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A Practical Guide to Sorcery #3
A Sacrifice of Light
Magic requires knowledge...
It requires precision...
But most of all, it requires a sheer force of will strong enough to break reality.
Siobhan still dreams of becoming the world's most powerful sorcerer. But she has once again been forced to face the horrifyingly dark side of their world. When a mis-cast spell can turn you into a city-killing monster out of nightmares, nowhere and nothing is truly safe.
As the Verdant Stag gang grows more powerful, the fearsome reputation of her alter ego, the Raven Queen, blooms with them until it seems to gain a life of its own.
As Sebastien, her magically transformed alternate identity, she has to deal with the fallout of her other self's actions. She needs to keep her two lives separate, but they are melting perilously close together, and she worries that she will lose herself entirely.
Worse, she might not even realize it until she wakes up and sees a stranger in the mirror.
That has happened before, after all.
As Siobhan's grandfather once told her, "Magic always has its price. Beware that you do not sacrifice more than you can bear to lose."
You'll love A Sacrifice of Light because of the compelling characters, detailed magic system, and layer upon layer of mystery.
Get it now.
It requires precision...
But most of all, it requires a sheer force of will strong enough to break reality.
Siobhan still dreams of becoming the world's most powerful sorcerer. But she has once again been forced to face the horrifyingly dark side of their world. When a mis-cast spell can turn you into a city-killing monster out of nightmares, nowhere and nothing is truly safe.
As the Verdant Stag gang grows more powerful, the fearsome reputation of her alter ego, the Raven Queen, blooms with them until it seems to gain a life of its own.
As Sebastien, her magically transformed alternate identity, she has to deal with the fallout of her other self's actions. She needs to keep her two lives separate, but they are melting perilously close together, and she worries that she will lose herself entirely.
Worse, she might not even realize it until she wakes up and sees a stranger in the mirror.
That has happened before, after all.
As Siobhan's grandfather once told her, "Magic always has its price. Beware that you do not sacrifice more than you can bear to lose."
You'll love A Sacrifice of Light because of the compelling characters, detailed magic system, and layer upon layer of mystery.
Get it now.
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2022
About the author
Azalea Ellis
17 books199 followersAzalea Ellis loves to bend the world to her will. Maybe that's why she likes writing books. Creating worlds and people and then sending them through every ordeal imaginable might even give her some kind of sick thrill. Who knows?
Azalea is also an artist, so perhaps she just likes taking things from her head and bringing them to life. Because of her artistic background, she's lucky enough to also be able to do all of her own book covers, and does freelance illustration when she feels like it.
She's fascinated by almost everything, and wishes she could live to be a thousand, so she would have time to learn and do everything she wants.
Azalea is also an artist, so perhaps she just likes taking things from her head and bringing them to life. Because of her artistic background, she's lucky enough to also be able to do all of her own book covers, and does freelance illustration when she feels like it.
She's fascinated by almost everything, and wishes she could live to be a thousand, so she would have time to learn and do everything she wants.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 4, 2023
Why is this so good?! This is the third book, so I’m not going to try and recommend it to people, cause you had two other books to do that. Just read it, come on.
While I have your attention through, anyone else read Siobhan/Sebastian as being agender ace? She doesn’t have a sexual bone in her body and doesn’t seem to think much more about changing forms than she does changing clothes barring a brief concern she has early in the book. That’s my head cannon, and I stand by it.
While I have your attention through, anyone else read Siobhan/Sebastian as being agender ace? She doesn’t have a sexual bone in her body and doesn’t seem to think much more about changing forms than she does changing clothes barring a brief concern she has early in the book. That’s my head cannon, and I stand by it.
December 19, 2022
With this book, the story grows darker. New ethical and moral dilemmas are introduced, with the choices no longer obviously good or bad. While I enjoyed this at the level exhibited, it pushed very close to my limit and while this was my favourite book of the series, the next one could easily be my least favourite if it pushes much farther.
(Note: I read an advance copy of this book, but was not asked to review it.)
(Note: I read an advance copy of this book, but was not asked to review it.)
January 2, 2023
Other than the terribly awkward flashback to a lecture in the middle of a battle scene and a few too many in depth and weirdly described science classes, I was extremely happy with this book.
July 25, 2025
That was nice intriguing finale. I am very surprised by this series and really enjoying these books.
I definitely feel more drawn to Sebastien's university storyline than Siobhan's with the Verdant Stag one. However, in both, she is great, and Oliver intentions and hidden secrets growing more suspicious were a nice addition to the latter arc. There's finally something related to Oliver (someone I can't connect with) that I'm actually excited to see exploring in the next book.
I keep yearning for more Sebastien/Damien interactions since they're undoubtedly my favorite ones. Damien truly is a sweetheart, and I kinda feel sorry for him. Sebastien is pretty aloof to his friendship overall. Even though that makes me feel bad for Damien, it is still a bit of a guilty pleasure to read: I find it rather entertaining and refreshing not to follow a FMC that falls over every man's feet. She really doesn't care. Not one single bone of romance in her. A real nice surprise that this series keeps going.
It goes without saying that these books have no romance whatsoever, not even for the male characters' part, which still doesn’t stop me from secretly rooting for a spark between her and Damien... Some romantasy authors should take notes. It's all about putting the reader first by building relationships and interactions that make us yearn for characters to get together, not the other way around.
I feel like I've spent too long on the non-existent romance, where the story actually shines from the worldbuilding, its characters' as well as the secrets and plots it keeps building up.
My favorite characters (and therefore chapters are):
☆ Sebastien (the MC, and I personally prefer Sebastien's over Siobhan's)
☆ Damien (no need for explanation, all his chapters are a treat, I want more)
☆ Thaddeus (the professor. Haven't talked much about him, but he is great and highly interesting to follow. His interactions with Sebastien are my second favorite)
I definitely feel more drawn to Sebastien's university storyline than Siobhan's with the Verdant Stag one. However, in both, she is great, and Oliver intentions and hidden secrets growing more suspicious were a nice addition to the latter arc. There's finally something related to Oliver (someone I can't connect with) that I'm actually excited to see exploring in the next book.
I keep yearning for more Sebastien/Damien interactions since they're undoubtedly my favorite ones. Damien truly is a sweetheart, and I kinda feel sorry for him. Sebastien is pretty aloof to his friendship overall. Even though that makes me feel bad for Damien, it is still a bit of a guilty pleasure to read: I find it rather entertaining and refreshing not to follow a FMC that falls over every man's feet. She really doesn't care. Not one single bone of romance in her. A real nice surprise that this series keeps going.
It goes without saying that these books have no romance whatsoever, not even for the male characters' part, which still doesn’t stop me from secretly rooting for a spark between her and Damien... Some romantasy authors should take notes. It's all about putting the reader first by building relationships and interactions that make us yearn for characters to get together, not the other way around.
I feel like I've spent too long on the non-existent romance, where the story actually shines from the worldbuilding, its characters' as well as the secrets and plots it keeps building up.
My favorite characters (and therefore chapters are):
☆ Sebastien (the MC, and I personally prefer Sebastien's over Siobhan's)
☆ Damien (no need for explanation, all his chapters are a treat, I want more)
☆ Thaddeus (the professor. Haven't talked much about him, but he is great and highly interesting to follow. His interactions with Sebastien are my second favorite)
December 31, 2022
weak constitution
It’s difficult to rate this book. The plot and writing deserve 4 stars but the issues are too annoying to give it that. For one, the author is awesome for giving the MC realistic magic growth but it’s too slow and boring. There is very little actual magic performed in the book and the author fails where most others do by trying to cover the lack with a flashy climax scene. If you break down the magic done by the MC it amounts to minor illusions culminating in patchy invisibility at a distance. Not all that interesting with most of her feats amounting to just producing a light. There was zero movement on any of the juicy issues (her weird shadow magic or her people, why she has the dreams). Then there is the plot point that make no scenes. Talking down Ann’s family was random plus why would you warn the uncles that people were on they way. That just gave them time to try and burn evidence. Her being weak willed and trying to not sleep is crazy annoying. The saving grace is that she at least acknowledges her weak points even though she doesn’t overcome them.
It’s difficult to rate this book. The plot and writing deserve 4 stars but the issues are too annoying to give it that. For one, the author is awesome for giving the MC realistic magic growth but it’s too slow and boring. There is very little actual magic performed in the book and the author fails where most others do by trying to cover the lack with a flashy climax scene. If you break down the magic done by the MC it amounts to minor illusions culminating in patchy invisibility at a distance. Not all that interesting with most of her feats amounting to just producing a light. There was zero movement on any of the juicy issues (her weird shadow magic or her people, why she has the dreams). Then there is the plot point that make no scenes. Talking down Ann’s family was random plus why would you warn the uncles that people were on they way. That just gave them time to try and burn evidence. Her being weak willed and trying to not sleep is crazy annoying. The saving grace is that she at least acknowledges her weak points even though she doesn’t overcome them.
June 1, 2026
Rating: [A+] [4.25⭐]
Another great book, not quite on the same level as the first two but still excellent. Some interesting twists that I'm not exactly sure how I feel about yet though. Looking forward to continuing the series.
Another great book, not quite on the same level as the first two but still excellent. Some interesting twists that I'm not exactly sure how I feel about yet though. Looking forward to continuing the series.
June 30, 2023
I love this series! I've already pre-ordered the next book. You definitely have to read the books in order.
Progress is made in several story lines, but none of them are resolved, which I expected. This is a long, complex story with multiple threads, not all of which directly involve Siobhan/Sebastian. The plot involving her friend Ana is complete, so there is some closure. The plots in this book are building up to some fireworks in the next - I can hardly wait to see what happens.
I'm very much enjoying the overall complexity of the plots, character development for Siobhan/Sebastian and many others, and the surprising revelations that made previous understanding turn upside down.
In the first book, Siobhan started out not trusting anyone. Over the next book, she became more comfortable with people she considered allies. But are they? I have a feeling that Siobhan is going to do some poking around to see who really has her back.
I'm also still liking all the magic school stuff. Unusually, the students actually attend class and do homework. Siobhan is driven, and has high aspirations for herself, so she's constantly pursuing knowledge.
Is this series flawed? Yes. Do I care? NO!
Progress is made in several story lines, but none of them are resolved, which I expected. This is a long, complex story with multiple threads, not all of which directly involve Siobhan/Sebastian. The plot involving her friend Ana is complete, so there is some closure. The plots in this book are building up to some fireworks in the next - I can hardly wait to see what happens.
I'm very much enjoying the overall complexity of the plots, character development for Siobhan/Sebastian and many others, and the surprising revelations that made previous understanding turn upside down.
In the first book, Siobhan started out not trusting anyone. Over the next book, she became more comfortable with people she considered allies. But are they? I have a feeling that Siobhan is going to do some poking around to see who really has her back.
I'm also still liking all the magic school stuff. Unusually, the students actually attend class and do homework. Siobhan is driven, and has high aspirations for herself, so she's constantly pursuing knowledge.
Is this series flawed? Yes. Do I care? NO!
September 6, 2026
A Sacrifice of Light keeps the things that made the first two books of A Practical Guide to Sorcery addictive: a hard, scientific magic system that rewards attention, Siobhan/Sebastien’s dual life, and the way the Raven Queen myth keeps growing whether she wants it to or not. The university scenes, the Verdant Stag threads, and the constant sense that one miscast spell could turn someone into a nightmare still work.
The problem is pace. After the tighter drive of books 1 and 2, this one noticeably slows. There are long stretches of setup, internal calculation, and side-plot maintenance that feel like they’re spinning wheels rather than moving the story forward. At times it becomes tedious to push through just to get to the next meaningful development. The plot does advance, identities get closer to colliding, the gang’s power and her reputation both swell, and the cost of magic stays front and centre, but it often takes too long to get there.
Like me, you’re probably going to keep reading at this point though.
The problem is pace. After the tighter drive of books 1 and 2, this one noticeably slows. There are long stretches of setup, internal calculation, and side-plot maintenance that feel like they’re spinning wheels rather than moving the story forward. At times it becomes tedious to push through just to get to the next meaningful development. The plot does advance, identities get closer to colliding, the gang’s power and her reputation both swell, and the cost of magic stays front and centre, but it often takes too long to get there.
Like me, you’re probably going to keep reading at this point though.
September 5, 2023
Wow
Student, contracted employee, friend, apprentice, mythological hero, or monster. Siobhan struggles just to be Siobhan, or maybe Sebastien. Sometimes it's hard to tell. This is the third book in the series, and again the stakes have been increased. The coppers are using divination spells to try to locate the Raven Queen. Damien wants to be more involved in the 'special' investigation. Ana needs help with family members trying to usurp her position as their to the family. Oliver needs help from the Raven Queen to take down a rival gang. Lacer is piling more work on his apprentice, and Sebastien just wants to rest without nightmares.
The story is developing wonderfully, the logic of the story, the weaving of the mythology of the Raven Queen keeps evolving. Oh this series is absolutely beautiful. On to book 4.
Student, contracted employee, friend, apprentice, mythological hero, or monster. Siobhan struggles just to be Siobhan, or maybe Sebastien. Sometimes it's hard to tell. This is the third book in the series, and again the stakes have been increased. The coppers are using divination spells to try to locate the Raven Queen. Damien wants to be more involved in the 'special' investigation. Ana needs help with family members trying to usurp her position as their to the family. Oliver needs help from the Raven Queen to take down a rival gang. Lacer is piling more work on his apprentice, and Sebastien just wants to rest without nightmares.
The story is developing wonderfully, the logic of the story, the weaving of the mythology of the Raven Queen keeps evolving. Oh this series is absolutely beautiful. On to book 4.
June 28, 2025
Our girl finds herself no longer willing to bear the outrageous interest she’s being charged, and learns how to negotiate better. She becomes involved in some escapes helping people she’s learned to call friends, and it surprises her to learn that some of these people whom she thought entitled prats, have serious issues going on, serving of both help and friendship. She’s still sleep-deprived, but is managing it with the help of a renegade sorcerer.
Just as she thinks things might be settling a bit, three things happen … the return of police scrying for her, but this time, they’re smarter … disillusion with her mentor, whom she is now understanding does not hold the same moral guidelines … discovered treachery by her benefactor - she hasn’t proof, but she will find it.
She has decided to take her destiny into her own hands. Could be trouble in the horizon for those in her sights.
Just as she thinks things might be settling a bit, three things happen … the return of police scrying for her, but this time, they’re smarter … disillusion with her mentor, whom she is now understanding does not hold the same moral guidelines … discovered treachery by her benefactor - she hasn’t proof, but she will find it.
She has decided to take her destiny into her own hands. Could be trouble in the horizon for those in her sights.
March 22, 2023
I started the series as someone recommended it as have good world building and a detailed magic-system and even in book 3 it continues to impress. The world is coherent and the magic system is amazing, as a QM enthusiast is was cool to see the science behind light so explicitly looked into in this book. Seeing Siobhan actually applying things in intense battle scenes that we read her spending time and effort on learning is rewarding even just as a reader
It's a perfect balance of the theory, character development, mystery, intrigue and action. Author lulled us into the same sense of safety that Siobhan/Sebastian fell into so it was even more impactful when she realises this are wrong.
I have no idea how im going to manage months without knowing what happens next.
It's a perfect balance of the theory, character development, mystery, intrigue and action. Author lulled us into the same sense of safety that Siobhan/Sebastian fell into so it was even more impactful when she realises this are wrong.
I have no idea how im going to manage months without knowing what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
So many layers!
If you feel like one plot line is getting tedious, there are many others to keep the pages turning. Mostly, it seems that just when a mystery is getting too drawn out, something happens to answer that mystery, but that answer creates even more mysteries for the reader. Aagh! (In a good way.)
So much thought has gone into the layers of these books, it’s amazing how they are woven together. One plot development sets up another conflict or complication. Nothing is easy for the protagonist despite having a genius intellect.
There continue to be dark elements in the series/this book. References to animal experimentation, drug use, betrayal, and violence/magical attacks.
If you feel like one plot line is getting tedious, there are many others to keep the pages turning. Mostly, it seems that just when a mystery is getting too drawn out, something happens to answer that mystery, but that answer creates even more mysteries for the reader. Aagh! (In a good way.)
So much thought has gone into the layers of these books, it’s amazing how they are woven together. One plot development sets up another conflict or complication. Nothing is easy for the protagonist despite having a genius intellect.
There continue to be dark elements in the series/this book. References to animal experimentation, drug use, betrayal, and violence/magical attacks.
September 12, 2026
This one seems to end at a bit more natural point in the story, unlike the previous books, that ended in the middle of events. I think there are some flaws. The book goes too deep into the mechanics of both the natural spell and magic at times. And there is some large action towards the end each time that is overly chaotic and bombastic for me.
But i like the characters. The world is interesting, and i would like to know where Siobhan goes. I do hope the author creates an end to the story at some point. I'm not a fan of the current format.
But i like the characters. The world is interesting, and i would like to know where Siobhan goes. I do hope the author creates an end to the story at some point. I'm not a fan of the current format.
March 2, 2024
It feels like Siobhan/Sebastian is gaining a measure of control as their savviness and magical abilities grow. An interesting moral question is asked, deep in this book, somewhat reminiscent of the vegetarian debate but more serious... maybe equivalent to the octopus farming controversy. I also found the parasitical spore bomb to be nightmare fuel. In short, this fantasy world keeps getting richer, and I'm into it.
April 9, 2023
This is such an interesting series! I love the world that Ellis has created and how logically everything fits together. This one had a really shocking ending, so I can hardly wait for the next volume to come out!
May 28, 2023
Riveting
I like the story. It held my interest easily. There was a lot of action. No romance of any kind. It's about a determined person trying to be the best they can be through so much adversity while learning magic and dealing with PTSD.
I like the story. It held my interest easily. There was a lot of action. No romance of any kind. It's about a determined person trying to be the best they can be through so much adversity while learning magic and dealing with PTSD.
October 24, 2024
Audible edition review
This was another enjoyable book in this series. Siobhan gets more sensible and more powerful. The plot progresses albeit slowly, and there were plenty of exciting bits.
This was another enjoyable book in this series. Siobhan gets more sensible and more powerful. The plot progresses albeit slowly, and there were plenty of exciting bits.
May 9, 2026
increase in strength
Sobian the main character has many friends but also possible individuals who she has figured out to watch and be more aware of what they want from her. She continues to flex her kind in order for her magik abilities increase.
Sobian the main character has many friends but also possible individuals who she has figured out to watch and be more aware of what they want from her. She continues to flex her kind in order for her magik abilities increase.
March 9, 2023
Continuing to be very good indeed.
July 12, 2023
i enjoyed reading the book, cnt wait for the next
August 1, 2023
Fun looking forward to the next one!
September 25, 2023
Thank you
Love all of your books Miss Azalea, thank you for following your passion, dream and never giving up. Wades Mom
Love all of your books Miss Azalea, thank you for following your passion, dream and never giving up. Wades Mom
January 31, 2024
The author lost me in this one . Too dark , too convoluted, too boring. I won't be continuing with the series . It had real promise but I feel the author lost her way with this one.
July 26, 2024
That Final!!!!!! I will make this review longer when I finish the next book or the next one 🤣🤣🤣
September 6, 2024
The stakes are higher, the characters deeper. The whole story and world is extremely compelling.
Read
November 10, 2024Fun!
July 5, 2025
Entertaining series
October 10, 2026
I loved this series so much I made a promo of sorts for it on Youtube
https://youtu.be/SQjL9ZNBcwc?si=A-yik...
https://youtu.be/SQjL9ZNBcwc?si=A-yik...
June 10, 2025
I loved this series so much I made a promo of sorts for it on Youtube
https://youtu.be/SQjL9ZNBcwc?si=A-yik...
https://youtu.be/SQjL9ZNBcwc?si=A-yik...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews