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Sacrifice
Blurring fact and fiction, Sacrifice drags readers into a waking nightmare where the evils of the past collide with the secrets of the present.
Struggling filmmaker Benny Hernandez stumbles upon a brutalized body in the mountains. As he photographs the victim, he notices something hauntingly familiar about the wounds.
Growing up in New Mexico, Benny heard stories of a cult that rose from the ashes of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680.
As more tortured bodies appear, Benny discovers a pattern that might mean this centuries-old cult has risen again.
This could be the story of a lifetime…if Benny lives to tell it.
Struggling filmmaker Benny Hernandez stumbles upon a brutalized body in the mountains. As he photographs the victim, he notices something hauntingly familiar about the wounds.
Growing up in New Mexico, Benny heard stories of a cult that rose from the ashes of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680.
As more tortured bodies appear, Benny discovers a pattern that might mean this centuries-old cult has risen again.
This could be the story of a lifetime…if Benny lives to tell it.
197 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2016
339 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Boylan
11 books34 followersAndrew Boylan lives with his wife and children in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 13, 2017
1 star--I didn't like it.
This was a case of wrong reader. I just couldn't connect with the characters and the writing style felt distant to me. I read the first half, then skimmed the rest.
Unfortunate that I couldn't do it justice, but hopefully it will resonate with other readers.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
This was a case of wrong reader. I just couldn't connect with the characters and the writing style felt distant to me. I read the first half, then skimmed the rest.
Unfortunate that I couldn't do it justice, but hopefully it will resonate with other readers.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
November 5, 2017
I had a difficult time getting into this one. There were parts that kept me intrigued enough to keep reading. This is a different kind of scary, and the characters are enjoyable. There was a lot of switching between the plot and characters, but I was able to follow along just fine. I really wanted to like this more, but I ended up skimming some of it to get to the exciting parts.
July 19, 2017
The Plot:
Struggling filmmaker, Benny Hernandez, returns home to New Mexico to find a story about drugs and related deaths. What he uncovers is much deadlier. As he films and photographs a mutilated body discovered in a car crash, he recognizes signs of something menacing. The bodies begin to pile up and everything leads to the stories he grew up with about an ancient cult from the Pueblo revolt in 1680. Has the cult risen again?
The Review:
"For ten years the people of the pueblos were rid of the priests and soldiers who tormented them with lies that obscured their history. During these years, free of the tyrannical rule of the Church Los Penitent was born. A small band of devout men called themselves the brothers of light, the brothers of blood..."
Sacrifice is a horrifying tale reminding us of what can happen when religious zealotry goes unchecked. This one blurs the line between fiction and fact. Prepare for suspense, horror, and death.
As with any book, there were things I loved and things I didn't. The synopsis drew me in with the promise of horror and an intriguing story line of a mysterious cult. The author kept me reading with the astounding and gruesome imagery of the bodies being found. Sacrifice had that aspect of terror that struck fear in my heart and kept me wanting more!
The beginning of the book had a slow, confusing start for me. It did take me a while to get in to it and I found that I was befuddled by the multiple story lines happening. Though, they did join together for the ending, they were a little hard to follow. I also felt that some of the character flashbacks were a bit too long for the book and did not give me enough detail to develop the characters in my mind. The few things that I did not enjoy were enough to lower my book rating, but were not enough to keep me from enjoying the book or recommending it.
I enjoyed learning about The Penitents, for it seems that they did exist. I'm not sure how much is fact and how much is fiction in the book's description, but it was certainly intriguing to read in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the horror aspect of the book. I have had many disappointments in the horror genre this year, so it was refreshing to read something that truly portrayed gore and fear. The twist of the plot and the ending were certainly worth reading and made up for the bits that I did not enjoy.
I would give this one a 3.5-4 star rating, or 4 faeries since it is not polite to cut a faerie in half. I would consider re-reading this to see if I can get past the confusion I felt, now that I know how the story ends. The ending had an awesome, gruesome plot twist in regards to the history of the cult, and it definitely added to the nightmare that was brought to life by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with this free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Struggling filmmaker, Benny Hernandez, returns home to New Mexico to find a story about drugs and related deaths. What he uncovers is much deadlier. As he films and photographs a mutilated body discovered in a car crash, he recognizes signs of something menacing. The bodies begin to pile up and everything leads to the stories he grew up with about an ancient cult from the Pueblo revolt in 1680. Has the cult risen again?
The Review:
"For ten years the people of the pueblos were rid of the priests and soldiers who tormented them with lies that obscured their history. During these years, free of the tyrannical rule of the Church Los Penitent was born. A small band of devout men called themselves the brothers of light, the brothers of blood..."
Sacrifice is a horrifying tale reminding us of what can happen when religious zealotry goes unchecked. This one blurs the line between fiction and fact. Prepare for suspense, horror, and death.
As with any book, there were things I loved and things I didn't. The synopsis drew me in with the promise of horror and an intriguing story line of a mysterious cult. The author kept me reading with the astounding and gruesome imagery of the bodies being found. Sacrifice had that aspect of terror that struck fear in my heart and kept me wanting more!
The beginning of the book had a slow, confusing start for me. It did take me a while to get in to it and I found that I was befuddled by the multiple story lines happening. Though, they did join together for the ending, they were a little hard to follow. I also felt that some of the character flashbacks were a bit too long for the book and did not give me enough detail to develop the characters in my mind. The few things that I did not enjoy were enough to lower my book rating, but were not enough to keep me from enjoying the book or recommending it.
I enjoyed learning about The Penitents, for it seems that they did exist. I'm not sure how much is fact and how much is fiction in the book's description, but it was certainly intriguing to read in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the horror aspect of the book. I have had many disappointments in the horror genre this year, so it was refreshing to read something that truly portrayed gore and fear. The twist of the plot and the ending were certainly worth reading and made up for the bits that I did not enjoy.
I would give this one a 3.5-4 star rating, or 4 faeries since it is not polite to cut a faerie in half. I would consider re-reading this to see if I can get past the confusion I felt, now that I know how the story ends. The ending had an awesome, gruesome plot twist in regards to the history of the cult, and it definitely added to the nightmare that was brought to life by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with this free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 26, 2020
A crime drama with a difference, as a cult and its rituals provide a narrative that isn’t for the faint of heart. Some readers may find it challenging, but it is well written, with connectable characters and an intriguing story that kept me engrossed to the end. The protagonists and the plot line were well developed. Not so much a horror story, but an interesting ‘hard’ crime book due to some graphic description. Overall, I did enjoy it and rate it 3 stars. Note, I did receive a copy to review and this is my unbiased personal perspective.
June 1, 2018
This book was written by my friend Andrew. He puts his thoughts down well so that you get interested in the story and want to find out what is happening. The book drew me in and I kept on reading. There is a dark side about a cult and the murders that happen, yet I was drawn to Benny and a girl, what was going to happen to them? Throughout the book I wondered if the background information on the story was really true, did it really happen? It did not end as I thought it would, I was very surprised. Normally I would not read this type of scariness, but enjoyed the way that Andrew drew me in to the story so that I would not put it down until the end.
January 6, 2021
Sacrifice by Andrew Boylan
Just finished reading “Sacrifice” by Andrew Boylan and I really wanted to love this story based on its synopsis. I love horror, murder, mystery and mayhem and this one promised to have a lot of that in it. However, it was way too much of a slow burn for me to enjoy with far too many story lines in it.
There was quite a cast of characters in it, each with their own back story but not enough to be able to really relate to any of them on a personal level. I really struggled to get into this book and it took me much longer than normal to read. That being said, the overall concept of the book was solid. Who doesn’t love a crazy scary cult that’s been secretly practicing for generations and carrying out a most horrifying ritual on the night before Easter?
I’m conflicted because I wanted to love this story completely but the slowness of the first half just left me annoyed and I was unable to just lose myself in the story. On the other hand, the writing is beautiful. Andrew is definitely a talented writer and his writing is solid and beautifully constructed. I loved so many sentences in this book that I found myself reading them aloud to my family.
On a five star scale, this would be a 3.5 for me. The concept was brilliant. The writing was excellent. But the characters and the slow build up kept it from being truly great. I would read other books by Andrew, just based off his clear talent as displayed in the writing. I think he has the potential to become a wonderful storyteller, but this book just fell short of that goal.
Just finished reading “Sacrifice” by Andrew Boylan and I really wanted to love this story based on its synopsis. I love horror, murder, mystery and mayhem and this one promised to have a lot of that in it. However, it was way too much of a slow burn for me to enjoy with far too many story lines in it.
There was quite a cast of characters in it, each with their own back story but not enough to be able to really relate to any of them on a personal level. I really struggled to get into this book and it took me much longer than normal to read. That being said, the overall concept of the book was solid. Who doesn’t love a crazy scary cult that’s been secretly practicing for generations and carrying out a most horrifying ritual on the night before Easter?
I’m conflicted because I wanted to love this story completely but the slowness of the first half just left me annoyed and I was unable to just lose myself in the story. On the other hand, the writing is beautiful. Andrew is definitely a talented writer and his writing is solid and beautifully constructed. I loved so many sentences in this book that I found myself reading them aloud to my family.
On a five star scale, this would be a 3.5 for me. The concept was brilliant. The writing was excellent. But the characters and the slow build up kept it from being truly great. I would read other books by Andrew, just based off his clear talent as displayed in the writing. I think he has the potential to become a wonderful storyteller, but this book just fell short of that goal.
August 30, 2020
I loved it. The plot develops slowly but with increasing suspense, and yes, horrifying horror. I have to say that the pacing was perfect, the author clearly knows his craft. This book surprised me multiple times, which is almost impossible to do. It's entirety unpredictable, while maintaining a feeling of absolute believability throughout. Quite a feat for the horror genre. You will be absolutely rewarded if you stick with this book til the end.
I think this book would be An AMAZING movie. I'll be looking for it in theaters.
I think this book would be An AMAZING movie. I'll be looking for it in theaters.
August 26, 2020
For me Sacrifice had a slow start for me. Parts of it in the beginning grabbed my attention. Once I got to the middle of the book, I wanted to read more and more to figure out the ending. Overall Andrew did a great job with writing Sacrifice and bringing characters to life.
March 2, 2022
So, um, “Sacrifice” by Andrew Boylan.
I read this little book way back in 2017, and I’ll admit, I didn’t love it. So, when it came time to write this review, I put it off for a few days. Which turned into a few months. And then into a few years.
My procrastination skills are top-notch.
But now, the time has finally come. Let’s talk about it, shall we?
I stumbled across “Sacrifice” while browsing Kindle’s 99-cent bin. While I don’t normally gravitate toward the horror genre, I found the synopsis of “Sacrifice” intriguing, and I was in one of those collect-all-the-books-I’ll-never-have-time-to-read moods, so why not?
The book, which blends fact and fiction, opens with struggling filmmaker Benny Hernandez photographing the scene of a gruesome car crash in which the passenger (or victim?) has some nasty wounds that seem eerily familiar.
Later, Benny learns that his ex-girlfriend is convinced that a deadly, ancient cult has resurfaced in their small New Mexico hometown.
Benny decides to investigate. This could be his big break!
But in his pursuit of a blockbuster, he becomes entrenched in a secretive world characterized by drugs, religion, and all things danger.
Despite all its compelling ingredients, the story didn’t hold my attention, primarily because I kept getting distracted by the convoluted writing.
From the get-go, it was frequently hard to follow what was happening, and it was equally difficult to determine exactly which character was doing or saying something. This confusion can probably be attributed to a few things: 1) uncontextualized vocabulary, 2) ambiguous dialogue tags, and 3) multiple indistinct points of view.
Additionally, I repeatedly found myself nit-picking the semantics. For instance, I disagree with Boylan that Mike and Ike candies would “jangle” in someone’s pocket.
I also couldn’t help but notice several instances of poor sentence structure.
And typos. Typos galore. Granted, it was a book from Kindle’s cheapie bin, and it was the first digital version, so that part might be expected. (Now Kindle has a version published in 2019, so there may be fewer typos compared to the version I read.)
