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Ultimate Sacrifice
A murdered child. A small town. A cult lurking in the shadows… Vickie has always lived a quiet, ordinary life in an equally quiet and ordinary small town. Yet one fateful night a child turns up dead in the woods behind her house in a ritualistic slaughter. Vickie and her family are suddenly thrown into a national spotlight. But as the investigation unfolds, she begins to realize her family isn’t so ordinary after all. Evil is inching closer to those she holds dear and Vickie isn't sure who she can ultimately trust. WHAT PEOPLE ARE “Twisty, grippy, and nasty in all the right ways, Ultimate Sacrifice reimagines the ‘satanic panic’ for YA readers.” ~Vic James, author of The Gilded Cage . “ A dark and twisty tale . Ultimate Sacrifice takes the reader down a path they won’t see coming.” ~Mindy McGinnis, author of This Darkness Mine . 5 STARS! “ Ultimate Sacrifice by S. E. Green is going to scare you, give you chills and keep you on the edge of your seat! One of the creepiest reads I have read!” ~Ben Alderson, #1 UK BookTuber 5 STARS! “A heart pumping, ‘edge of your seat’ thriller. Will make your skin crawl. It is perfect for readers looking for a dark story with a high creep factor.” ~Darque Dreamer, Goodreads Reviewer 5 STARS! “One of those books that starts off with a bang and doesn't let up until the very end.” ~Jasmine B., Amazon Reviewer
222 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
202 people are currently reading
1648 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Green
26 books590 followersS. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
June 6, 2017
ADDING MY REVIEW BECAUSE THE COVER WAS REVEALED YESTERDAY.
So, Oftomes Publishing has it's first Horror novel debuting this October 10th
Ultimate Sacrifice by S. E. Green is going to scare you, give you chills and keep you on the edge of your seat!
One of the most interesting, creepy reads I have read... with a supernatural twist!
CHECK OUT THIS NOVEL AND ADD TO YOUR LISTS!
So, Oftomes Publishing has it's first Horror novel debuting this October 10th
Ultimate Sacrifice by S. E. Green is going to scare you, give you chills and keep you on the edge of your seat!
One of the most interesting, creepy reads I have read... with a supernatural twist!
CHECK OUT THIS NOVEL AND ADD TO YOUR LISTS!
October 9, 2017
I am so sad that I did not like this book. I ADORE Vanquished, so, naturally I assumed I would love this too. No. Not my cuppa. :/
• The mystery wasn't done well
• The "romance" didn't really have a point
• It felt rushed and unorganized
• The characters had zero dimension
Full review soon!
• The mystery wasn't done well
• The "romance" didn't really have a point
• It felt rushed and unorganized
• The characters had zero dimension
Full review soon!
October 9, 2017
I received an e-arc in exchange of an honest review!
TW: violence, blood, death, sex, racism (the author goes against it)
I read this book last month, as I recieved it early from the publisher, and gave it 3/5 stars. If you aren't aware of my rating system, it basically means that I enjoyed the book, would recommend it to people who love its genre but still thought it had some flaws— it was good, but didn't meet all of my expectations.
Before starting this review, I must say that over the last few months my reading tastes have changed a lot. I am reading less and less YA books, not because I don't like this genre anymore (I will always love it) but because I somehow felt the need to read more classics, and not for university this time but for me, and realised how much those books make me happy. So when I started reading Ultimate Sacrifice, I knew it wouldn't be exactly what I wanted to read at the moment— plus, it is a horror story, which is far away from my comfort zone. I think that never in my life I have ever read a horror book. This is why I can't totally judged the whole thing because it's something that I don't know about.
To cover the whole thing, I'll start this review with the things I loved, and will then explain why I only gave it 3 stars by sharing what I think could have been done differently.
WHAT I LIKED
— The story
As soon as I opened the book, I was hooked. Indeed, you are immediatly immersed into the story and you want to know what is happening and what happened. So you keep reading, hoping to finally understand the whole thing and overall, you aren't disappointed. I personally read this book in one setting, in less than two hours, and it isn't because I am a fast reader (well, there's some of that) but because you just can't stop reading. It's not the kind of book that you can put down and pick up later— the whole plot makes you feel like you need to keep reading, as if you could save the main character from all of this.
— The main character
As I said, I felt the need to save the main character, Vickie, from all that was happening. In fact, I truly cared about her, which doesn't happen a lot with me. Vickie is a young and nice girl, and I started to be scared for her from the beggining. She was only sweet, pure and strong— honestly, I couldn't have gone through half the things she had to live. It felt good to actually care about her, for the story would have been hard to follow if I haven't. She was the reason I kept reading and loved this book.
— The writing style and length
I am not gonna lie, it was pretty simple. But, as a matter of fact, it worked here. If the writing style would have been heavy, I would have simply gave up— the story was hard enough by itself. However, it was easy to follow and to understand. As I said, you were immersed in the story the minute you start reading the book and the fact that the author was explaining the whole thing with simple words, brief sentences and short paragraphs made the whole thing more enjoyable. It also makes you want to keep reading the whole book in one setting, which is great for those who can't bear the suspense (like me).
Plus, the book is quite short and that's what also makes it such a short read. If you are looking for a quick read for Halloween, then definitely go for this one!
— The atmostphere
You may have seen the publisher promoting this book as "an episode of Supernatural" and, well, it is true. Of course, there's no (gorgeous) demon hunters, nor a real investigation since we aren't following the policemen but a teenage girl involved in the story. However, the whole atmosphere was close to the tvshow.
I must say that I was scared throughout the whole book, but that's mostly because I am scared by anything. Still, the whole thing was mysterious and disturbing, and since it was such a quick read it truly felt as if you were watching an episode of a tvshow. Plus, it is so easy to read that you can picture everything that is happening quite easily in your head and the book really felt cinematographic.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE DIFFERENTLY
— Lack of developpment
Even though I loved how short it was, I still believe that the author could have developped more things in her novel, and add more depth or perspective to her characters. The whole thing somehow felt rushed for me, and I sometimes couldn't understand the characters' motivations. I know that it was part of the mystery but some characters weren't described enough and made them instantly guilty to me. I wish they would have been all grey so that they would all have looked convicted.
Plus, I loved the fact that Vickie had a boyfriend who was black, even though their family was against it, but once again it wasn't developped enough. Of course, the story wasn't about it but I would have loved if this novel would have been disturbing in many ways: describing racism and violence against persons of colour could have add something to the plot and make the whole thing even more unsettling.
— The end
Of course, I won't spoil it but I didn't completly buy it. Why, you may asked. Well, because of all the things I just said: it felt rushed and many things weren't explained. You can see that the author wanted to surprise us, and she did, but she did it way too much. When I finished it, I couldn't believe it because it made no sense according to where the story was heading. Without making it too obvious, she still could have done it differently and make us suspect more people by letting us truly know everyone. We maybe could have had more point of views or maybe the author could have add flashbacks. Indeed, we knew practically nothing of the characters past and it seems impossible that everything was going so well before the whole thing happened. I wish the whole town would have been weird and every character would have had something strange about them; again, I wish the novel was disturbing in so many more ways, maybe something more subtle and psychological. Something that will make you truly scared and not only disgusted by what was happening.
In conclusion
If you love YA and horror stories, then this one is for you. It definitely is a quick and enjoyable read that I recommend for a Halloween morning reading. Even though it has its flaws, I still liked it and truly cared about the main character. I believe that this book wasn't entirely for me even though I had a great time reading it, but can please many people out there!
Review available on my blog.
TW: violence, blood, death, sex, racism (the author goes against it)
I read this book last month, as I recieved it early from the publisher, and gave it 3/5 stars. If you aren't aware of my rating system, it basically means that I enjoyed the book, would recommend it to people who love its genre but still thought it had some flaws— it was good, but didn't meet all of my expectations.
Before starting this review, I must say that over the last few months my reading tastes have changed a lot. I am reading less and less YA books, not because I don't like this genre anymore (I will always love it) but because I somehow felt the need to read more classics, and not for university this time but for me, and realised how much those books make me happy. So when I started reading Ultimate Sacrifice, I knew it wouldn't be exactly what I wanted to read at the moment— plus, it is a horror story, which is far away from my comfort zone. I think that never in my life I have ever read a horror book. This is why I can't totally judged the whole thing because it's something that I don't know about.
To cover the whole thing, I'll start this review with the things I loved, and will then explain why I only gave it 3 stars by sharing what I think could have been done differently.
WHAT I LIKED
— The story
As soon as I opened the book, I was hooked. Indeed, you are immediatly immersed into the story and you want to know what is happening and what happened. So you keep reading, hoping to finally understand the whole thing and overall, you aren't disappointed. I personally read this book in one setting, in less than two hours, and it isn't because I am a fast reader (well, there's some of that) but because you just can't stop reading. It's not the kind of book that you can put down and pick up later— the whole plot makes you feel like you need to keep reading, as if you could save the main character from all of this.
— The main character
As I said, I felt the need to save the main character, Vickie, from all that was happening. In fact, I truly cared about her, which doesn't happen a lot with me. Vickie is a young and nice girl, and I started to be scared for her from the beggining. She was only sweet, pure and strong— honestly, I couldn't have gone through half the things she had to live. It felt good to actually care about her, for the story would have been hard to follow if I haven't. She was the reason I kept reading and loved this book.
— The writing style and length
I am not gonna lie, it was pretty simple. But, as a matter of fact, it worked here. If the writing style would have been heavy, I would have simply gave up— the story was hard enough by itself. However, it was easy to follow and to understand. As I said, you were immersed in the story the minute you start reading the book and the fact that the author was explaining the whole thing with simple words, brief sentences and short paragraphs made the whole thing more enjoyable. It also makes you want to keep reading the whole book in one setting, which is great for those who can't bear the suspense (like me).
Plus, the book is quite short and that's what also makes it such a short read. If you are looking for a quick read for Halloween, then definitely go for this one!
— The atmostphere
You may have seen the publisher promoting this book as "an episode of Supernatural" and, well, it is true. Of course, there's no (gorgeous) demon hunters, nor a real investigation since we aren't following the policemen but a teenage girl involved in the story. However, the whole atmosphere was close to the tvshow.
I must say that I was scared throughout the whole book, but that's mostly because I am scared by anything. Still, the whole thing was mysterious and disturbing, and since it was such a quick read it truly felt as if you were watching an episode of a tvshow. Plus, it is so easy to read that you can picture everything that is happening quite easily in your head and the book really felt cinematographic.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE DIFFERENTLY
— Lack of developpment
Even though I loved how short it was, I still believe that the author could have developped more things in her novel, and add more depth or perspective to her characters. The whole thing somehow felt rushed for me, and I sometimes couldn't understand the characters' motivations. I know that it was part of the mystery but some characters weren't described enough and made them instantly guilty to me. I wish they would have been all grey so that they would all have looked convicted.
Plus, I loved the fact that Vickie had a boyfriend who was black, even though their family was against it, but once again it wasn't developped enough. Of course, the story wasn't about it but I would have loved if this novel would have been disturbing in many ways: describing racism and violence against persons of colour could have add something to the plot and make the whole thing even more unsettling.
— The end
Of course, I won't spoil it but I didn't completly buy it. Why, you may asked. Well, because of all the things I just said: it felt rushed and many things weren't explained. You can see that the author wanted to surprise us, and she did, but she did it way too much. When I finished it, I couldn't believe it because it made no sense according to where the story was heading. Without making it too obvious, she still could have done it differently and make us suspect more people by letting us truly know everyone. We maybe could have had more point of views or maybe the author could have add flashbacks. Indeed, we knew practically nothing of the characters past and it seems impossible that everything was going so well before the whole thing happened. I wish the whole town would have been weird and every character would have had something strange about them; again, I wish the novel was disturbing in so many more ways, maybe something more subtle and psychological. Something that will make you truly scared and not only disgusted by what was happening.
In conclusion
If you love YA and horror stories, then this one is for you. It definitely is a quick and enjoyable read that I recommend for a Halloween morning reading. Even though it has its flaws, I still liked it and truly cared about the main character. I believe that this book wasn't entirely for me even though I had a great time reading it, but can please many people out there!
Review available on my blog.
October 14, 2018
A family drama with a dip of horror.
The 'Ultimate Sacrifice' truly has it all; a story of a family whose life all changes upside down due to a murder - a ritualistic sacrifice - that took place in the woods behind their house.
Throughout the story you go from right to left, you find out secrets they kept hidden for a long time and you find out more about why this sacrifice took place.
Intrigue and mystery, perfect for every horror books fan.
The 'Ultimate Sacrifice' truly has it all; a story of a family whose life all changes upside down due to a murder - a ritualistic sacrifice - that took place in the woods behind their house.
Throughout the story you go from right to left, you find out secrets they kept hidden for a long time and you find out more about why this sacrifice took place.
Intrigue and mystery, perfect for every horror books fan.
October 9, 2017
Ultimate Sacrifice is a heart pumping, "edge of your seat" thriller. This horror novel is thought provoking, will make your skin crawl, and will have you suspecting everyone! It is perfect for readers looking for an intense story with a high creep factor.
The Plot: Life has always been ordinary and quiet for Vickie and her family. That is, until the body of a child is found in the woods behind their home. As an investigation unfolds, Vickie begins to question everything, and everyone. One thing is for sure, their lives will never be normal again.
Boy, what a ride this was! I had gone in expecting a murder mystery and came out with a psychological thriller as well. It was powerfully mind boggling and entertaining. It was definitely creepy and had some great twists and turns, and, that ending! There were some really great things about the story, and there were a few not so great things.
There were just a few things I either didn't like, or thought could have been improved on. To refrain from spoilers, I will just say that one of the things I didn't like was the addition of a couple scenes of mature content. Though, I do understand what the author was trying to portray, so it doesn't affect my rating as much, I thought they could have been left out. I also felt that the characters could have had a bit more development. They were developed enough to keep my interest and to help me relate a little, but I would have liked a little bit to add to the depth of the story.
That being said, I loved the story twists. I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I suspected everyone, and I had several genuine moments of surprise during the plot twists, and the horror scenes. The writing style was enjoyable and really helped me get in to the moment and imagine the story as it played out. I felt like this could have been a thriller movie!
I enjoyed our main character, Vickie, despite her worst moment. I thought she was brave and caring of those around her. She really made the story. I did not enjoy her brother Travis as much because he didn't seem very relatable to me, but I enjoyed her other brother, Kevin, because he seemed real.
All in all, this was an entertaining thrill ride. It had murder, mystery, family drama, suspicion, and powerful twists. I look forward to reading more from the author!
Thank you to Oftomes Publishing for providing me with this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
*****
So, I have done something fun and unique. I had received the ARC of this one a while back from Oftomes Publishing, and had written my review on it. I had signed up for the blog tour to continue to spread the word and decided that I was going to do a re-read of the book and review it from a re-readable (making that a word, yep) perspective.
*
*
Ultimate Sacrifice is creepy, mysterious, and mind-boggling. It is a perfect Halloween read and will have you guessing until the very end! This one is well written, has an intriguing, developed plot, and is full of insane twists and turns! It will have you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding!
S.E. Green has done an outstanding job with developing this story. It has an immense amount of creepiness and surprise to it! The murder mystery clues are so well hidden that, even on a second read through, it is still difficult to determine who killed Michelle until the very end! Every character in the book is a suspect.
On a second read through I feel that the characters are a little more developed than I initially thought. They each have their own unique personalities that add depth to the story and the suspicion of the murder. Vicki is still my favorite because she is daring and brave and really tries to figure out who the murderer is and why the clues keep linking to loved ones around her. Kevin seems more authentic to me second time around and definitely added a layer of depth to the story that I did not see the first time. I still do not like Travis, but his actions make more sense to me after reading the book again too.
Though there were several clues layered within the story that alluded to the truth behind Michelle's murder, I think it would take an extremely meticulous reader to pick them out and figure out the murder mystery before the ending of the book. Even with a second read through I could not pick out any particular details that pointed to the truth. The hints I found made more sense on second read through, but were definitely not obvious.
I have decided to raise my rating after reading this one through again. I really enjoyed the fact that it was re-readable and that the author spent so much time developing the plot, mystery, family drama, and powerful twists and turns that made this story so great! It was thrilling and creepy, with several satisfying horror scenes and suspicious characters. Make sure to read this one if you are looking for an October read with a high creep factor!
The Plot: Life has always been ordinary and quiet for Vickie and her family. That is, until the body of a child is found in the woods behind their home. As an investigation unfolds, Vickie begins to question everything, and everyone. One thing is for sure, their lives will never be normal again.
Boy, what a ride this was! I had gone in expecting a murder mystery and came out with a psychological thriller as well. It was powerfully mind boggling and entertaining. It was definitely creepy and had some great twists and turns, and, that ending! There were some really great things about the story, and there were a few not so great things.
There were just a few things I either didn't like, or thought could have been improved on. To refrain from spoilers, I will just say that one of the things I didn't like was the addition of a couple scenes of mature content. Though, I do understand what the author was trying to portray, so it doesn't affect my rating as much, I thought they could have been left out. I also felt that the characters could have had a bit more development. They were developed enough to keep my interest and to help me relate a little, but I would have liked a little bit to add to the depth of the story.
That being said, I loved the story twists. I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I suspected everyone, and I had several genuine moments of surprise during the plot twists, and the horror scenes. The writing style was enjoyable and really helped me get in to the moment and imagine the story as it played out. I felt like this could have been a thriller movie!
I enjoyed our main character, Vickie, despite her worst moment. I thought she was brave and caring of those around her. She really made the story. I did not enjoy her brother Travis as much because he didn't seem very relatable to me, but I enjoyed her other brother, Kevin, because he seemed real.
All in all, this was an entertaining thrill ride. It had murder, mystery, family drama, suspicion, and powerful twists. I look forward to reading more from the author!
Thank you to Oftomes Publishing for providing me with this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
*****
So, I have done something fun and unique. I had received the ARC of this one a while back from Oftomes Publishing, and had written my review on it. I had signed up for the blog tour to continue to spread the word and decided that I was going to do a re-read of the book and review it from a re-readable (making that a word, yep) perspective.
*
*
Ultimate Sacrifice is creepy, mysterious, and mind-boggling. It is a perfect Halloween read and will have you guessing until the very end! This one is well written, has an intriguing, developed plot, and is full of insane twists and turns! It will have you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding!
S.E. Green has done an outstanding job with developing this story. It has an immense amount of creepiness and surprise to it! The murder mystery clues are so well hidden that, even on a second read through, it is still difficult to determine who killed Michelle until the very end! Every character in the book is a suspect.
On a second read through I feel that the characters are a little more developed than I initially thought. They each have their own unique personalities that add depth to the story and the suspicion of the murder. Vicki is still my favorite because she is daring and brave and really tries to figure out who the murderer is and why the clues keep linking to loved ones around her. Kevin seems more authentic to me second time around and definitely added a layer of depth to the story that I did not see the first time. I still do not like Travis, but his actions make more sense to me after reading the book again too.
Though there were several clues layered within the story that alluded to the truth behind Michelle's murder, I think it would take an extremely meticulous reader to pick them out and figure out the murder mystery before the ending of the book. Even with a second read through I could not pick out any particular details that pointed to the truth. The hints I found made more sense on second read through, but were definitely not obvious.
I have decided to raise my rating after reading this one through again. I really enjoyed the fact that it was re-readable and that the author spent so much time developing the plot, mystery, family drama, and powerful twists and turns that made this story so great! It was thrilling and creepy, with several satisfying horror scenes and suspicious characters. Make sure to read this one if you are looking for an October read with a high creep factor!
October 28, 2019
i'm usually not so nosey
Yeah ok, whatever Vickie! Ugh,this character. Vickie. She's a 17 year old nosey asshole and has absolutely no respect for people's privacy. Her 4 year old neighbor is murdered and it's wrecks the whole street but nosey ass takes it upon herself to solve the crime instead of leaving it up to the cops. There is ALL the family drama in this book. We got cheating spouses, kinky brothers, bipolar brothers,satanist, animal mutilation (! warning!) then i started skipping chapters so i'm sure there's more. I liked the story but the drama could have been dialed back. I did not like Vickie but the other characters were ok. I would give this author another try.
Danielle Muething read this book and she did great. I don't know if her accent was natural or acting but she nailed it.
I requested this audio book in exchange for a honest review.
Yeah ok, whatever Vickie! Ugh,this character. Vickie. She's a 17 year old nosey asshole and has absolutely no respect for people's privacy. Her 4 year old neighbor is murdered and it's wrecks the whole street but nosey ass takes it upon herself to solve the crime instead of leaving it up to the cops. There is ALL the family drama in this book. We got cheating spouses, kinky brothers, bipolar brothers,satanist, animal mutilation (! warning!) then i started skipping chapters so i'm sure there's more. I liked the story but the drama could have been dialed back. I did not like Vickie but the other characters were ok. I would give this author another try.
Danielle Muething read this book and she did great. I don't know if her accent was natural or acting but she nailed it.
I requested this audio book in exchange for a honest review.
June 11, 2017
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the amazing and lovely author, and let's just say I started it on the road trip home from Florida to Texas and couldn't stop until I was finished!!!
And...
Holy Crap! What a whirl wind of emotion! This creepy novel will keep you guessing until the very end, you won't be able to put it down, and it'll leave you begging for more! The details will leave your skin crawling, body cringing, and curiosity spiked making you want Every. Last. Drop. I have yet to find a novel by S. E. Green that I don't love, and her first horror novel is no exception. It's a must read for sure! I can't wait for my pre-order to come in the mail!!
And...
Holy Crap! What a whirl wind of emotion! This creepy novel will keep you guessing until the very end, you won't be able to put it down, and it'll leave you begging for more! The details will leave your skin crawling, body cringing, and curiosity spiked making you want Every. Last. Drop. I have yet to find a novel by S. E. Green that I don't love, and her first horror novel is no exception. It's a must read for sure! I can't wait for my pre-order to come in the mail!!
June 22, 2022
S.E. Green is my current favorite author. Her horror is absolutely my cup of tea. This is the third of her books I have read and I've loved all of them.
This tale is surrounding 17 year old Vickie and her family. Her twin Travis, younger brother Kevin, uncle Jerry, mom and dad, oh and papaw her grandad
A little girl, Michelle, is found dead in the woods (papaws woods), she is naked and stuffed inside a dead, gutted goat.
It's basically a whodunit with Vickie investigating. It's beautifully written, has a wealth of dodgy characters, secrets, a great setting and involves a cult!
This tale is surrounding 17 year old Vickie and her family. Her twin Travis, younger brother Kevin, uncle Jerry, mom and dad, oh and papaw her grandad
A little girl, Michelle, is found dead in the woods (papaws woods), she is naked and stuffed inside a dead, gutted goat.
It's basically a whodunit with Vickie investigating. It's beautifully written, has a wealth of dodgy characters, secrets, a great setting and involves a cult!
September 26, 2017
Holly Motha!
Wow, estoy muy sorprendido con este libro. Hace unos meses en mi blog había promocionado este libro como parte de un trabajo conjunto con la editorial Oftomes Publishing, quienes de vez en cuando me envían una de sus novedades para que yo la reseñe. El libro correspondiente al mes de Septiembre fue "Ultimate Sacrifice" de S.E. Green, el primer libro de horror publicado por esta editorial.
Me ha gustado mucho el tono oscuro que tiene esta novela y que marca la diferencia con las otras publicaciones de Oftomes.
Me ha gustado mucho este libro porque logró mantenerme en pendiente de cada detalle y escena que iba sucediendo. Me gustó también que en un pequeño pueblo la autora haya logrado crear una historia llena de drama, terror, satanismo, sacrificios, misterio y giros de trama que evitan que el lector no abandone el libro.
Muy recomendado para este mes de octubre!
Puntaje: 4,5 con aproximación a 5 estrellas.
Wow, estoy muy sorprendido con este libro. Hace unos meses en mi blog había promocionado este libro como parte de un trabajo conjunto con la editorial Oftomes Publishing, quienes de vez en cuando me envían una de sus novedades para que yo la reseñe. El libro correspondiente al mes de Septiembre fue "Ultimate Sacrifice" de S.E. Green, el primer libro de horror publicado por esta editorial.
Me ha gustado mucho el tono oscuro que tiene esta novela y que marca la diferencia con las otras publicaciones de Oftomes.
Me ha gustado mucho este libro porque logró mantenerme en pendiente de cada detalle y escena que iba sucediendo. Me gustó también que en un pequeño pueblo la autora haya logrado crear una historia llena de drama, terror, satanismo, sacrificios, misterio y giros de trama que evitan que el lector no abandone el libro.
Muy recomendado para este mes de octubre!
Puntaje: 4,5 con aproximación a 5 estrellas.
November 5, 2017
It's always refreshing to end a genre-drought after a long period of abstinence. It's even more refreshing to end a genre-drought and be so completely swept away that I can't wait to read another just like it.
It's true, it's been longer than I can recall since I've read a horror novel. And, I can't even explain it because I really love them. When I read the synopsis for Ultimate Sacrifice, it immediately called to me. And I'm so glad that I listened to my instincts on this one.
The story starts out pretty eerily... You've got murder, intrigue, mystery, and a seemingly innocent protagonist. What could possibly go wrong?
I can usually pick out the plot early on in a story but Green had me completely lost from the beginning. Every new turn was a delightful surprise.
Want a happy ending? Try another read. Want something that'll challenge your mind and give you a good scary read? Then I suggest picking this up. It's the kind of story that'll stick with you for a while. It's the kind that I tend to dwell on for weeks because it's not a representation of something impossible. It's a look at the absolute most terrifying people and situations. Situations that, while the stuff of horror novels, it's plausible enough to linger in your thoughts.
There's a strong female lead, wrapped up in a cast of creepy side-characters.
I can't wait to pick up another Green novel. What a way to get in the Halloween mood!
Christine @ Captivated Reading
It's true, it's been longer than I can recall since I've read a horror novel. And, I can't even explain it because I really love them. When I read the synopsis for Ultimate Sacrifice, it immediately called to me. And I'm so glad that I listened to my instincts on this one.
The story starts out pretty eerily... You've got murder, intrigue, mystery, and a seemingly innocent protagonist. What could possibly go wrong?
I can usually pick out the plot early on in a story but Green had me completely lost from the beginning. Every new turn was a delightful surprise.
Want a happy ending? Try another read. Want something that'll challenge your mind and give you a good scary read? Then I suggest picking this up. It's the kind of story that'll stick with you for a while. It's the kind that I tend to dwell on for weeks because it's not a representation of something impossible. It's a look at the absolute most terrifying people and situations. Situations that, while the stuff of horror novels, it's plausible enough to linger in your thoughts.
There's a strong female lead, wrapped up in a cast of creepy side-characters.
I can't wait to pick up another Green novel. What a way to get in the Halloween mood!
Christine @ Captivated Reading
September 2, 2019
The story is creepy but the execution fell flat for me. I did not like the main character - the simple mindedness was too simple and it is hard to believe that some things would not be questioned earlier than they were in the story.
October 7, 2017
"Blood is the first thing I see, covering the front of his white V-neck tee and down across his yellow swim trunks."
As we open the book, we meet Vickie, enjoying the quiet of her family home in rural Tennessee. Quiet and peaceful until she hears her twin brother, Travis, screaming for help and emerging from the woods covered in blood.
If that isn't enough to make you sit up and take notice, finding out that the blood is from 4 year old Michelle, their neighbor and family friend will. Even worse, Michelle was found stuffed inside a goat in what looks like Satanic Ritual.
This book! I devoured it. Seriously! I read this in less than a day. It is fast and intense. It draws you in from the very beginning and all you want to know is what's going on! Who killed Michelle? And why?
"Anyone can step into these woods at any time. There is no fence. I've never thought about that before. Never worried. Never needed to. But now I do."
S.E. Green does a fantastic job shedding doubt on every single person in Vickie's life. I mean, everyone. It's brilliant writing as you feel this building distrust right along Vickie. As she learns new information, or overhears snippets of conversation, you feel the unease right in your gut. You can't help but feel that you are being led down a very dark path, but seeing the details of the path is murky and difficult. Which is fantastic horror.
Ultimate Sacrifice isn't horror at every turn. But Green uses your discomfort and uneasiness to work against your imagination the entire time. It isn't what's happening, but what could happen, or what did happen that kicks your pulse into high gear. Because you know that you are being led somewhere. And that somewhere can't be anyplace good.
"What is this life I now live that I took a gun into the woods earlier and am now sitting on my own porch with a butcher knife at my side?"
As we go through the days following this atrocious discovery, the funeral, the investigation, it becomes obvious to Vickie that there is some connection to Satanic ritual. Even though there seems to be a logical explanation, Vickie can't help but see these connections everywhere she looks.
For Vickie, this murder is personal. She loved Michelle. She is frustrated at the police, at the news, even at her parents. She wants to know who killed her, not just for her own piece of mind, but to be able to mourn the little girl. You can feel her desperation as she makes her decisions, some questionable, some rash, but you understand them and her frantic state of mind. Her fear clouds her judgment, but as you read, you realize that your vision is clouded too.
I do think that a few characters and story lines could have been developed a touch more. It doesn't take away from the reading, or the overall book, but it would have added more depth to the overall experience. But again, it doesn't take away from the experience.
Ultimate Sacrifice is a book where you find yourself questioning everything. By the end, your hesitation to actually know only adds to the suspense and horror. And what an ending!
I am not going to spoil this book, because those last few pages are horrifying and shocking, which is exactly the ending a book like this needs. However, I will say, that it isn't about predictability. Even if you suspected the ending, I would be surprised if you didn't find it shocking nonetheless. Sometimes seeing the picture out of the dark shapes surrounding it makes it less scary. Sometimes it only highlights the gruesome reality. This book is definitely the latter. Seeing the details only shoves the horror from a vague discomfort in the pit of your stomach into a scream clawing its way out of your throat.
If you're looking for a book this Halloween season that will make your skin tingle and the hair on the back of your neck rise, this is it. Ultimate Sacrifice releases October 9. Just in time to prepare you for Scream Season.
Thank you to OfTomes Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book early!
As we open the book, we meet Vickie, enjoying the quiet of her family home in rural Tennessee. Quiet and peaceful until she hears her twin brother, Travis, screaming for help and emerging from the woods covered in blood.
If that isn't enough to make you sit up and take notice, finding out that the blood is from 4 year old Michelle, their neighbor and family friend will. Even worse, Michelle was found stuffed inside a goat in what looks like Satanic Ritual.
This book! I devoured it. Seriously! I read this in less than a day. It is fast and intense. It draws you in from the very beginning and all you want to know is what's going on! Who killed Michelle? And why?
"Anyone can step into these woods at any time. There is no fence. I've never thought about that before. Never worried. Never needed to. But now I do."
S.E. Green does a fantastic job shedding doubt on every single person in Vickie's life. I mean, everyone. It's brilliant writing as you feel this building distrust right along Vickie. As she learns new information, or overhears snippets of conversation, you feel the unease right in your gut. You can't help but feel that you are being led down a very dark path, but seeing the details of the path is murky and difficult. Which is fantastic horror.
Ultimate Sacrifice isn't horror at every turn. But Green uses your discomfort and uneasiness to work against your imagination the entire time. It isn't what's happening, but what could happen, or what did happen that kicks your pulse into high gear. Because you know that you are being led somewhere. And that somewhere can't be anyplace good.
"What is this life I now live that I took a gun into the woods earlier and am now sitting on my own porch with a butcher knife at my side?"
As we go through the days following this atrocious discovery, the funeral, the investigation, it becomes obvious to Vickie that there is some connection to Satanic ritual. Even though there seems to be a logical explanation, Vickie can't help but see these connections everywhere she looks.
For Vickie, this murder is personal. She loved Michelle. She is frustrated at the police, at the news, even at her parents. She wants to know who killed her, not just for her own piece of mind, but to be able to mourn the little girl. You can feel her desperation as she makes her decisions, some questionable, some rash, but you understand them and her frantic state of mind. Her fear clouds her judgment, but as you read, you realize that your vision is clouded too.
I do think that a few characters and story lines could have been developed a touch more. It doesn't take away from the reading, or the overall book, but it would have added more depth to the overall experience. But again, it doesn't take away from the experience.
Ultimate Sacrifice is a book where you find yourself questioning everything. By the end, your hesitation to actually know only adds to the suspense and horror. And what an ending!
I am not going to spoil this book, because those last few pages are horrifying and shocking, which is exactly the ending a book like this needs. However, I will say, that it isn't about predictability. Even if you suspected the ending, I would be surprised if you didn't find it shocking nonetheless. Sometimes seeing the picture out of the dark shapes surrounding it makes it less scary. Sometimes it only highlights the gruesome reality. This book is definitely the latter. Seeing the details only shoves the horror from a vague discomfort in the pit of your stomach into a scream clawing its way out of your throat.
If you're looking for a book this Halloween season that will make your skin tingle and the hair on the back of your neck rise, this is it. Ultimate Sacrifice releases October 9. Just in time to prepare you for Scream Season.
Thank you to OfTomes Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book early!
October 6, 2017
The Ultimate Sacrifice is a great suspense novel that you can’t put down until the end. But why rate it a 3 then? Let me tell you why I loved it first.
It had a great plot and the characters showed a lot of promise. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. I didn’t know how it would end. I didn’t see the twist coming and I loved that. I also love the family dynamic. How they were there for each other.
I liked the characters but I didn’t love them. Vicki was a likable heroine but not one to leave you gushing over. At times I found her actions childish and foolish. Saying that, though, I did find myself rooting for her. I wanted her to figure out what was going on and I loved that she loved her family so much.
Now the the relationship with Wade. I loved that he was black. The author could’ve shined a much brighter light on what happens in America as of this day. But instead it was lightly glossed over. I know the book wasn’t based on their relationship but if you’re going to be bringing race up then please don’t gloss it over. I know she explained some things in there but I felt like the relationship was just added in there to add a little bit of taboo and a romantic sense to the book.
Also The Ultimate Sacrifice is not a horror book. That’s just my opinion though. It may scare other people but to me it was just a suspense book. If it had been marketed as such then I think I wouldn’t have had expectations to read a horror book. I still would’ve requested it because I love suspense books.
Overall if you like YA suspense books and love S.E. Green then read this book. Don’t base your opinion off mine. This is my first book by her and even though I didn’t like it I’ll still read other books by her.
It had a great plot and the characters showed a lot of promise. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. I didn’t know how it would end. I didn’t see the twist coming and I loved that. I also love the family dynamic. How they were there for each other.
I liked the characters but I didn’t love them. Vicki was a likable heroine but not one to leave you gushing over. At times I found her actions childish and foolish. Saying that, though, I did find myself rooting for her. I wanted her to figure out what was going on and I loved that she loved her family so much.
Now the the relationship with Wade. I loved that he was black. The author could’ve shined a much brighter light on what happens in America as of this day. But instead it was lightly glossed over. I know the book wasn’t based on their relationship but if you’re going to be bringing race up then please don’t gloss it over. I know she explained some things in there but I felt like the relationship was just added in there to add a little bit of taboo and a romantic sense to the book.
Also The Ultimate Sacrifice is not a horror book. That’s just my opinion though. It may scare other people but to me it was just a suspense book. If it had been marketed as such then I think I wouldn’t have had expectations to read a horror book. I still would’ve requested it because I love suspense books.
Overall if you like YA suspense books and love S.E. Green then read this book. Don’t base your opinion off mine. This is my first book by her and even though I didn’t like it I’ll still read other books by her.
October 16, 2017
I loved this book and I totally agree with the Mindy McGinnis quote on the front. Vickie and her family live in a wooded area and her grandfather owns the farm next door. One day her twin exits the forest covered in blood and she learns that a young child named Michelle, whom she regularly babysits, was found dead and the crime scene resembled a ritualistic murder. An investigation ensues and we learn tons about Vickie's family and friends as well as the small town community.
I considered this book a short read at just about 175 pages. I usually like more to my books but I have to admit, it really worked in this case. It made the story seem that much more fast paced and made the situation more dire. I really liked Vickie but I will say she is either the bravest 17 year old (because she investigates the Satanic killing on her own because she is frustrated with the police) or the stupidest. There were times I was reading where I know I would shake my head because what she was doing could not end well at all. And the ending! I actually screamed and yelled. And since the hubby was at work, the dogs looked at me like I'd lost my ever-loving mind.
If you can't tell, this book was tons of fun so I seriously recommend picking it up.
I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I considered this book a short read at just about 175 pages. I usually like more to my books but I have to admit, it really worked in this case. It made the story seem that much more fast paced and made the situation more dire. I really liked Vickie but I will say she is either the bravest 17 year old (because she investigates the Satanic killing on her own because she is frustrated with the police) or the stupidest. There were times I was reading where I know I would shake my head because what she was doing could not end well at all. And the ending! I actually screamed and yelled. And since the hubby was at work, the dogs looked at me like I'd lost my ever-loving mind.
If you can't tell, this book was tons of fun so I seriously recommend picking it up.
I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2020
It's been a while since I finished a book within 24hrs.
This reading slump lasted too long for my liking, glad I decided to give this one a try.
This reading slump lasted too long for my liking, glad I decided to give this one a try.
August 5, 2017
Oh. My. God.
I was not expecting to finish this book in one sitting, but I couldn't stop myself from reading. This book sucks you in with the mystery of this murder and every twist and turn to come with it. I'm shook. This was incredible.
I was not expecting to finish this book in one sitting, but I couldn't stop myself from reading. This book sucks you in with the mystery of this murder and every twist and turn to come with it. I'm shook. This was incredible.
October 23, 2017
I could not put this book down!! So good! This book was amazing! I picked it up to start reading at lunch last Friday, and had so much trouble putting it down to go back to work. It was so good that when I got home after work, I picked it back up and started reading as soon as I got home. I couldn't put it down! Instead of watching any tv that night, I sat and finished reading this book. In one day. The story is really the perfect set up for a horror movie, the kind that I always make sure to get to the theater to see whenever one comes out. Now, while because I do go see those movies a lot, I had an inkling of something happening like what ended up happening, I didn't see it going the way it did, so I was still sitting on the edge of my seat until we got to that part at the end, and finally I saw just where and how it was all going to go. And again, even though it went the way you'd probably expect a horror movie/book to go, the author kept you thinking you had to be wrong, that you were just expecting it because of your past experiences with those types of stories, as she threw out one red herring after another. A false lead here, more circumstantial evidence there, and then a backtrack as to why that couldn't be the answer, because something else was actually what had to have happened. Did those last two sentences confuse you? Good, because that is how on the edge you'll be while you read this story and try to do your own detective work to solve the mystery.
If you like a book that is exactly like watching a good scary, horror movie, this is the book for you. It is out in perfect time for a scary Halloween read this year, and I hope that the movie rights get sold to this, so that I can one day see it on the big screen!
If you like a book that is exactly like watching a good scary, horror movie, this is the book for you. It is out in perfect time for a scary Halloween read this year, and I hope that the movie rights get sold to this, so that I can one day see it on the big screen!
October 14, 2017
The Horror…
Why did I write this? Well, besides the reference to a famous movie (that was just for fun), you’ll find by yourself if you’ll have: the patience, pleasure, curiosity or whatever you want, to read the book to its end. I mean to its very end! But if you’ll steal the start and you will peek at the end, you will spoil everything. Mystery books are based exactly on this final twist.
Let's start with the beginning! A horror book addressing to the adolescents... the terms are a little bit contradictory. But before you start fussing about this concept, let me explain you a bit about what it is all about. First of all, we have nothing to do with something like Texas Chainsaw Massacre in terms of physical violence, neither with something similar to The Shining about the psychological one. Gooood... The book, if you want me to give you a clue as to where we fit, it’s similar a bit, as the atmosphere, with the True Detective series, but the first series, the one with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The second season was bullshit. As for violent scenes, since we were talking about teenagers, there are only two. Now, it depends on you if you’ll consider them too graphic or not, however, the author doesn’t insist too much on them. They are the alpha and omega of the story, so remember my recommendation from the first paragraph!
The rest of the book, which is really 99.9% of the story, has an evolution in a mystery or detective style or however you prefer to classify it. The only particular element is that the novel will not have as the main character a detective or a police officer who tries to uncover the criminals and bring them to the law.
The main character will be a teenager (you just did not think it could be someone else, would you?) who will try hard to help her family. Kind of a Miss Marple with a Tennesse accent, but not a nosey old hag way past of menopause, but a young girl at the age when the body and the mind are like a Formula One car, but in the cockpit there is a pilot on which you cannot rely on: the hormones! And at any moment, this pilot can go haywire and drive the car in a parapet.
She’ll investigate, find secrets, draw good or bad conclusions, but if she will succeed to discover the culprit, you will have to find by yourself. Yeah, I don’t give spoilers anyway, but with this kind of books it's even harder because any hint could throw away the surprise. And more than any other genre, in a mystery (and I’m stubborn to call the book a mystery and not a horror) if you ruin its moment of suspense, you will ruin the entire ensemble, thus the entire book.
Although the development is linear, the book has its rhythm and accumulates tension. There are no boredom or static moments and you will not have unnecessary descriptions or nagging introspective. In conclusion, the premises for the novel to be a successful one are good. Whether you liked the book or lost time with it, the conclusion, again, will be yours to draw. I cannot say too much because for every good thing in the story I could find something not so cool from my point of view, so I don’t have much room to move around. The book is good, this is not the problem, but the way the author saw fit to conclude the show. It's not up my alley, but now do not get wrong ideas. Everyone is free to feel different!
Enjoy the darkness of the human nature!
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.bg/201...
Why did I write this? Well, besides the reference to a famous movie (that was just for fun), you’ll find by yourself if you’ll have: the patience, pleasure, curiosity or whatever you want, to read the book to its end. I mean to its very end! But if you’ll steal the start and you will peek at the end, you will spoil everything. Mystery books are based exactly on this final twist.
Let's start with the beginning! A horror book addressing to the adolescents... the terms are a little bit contradictory. But before you start fussing about this concept, let me explain you a bit about what it is all about. First of all, we have nothing to do with something like Texas Chainsaw Massacre in terms of physical violence, neither with something similar to The Shining about the psychological one. Gooood... The book, if you want me to give you a clue as to where we fit, it’s similar a bit, as the atmosphere, with the True Detective series, but the first series, the one with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The second season was bullshit. As for violent scenes, since we were talking about teenagers, there are only two. Now, it depends on you if you’ll consider them too graphic or not, however, the author doesn’t insist too much on them. They are the alpha and omega of the story, so remember my recommendation from the first paragraph!
The rest of the book, which is really 99.9% of the story, has an evolution in a mystery or detective style or however you prefer to classify it. The only particular element is that the novel will not have as the main character a detective or a police officer who tries to uncover the criminals and bring them to the law.
The main character will be a teenager (you just did not think it could be someone else, would you?) who will try hard to help her family. Kind of a Miss Marple with a Tennesse accent, but not a nosey old hag way past of menopause, but a young girl at the age when the body and the mind are like a Formula One car, but in the cockpit there is a pilot on which you cannot rely on: the hormones! And at any moment, this pilot can go haywire and drive the car in a parapet.
She’ll investigate, find secrets, draw good or bad conclusions, but if she will succeed to discover the culprit, you will have to find by yourself. Yeah, I don’t give spoilers anyway, but with this kind of books it's even harder because any hint could throw away the surprise. And more than any other genre, in a mystery (and I’m stubborn to call the book a mystery and not a horror) if you ruin its moment of suspense, you will ruin the entire ensemble, thus the entire book.
Although the development is linear, the book has its rhythm and accumulates tension. There are no boredom or static moments and you will not have unnecessary descriptions or nagging introspective. In conclusion, the premises for the novel to be a successful one are good. Whether you liked the book or lost time with it, the conclusion, again, will be yours to draw. I cannot say too much because for every good thing in the story I could find something not so cool from my point of view, so I don’t have much room to move around. The book is good, this is not the problem, but the way the author saw fit to conclude the show. It's not up my alley, but now do not get wrong ideas. Everyone is free to feel different!
Enjoy the darkness of the human nature!
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.bg/201...
October 15, 2017
Well, this wasn’t what I was expecting, in a good way.
Told from Vickie’s, seventeen years old, point of view, the story begins when her brother finds a little girl’s body in the woods by their house. It appears to be a ritualistic sacrifice. The family is under suspicion because of the close proximity of the murder and their connection to the girl. Hounded by and condemned in the press, Vickie digs deep, looking for something, anything, to clear her and her family.
This story goes quickly. As Vickie gets desperate and does some stupid things to solve the murder, the more reckless she becomes. Her actions are believable. You know how you watch a movie and scoff when the character goes in the basement after hearing a strange noise. We are so sure nothing bad will happen to us that we often do go see. I could feel her frustration when people look at her strange. And her family has some deep, dark secrets. She thinks she knows them, but she doesn’t.
Reminds me so much of a movie I watched a long time ago. Two couples are racing to get away from demon worshipers after coming across their sacrifice. Just like in that movie, I kept getting nigglings of something supernatural. Not just because of how the little girl was killed either.
I also knew that the more Vickie stuck her nose into the investigation, the darker things would become. It was subtle to begin with. Then I started to get an idea where the author was taking me, and couldn’t wait to see if I was right. I knew what I wanted to happen. It’s horror, right. And I got it. A surreal ending.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Told from Vickie’s, seventeen years old, point of view, the story begins when her brother finds a little girl’s body in the woods by their house. It appears to be a ritualistic sacrifice. The family is under suspicion because of the close proximity of the murder and their connection to the girl. Hounded by and condemned in the press, Vickie digs deep, looking for something, anything, to clear her and her family.
This story goes quickly. As Vickie gets desperate and does some stupid things to solve the murder, the more reckless she becomes. Her actions are believable. You know how you watch a movie and scoff when the character goes in the basement after hearing a strange noise. We are so sure nothing bad will happen to us that we often do go see. I could feel her frustration when people look at her strange. And her family has some deep, dark secrets. She thinks she knows them, but she doesn’t.
Reminds me so much of a movie I watched a long time ago. Two couples are racing to get away from demon worshipers after coming across their sacrifice. Just like in that movie, I kept getting nigglings of something supernatural. Not just because of how the little girl was killed either.
I also knew that the more Vickie stuck her nose into the investigation, the darker things would become. It was subtle to begin with. Then I started to get an idea where the author was taking me, and couldn’t wait to see if I was right. I knew what I wanted to happen. It’s horror, right. And I got it. A surreal ending.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
October 1, 2017
I knew as soon as I had requested this book to read and review that I would love it and I did. I first read S.E Green when she was writing under Shannon Greenland and then moved on to her other books starting with Killer Instinct. Ultimate Sacrifice was a dark and twisty tale with an ending that will have you screaming WTF and OMFG, how did we not see that coming and as the ending sinks into your mind - you think back to every single character in the book, and you can start to connect the dots. Ultimate Sacrifice was quite an intense read as it starts with the murder of a four-year-old girl and she is killed in a way that looks like a satanic ritual. The girl was found on Vickie's family property, and now her whole family is main suspects. Vickie knows her family couldn't have harmed the child or could they have? Ultimate Sacrifice without giving too much of the story away is one teenage girl's journey to discovering the truth of how a young girl that she babysat and loved was murdered. Ultimate Sacrifice is the perfect read for those who love YA crime and mystery novels and those who are ok with reading a book with Satanic views throughout the novel.
If you grew up loving the Point Horror novels that Lois Duncan and Christopher Pike etc. wrote in the 90's/2000's, then you will love S.E Green's Ultimate Sacrifice.
If you grew up loving the Point Horror novels that Lois Duncan and Christopher Pike etc. wrote in the 90's/2000's, then you will love S.E Green's Ultimate Sacrifice.
October 5, 2017
Ummm wow! I did not see that coming. Not the way I thought that was going to go. . This book is full of surprises and sick twisted things. I was definitely shocked 😳.
In this book Vickie is a small town girl. She has a twin brother Travis, another brother Kevin, her mom, pops, papa and Uncle Jerry all living in a large property. Her family is pulled into a murder investigation of the little girl next door, named Michelle. When all the evidence seems to point back at the family, Vickie tries to find out the truth. Things just get weirder and weirder Vickie just doesn't know what to do or who to trust. Even her own family has many secrets and lies popping up everywhere. Will the killer be caught before someone else dies? The clock is ticking and time is running out before the Ultimate Sacrifice has to be made.
This would make an excellent horror flick. It is twisted and scary, with interesting characters. It will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing till the end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, bam! Something happens and you find out that everything is definitely not what it seems.
*ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours & SE Green
In this book Vickie is a small town girl. She has a twin brother Travis, another brother Kevin, her mom, pops, papa and Uncle Jerry all living in a large property. Her family is pulled into a murder investigation of the little girl next door, named Michelle. When all the evidence seems to point back at the family, Vickie tries to find out the truth. Things just get weirder and weirder Vickie just doesn't know what to do or who to trust. Even her own family has many secrets and lies popping up everywhere. Will the killer be caught before someone else dies? The clock is ticking and time is running out before the Ultimate Sacrifice has to be made.
This would make an excellent horror flick. It is twisted and scary, with interesting characters. It will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing till the end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, bam! Something happens and you find out that everything is definitely not what it seems.
*ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours & SE Green
October 9, 2017
Ultimate Sacrifice was one of those books that as soon as reading the story line, I was hooked and I needed to know what happened. How the story panned out and how it would conclude. It kept me on the edge of my seat and internally panicking about what was going to happen next.
The plot itself is very cleverly portrayed and planned out for the reader to stay intrigued, to follow along with the characters and if like me, jump to conclusions that everyone is to blame. Throughout the entirety of reading this, I never once settled on a perpetrator of who was the killer because I always seconded guessed my choice. A lot like how the main character Vickie does.
I can relate in the sense that she just doesn't let anything go, her curiosity delves her deeper into what has happened.
A twisted, dark and crazy, clever tale that is spun from the unexpected and those stories you would never believe to be real.
It is a story I will never forget. Especially that ending. If there was ever a full stop of an ending, this was it. No cliffhanger. Just a stoplight. A dead end.
The plot itself is very cleverly portrayed and planned out for the reader to stay intrigued, to follow along with the characters and if like me, jump to conclusions that everyone is to blame. Throughout the entirety of reading this, I never once settled on a perpetrator of who was the killer because I always seconded guessed my choice. A lot like how the main character Vickie does.
I can relate in the sense that she just doesn't let anything go, her curiosity delves her deeper into what has happened.
A twisted, dark and crazy, clever tale that is spun from the unexpected and those stories you would never believe to be real.
It is a story I will never forget. Especially that ending. If there was ever a full stop of an ending, this was it. No cliffhanger. Just a stoplight. A dead end.
June 19, 2019
I got really sucked into this book and read it in one sitting. It's very intriguing, especially as the family dynamic starts unraveling and you don't really know who or what to believe anymore. It does share some thematic/plot/character elements with the author's book "Monster," which I read right before this one, so that stuck out to me a bit, but it wasn't like it was a straight rehash of the other book or anything. The ending was definitely a surprise, though it seemed a bit rushed and could have done with more character/plot development earlier on to still achieve the same conclusion but without it feeling like it was written simply for shock value. However, I still very much enjoyed the story, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
4 stars
*I received a free copy from Hidden Gems and voluntarily wrote this review.*
4 stars
*I received a free copy from Hidden Gems and voluntarily wrote this review.*
September 19, 2017
When Vickie's brother comes running out of the woods after discovering the dead body of a child in the woods, little does Vickie know that her ordinary, quiet life is about to become anything but! Her life is going to change forever after secrets and lies become exposed.
This was awesome!! I wasn't sure what to expect but what I got was a seriously twisty and twisted read. The plot was slow to start but once it got going, it was a murder/mystery with Satanic elements. I honestly didn't know who to even suspect because there was so many suspects to choose from!!There are a lot of extra things going on as well as the murder. It just goes to show that you never truly know anyone, not even family.
The characters were all well written and developed. I really liked Vickie. She is trying to get to the bottom of the murder because she used to babysit that little girl, and thinks that someone is trying to frame their family since some of the clues are planted near their place. The police don't even seem to have a suspect but Vickie is intent on helping them. Lies after lies are exposed and Vickie finds out some truly surprising things.
In all, a great mystery that was entertaining and addicting. There were a few unanswered questions but overall I was satisfied with how it ended. Thoroughly enjoyed and now I need to check out more from this author.
This was awesome!! I wasn't sure what to expect but what I got was a seriously twisty and twisted read. The plot was slow to start but once it got going, it was a murder/mystery with Satanic elements. I honestly didn't know who to even suspect because there was so many suspects to choose from!!There are a lot of extra things going on as well as the murder. It just goes to show that you never truly know anyone, not even family.
The characters were all well written and developed. I really liked Vickie. She is trying to get to the bottom of the murder because she used to babysit that little girl, and thinks that someone is trying to frame their family since some of the clues are planted near their place. The police don't even seem to have a suspect but Vickie is intent on helping them. Lies after lies are exposed and Vickie finds out some truly surprising things.
In all, a great mystery that was entertaining and addicting. There were a few unanswered questions but overall I was satisfied with how it ended. Thoroughly enjoyed and now I need to check out more from this author.
September 8, 2020
I read this book in one sitting. It is full of twists and turns. I was not expecting the end at all! I will definitely be picking up more from this author.
Just beware there is ritualistic killings of humans and animals!
Just beware there is ritualistic killings of humans and animals!
September 21, 2017
I really don’t want to go into a long review for this book. ULTIMATE SACRIFICE is one of those books that you have to read for yourself to get your own take and feels for what goes down. It is one of those reads that will have you guessing throughout.
This book mind-messed with me the whole time, had me guessing who was behind the murder, had me changing my mind numerous times, and caught me by complete and total surprise in the end. It was just so freaking crazy at every twist, every turn, and with every new revelation. It tormented me is such an amazing way when I had to put it down and pulled me back in time and time again until I was done. And once I was done, I caught myself just sitting there thinking back on each and every piece of the story.
Without a doubt, this book was a page turner you won’t want to put down. 5 What The Crap Just Happened Stars!
This book mind-messed with me the whole time, had me guessing who was behind the murder, had me changing my mind numerous times, and caught me by complete and total surprise in the end. It was just so freaking crazy at every twist, every turn, and with every new revelation. It tormented me is such an amazing way when I had to put it down and pulled me back in time and time again until I was done. And once I was done, I caught myself just sitting there thinking back on each and every piece of the story.
Without a doubt, this book was a page turner you won’t want to put down. 5 What The Crap Just Happened Stars!
June 20, 2018
This book I've had my eye on for a while and while I can say I was a little surprised at the plot of the book, it really didn't catch my attention.
Ultimate Sacrifice was about a teenage girl whose twin brother finds their young neighbour murdered in a ritualistic way in the woods. As revelations come out, her family goes to the top of the suspect list. This was basically a twisty turned thriller with a few bits of Satanism thrown in. While the plot kept me surprised and unsure about what was going to happen next, by the end of the book I didn't particularly care about any of the characters.
I was a little interested in the main character and the romance she had going with the neighbour but it was rushed and relegated to the sideline as the book focused on the big mystery, which didn't turn out to be that surprising in the end. I really liked the parts where things kept getting arising and secrets kept coming out but when Vickie started leaking stuff to the press and investigating herself which kept leading her into trouble, I had enough of rolling my eyes at her.
I didn't enjoy this book but I did finish it because I wanted to find out what happened. 2.5 stars!
Ultimate Sacrifice was about a teenage girl whose twin brother finds their young neighbour murdered in a ritualistic way in the woods. As revelations come out, her family goes to the top of the suspect list. This was basically a twisty turned thriller with a few bits of Satanism thrown in. While the plot kept me surprised and unsure about what was going to happen next, by the end of the book I didn't particularly care about any of the characters.
I was a little interested in the main character and the romance she had going with the neighbour but it was rushed and relegated to the sideline as the book focused on the big mystery, which didn't turn out to be that surprising in the end. I really liked the parts where things kept getting arising and secrets kept coming out but when Vickie started leaking stuff to the press and investigating herself which kept leading her into trouble, I had enough of rolling my eyes at her.
I didn't enjoy this book but I did finish it because I wanted to find out what happened. 2.5 stars!
July 22, 2019
I had previously read Monster by SE Green and thought it was very creepy and well written, so I was really looking forward to reading Ultimate Sacrifice. However, I was completely disappointed by this book. The main character was frustratingly simple without much personality or common sense. The romance seemed like it was just thrown in there to be a "Look, a black character!" and didn't have much substance. Plus the whole plot just seems completely unbelievable and unrealistic to me. I find it hard to believe that not a single person had realized that what Papaw was doing was wrong and gone to the police or at least tried to stop it from the inside. There were a lot of weird details thrown in just for the shock value but didn't really add anything else to the story, Vickie's sleep walking issues were brought up way too late in the story to be a real source of suspense and it was a little cliche since that element was already strongly used in the novel Monster, so seeing it try to be used again made me roll my eyes. I feel like the plot had a lot of potential but was never really fully realized.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
October 9, 2017
**Full disclosure I received this book for free from the publisher OfTomes Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 Stars
Full review: http://heathersreadinghideaway.blogsp...
Quick review: This book was a lot of fun! There were definitely two moments where I felt genuine fear, but other than that it was more of a mystery than a horror book for me. However, the writing was great and the story kept me interested. I definitely recommend to anyone in the mood for a spooky mystery around this time of year.
3.5 Stars
Full review: http://heathersreadinghideaway.blogsp...
Quick review: This book was a lot of fun! There were definitely two moments where I felt genuine fear, but other than that it was more of a mystery than a horror book for me. However, the writing was great and the story kept me interested. I definitely recommend to anyone in the mood for a spooky mystery around this time of year.
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