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Hunted: The Sacrifice (Book1): Daddy's Little Girl Becomes Daddy's Little Sacrifice
When Cornish nurse Eliza Hamilton is mugged on her way home from work late one evening, the mysterious Roman Holbrook appears out of the darkness and fights off her strange attacker. He quickly disappears into the night before the police arrive, leaving a semi-conscious Eliza questioning if he was, in fact, a figment of her imagination. That is until he shows up on her doorstep one rainy night – and all hell breaks loose again. But is this man her hero or does he have a more sinister motive for wanting her kept alive?"Wow its better than good." - Ian McTanshum"Can't wait for the next one." - Caryl SpurdinThe Sacrifice was my first introduction to the work of Donna Collins – and it won’t be my last."Wow much more than a thriller." - Xenduro"Excellent storyline with twists and turns." - Todd BlissThis is my first book by Donna Collins. I unequivocally loved it! She is absolutely in my top 3 authors.This is a thriller, mystery suspense series with well developed characters, twists and turns that grabs the listener’s attention. Every detail is carefully constructed that brings the book alive. Ms. Collins took me on a journey that was visceral, painful, emotional and I will never forget it. Truly, an amazing introduction to her writing. I cannot wait for the second book in this series. I highly recommend this book. Bravo Ms. Collins!
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2018
About the author
Donna Collins
5 books21 followersDonna Collins was born at home in Romford, Essex, England. Five minutes later, she was one-hundred-per cent a bookworm. Her favourite novel, Enid Blyton’s The Children of Cherry Tree Farm, was a gift from her parents and now the most worn book on her bookshelf.
It was this book, and her love for 70’s and 80’s TV shows such as Hart to Hart, Charlie’s Angels, Hunter, and Dempsey and Makepeace, that lured Donna to the dark side of mystery and thriller writing. Since then, Donna has racked up many favourite authors, including Paula Gosling (A Running Duck is the second most worn book on her bookshelf), Jonathan Kellerman, Patricia Cornwell, and A.J. Quinnell.
Although Donna loves to write, she also loves crime – and her career proves it. Having founded her school magazine, her professional career includes not only working at OK! Magazine but also for Essex Police, Ormiston Prison Services, and Essex Offender Services. With publishing credits for freelance and commissioned magazine articles under her belt, Donna has now turned her attention and imagination to what she is best at – storytelling.
In her spare time (what spare time?), Donna loves anything scary that will get her adrenaline pumping, including storm chasing, fright nights, zombie-infested shopping malls, and séance panic rooms – with her all-time goal involving the open sea, a cage, and a whole heap of great white sharks. Donna also proudly boasts finishing the 2010 London Marathon, but you’ll have to ask nicely if you want her to tell you where she was placed and who overtook her.
It was this book, and her love for 70’s and 80’s TV shows such as Hart to Hart, Charlie’s Angels, Hunter, and Dempsey and Makepeace, that lured Donna to the dark side of mystery and thriller writing. Since then, Donna has racked up many favourite authors, including Paula Gosling (A Running Duck is the second most worn book on her bookshelf), Jonathan Kellerman, Patricia Cornwell, and A.J. Quinnell.
Although Donna loves to write, she also loves crime – and her career proves it. Having founded her school magazine, her professional career includes not only working at OK! Magazine but also for Essex Police, Ormiston Prison Services, and Essex Offender Services. With publishing credits for freelance and commissioned magazine articles under her belt, Donna has now turned her attention and imagination to what she is best at – storytelling.
In her spare time (what spare time?), Donna loves anything scary that will get her adrenaline pumping, including storm chasing, fright nights, zombie-infested shopping malls, and séance panic rooms – with her all-time goal involving the open sea, a cage, and a whole heap of great white sharks. Donna also proudly boasts finishing the 2010 London Marathon, but you’ll have to ask nicely if you want her to tell you where she was placed and who overtook her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 10, 2018
Donna Collins novel The Sacrifice is the first in a trilogy named The Hunted. I’d call it Apocalyptic on one level and a story of redemption on another. The story was fast-paced and well written. A nurse Eliza is attacked and then saved by a mysterious stranger in a baseball cap whose name is Roman.
At once the reader sees this is more than a simple act. The hospital soon becomes overrun by zombies. Roman fights these too. After many action scenes that are very well described the story emerges. The reader discovers why Eliza was attacked and exactly who (or what) Roman is and why he would save her. As the reader gets these answers, the story continues and leads to a surprise and stunning end that sets the stage for the next book in the series. There’s even an excerpt from the next book at the end
.
My only real issue with this highly enjoyable book is that it took a little too long in my opinion for the story to emerge. At times the fights with the undead were distracting. I’m still interested in the series and will likely read the next book. If you like Apocalyptic tales with a touch of Dan Brown you should read this series.
At once the reader sees this is more than a simple act. The hospital soon becomes overrun by zombies. Roman fights these too. After many action scenes that are very well described the story emerges. The reader discovers why Eliza was attacked and exactly who (or what) Roman is and why he would save her. As the reader gets these answers, the story continues and leads to a surprise and stunning end that sets the stage for the next book in the series. There’s even an excerpt from the next book at the end
.
My only real issue with this highly enjoyable book is that it took a little too long in my opinion for the story to emerge. At times the fights with the undead were distracting. I’m still interested in the series and will likely read the next book. If you like Apocalyptic tales with a touch of Dan Brown you should read this series.
January 16, 2018
This is my normal genre of books but I really enjoyed it, especially the writing style.
I loved Eliza's character and she really came through over the story. I didn't feel that Roman's character was a strong.
This book had a great pace throughout and it had me constantly guessing. I can't wait to read the other in the series.
I loved Eliza's character and she really came through over the story. I didn't feel that Roman's character was a strong.
This book had a great pace throughout and it had me constantly guessing. I can't wait to read the other in the series.
March 5, 2018
Woah, I really liked this book! I haven’t ever read a mystery thriller type book before, and this was a perfect introduction for me! The characters of Eliza and Roman were a fantastically unlikely pair, and the development between them, as well as the settings and people around them, flowed really well.
The character building and the settings were vivid and realistic, enabling me to watch the story unfold in my imagination. Which is a thing I love in my books, so well done!
I gotta say, being that I am from the states, there was a lot of words that I didn’t get right away, more sayings then words, but it was easy to pick up their meanings. It was a lot of fun to experience another country through the dialect.
One small thing that I noticed was that the dialogue appeared stiff somethings, almost forced, but it wasn’t all the time. Just a few things here and there.
Overall, this gets a 4.5 stars from me and it looks like I’ll be getting the next ones in the series, because I have to know what happens next!
The character building and the settings were vivid and realistic, enabling me to watch the story unfold in my imagination. Which is a thing I love in my books, so well done!
I gotta say, being that I am from the states, there was a lot of words that I didn’t get right away, more sayings then words, but it was easy to pick up their meanings. It was a lot of fun to experience another country through the dialect.
One small thing that I noticed was that the dialogue appeared stiff somethings, almost forced, but it wasn’t all the time. Just a few things here and there.
Overall, this gets a 4.5 stars from me and it looks like I’ll be getting the next ones in the series, because I have to know what happens next!
August 12, 2020
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. I really enjoyed this book. It's a dark tale, with a very interesting plot and an unique quest. What would you do to get into heaven? Roman will do anything until he meets Eliza, but has he gone too far to turn back or change his mind. Eliza just wants a normal birthday. A chance meeting starts a rollercoaster of events neither can get off of. Well written characters with a fast paced plot that will keep you listening longer then you intended. I'm looking forward to book 2.
November 10, 2018
Eliza is a nurse who has no idea what life holds for her. Roman is on the search for specific items and Eliza is the key to him getting into Heaven. One night as Eliza leaves the hospital she is attacked by some kind of shadow monster. Roman saves her and tries to bring her back her purse the following evening. Eliza is having experiences of the supernatural kind since that evening. She is beaten, kidnapped, tortured, and more. She fights back and continues to escape until she cannot any more. Roman continues to save her, but what are his nefarious reasons? Her brother Billy is a police officer looking to put their dad away for the murder of their mother. Something about Eliza’s blood is VERY special. I could not figure out what the total story was until I was ¾ of the way through. It is an EXCITING book that will definitely keep you on your toes! Expect the unexpected and the explanations will blow your mind and who all is involved! This book ends in a cliffhanger and I definitely want to read the next one in the series. I received this book as a gift and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2018
Eliza is a nurse who has no idea what life holds for her. Roman is on the search for specific items and Eliza is the key to him getting into Heaven. One night as Eliza leaves the hospital she is attacked by some kind of shadow monster. Roman saves her and tries to bring her back her purse the following evening. Eliza is having experiences of the supernatural kind since that evening. She is beaten, kidnapped, tortured, and more. She fights back and continues to escape until she cannot any more. Roman continues to save her, but what are his nefarious reasons? Her brother Billy is a police officer looking to put their dad away for the murder of their mother. Something about Eliza’s blood is VERY special. I could not figure out what the total story was until I was ¾ of the way through. It is an EXCITING book that will definitely keep you on your toes! Expect the unexpected and the explanations will blow your mind and who all is involved! This book ends in a cliffhanger and I definitely want to read the next one in the series. I received this book as a gift and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2018
To be honest, I really wasn't sure I would like this even half as much as I did.
I am more into cozy mystery stories .... and that it ain't! Lol!
I love the main female character, Eliza! Roman, I wasn't sure about. The story is very different, exciting and has a lot of humor as well as thrills and a bit of horror.
It kept me guessing right to the end! I have to say, I am longing to read the next in this series!
I am more into cozy mystery stories .... and that it ain't! Lol!
I love the main female character, Eliza! Roman, I wasn't sure about. The story is very different, exciting and has a lot of humor as well as thrills and a bit of horror.
It kept me guessing right to the end! I have to say, I am longing to read the next in this series!
August 29, 2020
A Reaper, undead, human sacrifice...this book has it all. If you enjoy the paranormal genre then you will love this book! When Eliza is attacked on her way home late at night, it is passed off as a mugging but her savior knows better. When Roman checks in on Eliza’s recovery, is there more to his interest than is to be believed? Certainly a nail bitter...looking forward to the next book.
I accepted a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.
I accepted a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2018
love it. was lucky to be given free for a honest review. the best paranormal by far this year. Eliza is just a average young woman and within 48 hours her life changes forever when she is attacked on her way home from unseen shadow after a night shift working as a nurse, this is just the beginning off her nightmare. Donna Collins a british author.
November 13, 2018
Incredible read! This book is full of action and adventure. This is the first book I've read from this author and it definitely will not be my last. I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
April 1, 2018
Awesome book. I love thrillers and horror books and this is both in one book. I can't wait to read more of these great books by the wonderful author.
February 11, 2018
Great book fantastic read cannot wait for the next
April 23, 2018
I loved this book ❤️ I've never read a book like this. Eliza and Roman are exceptional characters. I like the thrills and suspense ❤️❤️
April 26, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
November 4, 2018
This isn't normally a genre I read but it was intense & intriguing. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via hidden gems.
November 15, 2018
It was so on the egde I was like what's next
September 22, 2021
This is my first book by Donna Collins. I unequivocally loved it! She is absolutely in my top 3 authors.
This is a thriller, mystery suspense series with well developed characters, twists and turns that grabs the listener’s attention. Every detail is carefully constructed that brings the book alive. Ms. Collins took me on a journey that was visceral, painful, emotional and I will never forget it. Truly, an amazing introduction to her writing. Andy Stevenson did a great job narrating. He nailed each character and their personalities. I cannot wait for the second book in this series. I highly recommend this book. Bravo Ms. Collins and Mr. Stevenson!
This is a thriller, mystery suspense series with well developed characters, twists and turns that grabs the listener’s attention. Every detail is carefully constructed that brings the book alive. Ms. Collins took me on a journey that was visceral, painful, emotional and I will never forget it. Truly, an amazing introduction to her writing. Andy Stevenson did a great job narrating. He nailed each character and their personalities. I cannot wait for the second book in this series. I highly recommend this book. Bravo Ms. Collins and Mr. Stevenson!
May 25, 2018
I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review.
A thriller with so much potential.
A slow burner, The Hunted has an unexpectedly simple plot. A man wants to build a cross, the True Cross, which has the power to open the gates of heaven.
It definitely took time to build-up. The book took so many unnecessary turns that it made it seem boring, but it has plenty of potential. A lot of the scenes from the book are interestingly action packed.
The biggest problem I encountered is the lack of improvement from the characters towards the book. Plenty of events happened to them, but there seems to be little to no development at all. Especially to the main protagonist Eliza.
In terms of pacing, the book is oddly transitioned. It tends to go on a high and drop into an extreme low that I seem to end up putting it down because of boredom. The continuity of each chapter is not so much my type. There are no interesting end to a chapter that would lead you to desire the next, which contributed to the length of time it took me to finish the book.
Additionally, the writing style was really nice. But I think the coherence of the sequence was a little bit difficult to decipher. She used third person point-of-view but she focused on all the characters that it became tiring to follow each of them.
Last but not the least is the ending. People who knows me well knows how much I love standalones. Hence, why I don't read sequels/prequels to a series. But this book has plenty of unanswered questions. It took time to build up, and ended in such a low note.
Maybe this book wasn't for me, but I am still looking forward to read the next book of the series.
A thriller with so much potential.
A slow burner, The Hunted has an unexpectedly simple plot. A man wants to build a cross, the True Cross, which has the power to open the gates of heaven.
It definitely took time to build-up. The book took so many unnecessary turns that it made it seem boring, but it has plenty of potential. A lot of the scenes from the book are interestingly action packed.
The biggest problem I encountered is the lack of improvement from the characters towards the book. Plenty of events happened to them, but there seems to be little to no development at all. Especially to the main protagonist Eliza.
In terms of pacing, the book is oddly transitioned. It tends to go on a high and drop into an extreme low that I seem to end up putting it down because of boredom. The continuity of each chapter is not so much my type. There are no interesting end to a chapter that would lead you to desire the next, which contributed to the length of time it took me to finish the book.
Additionally, the writing style was really nice. But I think the coherence of the sequence was a little bit difficult to decipher. She used third person point-of-view but she focused on all the characters that it became tiring to follow each of them.
Last but not the least is the ending. People who knows me well knows how much I love standalones. Hence, why I don't read sequels/prequels to a series. But this book has plenty of unanswered questions. It took time to build up, and ended in such a low note.
Maybe this book wasn't for me, but I am still looking forward to read the next book of the series.
October 15, 2020
As a first book by Donna Collins for me, The Sacrifice was right up my alley. Without giving anything away - plot related I do have to say that the building and somewhat unlikely chemistry between our main character Eliza and Roman (Grim Reaper) made me happy. Yes I said it! A nurse and the Grim Reaper. Who would have thought?
The Sacrifice is a tale of interesting well thought out characters. Of ancient blood lines, battle between good verses evil, action, plot twists and a cliff hanger.
For me, a story needs details. The ability to display a setting within the words on the page. I feel Donna succeeded nicely using both humor and horror. I will definitely be keeping up with Eliza and Roman in the future.
Bravo Donna.
The Sacrifice is a tale of interesting well thought out characters. Of ancient blood lines, battle between good verses evil, action, plot twists and a cliff hanger.
For me, a story needs details. The ability to display a setting within the words on the page. I feel Donna succeeded nicely using both humor and horror. I will definitely be keeping up with Eliza and Roman in the future.
Bravo Donna.
December 8, 2020
I loved this book!There were some spots that lagged or confused so no 5 star.I plan to read the series as it comes out.Andy Stevenson was a very good narrator. A groups quest for the true cross,coincides with a sacrifice of a true blood.When Roman is tasked with retrieving one,he has a choice to make.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
October 30, 2020
Any “good” suspense novel is one I that I cannot predict the twists and turns. This book meets that qualification and beyond. It has well developed characters, and a solid plot line. My only disappointment was that it was a bit wordy when it wasn’t necessary; yet it did nothing to diminish the book. I look forward to hearing more from this author.
June 23, 2021
On her way home from work Eliza is attacked and she’s rescued by a stranger Roman Holbrook . Things start getting weird and at every turn Roman is there . Absolutely loved this there are so many twists and turns it kept me listening I didn’t want to stop so I listened all in one go. Andy Stevenson did a great job narrating and I’m looking forward to book 2.
June 30, 2018
I am sorry for my low review, but I am just not into zombie stories. I did not realize it was a zombie book when I first started to read it. Although it seems written well enough, I just could not get into it, so I had to quit trying to read it.
September 8, 2018
This was a pretty good mystery that kept me guessing. The only criticism I have is the fact that some parts didn't quite seem to fit together. Almost like it was two separate people writing it.
August 12, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
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November 2, 2025
Thirty-year-old Eliza Hamilton isn’t your average young lady; she has the power of telekenesis, but is still learning how to use it. There’s something else Eliza doesn’t know—she’s a true descendant of Jesus Christ. A crazed lunatic believes he can get into Heaven if he performs a sacrifice. He gathers together the four pieces of The True Cross, the original cross that Jesus himself was crucified on, and prepares to sacrifice Eliza. Her policeman brother, Billy, and a reaper named Roman, who has escaped from Purgatory, attempt to save Eliza. At the same time, a mysterious shadow is also trying to kill Eliza, but for a different reason. Can Billy and Roman rescue her in time? Read Donna Colllins’ Hunting: The Sacrifice to find out.
The entire book spans only 48 hours, but a lot happens in that time. There are car crashes, a mini zombie apocalypse, bloodshed, death, and destruction. Hunting: The Sacrifice is a page turner from the opening scene, where Roman is stealing one piece of the cross, to the cliffhanger ending. Readers will have no choice but to read the sequel, and they’ll be excited to do that. This is my second adventure with Donna Collins, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
The entire book spans only 48 hours, but a lot happens in that time. There are car crashes, a mini zombie apocalypse, bloodshed, death, and destruction. Hunting: The Sacrifice is a page turner from the opening scene, where Roman is stealing one piece of the cross, to the cliffhanger ending. Readers will have no choice but to read the sequel, and they’ll be excited to do that. This is my second adventure with Donna Collins, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
December 28, 2025
Honestly, this book was a thrilling ride from start to finish. This being my second Donna Collins book, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story grabs you immediately with Eliza Hamilton’s mugging and the enigmatic Roman Holbrook’s sudden appearance. The suspense builds so well that I found myself genuinely guessing what his motives might be, and the twists along the way kept me on my toes.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, and Collins does a fantastic job making every detail feel vivid. I especially appreciated how the tension feels visceral without being overwhelming, it’s suspenseful in just the right way. The audio narration by Andy Stevenson was excellent, making the story even more engaging.
The reason I’m giving four stars instead of five is that, while the story and suspense are top-notch, a few plot points felt slightly rushed toward the climax. That said, I’m already looking forward to book two and am confident it’ll be just as gripping.
If you enjoy thrillers with strong characters, mystery, and unexpected twists, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, and Collins does a fantastic job making every detail feel vivid. I especially appreciated how the tension feels visceral without being overwhelming, it’s suspenseful in just the right way. The audio narration by Andy Stevenson was excellent, making the story even more engaging.
The reason I’m giving four stars instead of five is that, while the story and suspense are top-notch, a few plot points felt slightly rushed toward the climax. That said, I’m already looking forward to book two and am confident it’ll be just as gripping.
If you enjoy thrillers with strong characters, mystery, and unexpected twists, this one is definitely worth picking up.
December 13, 2021
I liked this story set in Cornwall. It is engagingly written and nicely paced; the cast is interesting; there are interludes in which clarity of purpose is established interwoven with scenes of desperate action. It keeps you turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next - even when that is fairly predictable.
I felt that predictability to be the weak point in an otherwise fun read and for this reason give The Hunted 4 stars.
Fans of action - there is sex and violence throughout- and the mystic/supernatural will enjoy this first book of the series.
I felt that predictability to be the weak point in an otherwise fun read and for this reason give The Hunted 4 stars.
Fans of action - there is sex and violence throughout- and the mystic/supernatural will enjoy this first book of the series.
September 27, 2025
If any story fits the definition of gripping, it's this one. It's as rare as it is welcome for a book to strike such a nice balance between a plot-oriented and a character-oriented story. However, beyond the action and danger faced by the protagonist, which are perfectly plotted, what attracted me most about this book was the evolution of the villain. I find Roman's character fascinating. It's good news that there are more books to come in this fascinating world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2026
I am not quite sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this. I mean the premise of the book was interesting and kept my attention but the FMC was written pretty terribly. I hope she develops and grows as a character. Unfortunately I did not like the ending. I do not like the play on the crucifixion at all and I was not expecting it. It was offensive and that's on me for not paying closer attention to the book description. It was not terrible but it wasn't the best. The narrator did a good job.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews