The characters are interesting and mostly well-developed. The conclusion to the mystery bomber was not unexpected, but was satisfying.
July 2, 2018
This is well written and heart felt!
Robert Whitlow puts words together in a compelling way but even more important fly you feel his message. This book The Sacrifice is his best. I can't recommend it highly enough. My background is publishing so I read a lot - can't wait to get to his next book.
Robert Whitlow puts words together in a compelling way but even more important fly you feel his message. This book The Sacrifice is his best. I can't recommend it highly enough. My background is publishing so I read a lot - can't wait to get to his next book.
October 27, 2023
Great book
This was an outstanding book. Good story, interesting characters and a story line all Christians can be inspired by. We all need to be more in tune with those around us. We all need to spend time in prayer for them. Family, friends, acquaintances and fellow workers. God honors the faithful prayers of His people. I love reading Robert Whitlow
This was an outstanding book. Good story, interesting characters and a story line all Christians can be inspired by. We all need to be more in tune with those around us. We all need to spend time in prayer for them. Family, friends, acquaintances and fellow workers. God honors the faithful prayers of His people. I love reading Robert Whitlow
October 26, 2017
Legal Mystery
Romance, integrity, and redemption - all in one story - this well-written drama kept me entertained and inspired. The author sprinkled enough humility and good male humor throughout the book to keep me entertained too.
Romance, integrity, and redemption - all in one story - this well-written drama kept me entertained and inspired. The author sprinkled enough humility and good male humor throughout the book to keep me entertained too.
October 19, 2018
High school settings aren't my favorite, and people with racial prejudice aren't my favorite. BUT Whitlow did a great job of keeping my interest, so this was a good book. I like the mixture of spiritual reality with everyday events!
December 8, 2018
I have enjoyed all of his works. Christian fiction at it's best. Real life situations with redemption, joy, prayer and also sorrow at the heart. I really liked the way the author explained the death of a true Christian. So much reassurance to me!!
April 7, 2019
Encouraging and entertaining
As a voracious reader, I'm happy to have discovered another writer of detective fiction. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the characters' struggles and growth in their faith. I'll definitely be reading more of Whitlow's work.
As a voracious reader, I'm happy to have discovered another writer of detective fiction. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the characters' struggles and growth in their faith. I'll definitely be reading more of Whitlow's work.
May 18, 2019
Great writing, great book!
I'm a fan of Robert Whitlow's gift. This is now the third book I've read & each has been exciting, uplifting and challenging. I just can't express my thanks for this book and the gifted author who wrote it. Highly recommend!
I'm a fan of Robert Whitlow's gift. This is now the third book I've read & each has been exciting, uplifting and challenging. I just can't express my thanks for this book and the gifted author who wrote it. Highly recommend!
May 27, 2019
Believable and gripping.
Various themes wind through the novel, including loneliness, abandonment, prejudice, faith, courage, and the sovereign will of God. Choices made and forgiveness offered; a great read.
Various themes wind through the novel, including loneliness, abandonment, prejudice, faith, courage, and the sovereign will of God. Choices made and forgiveness offered; a great read.
April 21, 2020
The title says it all!
I have read many of the authors books and I find this one of his best. For believers it is affirmation of God's presence in our lives. For the seeking it points to the only sacrifice that matters, Jesus! It also has a great story.
I have read many of the authors books and I find this one of his best. For believers it is affirmation of God's presence in our lives. For the seeking it points to the only sacrifice that matters, Jesus! It also has a great story.
May 12, 2021
Robert Whitlow
Excellent mix of suspense and mystery. Love the way he brings the different characters in and works the gospel in. Would recommend the Sacrifice to anyone wanting a good read.
Excellent mix of suspense and mystery. Love the way he brings the different characters in and works the gospel in. Would recommend the Sacrifice to anyone wanting a good read.
August 6, 2024
Oh My Goodness. This book - to date - is Whitlow's best.
It was very emotional. Choked me up more than once. Great characters, powerful story.
Loved it. (I wish, A Time to Stand had been as powerful).
It was very emotional. Choked me up more than once. Great characters, powerful story.
Loved it. (I wish, A Time to Stand had been as powerful).
October 5, 2017
The s sacrifice
I have just finished three of ur books always get messing have read a house divided twice I read the list last wknd I recommend all I have read
I have just finished three of ur books always get messing have read a house divided twice I read the list last wknd I recommend all I have read
May 27, 2018
I usually love his books but this one just didn’t do it.
May 30, 2018
Fabulous book!
August 1, 2018
WOW! I enjoyed this story! I was immediately immersed from the beginning. It is well written and nicely paced. I highly recommend!
August 9, 2018
Loved it!
Really enjoy this author and I thought this was one of his best. Great character development. Meaningful messages throughput the story. Highly recommend.
Really enjoy this author and I thought this was one of his best. Great character development. Meaningful messages throughput the story. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews