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Witch's Trilogy #1
Witch's Sacrifice
Her forbidden secret will make her powerful… and hunted.
In Marizza's world, magic is evil. Since her youth, her mother told her witches were wicked creatures who deserved imprisonment. The tyrannical acolytes sacrificed all users of magic to the almighty kraken. It was the life she knew, until one fateful day changed everything.
When young Marizza is attacked by the town bully, she defends herself with magical abilities she didn't even know she had. After the acolytes come looking for the next witch to sacrifice, Marizza is left with no choice but to flee. She must journey across the Sea of Tears, where she'll make a choice that could transform the lives of everyone she loves.
Witch's Sacrifice is the first book in the Witch's Trilogy, a young adult dark fantasy series featuring intricate world-building, memorable characters, chilling horror, and captivating romance.
In Marizza's world, magic is evil. Since her youth, her mother told her witches were wicked creatures who deserved imprisonment. The tyrannical acolytes sacrificed all users of magic to the almighty kraken. It was the life she knew, until one fateful day changed everything.
When young Marizza is attacked by the town bully, she defends herself with magical abilities she didn't even know she had. After the acolytes come looking for the next witch to sacrifice, Marizza is left with no choice but to flee. She must journey across the Sea of Tears, where she'll make a choice that could transform the lives of everyone she loves.
Witch's Sacrifice is the first book in the Witch's Trilogy, a young adult dark fantasy series featuring intricate world-building, memorable characters, chilling horror, and captivating romance.
220 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2013
26 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Crissy Moss
36 books42 followersCrissy Moss enjoys creating new worlds through writing, art, and game design.
To find out more about Crissy Moss, or join her newsletter where you can sign up for a free book at crissymoss.com
To find out more about Crissy Moss, or join her newsletter where you can sign up for a free book at crissymoss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 15, 2017
I was the half of it and I just couldn't read anymore...
There was no point and no plot...
And the istalove. I dislike it so much... The started talking about their emotions and I was like whattt..... Nobody loves someone so much in a day... Come on!!!
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
My thanks to Netgalley for the arc*>
There was no point and no plot...
And the istalove. I dislike it so much... The started talking about their emotions and I was like whattt..... Nobody loves someone so much in a day... Come on!!!
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
My thanks to Netgalley for the arc*>
May 27, 2017
This is a well-written tale with many small details of nature or atmosphere, and I enjoyed the read. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars is the incredibly high body count and repeated violence, which felt too much for me. But some readers will not mind and may rate the book more highly.
A man who sees his wife and daughter killed as sacrifices to a kraken, is cursed for fighting to free them. He is turned into a were-hawk, which works at the bidding of the acolytes. Separately in place and time, a girl is shunned by her community for developing signs of witch talent. This is an archipelago like Earthsea and an older witch comes to the island to take the girl to a safer place for training. Sadly the scattered people have been forced to work for magic-using acolytes to the hungry kraken rather than all of them using their efforts to kill the kraken.
A romance develops between the apprentice witch and a merman, leading to substantial character growth for both of them. We see some well-realised storms and perils. I thought the apprentice witch had rather more power, and control over her power, than I'd expect for someone at that stage of training, like a novice showjumper taking on a Grand Prix course. We'll put it down to adrenalin and desperation, because I don't know much about this world whereas the author has clearly been developing it thoroughly.
I would read more by this author. The writing is very promising.
I downloaded a book when the author made it free. This is an unbiased review.
A man who sees his wife and daughter killed as sacrifices to a kraken, is cursed for fighting to free them. He is turned into a were-hawk, which works at the bidding of the acolytes. Separately in place and time, a girl is shunned by her community for developing signs of witch talent. This is an archipelago like Earthsea and an older witch comes to the island to take the girl to a safer place for training. Sadly the scattered people have been forced to work for magic-using acolytes to the hungry kraken rather than all of them using their efforts to kill the kraken.
A romance develops between the apprentice witch and a merman, leading to substantial character growth for both of them. We see some well-realised storms and perils. I thought the apprentice witch had rather more power, and control over her power, than I'd expect for someone at that stage of training, like a novice showjumper taking on a Grand Prix course. We'll put it down to adrenalin and desperation, because I don't know much about this world whereas the author has clearly been developing it thoroughly.
I would read more by this author. The writing is very promising.
I downloaded a book when the author made it free. This is an unbiased review.
November 1, 2016
I really did enjoy this book a lot. The world building is amazing, akmost as amazing as its lore: there are the acolytes, which kind of control people by fear and by the fact that there is a kraken which is held at bay by human sacrifices. Witches sacrifices, to be exact. Magical creatures are hunted down and feed to the monster in exchange for safety. But sometimes "normal" people get to be sacrificed, too when their coloring (hair and eyes) make them a match of sorts.
The characters are truly fleshed out. I have some favorites, as Brother Raven, but all of them are amazingly crafted.
Also, for me it was surprising the fact that the story of Marizza is not the one that we will be following, just the beginning, a means to and end as Okira will take the lead (phrased like this to be spoilery).
If the following one is as good as this one it is gonna be ana amazing read!
The characters are truly fleshed out. I have some favorites, as Brother Raven, but all of them are amazingly crafted.
Also, for me it was surprising the fact that the story of Marizza is not the one that we will be following, just the beginning, a means to and end as Okira will take the lead (phrased like this to be spoilery).
If the following one is as good as this one it is gonna be ana amazing read!
February 18, 2018
This book is an intense fantasy with witches being hunted by non magic users and theres mermen and the kraken which i never read a book that has one featured. I liked our main character, Marizza, who is new witch who gets saved from her village by an old wise withc that goes by the name of Little Mother. I loved the romance that happens between Marizza and the merman Artiro. It was so believable and real and you could really tell they fell in love and cared for each other and were willing to sacrifice anything. We followed the perspectives of all three of our main characters which i loved as we got to see all their points of views and feelings of events that were happening.
I gave this book 4 stars as it was enjoyable and action packed and hasset itself up for its sequel nicely.
I gave this book 4 stars as it was enjoyable and action packed and hasset itself up for its sequel nicely.
May 29, 2017
I chose to give Witch’s Sacrifice a try because of its water-y theme. I don’t think I ever read a book with mermen and a kraken in it, but you gotta start somewhere, right? Well, this was definitely a good place to start…
I loved this fantasy world I got invited to. There is nothing pretty or rosy about it, because witches are hunted and sacrificed to the Kraken, yet there is magic and magical creatures that make it exciting.
Frankly, I was surprised how dark this book was at times. I expected something lighter, but I was satisfied with what I got. There is a lot of tragedy in there, pain and loss, but love and hope too, that somehow gets the edge off the sad parts.
The protagonist, Marizza, is a likable character; she is a young witch who gets saved from the Kraken by Little Mother, an old and wise woman, also a witch. The old lady later offers her an apprenticeship and the girl accepts, because she is eager to learn… Up until the point when Artiro, the young merman appears on the island where the two witches live.
The young love in this book is as naïve – and so as realistic – as it comes. They are ready to give up everything for each other, they are careless and reckless. Eventually they pay the price for their foolishness, but something comes out of their love, that can mark the end of the evil acolytes’ rule over the Sea of Tears.
Marizza and Artiro don’t steal the story completely though. We follow Little Mother a lot, we see how she helps young witches all over the islands and we meet Brother Hawk too, who happens to be my favourite character in the story. He is a man with a curse: half hawk, half man, who has to follow the will of the acolytes, the will of the Kraken. He is a bitter and tortured soul, but there is hope for him yet… I was glad he got involved with Little Mother’s business.
The story is neatly framed with two fighting scenes; the end is both an end and a new beginning, it sets the purpose of the sequel pretty well.
I got charmed by Witch’s Sacrifice, I won’t lie. It was a joy to go back to this book whenever I had time to read, as it made me forget everything else completely. I am ready for more.
I loved this fantasy world I got invited to. There is nothing pretty or rosy about it, because witches are hunted and sacrificed to the Kraken, yet there is magic and magical creatures that make it exciting.
Frankly, I was surprised how dark this book was at times. I expected something lighter, but I was satisfied with what I got. There is a lot of tragedy in there, pain and loss, but love and hope too, that somehow gets the edge off the sad parts.
The protagonist, Marizza, is a likable character; she is a young witch who gets saved from the Kraken by Little Mother, an old and wise woman, also a witch. The old lady later offers her an apprenticeship and the girl accepts, because she is eager to learn… Up until the point when Artiro, the young merman appears on the island where the two witches live.
The young love in this book is as naïve – and so as realistic – as it comes. They are ready to give up everything for each other, they are careless and reckless. Eventually they pay the price for their foolishness, but something comes out of their love, that can mark the end of the evil acolytes’ rule over the Sea of Tears.
Marizza and Artiro don’t steal the story completely though. We follow Little Mother a lot, we see how she helps young witches all over the islands and we meet Brother Hawk too, who happens to be my favourite character in the story. He is a man with a curse: half hawk, half man, who has to follow the will of the acolytes, the will of the Kraken. He is a bitter and tortured soul, but there is hope for him yet… I was glad he got involved with Little Mother’s business.
The story is neatly framed with two fighting scenes; the end is both an end and a new beginning, it sets the purpose of the sequel pretty well.
I got charmed by Witch’s Sacrifice, I won’t lie. It was a joy to go back to this book whenever I had time to read, as it made me forget everything else completely. I am ready for more.
November 20, 2017
This is a new take on the fantasy genre. This time focusing on a young witch and ultimately the child she has with a merman. Set in a time where priests sacrificed witches to appease the kraken of the sea, witches were feared and betrayed by the villagers.
The book begins 300 years earlier with a man facing the sacrifice of his wife and child as they were both blond, they were believed to be witches.
He intervenes and tries to rescue them. His intervention resulting in a curse that turns him into a 6 foot hawk, forced to work for these acolytes that hunt witches.
300 years later a young woman accused of being a witch is taken by a "mother" witch to safety and trained.
Enter the merman who falls for the witch.
She gets pregnant and the 2 marry, the child being a half witch/mermaid will be hunted if she ever touches the water as the kraken will pinpoint their location... I bet you can guess the story.
So big battle for survival ensues involving the said hawk, now helping thanks to the mother witch altering his curse.
The story's a little depressing to be honest. I won't spoil who lives and dies but I will say even the ones who live are cursed.
The fresh idea of the mer people was good but a happier ending would have been nicer.
The book begins 300 years earlier with a man facing the sacrifice of his wife and child as they were both blond, they were believed to be witches.
He intervenes and tries to rescue them. His intervention resulting in a curse that turns him into a 6 foot hawk, forced to work for these acolytes that hunt witches.
300 years later a young woman accused of being a witch is taken by a "mother" witch to safety and trained.
Enter the merman who falls for the witch.
She gets pregnant and the 2 marry, the child being a half witch/mermaid will be hunted if she ever touches the water as the kraken will pinpoint their location... I bet you can guess the story.
So big battle for survival ensues involving the said hawk, now helping thanks to the mother witch altering his curse.
The story's a little depressing to be honest. I won't spoil who lives and dies but I will say even the ones who live are cursed.
The fresh idea of the mer people was good but a happier ending would have been nicer.
November 22, 2016
There once was a time, if you wanted safe travels by sea, you needed to make a sacrifice. There is a Kraken at the bottom of the ocean who feeds off of magical powers and a power hungry priest who lives to instill fear into the villagers. To keep the villagers in fear, not everyone sacrificed is a magical being. While this is the story of a witch coming into her own and finding love, it’s also a story of what happens when the priest, Alistar, has two enemies and he gives them a common enemy, himself.
Witch’s Sacrifice will leave you wondering what will happen next. There are twists and turns, and people who should be enemies are allies. Ms. Moss creates such a world that you feel like you’re standing by the ocean with the merman, Artiro, listening to the waves crash against the shore as the witch, Marizza silently pleads for him not to go. While it might seem like a lot of pages, there is so much going on that you don’t realize you’ve finished at least 4 chapters in a matter of minutes. I will admit the ending wasn’t what I hoped for, but now I have something to look forward to. I must confess, that has me excited.
Witch’s Sacrifice will leave you wondering what will happen next. There are twists and turns, and people who should be enemies are allies. Ms. Moss creates such a world that you feel like you’re standing by the ocean with the merman, Artiro, listening to the waves crash against the shore as the witch, Marizza silently pleads for him not to go. While it might seem like a lot of pages, there is so much going on that you don’t realize you’ve finished at least 4 chapters in a matter of minutes. I will admit the ending wasn’t what I hoped for, but now I have something to look forward to. I must confess, that has me excited.
January 30, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and City Owl Press for giving me this book to review.
Witch’s Sacrifice is an enjoyable fantasy book, with good world building. However, it did not grab my interest as the plot seemed a bit meandering at times and I could not relate to or connect with any of the characters.
Marizza is a determined person who is caring of those she is close to. Salvia is a character who is a bit odd, because I could not really picture as at some points she seemed to act her age but at other times she acted much younger. It is similar with Artiro as he is 100 years old but he acted like a cocky and self-assured teenager.
While Witch’s Sacrifice did not hold my attention, I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy books set around the sea.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Witch’s Sacrifice is an enjoyable fantasy book, with good world building. However, it did not grab my interest as the plot seemed a bit meandering at times and I could not relate to or connect with any of the characters.
Marizza is a determined person who is caring of those she is close to. Salvia is a character who is a bit odd, because I could not really picture as at some points she seemed to act her age but at other times she acted much younger. It is similar with Artiro as he is 100 years old but he acted like a cocky and self-assured teenager.
While Witch’s Sacrifice did not hold my attention, I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy books set around the sea.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
May 4, 2015
Fabulous world-building and characters that you'll love and remember. I can't wait to see how the next installment continues the story, and how little Okira, a half-mermaid, half-witch, will do battle with the mighty kraken and its acolytes.
January 10, 2018
I loved this book so much I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Magic, adventure, and tough choices - the perfect recipe for the perfect storm, and the perfect story!
December 26, 2017
I loved this book. Fantasy, lots of suspense, excitement, shape changers different.
April 16, 2018
This book was excellent read. I will be looking forward to the very next book when it comes out to read it.
I received an ARC and am giving an unbias opinion.
I received an ARC and am giving an unbias opinion.
February 6, 2020
Great read
I really like this book. A somewhat clean read. Stand alone but leaves you wanting to read the next in the trilogy.
I really like this book. A somewhat clean read. Stand alone but leaves you wanting to read the next in the trilogy.
March 8, 2017
What a read. I was engrossed from the first few pages, and despite having to get up early in the morning I read straight through in one sitting.
The novel flows well and the character development is extensive. I found myself immersed in the world that Moss had created. It was written in a way that allows a reader to develop a picture in their mind full of all the details the writer herself has imagined. Just incredible.
The story surrounds Marizza, a pariah of her village because she has shown signs that she is a witch. Witches are to be feared and subsequently captured by the acolytes. The acolytes aren't the noble, religious icons you would associate with the word. While they are a type of religious figure, they also have a deep greed for magic and they sacrifice women and children who are, or aren't as it is in most cases, witches to a creature known as the kraken.
Marizza is saved from the fate the acolytes would have put upon her by a witch, little mother. She's taken to a remote island to get a handle on her gifts before she goes out amongst the normal population again. Before she can really get a handle on things, the story takes a turn that I didn't see coming.
**Spoilers**
The ending is so sad, I never saw such a premature end for the main character, but realise that future novels will have Okira as the main character. Born a half-breed with magic born unto her, instead of growing into it, the ocean recognised her immediately when her father baptised her. As soon as her little body touched the sea a bell rang and from then on it will be a fight for her survival.
Brother Hawk is the one I'm most looking forward to following his story. After three centuries of torture and everything he has endured, I'm hoping something good comes his way through the series. I've already purchased the second novel and can't wait to get a start on it.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The novel flows well and the character development is extensive. I found myself immersed in the world that Moss had created. It was written in a way that allows a reader to develop a picture in their mind full of all the details the writer herself has imagined. Just incredible.
The story surrounds Marizza, a pariah of her village because she has shown signs that she is a witch. Witches are to be feared and subsequently captured by the acolytes. The acolytes aren't the noble, religious icons you would associate with the word. While they are a type of religious figure, they also have a deep greed for magic and they sacrifice women and children who are, or aren't as it is in most cases, witches to a creature known as the kraken.
Marizza is saved from the fate the acolytes would have put upon her by a witch, little mother. She's taken to a remote island to get a handle on her gifts before she goes out amongst the normal population again. Before she can really get a handle on things, the story takes a turn that I didn't see coming.
**Spoilers**
The ending is so sad, I never saw such a premature end for the main character, but realise that future novels will have Okira as the main character. Born a half-breed with magic born unto her, instead of growing into it, the ocean recognised her immediately when her father baptised her. As soon as her little body touched the sea a bell rang and from then on it will be a fight for her survival.
Brother Hawk is the one I'm most looking forward to following his story. After three centuries of torture and everything he has endured, I'm hoping something good comes his way through the series. I've already purchased the second novel and can't wait to get a start on it.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2017
Got ARC from Net Galley
Unfortunately I just couldn't get into this book. I read about fifty-six of it before I decided to stop. The start was just odd to me because the character you first read about has this thing happen and isn't mentioned again until about twenty percent of the way in. I think this person could have been introduced at a later point.
I make no secret about wanting to read books with witches so I was on board with reading this book after all the word is in the title. If I was just going by the cover I don't think I would have read it because tentacles are just creepy. Me and this book just didn't mesh well although I wanted to.
In this world there are sacrifices made to a kraken so anyone that is even suspected of having magic is sacrificed to them. Marizza is a witch who gets rescued and there's a bit of a romance going on and she has a teacher who also tries to rescue other witches from the clutches of the acolytes. I'm not sure if I just wasn't in the mood for this book or what but I didn't feel like forcing myself to read it. I can't really put my finger on it what it was that turned me off from this book.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/witch...
Unfortunately I just couldn't get into this book. I read about fifty-six of it before I decided to stop. The start was just odd to me because the character you first read about has this thing happen and isn't mentioned again until about twenty percent of the way in. I think this person could have been introduced at a later point.
I make no secret about wanting to read books with witches so I was on board with reading this book after all the word is in the title. If I was just going by the cover I don't think I would have read it because tentacles are just creepy. Me and this book just didn't mesh well although I wanted to.
In this world there are sacrifices made to a kraken so anyone that is even suspected of having magic is sacrificed to them. Marizza is a witch who gets rescued and there's a bit of a romance going on and she has a teacher who also tries to rescue other witches from the clutches of the acolytes. I'm not sure if I just wasn't in the mood for this book or what but I didn't feel like forcing myself to read it. I can't really put my finger on it what it was that turned me off from this book.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/witch...
November 28, 2023
Obtained through NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a fabulous read. I spent a lot of it on the edge of my seat. The characters are full and absorbing and the story itself is enthralling and involving. I loved the fact that the author has taken what we see happening time and again in our society and made a fantasy plot around it. Chasing and capturing witches, sacrificing them to a creature that needs magic to survive and thrive. Men against women. Age old beliefs against common sense. The story encompasses it all.
The book itself was very easy to read and flowed well. The language used made sure to involve the reader throughly into the world created and the characters and their lives and environments.
Can't wait to read the next part of the trilogy!
Reviewed on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Reviewed on Amazon UK as KaiR: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/151172407...
This was a fabulous read. I spent a lot of it on the edge of my seat. The characters are full and absorbing and the story itself is enthralling and involving. I loved the fact that the author has taken what we see happening time and again in our society and made a fantasy plot around it. Chasing and capturing witches, sacrificing them to a creature that needs magic to survive and thrive. Men against women. Age old beliefs against common sense. The story encompasses it all.
The book itself was very easy to read and flowed well. The language used made sure to involve the reader throughly into the world created and the characters and their lives and environments.
Can't wait to read the next part of the trilogy!
Reviewed on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Reviewed on Amazon UK as KaiR: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/151172407...
February 15, 2018
// I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Witch’s Sacrifice is the first book of a series about the persecution and hunt of witches and those who are mistaken for them. It has a gorgeous cover which drew me in, a description and concept that kept me interested enough to read it, but it proved hard for me to finish. This book has lovely worldbuilding. Its magic system was interesting and thoughtfully constructed. I liked the setting and its history. But sad enough to say, the plot seemed a somewhat aimless at times, and due to the characters not being relatable to me the story didn’t really spark my curiosity to know what happened next. It caused me to skim the latter half of the novel. The characters seemed a bit flat and the romance was not to my tastes (it all happened so fast).
Witch’s Sacrifice is the first book of a series about the persecution and hunt of witches and those who are mistaken for them. It has a gorgeous cover which drew me in, a description and concept that kept me interested enough to read it, but it proved hard for me to finish. This book has lovely worldbuilding. Its magic system was interesting and thoughtfully constructed. I liked the setting and its history. But sad enough to say, the plot seemed a somewhat aimless at times, and due to the characters not being relatable to me the story didn’t really spark my curiosity to know what happened next. It caused me to skim the latter half of the novel. The characters seemed a bit flat and the romance was not to my tastes (it all happened so fast).
January 18, 2018
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review:
I had trouble with this one, many parts are very good, but some things just didn't work for me.
Things I liked: The sea aspects, those were nice with many details.
Things I didn't like: Instalove, it just doesn't work for me, when it's written this way. I think most of my issues with this one were that I just didn't connect with the author's voice.
It's an okay to good book, and I think if you love the author's voice it would be fantastic. Worth giving it a shot.
I had trouble with this one, many parts are very good, but some things just didn't work for me.
Things I liked: The sea aspects, those were nice with many details.
Things I didn't like: Instalove, it just doesn't work for me, when it's written this way. I think most of my issues with this one were that I just didn't connect with the author's voice.
It's an okay to good book, and I think if you love the author's voice it would be fantastic. Worth giving it a shot.
January 21, 2017
The cover on this book got my attention right away it reminded me of Ursula in The Little Mermaid. The colors are so bright and vibrant! Marizza finds out she has witch magic. Her mother has always told her witches were wicked creatures. This book is exciting and kept me reading and wanting more. I am excited to see what happens in the next books. The characters are unique and the story is compelling. * I received this book from Netgalley---this is my honest review*
January 22, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a good start to a series with some good characters, world building and a nice story.
This is a good start to a series with some good characters, world building and a nice story.
October 1, 2023
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and intend to read the rest of the trilogy. Cissy Moss has created a great and made the characters come alive
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and intend to read the rest of the trilogy. Cissy Moss has created a great and made the characters come alive
December 20, 2023
Witch’s Sacrifice (Witch’s Trilogy Book 2) by Crissy Moss
315 Pages
Publisher: City Owl Press
Release Date: April 30, 2015
Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Marizza unleashes magic and scares the townspeople after she is attacked by a bully. If they believe she is a witch, they. Will sacrifice her to the kraken. A small woman comes into town looking for the bakery. She is Salvia, a mother witch. She offers to take Marizza and train her the proper way to use magic. Mother takes her to an isolated island to train. She meets Artiro, a merperson, and they fall in love. Now they must do everything in their power to fight the accolades and the kraken.
The story has a steady pace, the characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. This is a magical fantasy tale that should appeal to many.
315 Pages
Publisher: City Owl Press
Release Date: April 30, 2015
Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Marizza unleashes magic and scares the townspeople after she is attacked by a bully. If they believe she is a witch, they. Will sacrifice her to the kraken. A small woman comes into town looking for the bakery. She is Salvia, a mother witch. She offers to take Marizza and train her the proper way to use magic. Mother takes her to an isolated island to train. She meets Artiro, a merperson, and they fall in love. Now they must do everything in their power to fight the accolades and the kraken.
The story has a steady pace, the characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. This is a magical fantasy tale that should appeal to many.
March 1, 2017
This reviw was first published on my blog kimslr-bookish
this book was made available to me trough NetGalley
I really liked this book and the plot but it felt more like a prequel than an actual main story, so I had to dock one star.
The worldbuilding is nicely done, although there is one trope in this book that I don’t like, not matter the book. I’m talking about there being a distinct end to the known world that I as a reader don’t see as an end and I don’t understand why everyone in this book/world seems to have any desire to venture outside the known boundries. Usually this happens with dystopian rather than high fantasy novels but it did happen in this book.
This book takes place in ‘the sea of tears’ and there is no indication that anyone has ever ventured past this sea.
This trope doesn’t take anything away from the book, which is why I didn’t let it influence my rating but it still is something that annoys me personally.
The characters themselves aren’t that developed either, but in this case it didn’t bother me, because of the whole ‘prequel feeling’ I felt it was more about explaining the story leading up to a certain event rather than actually getting invested in the characters themselves.
As for the plot, again I felt it was more of a prequel but I still really liked it and it was really interesting. I feel I set up the following books nicely and got me invested in the story line that developed later on.
There were a few time jumps in the beginning that weren’t that well done in my opinion and took me out of the story when they happened, but it was easy to get into the book and continue reading.
Overall I quite enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
this book was made available to me trough NetGalley
I really liked this book and the plot but it felt more like a prequel than an actual main story, so I had to dock one star.
The worldbuilding is nicely done, although there is one trope in this book that I don’t like, not matter the book. I’m talking about there being a distinct end to the known world that I as a reader don’t see as an end and I don’t understand why everyone in this book/world seems to have any desire to venture outside the known boundries. Usually this happens with dystopian rather than high fantasy novels but it did happen in this book.
This book takes place in ‘the sea of tears’ and there is no indication that anyone has ever ventured past this sea.
This trope doesn’t take anything away from the book, which is why I didn’t let it influence my rating but it still is something that annoys me personally.
The characters themselves aren’t that developed either, but in this case it didn’t bother me, because of the whole ‘prequel feeling’ I felt it was more about explaining the story leading up to a certain event rather than actually getting invested in the characters themselves.
As for the plot, again I felt it was more of a prequel but I still really liked it and it was really interesting. I feel I set up the following books nicely and got me invested in the story line that developed later on.
There were a few time jumps in the beginning that weren’t that well done in my opinion and took me out of the story when they happened, but it was easy to get into the book and continue reading.
Overall I quite enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 12, 2015
Mixing a fresh take on high-fantasy tropes with a realistic version of young love, Moss creates a tale that will appeal to both lovers of epic struggles against evil, and those seeking a more personal narrative.
Since the goddess abandoned her people, the islands have been plagued by the evils of magic. Only the tyrannical Acolytes, servants of the dread Kraken, prevent witches from enslaving or killing everyone. Or at least that is what Marizza has been taught since birth. But when the unwanted advances of the town bully trigger her own magic, she discovers it might not be that simple.
Set on a chain of island kingdoms, the premise of a brutal sect achieving great power through the propitiation of an immense sea monster is immediately plausible. And the early example of random destruction caused by an untrained witch panicking makes the hatred of magic all the more realistic.
Building on this solid deviation from the usual rolling hills, walled cities, and looming mountain ranges of high fantasy, Moss creates an equally plausible image of village life. Despite the supposed moral stance behind the Acolyte’s actions, Marizza’s problems grow through the medium of gossip, shunning, and petty self-interest rather than anyone taking responsibility for hard choices.
Moss continues to deviate from the classic model, once Marizza flees her village. Although there is a wise mentor, the book neither spends chapters on a series of comic or tragic learning disasters, nor reveals Marizza as a prodigy destined to learn faster than all others. Instead, Marizza learns in fits and starts as her emotions conflict with her nascent understanding of power.
It is these emotions that provide the second thread to the novel: romance. But, again, Moss does not make this the sweeping love of troubadour’s tales or the burning passion of soul mates. Marizza displays the realistic struggles to understand whether flirtation is based on something genuine, and whether liking some aspects of a person outweighs disliking others.
Where the book is closer to legends is in the fight scenes. While the combat is brutal in places, it is also often in the heroic mould; as such, some of the descriptions focus more on drama than perfect feasibility. This fits well with the high-fantasy tone of the book as a whole, but might irritate readers with a strong interest in fight choreography and the qualities of various weapons.
Apart from the occasional moment of superlative combat prowess, the main characters are each a solid mix of competence and ineptitude, there journeys shaped more by responding in ways consistent with their beliefs than by the needs of the plot.
The supporting cast are slightly less complex; however, fanatical priests and self-indulgent adolescents are a fitting backdrop to high fantasy, so add colour rather than reducing depth.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers who enjoy high fantasy with a focus on character rather than sweeping battles.
Since the goddess abandoned her people, the islands have been plagued by the evils of magic. Only the tyrannical Acolytes, servants of the dread Kraken, prevent witches from enslaving or killing everyone. Or at least that is what Marizza has been taught since birth. But when the unwanted advances of the town bully trigger her own magic, she discovers it might not be that simple.
Set on a chain of island kingdoms, the premise of a brutal sect achieving great power through the propitiation of an immense sea monster is immediately plausible. And the early example of random destruction caused by an untrained witch panicking makes the hatred of magic all the more realistic.
Building on this solid deviation from the usual rolling hills, walled cities, and looming mountain ranges of high fantasy, Moss creates an equally plausible image of village life. Despite the supposed moral stance behind the Acolyte’s actions, Marizza’s problems grow through the medium of gossip, shunning, and petty self-interest rather than anyone taking responsibility for hard choices.
Moss continues to deviate from the classic model, once Marizza flees her village. Although there is a wise mentor, the book neither spends chapters on a series of comic or tragic learning disasters, nor reveals Marizza as a prodigy destined to learn faster than all others. Instead, Marizza learns in fits and starts as her emotions conflict with her nascent understanding of power.
It is these emotions that provide the second thread to the novel: romance. But, again, Moss does not make this the sweeping love of troubadour’s tales or the burning passion of soul mates. Marizza displays the realistic struggles to understand whether flirtation is based on something genuine, and whether liking some aspects of a person outweighs disliking others.
Where the book is closer to legends is in the fight scenes. While the combat is brutal in places, it is also often in the heroic mould; as such, some of the descriptions focus more on drama than perfect feasibility. This fits well with the high-fantasy tone of the book as a whole, but might irritate readers with a strong interest in fight choreography and the qualities of various weapons.
Apart from the occasional moment of superlative combat prowess, the main characters are each a solid mix of competence and ineptitude, there journeys shaped more by responding in ways consistent with their beliefs than by the needs of the plot.
The supporting cast are slightly less complex; however, fanatical priests and self-indulgent adolescents are a fitting backdrop to high fantasy, so add colour rather than reducing depth.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers who enjoy high fantasy with a focus on character rather than sweeping battles.
Read
February 28, 2017This was a light young adult paranormal story about a girl who gets bullied and, in a moment of intense pressure, discovers that she was powers beyond her wildest dreams. She then has to run for her life. The story was good, if a bit too young for me (it's more on the middle grade spectrum of the young adult), but if you're anything like me and like stories about water creatures, you'll find this interesting.
The story is once again left unfinished, leaving the reader wanting for more.
The story is once again left unfinished, leaving the reader wanting for more.
August 31, 2015
Witch’s Sacrifice introduces us to Marizza, a young woman rumored to be a witch. And in Sea of Tears, rumors can cause damage to more than your reputation.
Acolytes worshiping the kraken, a mighty sea beast on the hunt for everything and anything magical, are always searching for witches to offer as sacrifices. Marizza never knew of her abilities but whispers and fear spread through her home village, and she can’t ignore it. In her fury she destroys a bakery but before the acolytes find out, she’s saved by Salvia, a mother witch.
Salvia’s mission throughout the three centuries of her life has been to find and save witches and people mistaken for witches. She sees promise in Marizza, but the young woman must learn to control her abilities. Salvia takes Marizza away to train her, but it’s a solitary life in a barren island. Knowing what awaits her in the outside world, Marizza isn’t in a hurry to leave her new home. Until she meets Artiro, a merman, that is.
As the first book of the Witch’s Trilogy, this book lays out a lot of backstory and history for the Sea of Tears, the region Marizza lives in. There are curses and spells and magic all around, and there’s danger. Acolytes reign with fear, the kraken at their side, and most witches have gone hiding. The world felt old and real, and it was one of my favorite aspects with the book.
Salvia was my favorite character but I hoped her age would’ve showed more. She’s centuries old and has vast knowledge, but I didn’t quite feel the extent of it. Marizza was also nice but somehow she was left a little distant, as was the case with Artiro. The story spans roughly two years if I kept up with it correctly, but a lot of it gets skipped.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, even though this book didn’t grasp my interest as much as I would’ve expected. At times certain thoughts/descriptions were repeated within just a few paragraphs, which was slightly distracting because I felt I was being dragged backwards in the story. Hopefully the next part won’t skip as much and will offer more time with the characters to really bond with them.
Acolytes worshiping the kraken, a mighty sea beast on the hunt for everything and anything magical, are always searching for witches to offer as sacrifices. Marizza never knew of her abilities but whispers and fear spread through her home village, and she can’t ignore it. In her fury she destroys a bakery but before the acolytes find out, she’s saved by Salvia, a mother witch.
Salvia’s mission throughout the three centuries of her life has been to find and save witches and people mistaken for witches. She sees promise in Marizza, but the young woman must learn to control her abilities. Salvia takes Marizza away to train her, but it’s a solitary life in a barren island. Knowing what awaits her in the outside world, Marizza isn’t in a hurry to leave her new home. Until she meets Artiro, a merman, that is.
As the first book of the Witch’s Trilogy, this book lays out a lot of backstory and history for the Sea of Tears, the region Marizza lives in. There are curses and spells and magic all around, and there’s danger. Acolytes reign with fear, the kraken at their side, and most witches have gone hiding. The world felt old and real, and it was one of my favorite aspects with the book.
Salvia was my favorite character but I hoped her age would’ve showed more. She’s centuries old and has vast knowledge, but I didn’t quite feel the extent of it. Marizza was also nice but somehow she was left a little distant, as was the case with Artiro. The story spans roughly two years if I kept up with it correctly, but a lot of it gets skipped.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, even though this book didn’t grasp my interest as much as I would’ve expected. At times certain thoughts/descriptions were repeated within just a few paragraphs, which was slightly distracting because I felt I was being dragged backwards in the story. Hopefully the next part won’t skip as much and will offer more time with the characters to really bond with them.
December 9, 2016
Witch's Sacrifice depicts a magical, fantastical new world interwoven with interesting characters, terrible dangers, and a healthy dash of a curse or two.
Moss's novel creates a brilliant and colorful set up for the rest of her trilogy in this novel. Marizza is a young woman who recently discovered her witch powers. Salvia, a centuries-old witch, takes Marizza under her wing to a remote island where she begins her magical training away from the dangers of the acolytes, a cult of individuals who call upon the kraken to terrorize the people of the Isles. On the island, she discovers the true strength of her powers and meets Artirio, a merman.
The plot is fast-paced and easy to keep up with - the text is straightforward and the characters are well-defined. The magical realm the novel creates flows naturally, and none of the magical elements of the book seem forced in anyway.
Because the story covers a fairly long period of time and moves fairly quickly, some character development felt like it was lost along the way. None of the main characters seemed to develop a deeper sense of complexity over the course of the book, and as a result, some of the plot shifts and twists seemed to happen a bit implausibly fast. The build up and growth of the characters wasn't quite there.
Nevertheless, it is a great, quick read that easily pulls readers into a different and fantastical world. And while I haven't read the rest of the series, this novel seems to do a great job in setting the stage for stories to come.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital copy!
Moss's novel creates a brilliant and colorful set up for the rest of her trilogy in this novel. Marizza is a young woman who recently discovered her witch powers. Salvia, a centuries-old witch, takes Marizza under her wing to a remote island where she begins her magical training away from the dangers of the acolytes, a cult of individuals who call upon the kraken to terrorize the people of the Isles. On the island, she discovers the true strength of her powers and meets Artirio, a merman.
The plot is fast-paced and easy to keep up with - the text is straightforward and the characters are well-defined. The magical realm the novel creates flows naturally, and none of the magical elements of the book seem forced in anyway.
Because the story covers a fairly long period of time and moves fairly quickly, some character development felt like it was lost along the way. None of the main characters seemed to develop a deeper sense of complexity over the course of the book, and as a result, some of the plot shifts and twists seemed to happen a bit implausibly fast. The build up and growth of the characters wasn't quite there.
Nevertheless, it is a great, quick read that easily pulls readers into a different and fantastical world. And while I haven't read the rest of the series, this novel seems to do a great job in setting the stage for stories to come.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital copy!
December 18, 2016
Witch's Sacrifice (Witch's Trilogy #1) by Crissy Moss is an awesome fantasy tale of a witch and a merman and the child they produce. It also is about love and evil. It is suspense filled and has lots of unique creatures. The suspense and action is non-stop. Tension is high in this book, I felt I needed a massage after reading it! I was glued to my tablet and worried... I felt I was there, what a great writer! I can not wait for the next book!!! I don't want to give anything away by saying to much about what this book is about but the baby has powers and those with evil want it, boy do they want it! A must read for fantasy readers! They send a Kraken and an army of sorcerers after a baby. Exciting to the last page! Great plot, not a dull moment. Great characters and dialogue. Unique story and creatures. I like different and it is hard to find something not done or redone. This story is unique and awesome! I was given this book for a honest review and it in no way effected my rating or review content. I am just happy I was given the chance or I might never have found this jewel of a book!
September 9, 2016
In many ways, this book was a refreshing change from the usual faux-Medieval European setting with the typical magic creatures thrown in. The setting is a group of islands scattered across the Sea of Tears. These islands are all under the control of a priesthood that uses (and is used by) a Kraken that requires sacrifice. The Kraken hungers for magic, therefore witches are its favorite sacrifice.
The main character is Marizza who is in danger of being the next meal of the Kraken. She is rescued by another witch who takes her to a remote island to start training.
The story takes a few unusual twists and the story goes in an unexpected direction. The romance (not a love triangle!) turns out to be a relationship that develops in a realistic way, especially considering how young Marizza is.
I would have liked to have seen more of Marizza's training, and maybe a little more development in the romance. Otherwise, the book was very well written and had a nice charm.
Also, the cover is very well done. I kind of passed over the book at first, but my eye kept being drawn back, which is what made me give it a deeper look.
The main character is Marizza who is in danger of being the next meal of the Kraken. She is rescued by another witch who takes her to a remote island to start training.
The story takes a few unusual twists and the story goes in an unexpected direction. The romance (not a love triangle!) turns out to be a relationship that develops in a realistic way, especially considering how young Marizza is.
I would have liked to have seen more of Marizza's training, and maybe a little more development in the romance. Otherwise, the book was very well written and had a nice charm.
Also, the cover is very well done. I kind of passed over the book at first, but my eye kept being drawn back, which is what made me give it a deeper look.
June 20, 2015
WITCH'S SACRIFICE is an impressive debut novel by Crissy Moss, author of short stories such as SMALL BITES and FOOTPRINTS. New to fantasy, I had a little trouble settling into the rhythm of the language. I was quickly pulled in by the author's gift for storytelling. Moss drops the reader into the thick of it from the first pages. She delivers Peyllan, a fully developed world as brutal as its villains. Her magic is robust and believable, deriving power from nature. The central characters face tragedy resulting not just from the actions of their enemies, but from their own. There is more than one sacrifice in this story. Each is heartbreaking and heroic. You will love WITCH'S SACRIFICE. I cannot wait for the next book in the Witch's Trilogy.
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