Sacrifice

Drakoryan Brides #1

by Ava Sinclair

Four dragon lords. One virgin sacrifice.

When my village sacrifices me to the dragons, I go willingly to the Altar Rock to die.

But I don’t die.

I wake up in a castle built into a huge mountain. House Fra’Hir is one of many castles in the Drakoryan Empire. It is here I learn the truth — that women like me aren’t taken away to be devoured, but to be mated.

My mates, four sons of a dragon knight slain in the last battle of the ShadowFell, are unique both in personality and carnal abilities. They introduce me to the world of pleasure. In their bed chambers, they prepare me with masterful skill for the final, ultimate bond that will make me truly theirs.

But I am no passive mate, and the secret they keep from me threatens not only our bond, but the role I am prophesied to play in stopping a lurking danger that threatens the Drakoryan and human world alike.

This book contains depictions of graphic sex and fantasy battlefield violence. Please do not purchase if these themes offend you.

Genres: Romance, Dragons, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Why Choose

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2018

About the author

Ava Sinclair is a best-selling Amazon romance author who caters to readers who appreciate a plot driven book where the steamy sex complements the story, rather than overshadowing it.

A hopeless bibliophile, Ava avidly reads across multiple genres, and this is reflected in her varied body of work that spans contemporary, medieval fantasy, western, historical, time travel and sci-fi. She especially enjoys world-building and crafting interesting and relatable characters.

Because her books feature graphic sex and elements of power exchange, she gently cautions her readers to take her work for what it is – delightful, sexy escapism.

Ava lives in southern Virginia in a farmhouse tucked away on a wooded hilltop. The first thing she did after moving in was to rip out the dining room and turn it into a library/office. This is where she spends most of her days, writing and being ignored by her cats. When she’s not working, she enjoys roaming the woods around her house, or seeking the advice of Lucius, her Eagle Owl.

Reviews

[Chelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

No thank you

From the very first chapter this book turned my stomach. Lyla is snatched away by a huge dragon and wakes to find a man demanding her virginity as payment for "rescuing" her. Except, surprise!, he's actually the dragon. Then he passes her off to his brothers. One even goes so far as to tell her he resents her because he will be expected to be faithful to his new mate. Such a Romeo, that one. Overall, this book was a big giant no. As in, if you're thinking about it just say no thank you.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out well and immediately attracted my attention. Further in it had the misfortune of having more of a 'me Tarzan, you Jane' element, whereby the novel appeared to be taking a dive towards the aggressive nature of the barbarian.

At about 30% of the way in I nearly abandoned this but kept on, and was eventually glad I did. The novel gains more storyline without digging too deeply into a book simply about raunchy sex. The male characters continue to maintain a barbarian aspect which does get a bit old, but the further into the novel the more character the female protagonist gains.

All up, if you're into reverse harem novels, it's not a bad read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lyla believed she was being sacrificed to a dragon. And she was, just not in the way that everyone expected. And not only to one, but to four of them.

  “By fire claimed. By fire delivered.”

The first installment is an introduction of a sorts. It gives only basic facts about the world itself and focuses more on getting to know the characters and establishing the bond between them, the connection. Still, I liked what I've read so far. There were things that I did not particularly enjoyed, of course there were. But for the first book in the series, and for a short one at that, it was rather good. Looking forward to reading more.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a series

I enjoy Ava's stories and this one is no different.

This is a great starting to her new series. It ends on a high note but you know there is so much more coming. I loved all the characters and how all the males are so different. If you enjoy paranormal and dragons this is the book for you.
Lyla is such a great female and doesn't take crap from anyone. Even when she up against her 4 mates that happen to be very big dragons, she stands her ground and fights for her loved ones. Loved that!

[kayla]

-10000 stars

Dnf at 57% after I read the words “my venus mound”
I was OUTTA THERE

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, delicious, delectable, desirable DRAGONS! What more could you want?

Lyla's special. She always assumed she'd follow her Aunt Myrna as a priestess of her people. But fate seldom gives what we want. The scrying bowl excludes her as an initiate. This means nothing, right? But when Lyla's chosen as the sacrifice, her worst fears are realized. She's steeled herself for this. But, as she's bound, waiting for what she's sure is the end, nothing can prepare her for what's to come. A stunningly beautiful green dragon whirls into view and snatches her from the Altar Rock. Then, all goes dark! When she awakens, she's bewildered and astonished. She's alive! But how? Why? As she realizes she's not alone, and is very naked, she learns that her companion, Lord Drorgros, is one of four brothers who are her...gulp...mates! What? Four men? One mate? Did she hit her head when she fainted? Nope...it's all true. As the brothers take Lyla through a whirlwind of sexual awakening, she's angry, frustrated, defiant, and mystified. Why won't anyone explain? What happened to the dragon? Why can't she go home? But Drorgros, Tythos, Imryth, and Zelki give only the barest of details. When Zelki makes a foolhardy gesture to impress Lyla, the world turns upside down for the brothers and all within their realm. Oracle Olin has a message, a prophecy, from the witches at the Wyrd, and it's not good. As Lyla struggles to accept her new life and deal with her frustration and resentment, the brothers have to face an evil from the past that nearly destroyed them once before. As the stakes grow higher, Imryth makes a rash decision that could demolish everything. Suddenly Lyla becomes the pivot point upon which everything hinges. Can the brothers woo her into compliance? Unlikely. And without Lyla, there is no future. What can they do? Is it possible for Lyla to leave her past behind and accept her future? Will the brothers ever be able to give Lyla what she truly needs? And what role does Lyla have to play in the Oracle's prophecy? For any of this to work, the brothers will have to learn to work as a team to not only win Lyla but to save their entire existence from crumbling around them.

Ava Sinclair is a new author for me, and I truly loved this story. The reverse harem theme has become a recent fad in erotic fiction, and I've read several of these books. But Ava Sinclair has started a special series that's intriguing and fascinating. This isn't your run-of-the-mill reverse harem story. There's an incredibly beautiful backstory and history here that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. It's not just about dragons either. There are witches, oracles, fae, Gods and Goddesses, and magic galore! One thing I truly found satisfying is the relationship between the brothers, particularly as they relate to Lyla. Most reverse harem stories demonstrate complete harmony and acceptance between all the males involved in the story. There's no jealousy, no in-fighting, no one-upmanship. Realistic? Hardly. Ava Sinclair's made a huge leap in this regard. The brothers are real. They're competitive to a fault, especially when it comes to Lyla. Each of them is flawed. Each has strengths. Each has weaknesses. But it's the awareness that Ms. Sinclair writes into each character that's truly captivating. Lyla's a true force to be reckoned with. She's no doormat. I'm truly impressed with Ms. Sinclair's writing ability. This is just the beginning of this series, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment (which is already available for preorder on Amazon). Congratulations, Ms. Sinclair! You've created a richly-detailed, stunning world where anything and everything is possible. I can't give Sacrifice anything less than five stars. It's a fresh and unique take on the reverse harem subgenre that's incredibly inventive.

One final note. Be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and sexual scenes. If you don't enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and Amazon. Use these resources. DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY THE BOOK. It's not fair to the author. She works very hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to the book's subject matter before you buy it, you're doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.

Thanks for reading my review and happy reading

[LaShanta Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lyla was a good character, but I found I didnt really connect with her. I loved the idea of being snatched up by a dragon and then having four of them as mates (I absolutely love dragons and was super excited when they shifted), but the men weren't exactly likeable for me. They were eager and looked forward to the mating, but it came across as being more of a duty for them.

This book started off slow for me and while there was emotional tension right from jump, I didn't feel connected. The first few chapters left me contemplating if I would enjoy the book (side note: please never refer to an appendage as "mighty" during adult situations). However, it did pick up and I hope to see growth in the guys' characters in future books.

**I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.**

[Autumn Miller ~ autumnbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I liked this book and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. It has a pretty low rating on Goodreads and I thought that I wouldn't enjoy it that much. I was a little leery to start reading it but I am ultimately glad I did. This book is proof that a Goodreads rating isn't everything.

Lyla- I liked Lyla. She has a fire in her and it was entertaining to watch her. I loved when she stood up to her mates and it made smile when they were shocked by her audacity. Lyla was also very easy to connect with and her constant yearning for knowledge was a trait that I appreciated.

Drorgros- I liked Drorgros. He had that broody older brother with all of the responsibility on his shoulders vibe going for him. But he also had that compassionate caring side to him as well which showed with how he treated Lyla when they met.

Zelki- I didn't know how to feel about Zelki at first. He came off as the jealous asshole that wanted to out do everyone else. I felt like he didn't care about Lyla as a person and only cared about being the best sexually in her eyes. But, by the end of the book, I grew to care about his character and I realized that all of that anger and jealousy really comes from being the youngest and constantly feeling like he has to prove himself. That broke my heart and made me start to see his character for the good guy that he really is.

Tythos- Tythos was another character that I didn't know how to feel about. At first, he came off like this player who didn't want to settle down. He also didn't think that a single woman could "handle him" which made me roll my eyes. I absolutely loved seeing Lyla put him in his place and make him realize just how wrong he was in thinking that.

Imryth- Imryth is that smart golden boy type that you wish all men were like. He is poetic and made my heart hurt with his sweetness.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The world it is set in is certainly interesting and unique. I am highly interested in continuing the series and reading about some of the other Drakoryan brides.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

To The Sky.....

4 hot dragon brothers with real unique abilities inside and out and boy are they unique outside! Another serial that has got me all hot and bothered with an insatiable curiosity. This is indeed a very different view of the mating process and what it entails.

Lyla never imagined that she would awaken very much alive after being swept off her feet by a very imposing green dragon. Instead of death, she is swept off her feet yet again not as a whole, but by a unique kind of magic by each and every one of the brothers as she is claimed as their mate. But the pinnacle of the mating is when she is made privy to the very essence of them and is overwhelmed by the profound life she has been given in such a short time.

I was a bit piqued with the ending because I was left with such a strong desire to read more of these Drakoryan and what's to come. Great beginning into a a new more profound world of Reverse Harem.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrifice: A Reverse Harem Dragon Fantasy by Ava Sinclair is the first book in her serial series. In this book, we are introduced to Lyla. She is being prepared to become the sacrifice for her village this season. She fears what is to come, but she tries to go forward and be brave. She remembers what happened with the last who choose a different fate before the dragon came for her. The dragon comes for her, but when she awakens she is surprised to find herself confronted by a man whom she believes to have rescued her. What she does not expect to learn is that soon she will be mated to him and his brothers. Soon she will begin to learn who and what they really are. A prophecy has been declared concerning Lyla and her mates. They must work together to make sure that things don't fall apart in their rashness.
Sacrifice is an engaging reverse harem story. I like the way the author starts off the story. Where Lyla is being prepared and washed for the sacrifice that she is meant to be. Lyla is an interesting character. She comes off as shy, demure and uncertain, but it's not long before the author shows us there is more to her than that. I like that each chapter is broken up into characters. For each chapter, we follow along with a different character always cycling back to Lyla as she goes from one brother to another. I like the different personalities and variances in the brothers. They each are different and bring something unique to the table.
The only thing that I don't like about this book is that it needs to be gone back over with a fine tooth comb. There are quite a few spelling errors that begin to pop up in the story after a couple chapters. They aren't so horrible that they totally distract from the story, but they catch the eye. In some places they make me pause because I have to go back and reread it to get the correct context.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next book in this serial. The author has a good storyline with this and I'm eager to learn more about the dangers that are coming to threaten them all. I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. I'm taking away a star because it needs some more thorough editing, but this book is an enjoyable story for those who enjoy a good reverse harem with sexy men.

[Sarah :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, looking at others reviews I appear to be more in the minority.
On to book 2 ;)

[Nuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This is intense. The tale unfolds like this: a virgin bride is placed to be “Sacrificed” to the Dragons to appease them. Unbeknownst to the villagers that there is more to it than that. Lyla is a strong woman that will do what she must to protect her people and for the love of her mother. When she comes into meeting the first Dragon, green as emeralds, she is captivated. But she soon finds out there is more to them then what is seen.

Drorgros is the eldest and is enamored by the strength Lyla possesses. But that strength is tested when she is not only betrothed to him but his three brother: Tythos, Imryth, & Zelki. Each brother must bed the maiden to strengthen the bonds. Lyla has so many questions and once she unearths who and what they are, she is a bit upset but in wonder. But she still questions why they do what they do to the villages. And most surprising is that those women that the village thought were dead are not.

Once you meet and learn each brothers’ personality, you fall into the magic. But there is so much more going on in the story that one book isn’t enough. I love the poem that Imryth resisted to Lyla. It was sweet and endearing. Drorgros is just as passionate but with a lover’s smoothness. Zelki is hot headed and him I worry about. But he also is I believe the one with the most kink in his appetite. Tythos, at first I wanted to slap him. He was rude. And he acted like it was a duty and wanted to stay detached. Thank goodness with Lyla being head strong she knocked some sense into him.

I am soooooooooo looking forward to “Fire Bride.” Since there seems to be a war coming and still so many questions that Lyla still needs answers to. I can’t wait.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyla's world is ruled by dragons. They control how much each village can grow for food and keep everything else burned to ash. The dragons demand a sacrifice of the most beautiful young woman of each village. When Lyla isn't accepted into the priestesshood, she becomes eligible for the sacrifice, and her beauty makes sure that she's the one who's chosen. She gets prepared and tied to the rock that makes up the altar where the sacrifice is left and then she waits for the dragon to come get her.

Lord Drorgros of Fra'hir, firstborn son of Rymoth the Great is the dragon who grabbed her. He beat out his brothers to be the first of them to be with her. You see, it's the dragons' way for them to take more than one mate. When Lyla wakes, she thinks that Drorgros saved her from the dragon, not realizing what he really is.

When Lyla is introduced to Zelki, Tythos, and Imryth, at first she doesn't realize that they are also her mates. Then the situation is explained to her and she gets to spend time with each one separately and gets to know them up close and personally.

This is a great first book of a new series. I really like the brothers and how each of them has their own definite personality. They also all have their own specialties when it comes to their... endowments. They are definitely talented, and I am somewhat jealous of her for that. I can't wait to see how the next book turns out. I think it's going to be so good.

[Samm Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sci-fi/fantasy/dragon nut (both straight fantasy and romantic fantasy) and I really enjoyed this story. 4 stars due to the fact that I was left hanging and neither the blurb nor the author warned that this would actually be a serial and only gives the beginning of the story - the meeting and mating of Lyla and the four brothers from the house of Fra’Hir.

The author does an absolutely terrific job of building this world and her descriptions bring depth to the story without overpowering it. The story is told from all five viewpoints (in alternating chapters). The four brothers are true individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses and unique bedchamber abilities. Lyla is one of those strong-willed women that faces every challenge with determination, courage, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Though the story does end abruptly with so many questions unanswered and many threads with no conclusions, it did keep me turning pages wanting to know what the next reveal would be. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and it is a great starting point for the author's shift from her previous genres, but be aware that it is the first part of a serial.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrifice is Ava Sinclair’s first book in a brand new series built in a world of magic, dragons, and love. Lyla is a virgin sacrifice that her village offers up to the beasts to keep the peace. Expecting to die, she’s shocked when she wakes up surrounded by wealth and questions and four brothers who want everything.

This is a passionate book, filled with world building, wonder, magic, and love. It’s a beginning to what feels like a legendary tale, filled with dragons, a perception of danger, and a prophecy of greatness. Lyla is so courageous and her heart is open to everything that gets thrown her way. Her men, Drorgros, Tythos, Imryth, and Zelki, all love in different ways, have different strengths and weaknesses that they bring to their relationship, but they have similar values and all want to love and worship Lyla. There were mysteries and questions, some of which were revealed and answered, but I loved that while this is a happy for now ending, there’s much more that I look forward to learning and reading about!

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn

I’m kind of torn on how I feel about this story. I began to like Lyla a lot towards the end - she seemed to grow stronger. I wasn’t a fan of the guys as much, especially in the beginning. I didn’t like that they were hiding things from Lyla, and I really didn’t feel like they cared about her feelings just what they wanted. It seemed kind of old school 80’s romance at first especially in how she felt she had to go along with everything. I began liking it more Towards the middle/end of this story, when the guys started treating her better. I did like the writing style, and will probably check out Fire Bride.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/28/2018)!💝

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyla dreads the moment when she will be taken by the dragon. She knows she has to die to appease their wrath and keep her people save from their flames. But imagine her surprise when she not only survives but discovers she is to be the mate of four, count them, four dragons!

Ava Sinclair moves into the popular reverse harem subgenre with this romance. What I really liked in this story was that, unlike so many ménage and reverse harem stories, Lyla is with one man at a time. This story covers her joining each one of the four brothers she is mated to, and as she learns about them and her role in their culture, so we learn about larger threats to the dragons and how Lyla may have a pivotal role to play in that.

I liked the contrast between the brothers here, and I loved the fact that they were to one degree or another jealous of one another and the time the others get with Lyla. There are strict rules that govern their interactions at the initial stages of their mating, and it was great to see that they did stretch those rues and suffer consequences from that. Each of the brothers also had distinct personalities and ways of dealing with Lyla. I liked Lyla’s intelligence and unwavering concern for the mother she left behind. It’s clear that the dragons’ control of human development will be a major thread as this series moves forward.

There are things I wish were either addressed or adjusted. The implication of Sacrifice is that all the dragons are in RH relationships. But the brothers’ flashbacks also make it clear that they only had one father, mated to their mother. I would have liked to know if the one-man/one-woman paradigm was found in dragon culture, or were the brothers’ parents merely who was left after other brothers died. Lyla also seemed to accept her situation way too easily. I would have expected strong resistance to being mated against her will, as well as being handed off to one brother after another. I also would have liked to see if she had preferred one or two of her mates. There’s an intimation of that, but it’s not really followed through.

But this is a great new direction for Sinclair, as the combination of reverse harem with the fantasy paranormal romance is a great fit. I look forward to learning more about this dragon world that Sinclair is crafting.

[Claire Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Ava Sinclair and my first reverse harem PNR Dragon book - and wow what a way to start!! I loved this!! So different, and such a promising storyline!!

Lyla is chosen as her village's virgin sacrifice to the dragons. Lyla is strong and has accepted her fate. But when the beautiful green dragon arrives and burns her bonds away as she looks on with curiosity, the smile of its face terrifies her to death, she is drawn into is claw and taken away.

She finds herself not dead as she thought, but captured by a male who claims her for his own along with his brothers. She is to be a bride to the 4 of them. Drorgros is the first, followed by his brothers Tythos, Imryth, & Zelki. Each are completely different to each other. Lyla is fiesty and curious, questioning everything. She finds out what they really are, and more to the point that the women from her village are not dead, but are also here, with mates of their own.

Each brother must mate with his new bride, each being completely different to the other in every way. But Lyla is impatient and wants to know things before it is time for her to learn.

I loved the story line and the way it unfolded. You don't get to learn too much about their world, but expect that we will be told more in future books. This book is all about the brothers and their mate getting to initially know about each other. I loved that each 4 of the brothers had a completely different personality and way with Lyla, this added much more depth to the story I though. Lyla is a great character herself, strong, curious, sassy - determined to get herself into trouble!!

I can't wait to read more from this series!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of paranormal romance as well as reverse harem books, I was excited to read this book intrigued by the story. I have never read any books from Ava Sinclair until this week, but am so happy that I found her as an author!

I though that the story line initially followed a Russian movie that I watched recently called "I Am Dragon", which is a beautiful fantasy dragon romance, but this story line developed into so much more. Lyla is chosen as one of the women sacrificed to the dragons, and this beautiful green dragon chose her. While her people though she was "sacrificed", she was carried away to the dragon's home. As we get to know Lyla, we find out that she is a strong-willed woman that is extremely curious, determined and in my opinion, courageous. Lyla has to learn to accept her new life, as well as her four mates. Yes, I said four. Each with their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses as well as unique abilities in the bedroom, that we just start to get to know in this book.

As we journey through this book, we learn the backstory of how these dragons came to be. I am impressed with the effort and detail that the author put into building this fantasy world. We get to know Lyla and the dragons in this book, but we are told about witches, gods and goddesses, and even oracles. Plus, we find out that there is an existing threat from other dragons, which could possibly end their existence. I am excited to journey through the next book in this series!

[CoullCat · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would you do if you found that you had been lied to your whole life? What if you found out that those ‘dragons’ that kept your people poor and downtroddden, that made it so you barely had enough food to eat, were living like kings with all the food and treasure they could want? Would you be mad? I sure would, but don’t worry Lyla is happy to look past that to be with her mates. Okay, so it feels like some of those issues might be addressed in the next books but Sacrifice felt like it glossed over many major issues to ensure that it had its HEA (at least for now).

I struggled to connect with any of the characters. I found Lyla a bit contradictory - fearless and brave, inquisitive and intelligent, and also shy and naive, with a willingness to forgive too easily. The men ticked all the boxes - we have the leader, the playboy, the nerd, and the angry jealous one - and they did nothing for me. Not to mention their appendage and their unique talents (just no).

This is a serial, so it’s short, and it’s meant to be RH but it felt more like separate multiple partners for one girl. Yes they’re brothers, but I didn’t get the normal feeling of them being a unit. No cliffhanger but definitely hints at where the next books will go, and that was the clincher for me; everything was too predictable.

Sacrifice wasn’t a bad read, it just didn’t gel with me.

[Donna Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 starsBreathing Fire
ByDonna Lon February 10, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
This new series by Ava Sinclair has an exciting build up,
plus the pace and intensity continues to grow.It is full of
heartfelt emotions which makes it a seductive read.The
magic,fantasy of belonging to four,sexy, dragon brothers
who see to your every pleasure,stole my breath away.
The last thing Lyla expected after being offered for sacrifice
was to wake and find herself mated to four Drakoryan
Dragon brother's.Drorgros,Tythos,Imryth and Zelki all bring
and share their strengths and individual sexual prowess to
delight Lyla.Lyla's inner strength shines when needed.She is
overjoyed when she realizes that the village women who were
sacrificed , were vey much alive.There is a secret that the
brothers have kept from Lyla,how will she react and is she safe.
Now Ms Sinclair has tantalized us with this book,I can't wait to
the next installment.This book has so much passion,the sexual
tension sizzled.A fresh,creative take on a shifter story.

DONNA L

[JodyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

First part in what appears to be a possible serial

Lyla is the chosen woman to be sacrificed to the dragons. If she doesn't go to the ledge and await the dragon then more of their fields will be burned as well as some of the houses. Her aunt is the head priestess who helps prepare her for sacrifice.
Drorgros, Tythos, Imryth and Zelki, are the four brothers who were chosen by the oracle and witches of Wyrd to receive a mate this year. They must each claim her one at a time and then she can learn about the history of the men and the dragons.
I liked Lyla to start with because she was brave and went to do her duty to save her village. Then she sort of turned into a nosy brat. Towards the end she started to redeem herself a little, but then it ended.
I didn't realize that this story would continue on in another book or I would have waited to read them all at once. This story has a sort of HFN ending because nothing gets resolved other than she accepts her place as these dragon men's mate.

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who rules? the lady or the dragons?

Superb start to a series! Lyla, smart, curious, loving, and dutiful human virgin, is chosen to be sacrificed to the dragons. Lacking any other meaningful choice, she must bottle her fear and accept her fate, and so she looks on in terrified wonder as the dragon flames away her bonds and flies off with her. But in the Drakoryan world, what humans know and what dragons do are quite different things. So, what was to have been Lyla's end is her beginning; the monsters who made off with her are planning a quadruple wedding, not a human sacrifice. Again, lacking meaningful alternatives, Lyla is forced to accept her fate - marriage to four dangerous and beautiful dragon brothers. Her journey of acceptance, and the rewards for her sacrifice make for a steamy and fascinating romance X4 (no group sex) but will that outweigh her outrage and grief at being torn from her old life? Lyla's story stops short of HEA - it's HFN with more to come, and I enjoyed this book so much I'm diving right into the sequel.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because hello, DRAGONS! Well, it wasn't the best paranormal romance book I have read but then again it wasn't the worst. This was a good start to the series and I can admit that I am interested to see where the author will go from here.

At the start of the book the heroine (Lyla) is prepared to become a virgin sacrifice to a beast that plagues the land. The beast is of course a dragon and unknown to the humans, the dragons don't kill the sacrifices they receive. No, they take the women who then becomes a mate to multiple dragons/brothers.

This book is a short, steamy RH Paranormal Romance and written from a multiple pov. I must say that of the four brothers, Zelki, Tythos and Imryth do have some fascinating appendages that made for some interesting reading.

Although this does have sort of a hea, it also left me hanging as there was no real closure. I guess that was to be expected because it is the start of a series and if I want to know what happens next with Lyla and her Drakoryan mates I will have to read the next book in this series.

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, so I started this book remembering the sample chapters showed promise.
And yeah, the first few chapters were.. and then it went downhill.
Now, the overall plot was good and tbh, it had potential! But what just left me shocked (and not in a good way) were the sex scenes... seriously. For a second I thought I was reading some weird alien sci-fi (and even then I think I'm offending those)... just nope.
Oh and just to be clear... yes I do enjoy reverse harem and enjoy good sex scenes ;)
As this instalment is only 100ish pages, there isn't much going on: Lyla meets her mates and well... a lot of sex, with a bit of story here and there, mostly towards the end.
And now for the good part of the review: I didn't find any (noticeable) errors.
It's such a shame, I mean, it would have been a good book if only the male body part was a: not sentient b: not a vibrator c: not able to reshape or resize d: not be multipronged (I kid you not).

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrifice is a good fantasy book. The author made the setting and time period feel very authentic. If you’re into dragon tales, you will enjoy this book!

Lyla was a strong woman and very curious. The dragons all had very different personalities and styles. I especially liked Drorgros, the eldest brother. He was calm and collected, much what you would expect of a patriarch.

The plot had a steady build-up to the end. The story held my interest with the frequent changes in perspectives. The blurb mentioned graphic sex and battlefield violence, but there weren’t any battles and limited sex, which was disappointing.

This is my first book by this author and the first book in a series. It gives a lot of needed background to launch the rest of the series. I anticipate more action in future books, and I look forward to book two, Fire Bride.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was excellent but all those secrets just made my blood boil! The way she founds some out and left in the dark till the end of the book just rubbed me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful storytelling and all the steamy scenes were truly inventive and inspiring interest. I enjoyed those parts immensely but, BUT those secrets! And how they treat the people from other villages vs their own just, ugh! I'm so curious to read the next book, I want to read how the prophecy unfolds buuuuuut I don't think I'm going to do so for awhile. As pulse pounding as the story was it was also irritating with all it's 'super secret' secrets. I get that it's a secret! Don't just hint here and there and leave me hanging! I do admit that the characters were strong and interesting as well. Each with their own stark personalities too.

[Amanda Sauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I was a great spin from the typical dragon shifter story. The brothers are pretty much assholes, but each has a little something extra to bring their mate pleasure and passion. I found that the story aside from Lyla becoming mated with the dragons to be a great read. The story is told from almost everyone’s point of view, but it seems that Imryth’s is missing.  I like being able to know what goes through different characters heads especially in a reverse harem. The dragon’s are not the nicest of people, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like them. I liked how they had to have a human bride, though they might not have the best means since they control the human population through fear.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series. read the complete review at underthebookmark.com