What do you think?
Rate this book
SACRIFICE YOUR HEART
Having rescued her people in the eastern territories and thwarted another plot to undermine Armelia, Iris throws herself back into the work of governing her duchy. After all, it's only through work that she can make herself forget her growing feelings for Dean. But she can't put off all thought of marriage. A foreign prince has come to the duchy seeking an alliance--and Iris's hand to cement the deal. If Iris gives herself to the prince, she secures Armelia's future...and gives up her heart forever.
Having rescued her people in the eastern territories and thwarted another plot to undermine Armelia, Iris throws herself back into the work of governing her duchy. After all, it's only through work that she can make herself forget her growing feelings for Dean. But she can't put off all thought of marriage. A foreign prince has come to the duchy seeking an alliance--and Iris's hand to cement the deal. If Iris gives herself to the prince, she secures Armelia's future...and gives up her heart forever.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2017
56 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 23, 2022
RTC
Not sure how to rate this one. While I liked most of it, the way the first plotline was handled-- introduced, made a big thing, and then seemingly forgotten till the end-- was my biggest gripe. There certainly was not much she could do about it till it was relevant again. But it's odd she wouldn't have considered using it as a trump card or as part of her overall plan.
The ending also left me empty. She seemed so resigned to her fate, which is so unlike her. I can understand the logic of the decision to an extent. However, unlike other situations where Iris doesn't consider an alternative decision, the circumstances shifted. Even if she had made the same choice, I would have liked for her to at least consider the merits of the other possible alternative.
Not sure how to rate this one. While I liked most of it, the way the first plotline was handled-- introduced, made a big thing, and then seemingly forgotten till the end-- was my biggest gripe. There certainly was not much she could do about it till it was relevant again. But it's odd she wouldn't have considered using it as a trump card or as part of her overall plan.
The ending also left me empty. She seemed so resigned to her fate, which is so unlike her. I can understand the logic of the decision to an extent. However, unlike other situations where Iris doesn't consider an alternative decision, the circumstances shifted. Even if she had made the same choice, I would have liked for her to at least consider the merits of the other possible alternative.
June 30, 2024
1.5 Stars
Uff The series was genuinely enjoyable at first but now it's just going in a cliche direction. I'm glad this was the last volume (of the original series) because my god I CANNOT continue reading without falling asleep or saying 'Yep...saw it coming' every 0.5 chapters.
Uff The series was genuinely enjoyable at first but now it's just going in a cliche direction. I'm glad this was the last volume (of the original series) because my god I CANNOT continue reading without falling asleep or saying 'Yep...saw it coming' every 0.5 chapters.
February 2, 2022
This is a roller coaster of a volume. It starts out with fifty of the dullest pages I've read in recent memory before becoming an emotional narrative of impending revolution and political drama and finally wrapping up in a very bittersweet way that makes me very glad there's a volume five. It's the sort of volume that makes me glad I stuck with what was previously a mediocre series.
January 20, 2022
I’m sorry, but what the actual F*CK was that ending?!? Would have been one star, but I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt.
My day started off so well. This was queued on my eReader, I downloaded it and started to read at lunch and my day at work went to poo, but I still had this to read.
And then THAT ENDING happened and my day required me to listen to Bodies on repeat as I drove home and a comfort re-read of both the I Swear manga AND light novel, BUT that also left me depressed because WHEN ARE THE NEXT VOLUMES COMING OUT FOR THOSE, HUH, HUH?!?!
So now I am desperate for a positive read and SO HELP ME, this book has a LOT to answer for!!!
2, the next book DAM WELL better be STELLAR or I am DONE, stars.
My day started off so well. This was queued on my eReader, I downloaded it and started to read at lunch and my day at work went to poo, but I still had this to read.
And then THAT ENDING happened and my day required me to listen to Bodies on repeat as I drove home and a comfort re-read of both the I Swear manga AND light novel, BUT that also left me depressed because WHEN ARE THE NEXT VOLUMES COMING OUT FOR THOSE, HUH, HUH?!?!
So now I am desperate for a positive read and SO HELP ME, this book has a LOT to answer for!!!
2, the next book DAM WELL better be STELLAR or I am DONE, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2022
On the one hand, if I didn't already love the manga I would have given up on these light novels ages ago. The manga cuts out a lot of tedious exposition about government reform.
On the other hand I am now further ahead in the story than the English version of the manga, to which I can only be delighted and aghast at with this latest cliffhanger.
On the other hand I am now further ahead in the story than the English version of the manga, to which I can only be delighted and aghast at with this latest cliffhanger.
July 4, 2019
這系列不知道是不是在台灣銷量不錯，感覺出版速度很快。總之迅速地看完了第四集，這集進展的滿快的讓我有點意外，我本來以為尤莉跟第二王子的魔王位子會再坐久一點呢。
還是來寫一下感想，其實我覺得作者願意花時間在寫一些比要硬的劇情（經商、領地管理等等）其實是很值得讚賞的，大部分類似設定的なろう系小說，其實這部分都快速地跳過，反而花比較多時間在描寫歡樂劇情跟男女主角互動，可是可能就是因為寫太多了吧，常常讀一半就會讓我冒出「事情真的有可能進行的那麼順利嗎？」的疑惑。女主角的每個政策都很完美的被執行，領地又人才濟濟，實在是順利到沒有真實感。每次都只有女主角自己單方面的擔心可能不順利，但一定會有超級有能力也不知道為什麼剛好就在領地裡的人出現把政策順利推動下去（這種人才也可以來一下台灣嗎？）
還有其實我也有點受不了某一點，就是女主角很愛在內心說自己很自私（像是只在乎自己領地的人民等等），但是劇情等一下馬上就會開始陳述各種女主角大愛無私的劇情，所以告訴我他到底是自私還是不自私，搞得我好亂啊。而且有些描寫女主角聖母的劇情真的讓我很出戲，像是五歲的女主角在收養了某個侍衛之後，聽到他的家世還哭出來痛恨自己的無力……嗯？？？你跟我說這是五歲的小孩？？？
再來就是這集在國內爆發的問題，可能是為了要表現爸爸宰相不是當假的，所以女主角詢問的時候，爸爸表示自己早就知道了……但是知道了什麼都沒做，這有表現出爸爸厲害的地方嗎？？？還是說爸爸不處理，後面才有第一王子表現的空間？
然後還有尤莉到處魅惑貴族的描寫也讓我覺得很詭異，在學園裡，畢竟是原始乙女遊戲的設定，所以是尤莉後宮就算了。但是尤莉都已經是王子的未婚妻了，被魅惑還真的敢出手的貴族難道腦子是有問題嗎？？？這本書裡的第二王子派的智力程度怎麼有辦法低成這樣？
啊，還有這集不得不提到進化的貝倫，不過貝倫的進化契機真的超級老哽的，還有貝倫看起來應該會跟公主配。
然後戀愛主線算是有大進展吧，但是一點也不好吃，最後道別的地方雖然有一點點萌，但也只有一點點而已。是說封面的他國王子，戲份少成這樣，怎麼有資格被畫到封面上？
--
糟糕，突然發現我感想全部都是抱怨。不過基於一種我也不懂是什麼的義務感，只要中文版繼續出，我還是會把這個系列看完的。
還是來寫一下感想，其實我覺得作者願意花時間在寫一些比要硬的劇情（經商、領地管理等等）其實是很值得讚賞的，大部分類似設定的なろう系小說，其實這部分都快速地跳過，反而花比較多時間在描寫歡樂劇情跟男女主角互動，可是可能就是因為寫太多了吧，常常讀一半就會讓我冒出「事情真的有可能進行的那麼順利嗎？」的疑惑。女主角的每個政策都很完美的被執行，領地又人才濟濟，實在是順利到沒有真實感。每次都只有女主角自己單方面的擔心可能不順利，但一定會有超級有能力也不知道為什麼剛好就在領地裡的人出現把政策順利推動下去（
還有其實我也有點受不了某一點，就是女主角很愛在內心說自己很自私（像是只在乎自己領地的人民等等），但是劇情等一下馬上就會開始陳述各種女主角大愛無私的劇情，所以告訴我他到底是自私還是不自私，搞得我好亂啊。而且有些描寫女主角聖母的劇情真的讓我很出戲，像是五歲的女主角在收養了某個侍衛之後，聽到他的家世還哭出來痛恨自己的無力……嗯？？？你跟我說這是五歲的小孩？？？
再來就是這集在國內爆發的問題，可能是為了要表現爸爸宰相不是當假的，所以女主角詢問的時候，爸爸表示自己早就知道了……但是知道了什麼都沒做，這有表現出爸爸厲害的地方嗎？？？還是說爸爸不處理，後面才有第一王子表現的空間？
然後還有尤莉到處魅惑貴族的描寫也讓我覺得很詭異，在學園裡，畢竟是原始乙女遊戲的設定，所以是尤莉後宮就算了。但是尤莉都已經是王子的未婚妻了，被魅惑還真的敢出手的貴族難道腦子是有問題嗎？？？這本書裡的第二王子派的智力程度怎麼有辦法低成這樣？
啊，還有這集不得不提到進化的貝倫，不過貝倫的進化契機真的超級老哽的，還有貝倫看起來應該會跟公主配。
然後戀愛主線算是有大進展吧，但是一點也不好吃，最後道別的地方雖然有一點點萌，但也只有一點點而已。是說封面的他國王子，戲份少成這樣，怎麼有資格被畫到封面上？
--
糟糕，突然發現我感想全部都是抱怨。不過基於一種我也不懂是什麼的義務感，只要中文版繼續出，我還是會把這個系列看完的。
October 14, 2025
Now that Iris and the duchy are back in the green, she’s ready to prepare for future disasters starting with preparing for potential floods. Unfortunately for her, the second prince’s camp is forging full speed ahead, especially once it looks like the king is not long in this world. Just when Iris thinks she’s prepared for anything, she receives a marriage proposal from an opposing kingdom and bad news comes her way…
I’ve been enjoying this series a lot, but I have been wondering if Iris was ever going to deal with the fact that she was reincarnated into a video game. I was glad to see she sort of deals with it this time around. It wasn’t anything deep, which I expected, but I’m glad it finally happened since it’s something I keep thinking about as I get deeper into the series.
A portion of this book was a little iffy because it focuses so much on Iris working and introducing new things to her duchy. The fact that every new thing she introduces goes super well is starting to get old, so I’m hoping to see at least one new system she brings forth get some pushback and/or just not go well in the future.
That said, there was a ton of character development for some characters and that was super exciting. It was also great to finally see the first and second prince’s factions finally fully face off. Plus, that cliffhanger was something else. I’d hate to see Iris of all people sit down and marry someone else instead of the person she’s in love with, but her reasons for being resigned to her fate also make complete sense. I guess we’ll see what happens! Hopefully, Dean will get it together and fight for her but we shall see.
I’ve been enjoying this series a lot, but I have been wondering if Iris was ever going to deal with the fact that she was reincarnated into a video game. I was glad to see she sort of deals with it this time around. It wasn’t anything deep, which I expected, but I’m glad it finally happened since it’s something I keep thinking about as I get deeper into the series.
A portion of this book was a little iffy because it focuses so much on Iris working and introducing new things to her duchy. The fact that every new thing she introduces goes super well is starting to get old, so I’m hoping to see at least one new system she brings forth get some pushback and/or just not go well in the future.
That said, there was a ton of character development for some characters and that was super exciting. It was also great to finally see the first and second prince’s factions finally fully face off. Plus, that cliffhanger was something else. I’d hate to see Iris of all people sit down and marry someone else instead of the person she’s in love with, but her reasons for being resigned to her fate also make complete sense. I guess we’ll see what happens! Hopefully, Dean will get it together and fight for her but we shall see.
January 26, 2022
Iris has barely dealt with people directly plotting against her, before she learns things are even more dire in the kingdom then she thought they would be. Can she keep herself and the people of her domain save?
The story has certainly changed from its first volume over the previous volumes. I found the intrigue mixed in with a bit of slice-of-life and kingdom building an enjoyable read. I like the characters involved, and at least things do not go as smoothly as they did in volume 1. My one bit of complaint is that Iris lacks a bit of agency in this volume. She does damage control, but it are others who resolve the actual issue (and without her direct involvement at that) and take the centre state. It makes sense in the context, but I like the MC to do at least be somewhat involved and I would expect a bit more anger from her from being kept out of the loop by those around her (even if that was done for the best of intentions). I am not even talking about Dean, but about parents.
Still, eagerly looking forward to volume 5 although I am not sure how much a bureaucrat and politician can do in said events...
The story has certainly changed from its first volume over the previous volumes. I found the intrigue mixed in with a bit of slice-of-life and kingdom building an enjoyable read. I like the characters involved, and at least things do not go as smoothly as they did in volume 1. My one bit of complaint is that Iris lacks a bit of agency in this volume. She does damage control, but it are others who resolve the actual issue (and without her direct involvement at that) and take the centre state. It makes sense in the context, but I like the MC to do at least be somewhat involved and I would expect a bit more anger from her from being kept out of the loop by those around her (even if that was done for the best of intentions). I am not even talking about Dean, but about parents.
Still, eagerly looking forward to volume 5 although I am not sure how much a bureaucrat and politician can do in said events...
February 16, 2022
This volume is just wow.
Iris having now dealt with the people plotting against her, now learns that there are events and issues more pressing occurring in the kingdom than she originally thought. Throughout this, she does whatever she can to keep the people of her domain safe, at whatever cost necessary.
Iris comes to terms with her growing feelings for Dean and is also suddenly proposed to by a foreign prince, who has come to the duchy seeking an alliance, with said proposal to cement the deal.
However, when a crisis occurs that affects the entire kingdom, the 2nd prince's faction does what they can do to solidify their stance, while the 1st prince is said to still be abroad. But as everything seems dire, the 1st prince (Alfred) suddenly makes an appearance and everything comes to light, not only regarding the actions that the actions of people within Ed's faction, but also his mother the empress and Yuri, the 'heroine' in the original storyline.
While I felt this particular ending a little rushed, as I would have liked to see certain events dragged on, I overall found the ending bittersweet for Iris. I very much look forward to the next volume!
Iris having now dealt with the people plotting against her, now learns that there are events and issues more pressing occurring in the kingdom than she originally thought. Throughout this, she does whatever she can to keep the people of her domain safe, at whatever cost necessary.
Iris comes to terms with her growing feelings for Dean and is also suddenly proposed to by a foreign prince, who has come to the duchy seeking an alliance, with said proposal to cement the deal.
However, when a crisis occurs that affects the entire kingdom, the 2nd prince's faction does what they can do to solidify their stance, while the 1st prince is said to still be abroad. But as everything seems dire, the 1st prince (Alfred) suddenly makes an appearance and everything comes to light, not only regarding the actions that the actions of people within Ed's faction, but also his mother the empress and Yuri, the 'heroine' in the original storyline.
While I felt this particular ending a little rushed, as I would have liked to see certain events dragged on, I overall found the ending bittersweet for Iris. I very much look forward to the next volume!
Read
March 21, 2022Having rescued her people in the eastern territories and thwarted another plot to undermine Armelia, Iris throws herself back into the work of governing her duchy. After all, it's only through work that she can make herself forget her growing feelings for Dean. But she can't put off all thought of marriage. A foreign prince has come to the duchy seeking an alliance--and Iris's hand to cement the deal. If Iris gives herself to the prince, she secures Armelia's future...and gives up her heart forever.
August 31, 2022
This one was just as good as usual with the political drama but i kept expecting the prince from the other country to be more prevalent since you know he proposed to Iris. So the plot just kept going with like mentioning it only twice. It built up my expectation that he was gonna do something or at least show he is just as political savvy as Dean but nothing. I mean at least Edward and Yuri got owned. But im sure its not the last we've seen of them especially since war is definitely gonna break out with Tweil in the next volume.
March 29, 2022
Good but not the best in the series. Wth poor mimosa. I wish they had actually revealed that yuuri was a spy for the enemy in front of Edward so he would show at least a bit of remorse. And the ending just made me sad. She loves Dean but she’s giving up on him for the greater good of the kingdom? And he’s not even going to fight for her? I feel like this story was the best in the beginning but I’m not sure how to feel about it now other than just sad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
On the plus side, we finally get to see Dean reveal his true identity and make a move - rather spectacularly at that. On the downside, it seems Dean and Iris are both still partially hiding in the sand, refusing to actually reach out for what they both really want. With the war now back in play though, how might that change Iris' previous convictions on the political field and using her proposal to further the kingdom rather than her own happiness?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2023
Bit of a slow start, but thankfully things got real interesting and politically twisty after the first chapter. I really enjoyed myself, though I do find myself wanting to shake Iris. Just a bit.
Either way, the hook at the end of the story was really something else and I’m looking forward to the next volume.
Either way, the hook at the end of the story was really something else and I’m looking forward to the next volume.
June 4, 2025
This volume didn't start out as strong as some others, but I was pleased with the last 150-200 pages so I'm willing to give it a 4-star. I am glad I've got the next one on the shelf so I don't have to wait and get it from a bookseller.
Accomplishments is an enjoyable series and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Accomplishments is an enjoyable series and I'd recommend it to anyone.
March 12, 2022
Well, now I feel sad. Everything is pretty neatly wrapped up (except for that bombshell of a cliffhanger) so I can't help but wonder where the story will go from here. And I'm going to have to keep wondering; volume 5 hasn't been translated yet.
July 17, 2022
The story continues to build and sets the pace for the next book. I'm in love with Iris, she's a fantastic woman who pushes herself to be better for those around her. The romance was very minimal in this one, my girl's heart deserves to be healed!!!!
May 24, 2023
This was so good!!! Oh my gosh, so much happened, The Big Reveal has finally happened, and so much more!!!!! I love this series so much, and each book is just jam-packed with amazingness. I cannot wait to see where this series goes - especially after those cliffhangers!!
October 30, 2024
A competition for love? The disappearance of a close friend and the meeting of a prince from another nation? This book truly takes it into the decision of will I serve my country or will I follow my heart
January 13, 2022
Online Fan translation
March 28, 2022
Quite the cliffhanger! I can't wait for the next volume! Also what will be Iris's fate now that her time as acting governor might be ending soon?
May 16, 2022
I am devastated. This book series is crazy good.
September 4, 2023
Leaves off on a really big cliffhanger!
November 20, 2023
I read this whole series in one go. So, I’ll save my review for the last book.
October 4, 2024
Very fun and easy read. Only 3 bc I'm unlikely to reread it.
Read
November 6, 2025Well, things spiced up in the last two chapters - which is all I ever wanted.
December 20, 2025
okay i know she's not gonna actually marry the acacian prince but! i do think that would make for an interestingly different route to take
3 stars
3 stars
May 18, 2023
Este ha sido el mejor volumen hasta ahora
June 16, 2023
I love this series. The ending of the book was shocking and nothing as I expected, but I can't wait to see how the rest of the series will turn out. This book got a bit messy at times, but it is understandable considering how she is so involved with her city of Armelia.
It's not my favorite book of the series, but it is still entertaining.
It's not my favorite book of the series, but it is still entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews