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Sacrifice
Lady Zarya of Balhae never thought she would be chosen for a deadly task – but now The Blood Ritual demands a sacrifice.
With her brother’s disappearance looming over her, Zarya throws herself into representing her father’s position as Prime Fae Minister. As the Spring Equinox looms, she is given the opportunity to prove her worth to both the Queen and the rest of the Kingdom of Balhae’s royal court: complete the long-forgotten Blood Ritual. Tasked with crossing into the mortal realm to retrieve a chosen sacrifice that will ensure a bountiful harvest for her kingdom, she accepts—and it is quickly revealed she will be hunting a human.
Driven by both duty and ambition, Zarya enters the realm of strange customs, fragile lives, unexpected kingdoms and harsh cruelties. Although, having crossed the border and mingled among humans, she finds her loyalties tangled. As she fights to navigate both the Terra and the emotions rising with each day she spends with the irritatingly handsome mortal, her immortality offers no sympathy. When the ritual demands blood, she is forced to confront what it truly means to wield courage—and what she is willing to sacrifice to keep it.
A dark fae fantasy of blood, romance, vulnerability, and the cost of ambition, Sacrifice explores the grey space between honour and cruelty, and what it means to carve your own path.
With her brother’s disappearance looming over her, Zarya throws herself into representing her father’s position as Prime Fae Minister. As the Spring Equinox looms, she is given the opportunity to prove her worth to both the Queen and the rest of the Kingdom of Balhae’s royal court: complete the long-forgotten Blood Ritual. Tasked with crossing into the mortal realm to retrieve a chosen sacrifice that will ensure a bountiful harvest for her kingdom, she accepts—and it is quickly revealed she will be hunting a human.
Driven by both duty and ambition, Zarya enters the realm of strange customs, fragile lives, unexpected kingdoms and harsh cruelties. Although, having crossed the border and mingled among humans, she finds her loyalties tangled. As she fights to navigate both the Terra and the emotions rising with each day she spends with the irritatingly handsome mortal, her immortality offers no sympathy. When the ritual demands blood, she is forced to confront what it truly means to wield courage—and what she is willing to sacrifice to keep it.
A dark fae fantasy of blood, romance, vulnerability, and the cost of ambition, Sacrifice explores the grey space between honour and cruelty, and what it means to carve your own path.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2025
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Avianna Bishop
1 book3 followersAvianna Bishop is a Canadian-born fantasy author. She graduated from Vancouver Film School in 2021 in 3D Animation and Visual Effects. Her debut fantasy novel, Sacrifice — is a dark, emotionally charged story filled with morally grey choices and unforgiving truths. Avianna believes in balancing the scales of storytelling by giving a voice to complex female leads traditionally reserved for male heroes. Residing on Vancouver Island, Avianna is passionate about flipping the script and encouraging women to forge their own path.
When she’s not writing, Avianna practices visual art, event planning, and is heavily involved with her local community.
When she’s not writing, Avianna practices visual art, event planning, and is heavily involved with her local community.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 21, 2025
3.25
First of all, a huge thank you for the ARC—what a ride! And I have to say, discovering in the acknowledgments that the author is Canadian genuinely made my day. There’s something extra special about supporting a fellow Canadian voice in fantasy. 🇨🇦
Zarya and Atlas’ story was a gripping, emotional journey through a world that’s layered and full of mystery. There are still so many unanswered questions about the cultures and histories introduced—and I mean that in the best way. I’m especially keeping my distance from anything involving needle and string… if you know, you know.
Now let’s talk about Ram. RAM. The breakout star for me, no contest. There’s something about him—maybe a bit of a trickster vibe, maybe a savior in disguise—but whatever it is, I need more. I’m not sure if I should be suspicious or start a fan club.
There were a few minor spelling and grammar hiccups, but nothing that took me out of the story. Honestly, I think this series has real potential to grow with each book.
All in all, Sacrifice was an engaging, imaginative start to what I hope becomes an epic series.
First of all, a huge thank you for the ARC—what a ride! And I have to say, discovering in the acknowledgments that the author is Canadian genuinely made my day. There’s something extra special about supporting a fellow Canadian voice in fantasy. 🇨🇦
Zarya and Atlas’ story was a gripping, emotional journey through a world that’s layered and full of mystery. There are still so many unanswered questions about the cultures and histories introduced—and I mean that in the best way. I’m especially keeping my distance from anything involving needle and string… if you know, you know.
Now let’s talk about Ram. RAM. The breakout star for me, no contest. There’s something about him—maybe a bit of a trickster vibe, maybe a savior in disguise—but whatever it is, I need more. I’m not sure if I should be suspicious or start a fan club.
There were a few minor spelling and grammar hiccups, but nothing that took me out of the story. Honestly, I think this series has real potential to grow with each book.
All in all, Sacrifice was an engaging, imaginative start to what I hope becomes an epic series.
June 21, 2025
Review Based on An Advanced Reader Copy
Expected September 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ❤️🔥
A tragic romance that discusses sacrifice, death, and m*rder
Sacrifice is a romantasy that has you wanting to come back for more. I couldn’t help but get sucked into this novel as it is different from the novels that I’ve read in the past/usually read. While I’m a sucker for spicy romances, it was nice to read a sweet story that doesn’t revolve around the spicier side of a relationship.
Atlas and Zarya take you on an adventure through a beautifully built world. Through their interactions with each other and the other characters they come across, Bishop’s use of her characters to address the varying conflicts in the novel in a way that’s engaging makes Sacrifice such a joy to read.
For me this is definitely a recommended read for fantasy lovers. Whether you prefer non-romance novels or romantasy, this one may just be in your wheel house because it’s not too heavy on the romance side of things. Can’t wait for the official release.
Expected September 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ❤️🔥
A tragic romance that discusses sacrifice, death, and m*rder
Sacrifice is a romantasy that has you wanting to come back for more. I couldn’t help but get sucked into this novel as it is different from the novels that I’ve read in the past/usually read. While I’m a sucker for spicy romances, it was nice to read a sweet story that doesn’t revolve around the spicier side of a relationship.
Atlas and Zarya take you on an adventure through a beautifully built world. Through their interactions with each other and the other characters they come across, Bishop’s use of her characters to address the varying conflicts in the novel in a way that’s engaging makes Sacrifice such a joy to read.
For me this is definitely a recommended read for fantasy lovers. Whether you prefer non-romance novels or romantasy, this one may just be in your wheel house because it’s not too heavy on the romance side of things. Can’t wait for the official release.
June 12, 2025
This books is such an adventure - tension, LOVERS AND ENEMIES AND MAGIC and everything in between. Avianna does an excellent job of balancing settings and characters and plot while keeping readers intrigued.
I need myself an Atlas in this life. if anyone knows where to find a cute mortal, let me know. 🫶🏼
This review is based off the ARC copy.
I need myself an Atlas in this life. if anyone knows where to find a cute mortal, let me know. 🫶🏼
This review is based off the ARC copy.
October 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this debut novel and I’m so excited to know it’s the first in a series. The story hook me in pretty early and the writing is easy to absorb. I read this book in 2 days, I was that hooked!
September 27, 2025
**ARC Review**
A charming debut novel with a strong female protagonist! I absolutely loved the main character’s quirks throughout her journey from Balhae to the mortal realm and back again.
Though there is romance present, it doesn’t overwhelm the story and the romance that is present felt like deep pining and a sprinkle of angst. I would say this is a true fantasy adventure with good world building and some unique elements in the magic system. I particularly enjoyed the librarian’s book teleportation system!
I often caught myself trying to predict what would happen next only to be proven wrong, (plot twists galore)! Each chapter kept me on my toes, and the ending has left me eagerly awaiting the sequel.
A charming debut novel with a strong female protagonist! I absolutely loved the main character’s quirks throughout her journey from Balhae to the mortal realm and back again.
Though there is romance present, it doesn’t overwhelm the story and the romance that is present felt like deep pining and a sprinkle of angst. I would say this is a true fantasy adventure with good world building and some unique elements in the magic system. I particularly enjoyed the librarian’s book teleportation system!
I often caught myself trying to predict what would happen next only to be proven wrong, (plot twists galore)! Each chapter kept me on my toes, and the ending has left me eagerly awaiting the sequel.
August 19, 2025
Zarya must undertake an ambitious task; find a mortal for ritual sacrifice. But the more time she spends with the mortals, and the mysterious Atlas in particular, she begins to realize just how twisted the world of the Fae has become.
Bishop unravels the expectations of modern romantasy and turns it on its head, bringing a new lens to the genre to be explored. She takes the overused tropes of Fae and enemies-to-lovers and spins them expertly into a new tapestry of intrigue and adventure, one that leaves you desperate for the next instalment. As tensions rise for Zarya and Atlas, and new secrets are pulled apart at the seams, you’re left to wonder: will Zarya go through with the sacrifice? And if she doesn’t, what does that mean for not only Balhae but all of Terra Viventium?
Bishop unravels the expectations of modern romantasy and turns it on its head, bringing a new lens to the genre to be explored. She takes the overused tropes of Fae and enemies-to-lovers and spins them expertly into a new tapestry of intrigue and adventure, one that leaves you desperate for the next instalment. As tensions rise for Zarya and Atlas, and new secrets are pulled apart at the seams, you’re left to wonder: will Zarya go through with the sacrifice? And if she doesn’t, what does that mean for not only Balhae but all of Terra Viventium?
August 17, 2025
Absolutely beautiful storytelling. From the minute I opened the book I was pulled into the story. I was LITERALLY going to cry at some points and I don’t even cry while reading.
(Fr sometimes my family asked me if I was doing ok cause I looked FRIGHTENED)
(Fr sometimes my family asked me if I was doing ok cause I looked FRIGHTENED)
October 28, 2025
As a debut novel, Sacrifice is a really solid jumping-off point, and I will absolutely be reading the next book!
In under 400 pages we were taken on a cross-border journey, introduced to heavy topics, given breadcrumbs that hint at the larger plot, and shown a variety of characters who all had unique personalities. The world-building and magic system were done well, which made reading a breeze.
I was given an ARC of Sacrifice in return for my honest review.
In under 400 pages we were taken on a cross-border journey, introduced to heavy topics, given breadcrumbs that hint at the larger plot, and shown a variety of characters who all had unique personalities. The world-building and magic system were done well, which made reading a breeze.
I was given an ARC of Sacrifice in return for my honest review.
August 6, 2025
I received this as an eARC and I wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity to read this before the release on September 30th!
I was also so excited to learn that Avianna Bishop is a fellow Canadian! So happy to support a Canadian Author.
I enjoyed Zarya's journey throughout the book. I loved seeing her learn and have her eyes opened in the mortal world and laughed at her telling secrets to her food. I was intrigued by the different people we met along the way in the mortal world and that's all I'll say so I don't give anything away!
I loved Ram and Atlas, they brought great contrast and growth to Zarya's character.
I also really loved that she had signing in her book, I don't actually know if I've read a book where there's a character that signs.
Things definitely really picked up during the second half of the book and I flew through it. The way it ended....please say there is a book two and it isn't too far behind. ;)
I was also so excited to learn that Avianna Bishop is a fellow Canadian! So happy to support a Canadian Author.
I enjoyed Zarya's journey throughout the book. I loved seeing her learn and have her eyes opened in the mortal world and laughed at her telling secrets to her food. I was intrigued by the different people we met along the way in the mortal world and that's all I'll say so I don't give anything away!
I loved Ram and Atlas, they brought great contrast and growth to Zarya's character.
I also really loved that she had signing in her book, I don't actually know if I've read a book where there's a character that signs.
Things definitely really picked up during the second half of the book and I flew through it. The way it ended....please say there is a book two and it isn't too far behind. ;)
June 21, 2025
I think that for a first time novelist, this book has a decent storyline and the potential to be great.
While the story kept me engaged, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth when it came to the characters and world building. I felt like not enough detail was given to certain areas that would benefit from it and too much where it didn’t matter.
I will say that I LOVED the FMC’s narration and perspective when in the mortal world and when Zarya whispers to her food, I laughed out loud - that was HILARIOUS and was definitely a highlight of my read. I’m still thinking about it.
Looks like there will be more books in this series based on the ending, I look forward to reading the next installment.
September 27, 2025
Firstly, I thank the author for providing me with an ARC!
I always love reading first-time-author's works. It's so impressive to develope a world and fill it with characters and give them agency.
Sacrifice looks at what it means to be human by experiencing both the mortal and fae realms through the eyes of a young fae named Zarya who has been set a terrible task. Throughout her quest, she meets good and bad humans and fae alike, and in the end she must do what she feels is moral and just even if it means tipping the world as she knows it on its head.
My favourite characters in this book were the Baxter Family and their chickens. Kindness is a gift ❤️🐤 also, shout out to Agape the librarian and her book earrings!
I always love reading first-time-author's works. It's so impressive to develope a world and fill it with characters and give them agency.
Sacrifice looks at what it means to be human by experiencing both the mortal and fae realms through the eyes of a young fae named Zarya who has been set a terrible task. Throughout her quest, she meets good and bad humans and fae alike, and in the end she must do what she feels is moral and just even if it means tipping the world as she knows it on its head.
My favourite characters in this book were the Baxter Family and their chickens. Kindness is a gift ❤️🐤 also, shout out to Agape the librarian and her book earrings!
June 23, 2025
I received this as an ARC book. Avianna is a Canadian author you should look out for. Her story telling is amazing and her characters are well developed. The magic system in Sacrifice is unique and I cannot wait to read more from this world. Zarya is a main character with something to prove, to herself and those who doubt her. She goes on a journey not knowing what to expect and learns about herself and her target along the way. The twists kept me at the edge of my seat and the ending has me sad I'm waiting for the next book. You will not be disappointed reading this book.
June 12, 2025
I am biased as the Author. However, knowing the amount of time and effort that has gone into this project, I can't help feel the need to put 5 stars on my own hard work.
I hope those who pick up this book enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Cheers!
Avianna
I hope those who pick up this book enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Cheers!
Avianna
June 23, 2025
Wow!! I knew my daughter had many talents but I am biased that way. I am an avid reader and I could not put this book down. The story kept me engaged throughout and begging for more once the book finished! The characters had me engrossed, the setting was vibrant and new yet familiar, and the plot twists were unexpected. The romance was light and relatable for first love, reminiscent of a Victorian courtship. The challenges Zarya faces bring great tension to the storyline and I am sure her story does not end here. I highly recommend this fantasy and eagerly look forward to the continuation of this saga!!
August 4, 2025
Firstly, a huge thank you for the ARC!
Sacrifice was a pure delight to read. I wasn't bored at any point in the story. The spice level was also perfect (just kissing). I hope we get a continuation of Zarya and Atlas's story.
Wil definitely buy a copy when it releases
Sacrifice was a pure delight to read. I wasn't bored at any point in the story. The spice level was also perfect (just kissing). I hope we get a continuation of Zarya and Atlas's story.
Wil definitely buy a copy when it releases
June 14, 2025
Love it and love the author!
December 25, 2025
Avianna is a great writer. I very much enjoyed her writing style.
The plot and scenery were very well thought out and was very clear and descriptive. There was a great flow to the story. I wasn't bored through any of it. I devoured this on my day off today. I had a few good literal laugh out loud chuckles "Are children's toes detachable?" And I might also have to start telling secrets to my food moving forward!
⭐️ 4.5
🌶 0 (some kissing)
🔮 Unique magic
Potential for enemies to lovers and forbidden romance. Looking forward to book 2! At least, with that ending, I am hoping there will be more.
Thank Avianna for the ARC! It was a great read and I will absolutely read more from you in the future if you write more!
The plot and scenery were very well thought out and was very clear and descriptive. There was a great flow to the story. I wasn't bored through any of it. I devoured this on my day off today. I had a few good literal laugh out loud chuckles "Are children's toes detachable?" And I might also have to start telling secrets to my food moving forward!
⭐️ 4.5
🌶 0 (some kissing)
🔮 Unique magic
Potential for enemies to lovers and forbidden romance. Looking forward to book 2! At least, with that ending, I am hoping there will be more.
Thank Avianna for the ARC! It was a great read and I will absolutely read more from you in the future if you write more!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews