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The Gods of Trivium #1
Sacrifice
One dragon god. One human sacrifice. One don't fall in love.
Dragon gods rule the realm, demons lurk in the shadows and a sorcerer hides a dangerous secret. A war is brewing in Jothesia, and the gods have no idea.
Being selected as human sacrifice to the immortal dragon shifters is supposedly an honor, but rebellious Libby doesn’t see it that way. When the sacrificial ritual goes badly wrong, she finds herself in a reluctant alliance with eldest god Rhetahn. He’s grumpy, cynical and utterly exasperating …and she can’t get him out of her head.
Rhetahn knows there’s something wrong with this sacrifice, and it’s not just her infuriating stubbornness or the way she makes his jaded heart skip a beat. When misfortune befalls his brothers and renders him powerless, his only choice is to unite with Libby to seek answers.
Setting out on a dangerous quest across the realm, the compelling attraction between them is undeniable, yet doomed. To recover his magic, regain his strength and prevent the demons from seizing power, Rhetahn needs Libby's blood. He must kill her at the end of their journey, even if it breaks his heart to do so.
But a terrible power lies hidden in Jothesia, one that could destroy everything the gods have built. Libby and Rhetahn’s forbidden relationship may be the realm’s only hope against utter ruin.
Dragon gods rule the realm, demons lurk in the shadows and a sorcerer hides a dangerous secret. A war is brewing in Jothesia, and the gods have no idea.
Being selected as human sacrifice to the immortal dragon shifters is supposedly an honor, but rebellious Libby doesn’t see it that way. When the sacrificial ritual goes badly wrong, she finds herself in a reluctant alliance with eldest god Rhetahn. He’s grumpy, cynical and utterly exasperating …and she can’t get him out of her head.
Rhetahn knows there’s something wrong with this sacrifice, and it’s not just her infuriating stubbornness or the way she makes his jaded heart skip a beat. When misfortune befalls his brothers and renders him powerless, his only choice is to unite with Libby to seek answers.
Setting out on a dangerous quest across the realm, the compelling attraction between them is undeniable, yet doomed. To recover his magic, regain his strength and prevent the demons from seizing power, Rhetahn needs Libby's blood. He must kill her at the end of their journey, even if it breaks his heart to do so.
But a terrible power lies hidden in Jothesia, one that could destroy everything the gods have built. Libby and Rhetahn’s forbidden relationship may be the realm’s only hope against utter ruin.
- GenresParanormalFantasy
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
About the author
Vicky Walklate
9 books72 followersVicky Walklate is a romance author from Norfolk, UK. She writes full length novels about dragon gods, and spicy novellas about predator monsters. She loves all things monstrous and magical in romance.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 20, 2021
Book # 1 in The Gods of Trivium series, Sacrifice brings forth a fantasy world in all its technicolor brilliance.
This is the 2nd fantasy book that I have read recently where GODS are more or less even weaker than humans, oopsie, creates quite an impression you see...LOL!
Vicky Walklate’s Sacrifice is all about rituals and customs followed by humans who are led by their sorcerers to live alongside the creatures in their world. And what a creature world it is, called Jothesia, there are all kinds of shifters, air, water, ground, and then dwarfs, nalfies, demons, eachy, harpy, to name a few. The dragon shifters are the most powerful of the lot and it is the 3 dragon brothers Rhetahn, Mhaljett, and Storren who are revered as the Gods whose magical powers have to be replenished every 25 years. It is this ritual for which Libby is forced to participate by the High sorcerer and by coincidence chosen as the sacrifice to the Gods.
Libby was an easy character to fall in love with, her kindness and compassion, and of course, the sassy banter with Rhetahn the highlight of the novel. Once she realizes that her blood could be the reason for the mayhem that halts the sacrifice, Libby reluctantly joins Rhetahn as they travel the realm to meet the High sorcerer. The story builds from a painful loss of love but the author skillfully manages to weave a web of deceit and intrigue that has been waiting to happen for more than 2000 years. I loved this fantasy world with its underground tunnels and rivers and the dwarfian town of stalactites. The romance that develops between Libby and Rhetahn felt too quick, I would have loved to have a little slower pace for the feelings to change from enemies to lovers.
It was however the supporting characters like Dax and Fen that absolutely held my fascination. Dax especially with his no-fear attitude to Rhetahn in laying out the truths as he sees fit was superb. Storren has a very minuscule presence in the story but his easy-going charm was definitely felt so much that I hope the author has a full-length role for him in the next.
The ending is an explosive revelation about Libby’s origins, and I can’t wait to grab my hands on the copy of the second book in the series.
Many thanks to the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
This is the 2nd fantasy book that I have read recently where GODS are more or less even weaker than humans, oopsie, creates quite an impression you see...LOL!
Vicky Walklate’s Sacrifice is all about rituals and customs followed by humans who are led by their sorcerers to live alongside the creatures in their world. And what a creature world it is, called Jothesia, there are all kinds of shifters, air, water, ground, and then dwarfs, nalfies, demons, eachy, harpy, to name a few. The dragon shifters are the most powerful of the lot and it is the 3 dragon brothers Rhetahn, Mhaljett, and Storren who are revered as the Gods whose magical powers have to be replenished every 25 years. It is this ritual for which Libby is forced to participate by the High sorcerer and by coincidence chosen as the sacrifice to the Gods.
Libby was an easy character to fall in love with, her kindness and compassion, and of course, the sassy banter with Rhetahn the highlight of the novel. Once she realizes that her blood could be the reason for the mayhem that halts the sacrifice, Libby reluctantly joins Rhetahn as they travel the realm to meet the High sorcerer. The story builds from a painful loss of love but the author skillfully manages to weave a web of deceit and intrigue that has been waiting to happen for more than 2000 years. I loved this fantasy world with its underground tunnels and rivers and the dwarfian town of stalactites. The romance that develops between Libby and Rhetahn felt too quick, I would have loved to have a little slower pace for the feelings to change from enemies to lovers.
It was however the supporting characters like Dax and Fen that absolutely held my fascination. Dax especially with his no-fear attitude to Rhetahn in laying out the truths as he sees fit was superb. Storren has a very minuscule presence in the story but his easy-going charm was definitely felt so much that I hope the author has a full-length role for him in the next.
The ending is an explosive revelation about Libby’s origins, and I can’t wait to grab my hands on the copy of the second book in the series.
Many thanks to the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
February 8, 2023
3.5
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
When Lissabet, or Libby to her friends, is chosen as the sacrifice to The Three dragon gods she’s not just surprised, she’s stunned. She isn’t even one of the choices! She wasn’t supposed to be there at all, but the high sorcerer insisted, so she obeyed. Now, everything is chaos. Not only didn’t she die (yet), but the ritual for The Three has gone horribly wrong. While she and the eldest, Rhetahn, flee across the land searching for answers, demons march from their exile killing all the dragon shifters they come across. Who will be the victors?
This is an interesting world with lots of varied characters. It’s been quite awhile since I read a book where the MC is supposed to be sacrificed. But of course, she’s not, otherwise she wouldn’t be an MC. Right? The whole ritual exploding majestically sideways is a great plot point to build on. It’s the catalyst for chase and survival while trying to get answers. I’m not down with the insta-love though. Lust I can get behind, but love? Nah. Not yet at any rate. The writing tends to get bogged down in some areas and there are times the dialogue tries too hard to flow normally giving it a stilted feel. Also, this book ends on a cliff hanger with only a few issues addressed, but that does give the second book a good jump off point. If you like a rich fantasy world where the characters are in peril then this is the book for you.
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
When Lissabet, or Libby to her friends, is chosen as the sacrifice to The Three dragon gods she’s not just surprised, she’s stunned. She isn’t even one of the choices! She wasn’t supposed to be there at all, but the high sorcerer insisted, so she obeyed. Now, everything is chaos. Not only didn’t she die (yet), but the ritual for The Three has gone horribly wrong. While she and the eldest, Rhetahn, flee across the land searching for answers, demons march from their exile killing all the dragon shifters they come across. Who will be the victors?
This is an interesting world with lots of varied characters. It’s been quite awhile since I read a book where the MC is supposed to be sacrificed. But of course, she’s not, otherwise she wouldn’t be an MC. Right? The whole ritual exploding majestically sideways is a great plot point to build on. It’s the catalyst for chase and survival while trying to get answers. I’m not down with the insta-love though. Lust I can get behind, but love? Nah. Not yet at any rate. The writing tends to get bogged down in some areas and there are times the dialogue tries too hard to flow normally giving it a stilted feel. Also, this book ends on a cliff hanger with only a few issues addressed, but that does give the second book a good jump off point. If you like a rich fantasy world where the characters are in peril then this is the book for you.
January 25, 2023
I received a review copy as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
SACRIFICE is a fun fantasy romance with quest-like elements.
I like quest-esque books, and a major component of quests is the long trek across the landscape, which SACRIFICE has in spades. Libby and Rhetahn have to make a tricky journey under mountains and along rivers, the former of which is none too pleasant (dragons don't like enclosed spaces, and it's also dark and physically taxing.)
Along the way, they meet various people groups and monsters. The main ones are shifters and dwarves. I loved the dwarf cities, the inventiveness and industry-but-make-it-almost-cottagecore-feeling society with their mechanised river travel and illumination boosters. It was a nice way to approach a mythical creature that has so many stereotypes, to make them feel like the typical dwarf but with a different spin.
The book clearly ends with another book to come. A new player and several revelations close off the book. Libby and Rhetahn are together - a happily for now, I think it's called, where it's clear there are still bumps ahead, but they're currently not at loggerheads. It will be interesting to see how they solve the conflicting demands on the magic they're after in the next instalment.
SACRIFICE is a fun fantasy romance with quest-like elements.
I like quest-esque books, and a major component of quests is the long trek across the landscape, which SACRIFICE has in spades. Libby and Rhetahn have to make a tricky journey under mountains and along rivers, the former of which is none too pleasant (dragons don't like enclosed spaces, and it's also dark and physically taxing.)
Along the way, they meet various people groups and monsters. The main ones are shifters and dwarves. I loved the dwarf cities, the inventiveness and industry-but-make-it-almost-cottagecore-feeling society with their mechanised river travel and illumination boosters. It was a nice way to approach a mythical creature that has so many stereotypes, to make them feel like the typical dwarf but with a different spin.
The book clearly ends with another book to come. A new player and several revelations close off the book. Libby and Rhetahn are together - a happily for now, I think it's called, where it's clear there are still bumps ahead, but they're currently not at loggerheads. It will be interesting to see how they solve the conflicting demands on the magic they're after in the next instalment.
August 17, 2021
DNF at 43%.
TLDR: The fantasy elements are interesting, but it's hugely overshadowed by a romance that isn't even a romance. It's straight up insta-lust.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free ebook version in exchange for an honest review. I really tried to keep going and finish the book to honor her gift, but since a main element of the story is so off putting to me that I don't intend on finishing or keeping my copy of the book, I'm giving it one star.
Ok. So. The setup of the story is that Libby, our protagonist, is unwillingly chosen to be sacrificed to the three gods (who are brothers) of the land in order to renew their power. During the ritual, one of the gods suddenly goes mad and kills the youngest brother while severely injuring the oldest. The guards help the oldest brother and Libby escape to the mountains, where they learn demons are invading the land for the first time in millennia. Subsequently, they set out on a journey to find the priests who selected Libby for the sacrifice and find out why the ritual went so wrong. The plan is for the oldest god to then complete the ritual to renew his power so he can save everybody.
This god is the other protagonist, Rhetann. Remember, he's severely injured by his brother's hand after watching him go mad and kill their youngest sibling after 2,000 years of being with each other. He's in hiding and his people are being attacked all around by enemies he hasn't had to deal with for those 2,000 years. He still needs to kill Libby to fix everything. So what does he keep thinking about?
How much he wants to bang her.
I'm not kidding.
To (unsuccessfully) resist his feelings, he declares she's a powerful manipulator who only wants to seduce him so he'll spare her life.
And Libby, learning this after some intense kissing, still (presumably since this is a romance) accepts his advances further into the novel! WHAT!?
In the eternal words of Ron Weasley, they "REALLY need to sort out their priorities."
Basically, the foundations of their relationship are attempted murder, further intent to murder, sexism, and lust. And even though I didn't even get halfway through, I really didn't want to continue knowing their relationship was going to. Even without the murder and ritual sacrifice, a relationship built solely on lust while wrapped in sexism should not be portrayed as desirable. In real life, it often leads to a toxic relationship and abuse.
The romance would have made much more sense if it was a much slower enemies-to-unlikely-friends-to-lovers build. That would have given more needed time for the characters to be developed (both mains feel pretty unoriginal to be brutally honest, which is why I haven't said much about else them). I also didn't appreciate the frequent strong language, although I know others wouldn't mind it at all.
Some good points include a legitimately interesting fantasy system. I actually really enjoyed the idea of a world where turning into a dragon/other animal is a normal part of society, and these ideas are impressively original and well thought out. And although the violence and intimacy levels are something I'm not really comfortable with, I also appreciate the inclusion of content warnings so that I partially knew what to expect going in. Content warnings show a lot of respect for your readers' mental health and I wish more books had them. Again, I am genuinely grateful to the author for being among the first to give me a free copy of their book to honestly review.
But nothing about the romance was appealing to me and I just couldn't get past that.
TLDR: The fantasy elements are interesting, but it's hugely overshadowed by a romance that isn't even a romance. It's straight up insta-lust.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free ebook version in exchange for an honest review. I really tried to keep going and finish the book to honor her gift, but since a main element of the story is so off putting to me that I don't intend on finishing or keeping my copy of the book, I'm giving it one star.
Ok. So. The setup of the story is that Libby, our protagonist, is unwillingly chosen to be sacrificed to the three gods (who are brothers) of the land in order to renew their power. During the ritual, one of the gods suddenly goes mad and kills the youngest brother while severely injuring the oldest. The guards help the oldest brother and Libby escape to the mountains, where they learn demons are invading the land for the first time in millennia. Subsequently, they set out on a journey to find the priests who selected Libby for the sacrifice and find out why the ritual went so wrong. The plan is for the oldest god to then complete the ritual to renew his power so he can save everybody.
This god is the other protagonist, Rhetann. Remember, he's severely injured by his brother's hand after watching him go mad and kill their youngest sibling after 2,000 years of being with each other. He's in hiding and his people are being attacked all around by enemies he hasn't had to deal with for those 2,000 years. He still needs to kill Libby to fix everything. So what does he keep thinking about?
How much he wants to bang her.
I'm not kidding.
To (unsuccessfully) resist his feelings, he declares she's a powerful manipulator who only wants to seduce him so he'll spare her life.
And Libby, learning this after some intense kissing, still (presumably since this is a romance) accepts his advances further into the novel! WHAT!?
In the eternal words of Ron Weasley, they "REALLY need to sort out their priorities."
Basically, the foundations of their relationship are attempted murder, further intent to murder, sexism, and lust. And even though I didn't even get halfway through, I really didn't want to continue knowing their relationship was going to. Even without the murder and ritual sacrifice, a relationship built solely on lust while wrapped in sexism should not be portrayed as desirable. In real life, it often leads to a toxic relationship and abuse.
The romance would have made much more sense if it was a much slower enemies-to-unlikely-friends-to-lovers build. That would have given more needed time for the characters to be developed (both mains feel pretty unoriginal to be brutally honest, which is why I haven't said much about else them). I also didn't appreciate the frequent strong language, although I know others wouldn't mind it at all.
Some good points include a legitimately interesting fantasy system. I actually really enjoyed the idea of a world where turning into a dragon/other animal is a normal part of society, and these ideas are impressively original and well thought out. And although the violence and intimacy levels are something I'm not really comfortable with, I also appreciate the inclusion of content warnings so that I partially knew what to expect going in. Content warnings show a lot of respect for your readers' mental health and I wish more books had them. Again, I am genuinely grateful to the author for being among the first to give me a free copy of their book to honestly review.
But nothing about the romance was appealing to me and I just couldn't get past that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 22, 2022Congratulations for placing 15th in the 2022 BBNYA Competition!
December 14, 2022
Don’t judge a book by its cover, they said. It’ll be fine, they said. I said when I started this book that I didn’t care for the cover. But it has dragons in it, so I was going to give it a try. Having finished it, I can say that I didn’t like the book any more than the cover. But I will say that the cover accurately describes the heroine’s utter Mary Sue-ness to perfection.
This book was a great big fat MEH for me. It actually has an interesting world and lore. Unfortunately, what it ultimately is is a romance, and the romance FLOPPED. I mean splat, giant belly flop from the 15th floor flopped for me. Not only did I not enjoy the romantic aspect, but it also enraged me.
I understand that the author was trying to make her characters conflicted. They had a difficult thing to do. But the reality is that we had a 20-year-old virgin sacrifice being lusted over by a 3,000-year-old man who intended to kill her. And it is lust. He wants her body and the comfort a woman can offer him (and she’s the only one there). And I’m supposed to make a romance out of that skeeviness? No, it 100% did not make that leap for me.
And then, once the plot had decided they were a couple (suspension of disbelief be damned), she because such a limp-wristed Mary Sue that I just couldn’t even like her. All that backbone she started with? Gone, evaporated by his male-ness, I suppose. The plot just became more and more predictable as time went on. Then, as I was warned it would, it ended on a cliffhanger.
All in all, I’m just glad to be done with it. The writing is well-edited and mechanically fine. Those who enjoy a clean romance and a Mary Sue (which some do) will likely enjoy this. I’m just not that reader.
This book was a great big fat MEH for me. It actually has an interesting world and lore. Unfortunately, what it ultimately is is a romance, and the romance FLOPPED. I mean splat, giant belly flop from the 15th floor flopped for me. Not only did I not enjoy the romantic aspect, but it also enraged me.
I understand that the author was trying to make her characters conflicted. They had a difficult thing to do. But the reality is that we had a 20-year-old virgin sacrifice being lusted over by a 3,000-year-old man who intended to kill her. And it is lust. He wants her body and the comfort a woman can offer him (and she’s the only one there). And I’m supposed to make a romance out of that skeeviness? No, it 100% did not make that leap for me.
And then, once the plot had decided they were a couple (suspension of disbelief be damned), she because such a limp-wristed Mary Sue that I just couldn’t even like her. All that backbone she started with? Gone, evaporated by his male-ness, I suppose. The plot just became more and more predictable as time went on. Then, as I was warned it would, it ended on a cliffhanger.
All in all, I’m just glad to be done with it. The writing is well-edited and mechanically fine. Those who enjoy a clean romance and a Mary Sue (which some do) will likely enjoy this. I’m just not that reader.
February 17, 2023
Loved it! It took a bit to get into it, but then I couldn’t wait to devour it! It’s got a fiery female main character who gives as good as she gets! Shapeshifters and dragons are also in abundance:some of my favourite things in books. Can’t wait to read the next one!
December 20, 2022
Every 25 years, the three immortal dragon brothers of Jothesia accept a sacrifice from the humans to retain their power over everyone. When Libby finds herself in the room of potential sacrifices, and then is chosen, everything suddenly changes. The sacrificial ritual goes wrong, leaving Libby alive and forced into a temporary alliance with Rhetahn, the eldest brother.
Despite being his sacrifice, Rheatahn finds himself more and more attracted to Libby and vice versa. To begin with though, these two are very hostile towards one another, which leads to a lot of tense moments! Libby and Rhetahn must travel across the country to seek answers and discover that there is more at stake than the sacrifice going wrong as war is looming. In addition to finding herself attracted to the man planning to kill her for his own gain, Libby begins to discover some things about herself, as she releases a mysterious power.
‘In two thousand years of life, nothing has meant more to me than my time with you.’
I loved the side characters in this and wish we could have seen a bit more of them and I’m sure we will in the sequel. The world building was done well and we were introduced to many different fantasy species in this. I can’t wait to see more of the world building and characters in the next one.
I really enjoyed this one, so definitely check it out if you love fantasy romance!
*Thank you to BBNYA and the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Despite being his sacrifice, Rheatahn finds himself more and more attracted to Libby and vice versa. To begin with though, these two are very hostile towards one another, which leads to a lot of tense moments! Libby and Rhetahn must travel across the country to seek answers and discover that there is more at stake than the sacrifice going wrong as war is looming. In addition to finding herself attracted to the man planning to kill her for his own gain, Libby begins to discover some things about herself, as she releases a mysterious power.
‘In two thousand years of life, nothing has meant more to me than my time with you.’
I loved the side characters in this and wish we could have seen a bit more of them and I’m sure we will in the sequel. The world building was done well and we were introduced to many different fantasy species in this. I can’t wait to see more of the world building and characters in the next one.
I really enjoyed this one, so definitely check it out if you love fantasy romance!
*Thank you to BBNYA and the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.*
August 8, 2022
At first, I was a little conflicted about reading this. I’m a die hard fantasy fan, and the idea of gods, magic, and romance had me ready to go! I will say I was a little concerned that this might border on Stockholm Syndrome. Boy, was I wrong!
This was such an easy read with beautiful, detailed world-building that any fan of fantasy will appreciate. I hold the author at high esteem on this account.
Further to this, the underground village of the dwarves was my favourite part. Amazing—I could picture the whole thing.
I found myself very intrigued by the shifters. I could happily read a prequel or novella just about them. I’d love to know more about Dax and Ren.
Rhetahn, the MMC, is everything you expect from a God. He’s powerful, dominant, in charge, and very protective.
I love the FMC, Libby. She’s funny, strong-minded, and more importantly, and equal match for Rhetahn, who needs pulling down a peg or two at times!
The craft of building this detailed world is what earned it 5 stars from me. There was also a map at the beginning! 😍
I think the author was very smart about keeping the romance as a sub-plot, seeing as Rhetahn initially wanted to kill her, and still did for about half the book. I was still satisfied by the steam of their relationship building, but it was tasteful and not rushed.
Finally, I loveeeeed the twists and turns revealed in the second half of the book. I think I read most of this story in one sitting! Can’t wait to read the sequel when it’s out.
This was such an easy read with beautiful, detailed world-building that any fan of fantasy will appreciate. I hold the author at high esteem on this account.
Further to this, the underground village of the dwarves was my favourite part. Amazing—I could picture the whole thing.
I found myself very intrigued by the shifters. I could happily read a prequel or novella just about them. I’d love to know more about Dax and Ren.
Rhetahn, the MMC, is everything you expect from a God. He’s powerful, dominant, in charge, and very protective.
I love the FMC, Libby. She’s funny, strong-minded, and more importantly, and equal match for Rhetahn, who needs pulling down a peg or two at times!
The craft of building this detailed world is what earned it 5 stars from me. There was also a map at the beginning! 😍
I think the author was very smart about keeping the romance as a sub-plot, seeing as Rhetahn initially wanted to kill her, and still did for about half the book. I was still satisfied by the steam of their relationship building, but it was tasteful and not rushed.
Finally, I loveeeeed the twists and turns revealed in the second half of the book. I think I read most of this story in one sitting! Can’t wait to read the sequel when it’s out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Ratings ~ 4.7 ✨
Sacrifice is a very interesting story about dragon gods who have been living their perfect life away from human life and coming back every 25 year of having their human sacrifice to boost their powers in return for their *coughs* blessings. I loved the female protagonist who was every bit sassy that is required to bring down the egoistical god, Rhetan. She fought her way and finally won everyone's heart even Rhetan's *smirks* *you go girl*
I just can't wait to see the story unfold further. Vicky has done amazing work with world development and lead character. Oh very important thing, I love fen so vicky if you see this, then let me know from where did you get the inspiration to create this amazing personality.
Sacrifice is a very interesting story about dragon gods who have been living their perfect life away from human life and coming back every 25 year of having their human sacrifice to boost their powers in return for their *coughs* blessings. I loved the female protagonist who was every bit sassy that is required to bring down the egoistical god, Rhetan. She fought her way and finally won everyone's heart even Rhetan's *smirks* *you go girl*
I just can't wait to see the story unfold further. Vicky has done amazing work with world development and lead character. Oh very important thing, I love fen so vicky if you see this, then let me know from where did you get the inspiration to create this amazing personality.
February 12, 2023
I found this book due to BBNYA (the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award) where it was a finalist.
Sacrifice is book one in The Gods of Trivium series (a duology rather than the usual trilogy we see so often these days)
The book revolves around the mortal Libby and her developing relationship with the god, Rhetahn. Libby is lovable and the sort of character you just want to have things work out for, I would have liked if she had bit more ‘grey’ in her but still, she is likable. Given the way their relationship started I’m glad the author didn’t push it along too quickly.
The writing is good and easy to get into and the world building is very good. We have a cool fantasy world with dragons and underground towns. In fact these dwarf cites and culture were probably my favourite part of the book.
Overall its a good book, its based off a good idea and full of fun characters and solid world building.
Sacrifice is book one in The Gods of Trivium series (a duology rather than the usual trilogy we see so often these days)
The book revolves around the mortal Libby and her developing relationship with the god, Rhetahn. Libby is lovable and the sort of character you just want to have things work out for, I would have liked if she had bit more ‘grey’ in her but still, she is likable. Given the way their relationship started I’m glad the author didn’t push it along too quickly.
The writing is good and easy to get into and the world building is very good. We have a cool fantasy world with dragons and underground towns. In fact these dwarf cites and culture were probably my favourite part of the book.
Overall its a good book, its based off a good idea and full of fun characters and solid world building.
September 15, 2022
Page turner! This book draws you in and you don't want to leave this realm.
Beautifully written. The wordsmithing is awesome. The descriptions pull you into the book and you feel so at home in this realm.
Libby is a little spitfire and Rhetann has met his match. He may be a dragon God, but Libby is teaching him so much that he will not let her be the sacrifice.
All the characters are so well-rounded and portrayed very well. The descriptions of all facets in this realm are vivid and you feel like you are right there.
I love this journey and want to continue reading. Please publish the next book soon so I can continue on this beautiful journey of Libby and Rhetann.
Beautifully written. The wordsmithing is awesome. The descriptions pull you into the book and you feel so at home in this realm.
Libby is a little spitfire and Rhetann has met his match. He may be a dragon God, but Libby is teaching him so much that he will not let her be the sacrifice.
All the characters are so well-rounded and portrayed very well. The descriptions of all facets in this realm are vivid and you feel like you are right there.
I love this journey and want to continue reading. Please publish the next book soon so I can continue on this beautiful journey of Libby and Rhetann.
July 31, 2021
This novel by Vicky Walklate quickly became one of my favorite reads of all time! Sacrifice, book one in The Gods of Trivium duology, containes everything I love in a story!
The world-building was absolutely amazing and the overall plot was even better! We follow Libby, a young woman, chosen as sacrifice for the dragon gods. But during the ritual, something goes terribly wrong. She then finds herself going on a quest to seek answers together with Rhetahn, one of the immortal gods.
"He was her god, but also her future killer. Her enemy, yet for those few moments in his arms, her comfort."
This story contains a great adventure, many fantasy creatures such as dwarves or shapeshifters and mysterious magical powers. But what intrigued me the most were the different characters and their develloping relationships. Libby absolutely stole my heart! I loved how curious and sassy she was. I admired that she dared to speak her mind and even dared to trick the three gods. I also grew to love the cynical, grumpy Rhetahn and I truly enhoyed the banter and romantic tension between these two.
For those who love an adventurous fantasy story intertwined with romance, I highly recommend this book!
Many thanks to the author for gifting me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
The world-building was absolutely amazing and the overall plot was even better! We follow Libby, a young woman, chosen as sacrifice for the dragon gods. But during the ritual, something goes terribly wrong. She then finds herself going on a quest to seek answers together with Rhetahn, one of the immortal gods.
"He was her god, but also her future killer. Her enemy, yet for those few moments in his arms, her comfort."
This story contains a great adventure, many fantasy creatures such as dwarves or shapeshifters and mysterious magical powers. But what intrigued me the most were the different characters and their develloping relationships. Libby absolutely stole my heart! I loved how curious and sassy she was. I admired that she dared to speak her mind and even dared to trick the three gods. I also grew to love the cynical, grumpy Rhetahn and I truly enhoyed the banter and romantic tension between these two.
For those who love an adventurous fantasy story intertwined with romance, I highly recommend this book!
Many thanks to the author for gifting me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The cast of characters are vividly brought to life and the story is well-written and drew me in from the start. The descriptive passages are particularly well done with beautiful detail which i really like. Look forward to the next instalment!
December 28, 2021
Written in the style of classical epic fantasy, this enemies-to-lovers romance is full of fun characters, twists, reimagined lore and worldbuilding. I'm looking forward to the next book!
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars
May 12, 2024
I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed Sacrifice. The various races in Jothesia worship a trio of gods, dragon shifters who saved the realm from demons many, many years before. When Libby is chosen as a sacrifice for the shifters, she doesn’t see it as the honour others view it as. But when she is about to be killed, things go wrong, and she escapes with the eldest god Rhetahn. With ground shifter Dax helping them, the pair set out across the realm, Rhetahn determined to finish the ritual when possible. But sacrificing the determined, stubborn Libby soon becomes something he dreads, and he knows the end of the journey will break his heart.
I’m going to start this with the things I disliked. The climax (pun slightly intended) felt a bit weak. The novel was building up towards a confrontation, but took a big turn away from it and gave us something else that wasn’t really even hinted at. A character was introduced here who could have been speculated on earlier, but as it was it felt a bit too out of the blue when it didn’t have to be. The ending felt a bit like a forced cliff-hanger, too, leaving just a bit too much dangling for my taste. I prefer there to be a balance, between some things wrapped up, and some threads left, but this had too much of the latter. It made the book feel like too much of a tease (again, pun intended). Some scenes did drag a touch, and there were chunks that felt like they could have been cut out without losing much.
With that out of the way! The things I really did love – the way the relationship between Libby and Rhetahn developed (why did no one shorten his name to Rhet though?). These two are constantly trying to push each other away, but can’t help the way they’re drawn together, and it works really well. The characterisation of both meant they feel like they fit together, and the best scenes where when they were a confined space together (there’s a few. They’re great).
-The supporting characters. Imaginative, fun, and each with their own clear, distinct role to play. Again, it feels like we don’t quite get enough of that sometimes.
-The journey. There was a lot of thought given to the world itself, the various inhabitants, and the way the characters could move through it. It definitely felt like the kind of world you could revisit with different stories, and I really enjoyed seeing different parts of it.
I had a lot of fun reading Sacrifice, and it definitely had all the elements I really enjoy in Romances. I look forward to reading book #2!
I’m going to start this with the things I disliked. The climax (pun slightly intended) felt a bit weak. The novel was building up towards a confrontation, but took a big turn away from it and gave us something else that wasn’t really even hinted at. A character was introduced here who could have been speculated on earlier, but as it was it felt a bit too out of the blue when it didn’t have to be. The ending felt a bit like a forced cliff-hanger, too, leaving just a bit too much dangling for my taste. I prefer there to be a balance, between some things wrapped up, and some threads left, but this had too much of the latter. It made the book feel like too much of a tease (again, pun intended). Some scenes did drag a touch, and there were chunks that felt like they could have been cut out without losing much.
With that out of the way! The things I really did love – the way the relationship between Libby and Rhetahn developed (why did no one shorten his name to Rhet though?). These two are constantly trying to push each other away, but can’t help the way they’re drawn together, and it works really well. The characterisation of both meant they feel like they fit together, and the best scenes where when they were a confined space together (there’s a few. They’re great).
-The supporting characters. Imaginative, fun, and each with their own clear, distinct role to play. Again, it feels like we don’t quite get enough of that sometimes.
-The journey. There was a lot of thought given to the world itself, the various inhabitants, and the way the characters could move through it. It definitely felt like the kind of world you could revisit with different stories, and I really enjoyed seeing different parts of it.
I had a lot of fun reading Sacrifice, and it definitely had all the elements I really enjoy in Romances. I look forward to reading book #2!
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