And while “Sacrifice” has a decent number of characters, none of them have any real depth, so it was hard for me to connect or relate with any of them.
The book is at least well-researched. Boylan clearly tried to deliver a believable story rooted in truth. His talent as a researcher...
Visit Book Nook Reviews to read my full review of Andrew Boylan's “Sacrifice." Happy reading! https://www.booknookrevs.com/nook/rev...
I read this little book way back in 2017, and I’ll admit, I didn’t love it. So, when it came time to write this review, I put it off for a few days. Which turned into a few months. And then into a few years.
My procrastination skills are top-notch.
But now, the time has finally come. Let’s talk about it, shall we?
I stumbled across “Sacrifice” while browsing Kindle’s 99-cent bin. While I don’t normally gravitate toward the horror genre, I found the synopsis of “Sacrifice” intriguing, and I was in one of those collect-all-the-books-I’ll-never-have-time-to-read moods, so why not?
The book, which blends fact and fiction, opens with struggling filmmaker Benny Hernandez photographing the scene of a gruesome car crash in which the passenger (or victim?) has some nasty wounds that seem eerily familiar.
Later, Benny learns that his ex-girlfriend is convinced that a deadly, ancient cult has resurfaced in their small New Mexico hometown.
Benny decides to investigate. This could be his big break!
But in his pursuit of a blockbuster, he becomes entrenched in a secretive world characterized by drugs, religion, and all things danger.
Despite all its compelling ingredients, the story didn’t hold my attention, primarily because I kept getting distracted by the convoluted writing.
From the get-go, it was frequently hard to follow what was happening, and it was equally difficult to determine exactly which character was doing or saying something. This confusion can probably be attributed to a few things: 1) uncontextualized vocabulary, 2) ambiguous dialogue tags, and 3) multiple indistinct points of view.
Additionally, I repeatedly found myself nit-picking the semantics. For instance, I disagree with Boylan that Mike and Ike candies would “jangle” in someone’s pocket.
I also couldn’t help but notice several instances of poor sentence structure.
And typos. Typos galore. Granted, it was a book from Kindle’s cheapie bin, and it was the first digital version, so that part might be expected. (Now Kindle has a version published in 2019, so there may be fewer typos compared to the version I read.)
And while “Sacrifice” has a decent number of characters, none of them have any real depth, so it was hard for me to connect or relate with any of them.
The book is at least well-researched. Boylan clearly tried to deliver a believable story rooted in truth. His talent as a researcher...
Visit Book Nook Reviews to read my full review of Andrew Boylan's “Sacrifice." Happy reading! https://www.booknookrevs.com/nook/rev...
December 16, 2016
This is a Goodreads win review. This is kind of an unusual book. The story takes place in New Mexico where a filmmaker finds a brutalized body. He thinks back and remembers there was a cult there before. So he goes on a quest to check this out.
May 1, 2017
This book is reviting!
September 17, 2017
New Mexican cult, brutalised bodies, the story of a lifetime…if Benny lives to tell it.
If you are a fan of horror mystery books then this one is for you.
The being of the book can get a bit confusing and at times hard to follow but if you preserver it all comes together and makes sense at the end.
It is defiantly gruesome in places and it has the feel of being real, if you found it in the non fiction section this book could be believable, especially when drugs and religion is involved.
Throughout the book I wondered if the background information on the story was really true, did it really happen?
The story starts In the desert of New Mexico where Benny a struggling film maker is traveling the mountains when he finds a brutalised body that appears to have been tortured.
On closer inspection it starts Benny thinking of the similarities between the body and a cult that existed in 1680.
Does that cult still exist?
Seeing the potential for a film Benny decides to investigate the New Mexican cult and their bizarre rituals and to try to find out if the cult is still active all these years later.
As more bodies start to turn up the further Benny becomes involved with the case and it soon becomes detrimental to his safety and well-being.
Are the bodies a result of a cult ritual or is there a killer on the loose?
If you start reading this book i honestly advise you to preserver because the book just keeps getting better and better.
If you are a fan of horror mystery books then this one is for you.
The being of the book can get a bit confusing and at times hard to follow but if you preserver it all comes together and makes sense at the end.
It is defiantly gruesome in places and it has the feel of being real, if you found it in the non fiction section this book could be believable, especially when drugs and religion is involved.
Throughout the book I wondered if the background information on the story was really true, did it really happen?
The story starts In the desert of New Mexico where Benny a struggling film maker is traveling the mountains when he finds a brutalised body that appears to have been tortured.
On closer inspection it starts Benny thinking of the similarities between the body and a cult that existed in 1680.
Does that cult still exist?
Seeing the potential for a film Benny decides to investigate the New Mexican cult and their bizarre rituals and to try to find out if the cult is still active all these years later.
As more bodies start to turn up the further Benny becomes involved with the case and it soon becomes detrimental to his safety and well-being.
Are the bodies a result of a cult ritual or is there a killer on the loose?
If you start reading this book i honestly advise you to preserver because the book just keeps getting better and better.
September 8, 2020
I had received this book from the author with the idea of providing a fair and positive review (and for that I am most appreciative of). Apparently this book was published by the author back in 2016 (kinda makes one wonder why an author is looking for a review this long after the book has been released).
That being said, the book is very descriptive as it delves into the the world of religious cults (which some might say is repetitive) while switching back and forth between an excellent background build of the characters and telling the story. As I am only about half way through this book (due to the fact that I have found it to be a slow build to the conclusion of the story), it has taken me to the point that I want to finish this book to see where it ends up.
As I had mentioned previously, the book is definitely a slow burn kind of book that brings the reader to wanting to finish the book to see what happens to the well-developed characters that he/she have grown attached to. I would definitely give this book high marks and would recommend to mature readers (not for youth or adolescent) who are prepared to become invested in the characters.
That being said, the book is very descriptive as it delves into the the world of religious cults (which some might say is repetitive) while switching back and forth between an excellent background build of the characters and telling the story. As I am only about half way through this book (due to the fact that I have found it to be a slow build to the conclusion of the story), it has taken me to the point that I want to finish this book to see where it ends up.
As I had mentioned previously, the book is definitely a slow burn kind of book that brings the reader to wanting to finish the book to see what happens to the well-developed characters that he/she have grown attached to. I would definitely give this book high marks and would recommend to mature readers (not for youth or adolescent) who are prepared to become invested in the characters.
April 16, 2018
All I have to say about this book is that I don't think Benny should ever feel or give any inkling of thought to what Cynthia said about his and Diana's relationship. If Diana's momma wasn't a cult leader and psychopath murderer they wouldn't be living under the radar running from the law. It's not of Benny's and Diana's making that they're having a very hard time making ends meet, it's Cynthia's fault she's not right at all. All relationships have their ups and downs and hardships. If they're meant to be they'll be,let them go if they find it's way back make it work. Other people interference in your life isn't Gods plan,so Benny shouldn't be questioning Diana sacrificing her mother crazy ass to save him! #ijs #begrateful Something's just don't workout they both gave up alot to be together, but nothing's stopping them from going their own way now free from obligation and guilt. They can't say they didn't try and they both know they can trust each other to never tell. I enjoyed reading this novel. It was very eerie and thrilling!
June 20, 2017
In the desert of New Mexico, Benny a struggling film maker is traveling the mountains when he happens upon a brutalized body. When trying to frame the perfect shot Benny notices something about the wounds. These markings are astonishingly similar to those left by the old New Mexican cult that developed after the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. As more bodies are found it is feared that the dark forces of the cult may have been revitalized. What has Benny stumbled upon and what will it cost him?
Andrew Boylan first debut novel is well written and packed with meticulous research. This keeps the reader in suspense and wanting more. The premise of the book had me hooked immediately and hungry for more as I progressed through the narrative. I recommend this read for anyone who needs a late night read that will send shivers down your spine.
Thank you Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for this book in exchange for my honest review.
Andrew Boylan first debut novel is well written and packed with meticulous research. This keeps the reader in suspense and wanting more. The premise of the book had me hooked immediately and hungry for more as I progressed through the narrative. I recommend this read for anyone who needs a late night read that will send shivers down your spine.
Thank you Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2017
Benny has gone back home. On his way home, he photographs a body that has been attacked and perhaps torture? As he thinks about the body it reminds him of a cult that existed in 1680. Does that cult still exist? He tries to find out more information only to find his motel room has been broken into with his camera destroyed and computer gone. As he further investigate to find answers, he is kidnapped. The cult does exist but it's different now. What is this cult? Why do they want him?
The mystery and suspense of this novel is intense. The writing is good. I enjoyed the plot. I recommend reading it but I must admit that the ending of this novel disappointed me as it appeared not to end.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Net-galley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The mystery and suspense of this novel is intense. The writing is good. I enjoyed the plot. I recommend reading it but I must admit that the ending of this novel disappointed me as it appeared not to end.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Net-galley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 27, 2022
Sacrifice by Andrew Boylan.
A filmmaker down on his luck.A desert town full of secrets.An ancient cult reborn.After a decade of failure in Hollywood, Benny Hernandez has run out of money and options. No matter how bad the times have gotten he can’t imagine ever going home again.The small, desert town where Benny grew-up holds nothing but nightmares that he still hasn’t entirely awoken from.Late one night, his old, high school girlfriend, Diana Armijo, calls begging for help. She believes the cult they escaped years ago has resurfaced in the mountain village nearby.Can Benny face the demons of his past to tell the story of a lifetime?.
A brilliant read. I loved the story and characters. Bennett was my favourite. Read in one sitting. 5*.
A filmmaker down on his luck.A desert town full of secrets.An ancient cult reborn.After a decade of failure in Hollywood, Benny Hernandez has run out of money and options. No matter how bad the times have gotten he can’t imagine ever going home again.The small, desert town where Benny grew-up holds nothing but nightmares that he still hasn’t entirely awoken from.Late one night, his old, high school girlfriend, Diana Armijo, calls begging for help. She believes the cult they escaped years ago has resurfaced in the mountain village nearby.Can Benny face the demons of his past to tell the story of a lifetime?.
A brilliant read. I loved the story and characters. Bennett was my favourite. Read in one sitting. 5*.
May 21, 2017
A mysterious cult? Brutalized bodies? What kind of book is this? I was interested and it caught my attention from the beginning. This book read like there was a lot of research involved for the author and I think it made the book better. I was interested in the story but I did get a little lost in in the book once in a while but for the most part this book was interesting to read. It seemed to do with history and sometimes for me history is hard to follow but I like how the author presented it to me. * I received this book from the author and this is my honest review*
June 13, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Filmmaker Benny Hernandez discovers a dead body in the New Mexico mountains, calling forward memories of childhood stories of a long ago cult. Then, bodies continue to appear making Benny think the cult could be back with a vengeance.
This plot had so so so much potential, but the writing, being unnecessarily wordy, caused me to never quite get attached to anything going on in the story. Just didn't work for me.
Filmmaker Benny Hernandez discovers a dead body in the New Mexico mountains, calling forward memories of childhood stories of a long ago cult. Then, bodies continue to appear making Benny think the cult could be back with a vengeance.
This plot had so so so much potential, but the writing, being unnecessarily wordy, caused me to never quite get attached to anything going on in the story. Just didn't work for me.
October 4, 2017
Sacrifice is a beautifully written cross-genre piece that blends together crime fiction and horror with a captivating southwest flavor. The story, centers around strange and violent religious practices, but in a real world way that is so much scarier than the cartoon cults so common in horror fiction. As someone who has always found Christian imagery spooky to begin with, Sacrifice evoked some very nightmarish scenes in my brain. Add on top of this some killer southwest noir elements, quick paced chapters, and gorgeous prose, and you are left with a book that is a simple pleasure to read.
July 9, 2025
A difficult book to read
I really struggled with getting into the rhythm of this one. I finally found it's pace at chapter 10! By that time I was just ready to accept defeat. But even then, it didn't flow easily. The writing just refused to flow. There were obvious grammatical errors that also added to the difficulty of the entire reading experience.
I get where the story was going. I get what the author was trying to achieve. But honestly I also get that he too struggled with this book and his struggles are hidden in plain sight behind the writings in this book.
I really struggled with getting into the rhythm of this one. I finally found it's pace at chapter 10! By that time I was just ready to accept defeat. But even then, it didn't flow easily. The writing just refused to flow. There were obvious grammatical errors that also added to the difficulty of the entire reading experience.
I get where the story was going. I get what the author was trying to achieve. But honestly I also get that he too struggled with this book and his struggles are hidden in plain sight behind the writings in this book.
June 4, 2017
Interesting premise, though hard to follow at times. A complicated plot with a lot of characters, which were difficult to differentiate at times. Believable enough story, especially when drug and religion is involved. What did annoyed me enough to drop the rating to 3 was the ending. It felt rush, as if the author had gotten bored with the story and wanted to be rid of it, and completely unsatisfying. Still worth the read, though.
August 17, 2017
A great way to spend a day!
Boylan spins a tale rooted in the bizarre rituals that evolved when native American/Mexican Indians overthrew the harsh rule of the early Catholic church and blended what they understood of Christianity with their own ancient beliefs. Well written, scary , bloody and very believable if you have any knowledge about the first nations. A page Turner that is hard to put down!
Boylan spins a tale rooted in the bizarre rituals that evolved when native American/Mexican Indians overthrew the harsh rule of the early Catholic church and blended what they understood of Christianity with their own ancient beliefs. Well written, scary , bloody and very believable if you have any knowledge about the first nations. A page Turner that is hard to put down!
March 11, 2019
Interesting story
If you are into books about crazy cults, this book is definitely for you. Cynthia is nuts & what she does would never enter my mind. I did have some issues trying to follow the writing because in certain places it sounded like the book was being translated - and a not too good translation. But they were few & far between. All in all this is a deranged story & I recommend it!
If you are into books about crazy cults, this book is definitely for you. Cynthia is nuts & what she does would never enter my mind. I did have some issues trying to follow the writing because in certain places it sounded like the book was being translated - and a not too good translation. But they were few & far between. All in all this is a deranged story & I recommend it!
September 24, 2020
A gritty, intense, fast-paced, riveting, artful melding of stunning psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense. An edgy mystery full of dark secrets, shocking plot twists and pulse-pounding, palpable tension. A MUST for fans who thrive on superbly-written, unputdownable thrillers!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
December 25, 2020
The story is extremely creative and detail on some aspects and not detail enough in others. It was interesting to see how characters world apart slowly came together at the end but, disappointing how it ended with almost everybody dead and confusing. I cannot understand how the survivors although innocents ran they have just committed a massacre and sad because after everything the did not ended close like I would have expected. The story was great and it was worthwhile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out to me to review his book and providing me with a digital copy of the book! I love me a slow burn and this is one. One of the funnier opening lines I’ve ever read, too; it was a hook! There were times when I had to stop and try to remember who a particular character was, but OOH BUDDY this filled my need for something creepy, yes sir, right up to the very end.
June 18, 2017
Gripping
Each horror becomes worse until it becomes unbearable. Still you read on. Dearth in your sleep becomes, a desire not hard to comprehend. History of religious fanaticism comes closer to home than thought possible. So many actions based on love, ,but with such different interpretations. And at the end, who really wins?
Each horror becomes worse until it becomes unbearable. Still you read on. Dearth in your sleep becomes, a desire not hard to comprehend. History of religious fanaticism comes closer to home than thought possible. So many actions based on love, ,but with such different interpretations. And at the end, who really wins?
August 5, 2017
Don't waste your time on this piece of crap literature.....actually, it's not even literature......
The author of this book is dumber than a fishing worm.......can't stay on track, deviates from the storyline constantly, and the author literally sucks at writing......Please don't waste your time......
The author of this book is dumber than a fishing worm.......can't stay on track, deviates from the storyline constantly, and the author literally sucks at writing......Please don't waste your time......
June 4, 2020
Sacrifice, my first read from author Andrew Boylan. A well-written mystery/suspense, character & plot development were methodical, made for an enjoyable read. I was given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I'll be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
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