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Serpentine #2
Sacrifice
Sacrifice, the sequel to Serpentine, plunges Skybright into the terrifying underworld where demons are bred and whisks her up to the magnificent Mountain of Heavenly Peace where the gods dwell.
Stone is stripped of his immortal status and told to close hell's breach, which mysteriously remains open, threatening mortals.
Zhen Ni, Skybright's former mistress and friend, has been wed to the strange and brutish Master Bei, and finds herself trapped in an opulent but empty manor. When she discovers half-eaten corpses beneath the estate, she realizes that Master Bei is not all that he seems.
As Skybright works to free Zhen Ni with the aid of Kai Sen and Stone, they begin to understand that what is at risk is more far-reaching then they could ever have fathomed.
Stone is stripped of his immortal status and told to close hell's breach, which mysteriously remains open, threatening mortals.
Zhen Ni, Skybright's former mistress and friend, has been wed to the strange and brutish Master Bei, and finds herself trapped in an opulent but empty manor. When she discovers half-eaten corpses beneath the estate, she realizes that Master Bei is not all that he seems.
As Skybright works to free Zhen Ni with the aid of Kai Sen and Stone, they begin to understand that what is at risk is more far-reaching then they could ever have fathomed.
Paperback
First published September 27, 2016
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783 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Pon
13 books1,103 followersCindy Pon is the author of Silver Phoenix (Greenwillow), which was named one of the Top Ten Fantasy and Science Fiction Books for Youth by the American Library Association’s Booklist, and one of 2009′s best Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror by VOYA. Her most recent duology Serpentine and Sacrifice (Month9Books) were both Junior Library Guild selections and received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal. WANT (Simon Pulse), also a Junior Library Guild selection, is a near-future thriller set in Taipei releasing June 13th. RUSE, the sequel, is slated for spring 2019. She is the co-founder of Diversity in YA with Malinda Lo and on the advisory board of We Need Diverse Books. Cindy is also a Chinese brush painting student of over a decade. Learn more about her books and art at http://cindypon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 5, 2016
Falling back into this lush fantasy world was such a pleasure. The characters grow so much in their own ways, they are virtually different people from the beginning of SERPENTINE to the end of SACRIFICE. Like real people, they changed through their experiences--sometimes drastically. From the rich setting to the delicious food to the sweet yet painful friendships and romance, it was wonderful to get lost in Ms. Pon's world. More, please.
October 4, 2016
Cindy Pon has outdone herself in this sequel. When i thought this world, characters and storyline couldn't get better...Boom!! Here comes Sacrifice and it has utterly obliterated any coherent thoughts and feeling that I might have had. This book was Amazing, Creepy, hearth recking and Breathtaking. The character development was seamless and well paced. Each character coming into their own graciously. The storyline itself was filled with so many twist and turns that I couldn't put it down. Even the the minor characters stories and personalities were amazing and I loved how Cindy was able to flawlessly streamline all the pieces to connect perfectly to the main plot. Pon's world building was so vivid and wonderful that I able to clearly envision what she penned, as her imaginations was well articulated. I am left with the feeling of longing and wanting so much more. I need to find out more about Blossom and what she will become and also i can't get enough of Stone and Skybright.
~~~~A million Stars ~~~~~
~~~~A million Stars ~~~~~
August 14, 2017
I love that this story revolves around Skybright and Zhen Ni's friendship. I appreciated how all of the main characters grew, changed and matured while they were on their separate adventures. So true to life.
The tension between the gods, immortals, demons and humans was handled so well.
On monsters: Blossom, the demonic toddler is frightening. Seriously.
This is a great adventure that closes on a strong note.
Full review to come.
The tension between the gods, immortals, demons and humans was handled so well.
On monsters: Blossom, the demonic toddler is frightening. Seriously.
This is a great adventure that closes on a strong note.
Full review to come.
June 24, 2016
So flipping good!!!!! I can't wait for everyone to read this!!
September 27, 2016
***Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for a review.***
What’s Good: Picks up right where Serpentine left off, so you’re right back in the thick of things from the jump. Which also means you really need to have read the first book to fully grasp what’s happening.
Initially I was drawn to the series because it wasn’t the same old- diversity’s a strong selling point to me, and a YA novel based upon Chinese mythology & culture was irresistable. While I’d like to have seen more of the Underworld, etc, it kinda felt like it should be that way: characters only know so much so their perspective would be limited. And as we see things as the characters do, that limits our knowledge as well.
To me, the strongest aspect of the book was the character development. Had some problems with Kai Shen, but Zhen was… interesting. lol
Skybright has to come to terms with her new form and finding a place for herself, and does so. Good job with that. And I liked the atmospheric touch that everything in the worlds had a hint of danger to it- gods, demons, etc. There's always something else lurking beneath the veneer.
What’s Bad: Fell back into a few tropes and cliches. Kai Shen started turning into a Gary Stu (the male version of a Mary Sue) right before your eyes, and I’m still not sure why. No real surprises or twists to the plot; just kinda moved along the direction it was already headed.
What’s Left: a solid, entertaining story that draws you in. This duology’s a fine one to add to your collection.
What’s Good: Picks up right where Serpentine left off, so you’re right back in the thick of things from the jump. Which also means you really need to have read the first book to fully grasp what’s happening.
Initially I was drawn to the series because it wasn’t the same old- diversity’s a strong selling point to me, and a YA novel based upon Chinese mythology & culture was irresistable. While I’d like to have seen more of the Underworld, etc, it kinda felt like it should be that way: characters only know so much so their perspective would be limited. And as we see things as the characters do, that limits our knowledge as well.
To me, the strongest aspect of the book was the character development. Had some problems with Kai Shen, but Zhen was… interesting. lol
Skybright has to come to terms with her new form and finding a place for herself, and does so. Good job with that. And I liked the atmospheric touch that everything in the worlds had a hint of danger to it- gods, demons, etc. There's always something else lurking beneath the veneer.
What’s Bad: Fell back into a few tropes and cliches. Kai Shen started turning into a Gary Stu (the male version of a Mary Sue) right before your eyes, and I’m still not sure why. No real surprises or twists to the plot; just kinda moved along the direction it was already headed.
What’s Left: a solid, entertaining story that draws you in. This duology’s a fine one to add to your collection.
January 13, 2017
My second favorite book of 2017. The way I see it, author Cindy Pon can do no wrong. She writes the type of heroines I fiend for: strong and resourceful. Skybright was amazing. And no slut shaming. She was allowed to be sexual without guilt - something that seldom happens with book heroines. While normally I'm not a fan of that dratted "love triangle", this one didn't get in the way and it felt realistic considering that first love Kai Sen struggled to accept Skybright's half demonic nature.
August 29, 2018
This was a great conclusion to the Serpentine duology. I really enjoyed revisiting Skybright and her world, and it's wonderful to read a fantasy so well-rooted in Chinese folklore. I definitely need to remember to recommend this more often.
February 9, 2017
Oh my gosh! *internally screaming*
Sacrifice picks up right where Serpentine left off. Skybright is adjusting to her life with Stone when they both discover there is a new breach to the underworld and they must do everything in their power to stop it.
Kai Sen continues his training with the monks and is determined to get Skybright back, but he soon discovers the strange re-occurrence of demons. All the while, Zhen Ni knows there’s something off with her new husband who wants nothing to do with her, but leaves her alone in an empty manor.
We return to the fantasy world of Xia and this time we get to see the mortal world, underworld, and the heavens. We get descriptions of otherworldly beings and although beautiful, there’s a constant reminder that there’s something terrifying lurking underneath (even when it comes to the gods).
Sacrifice continues Serpentine’s theme in relationships and the lengths we go to to keep our friends and loved ones safe, all the while, protecting the world at large. Despite her status as a half demon, Skybright can’t help loving her friends. Kai Sen won’t give up in recovering Skybright. Zhen Ni, although reluctant and frightened, is bound to Skybright as a friend and not just as a hand maiden and mistress.
There’s lots of action and scary figures. I especially loved the development between Skybright and Stone. Stone’s own character development was surprising, but heartwarming.
Sacrifice is stylistically different than Serpentine. As book one was told from a singular point of view (if I remember correctly), book two is told from multiple point of views that alternate based on scene necessity and not necessarily by chapter.
To be honest, I was sad at the end (because of some things… you’ll see!). But I was glad to tag along on this adventure with Skybright and her companions.
Sacrifice picks up right where Serpentine left off. Skybright is adjusting to her life with Stone when they both discover there is a new breach to the underworld and they must do everything in their power to stop it.
Kai Sen continues his training with the monks and is determined to get Skybright back, but he soon discovers the strange re-occurrence of demons. All the while, Zhen Ni knows there’s something off with her new husband who wants nothing to do with her, but leaves her alone in an empty manor.
We return to the fantasy world of Xia and this time we get to see the mortal world, underworld, and the heavens. We get descriptions of otherworldly beings and although beautiful, there’s a constant reminder that there’s something terrifying lurking underneath (even when it comes to the gods).
Sacrifice continues Serpentine’s theme in relationships and the lengths we go to to keep our friends and loved ones safe, all the while, protecting the world at large. Despite her status as a half demon, Skybright can’t help loving her friends. Kai Sen won’t give up in recovering Skybright. Zhen Ni, although reluctant and frightened, is bound to Skybright as a friend and not just as a hand maiden and mistress.
There’s lots of action and scary figures. I especially loved the development between Skybright and Stone. Stone’s own character development was surprising, but heartwarming.
Sacrifice is stylistically different than Serpentine. As book one was told from a singular point of view (if I remember correctly), book two is told from multiple point of views that alternate based on scene necessity and not necessarily by chapter.
To be honest, I was sad at the end (because of some things… you’ll see!). But I was glad to tag along on this adventure with Skybright and her companions.
October 12, 2016
Sacrifice is the follow up to Serpentine, and it’s a nice continuation of the story. It’s an enjoyable story, and the setting is unique and well developed.
I'm annoyed that the focus of the story shifted from the friendship between Zhen Ni and Skybright to a love triangle between Skybright, Stone, and Kai Sen. One of the things I really liked about the first novel was the depiction of female friendship, so to see that shifted in favor of romance was irritating. I don’t generally mind love triangles in YA, I find that they’re good short-hand for the conflict going on inside the protagonist, however they are a bit cliche at this point.
There is also some really icky consent issues in the latter half of the novel. It’s a side part of the story, and there’s a weak attempt to justify it at the end, but I don’t think the justification negates the consent issue. Charm magic is used against one of the characters to make said character more fond of another character. It is later described as a real, loving relationship even though the character acknowledges that it started with a charm spell. It’s gross. However, as I said this story line isn’t really touched on with any depth. It’s a side story and the love in question isn’t romantic love, so Pon ignores the issues of consent that the story raises. Honestly, it was quite a sour note in the story and I wish that it had been better dealt with.
I'm annoyed that the focus of the story shifted from the friendship between Zhen Ni and Skybright to a love triangle between Skybright, Stone, and Kai Sen. One of the things I really liked about the first novel was the depiction of female friendship, so to see that shifted in favor of romance was irritating. I don’t generally mind love triangles in YA, I find that they’re good short-hand for the conflict going on inside the protagonist, however they are a bit cliche at this point.
There is also some really icky consent issues in the latter half of the novel. It’s a side part of the story, and there’s a weak attempt to justify it at the end, but I don’t think the justification negates the consent issue. Charm magic is used against one of the characters to make said character more fond of another character. It is later described as a real, loving relationship even though the character acknowledges that it started with a charm spell. It’s gross. However, as I said this story line isn’t really touched on with any depth. It’s a side story and the love in question isn’t romantic love, so Pon ignores the issues of consent that the story raises. Honestly, it was quite a sour note in the story and I wish that it had been better dealt with.
November 7, 2016
Love it. Quick read - so engaging and hard to put down. Pon's work always entrances me: short powerful descriptions; earthy characters; and a twisty and intense plot.
I loved that this series was intersectional. An Asian fantasy with queer characters and strong female friendship at its center. It's rare, but more true to life, to find all in one.
I loved that this series was intersectional. An Asian fantasy with queer characters and strong female friendship at its center. It's rare, but more true to life, to find all in one.
February 6, 2017
3.5
Loved some of the expanded mythology in this as well as how this was creepier than the first. Felt a little disconnected from some of the characters though which made it hard to feel much for them. Skybright's growth and Stone's background were well done though.
Loved some of the expanded mythology in this as well as how this was creepier than the first. Felt a little disconnected from some of the characters though which made it hard to feel much for them. Skybright's growth and Stone's background were well done though.
October 1, 2016
Kai Sen :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2019
Sacrifice lives up to what Serpentine wanted to be. You can really tell that Pon’s writing has improved greatly since she released Serpentine. Zhen Ni’s arc was gripping, and really gave her character magnificent growth. Skybright also was handled beautifully. Stone’s gained mortality gave him much-needed development. Kai Sen also Grew a decent bit. Some parts, however, I didn’t like: Kai Sen’s character was slowly but surely diminished throughout the book, and it was hard to read about him in the end since he was so boring. I also didn’t like Skybright’s gratuitous attraction towards Stone. It was just there; nothing caused it, and nothing really came of it. It ultimately served no purpose except to fill up empty space. The rivalry between Kai Sen and Stone was also gratuitous, and most of their interactions were dry and gave nothing to either character. I did truly love the ending: the development of Opal’s mother, Stone giving up his role only for Skybright to take it up in his stead, and Zhen Ni’s arc resolution was very good to me. I don’t like how the story ended without covering how Skybright planned to forsake the covenant (it just seemed like it was added in for the sake of it; if you took it out, nothing would change), but it doesn’t put a damper on my overall enjoyment of the story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2018
The worldbuilding and details thereof is as lush and delicious as in the first book, but it's the character development that really shines, particularly for the way that Pon allows for the organic maturation and growth of all of the characters and not just Skybright, our heroine. Kai Sen, Stone, Zhen Li--they all learn some hard lessons about growing up, about the titular subject (sacrifice), and about the depths and costs of love. This book is beautifully written, with compelling characters and breathless action. The last eighty pages were devoured in a frenzy; I had to know how it would all turn out.
October 12, 2020
I have to say I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the author's first series. Whereas the sequel to Silver Phoenix was so much better than the original, this one felt dull and predictable. I think one thing that's so distracting is how Skybright's clothes somehow disappear every time she transforms (it really doesn't need to be--even the book cover illustrator gets it!). Overall, Skybright is also weak and uninteresting as a character, and I could never really root for her even in the first book.
The ending suggest there might be a third book to really wrap things up, but since this was published in 2016 and Cindy Pon seems to have moved on to a new series... maybe not?
The ending suggest there might be a third book to really wrap things up, but since this was published in 2016 and Cindy Pon seems to have moved on to a new series... maybe not?
May 18, 2017
Much better than the first novel as Pos added more POV to the story. I wanted more from this story, from the character and from this world. Parts felt focus, and others draw out. At the end of the day this story is quite simple like the first one, but added a little depth into the relation of the characters, but there is room for more. The ending was beautiful. I saw a lot of potential and for the most part it could have been more
3.75 out of 5 scales.
3.75 out of 5 scales.
October 10, 2018
While the first book in this series showed a lot of promise, the writing in the sequel fell flat. Still relying too much on culture and surprise interactions in place of a plot, the book is just not that appealing.
The characters undergo almost no change, and some of the best ones are simply left in the dust.
Overall I wouldn't read it again.
The characters undergo almost no change, and some of the best ones are simply left in the dust.
Overall I wouldn't read it again.
March 31, 2018
Takes the great elements that the first novel slowly builds to and jumps right in, further expanding the world and sorts of monsters and magic found around it. Wish there were more books about Skybright.
November 23, 2016
The plot and action are solid; the personal development of the characters is somewhat flat and sometimes seems hollow. Still glad I read the duology.
February 23, 2018
Such a delightful book! Such wonderful characters! Oh, how I want more!
(Minor dissatisfaction: I kept expecting Skybright to learn how to retain her dress when she shifted!)
(Minor dissatisfaction: I kept expecting Skybright to learn how to retain her dress when she shifted!)
May 29, 2018
Blossom is a very interesting character. I think I like her.
September 3, 2018
This was a truly excellent read. An improvement on the first, which was good but not nearly so gripping. I’ll definitely be buying both for my young nieces on the strength of this one.
January 30, 2019
so so good where is the next onee
March 27, 2019
3.5 stars
May 11, 2019
I enjoyed this one. I loved the concept and characters. Great sequel.
June 20, 2019
I didn't really like some of the developments but overall this was a very good sequel.
April 27, 2020
Okay I have to say this one was okay but nothing compared to the first one, I still love it though
March 22, 2024
it starts too uninterestingly for me to want to continue especially because she didn't really leave it with anywhere to go.
December 3, 2019
This book was considerably better-written than Serpentine, but the story conclusion was much less satisfying, though not enough for me to want to make it a three-star review.
I have mixed feelings about this book, because my reading is colored by my great dissatisfaction with the ending. This book has 3 PsOV. In the beginning it felt a little disjointed, included one POV switch that I strongly felt was in absolutely the wrong place and ended up reading out of order, but by the mid-point of the book, the switches were better and the reading was smooth. The story is mainly about the interactions between Skybright and Stone, which I liked a lot. Mild spoiler: Zhen Ni's story was a classic fairy tale horror story of the woman who accidentally marries a demon/shapeshifter/monster. That said, Kai Sen was less likable this time around, and he never seemed to have really thought through the consequences of his actions, hurting people he cared about in the process, both physically and emotionally.
Which brings me to the love triangle. MAJOR SPOILERS!
Which brings me to the ending. I was very glad to get the story of Opal. It made more sense than anything I had imagined, and felt appropriate. That said, from the set-up in Serpentine and all through Sacrifice, the overarching conflict involved the carelessness or callousness of the gods, the resentment of the ancient demons, and the cruelty of the covenant to mortals. Kai Sen twisted himself to fight it, Stone's pettiness toward both Kai Sen and Ye Guai was the perfect escalation, but then... nothing. There was absolutely no resolution at all. If this book is truly the last in this series and there is not to be a third, then there was no resolution of that overarching plot line and the books leave the reader with a fatalistic and depressing message that we are at the mercy of fickle gods, forced to be dutiful to social (and divine) contracts that harm us. And seriously, what is Blossom going to be when she grows up? This series is really begging for a third volume.
Random notes: I liked Stone's misguided failed attempts to get Sky to embrace her demon side, and how Sky actually came to accept herself; I'm glad Zhen Ni accepts Sky in demon form, but that also didn't quite feel earned.
Recommended for: people who liked Serpentine.
Content: brief graphic violence, horror, cannibalism, misogyny
I have mixed feelings about this book, because my reading is colored by my great dissatisfaction with the ending. This book has 3 PsOV. In the beginning it felt a little disjointed, included one POV switch that I strongly felt was in absolutely the wrong place and ended up reading out of order, but by the mid-point of the book, the switches were better and the reading was smooth. The story is mainly about the interactions between Skybright and Stone, which I liked a lot. Mild spoiler: Zhen Ni's story was a classic fairy tale horror story of the woman who accidentally marries a demon/shapeshifter/monster. That said, Kai Sen was less likable this time around, and he never seemed to have really thought through the consequences of his actions, hurting people he cared about in the process, both physically and emotionally.
Which brings me to the love triangle. MAJOR SPOILERS!
Which brings me to the ending. I was very glad to get the story of Opal. It made more sense than anything I had imagined, and felt appropriate. That said, from the set-up in Serpentine and all through Sacrifice, the overarching conflict involved the carelessness or callousness of the gods, the resentment of the ancient demons, and the cruelty of the covenant to mortals. Kai Sen twisted himself to fight it, Stone's pettiness toward both Kai Sen and Ye Guai was the perfect escalation, but then... nothing. There was absolutely no resolution at all. If this book is truly the last in this series and there is not to be a third, then there was no resolution of that overarching plot line and the books leave the reader with a fatalistic and depressing message that we are at the mercy of fickle gods, forced to be dutiful to social (and divine) contracts that harm us. And seriously, what is Blossom going to be when she grows up? This series is really begging for a third volume.
Random notes: I liked Stone's misguided failed attempts to get Sky to embrace her demon side, and how Sky actually came to accept herself; I'm glad Zhen Ni accepts Sky in demon form, but that also didn't quite feel earned.
Recommended for: people who liked Serpentine.
Content: brief graphic violence, horror, cannibalism, misogyny
April 26, 2018
I liked this MUCH better than Serpentine, because there was actually a plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews