In Sara Bittner's Child of Sacrifice, the sequel to Child of Ra, the battle for the Egyptian afterlife reaches its climax. Apep, a powerful serpent god rivaling Ra himself, relentlessly attacks the sun god each night, threatening the very fabric of existence. The stakes are higher than ever: souls lost in the afterlife are lost forever. Isis, Horus, Ra, Sekhmet, and Ma’at unite their forces against Apep, but even the gods are vulnerable in this perilous realm. Isis foresees a grim future, and with success uncertain, they face their final, desperate stand against chaos. Will they succeed in vanquishing Apep before the dawn, or will the land of the dead claim even the mightiest of gods?
Review Child of Sacrifice
Oh my goodness, Child of Sacrifice was an absolute whirlwind! As a huge fan of the first two books in the Child of Ra series, I went into this finale with high expectations, and let me tell you, Sara Bittner completely delivered. This isn't just a satisfying conclusion; it's a breathtaking, emotionally resonant culmination of a truly captivating story.
The stakes are higher than ever. We're talking about the final showdown against Apep, a god whose power rivals even Ra himself – and the battleground is the afterlife, a place where a lost soul is lost forever. The sheer scale of this conflict is incredible; the weight of the universe literally rests on the shoulders of our heroes. Bittner expertly weaves this immense cosmic struggle with the intimate struggles of her characters, creating a perfect balance of epic fantasy and personal drama.
I loved how the author didn't shy away from the complexities of the characters. We've journeyed with Ramses and Saphira for two books now, and seeing them face such insurmountable odds, wrestling not just with Apep but also with their own inner demons, was deeply moving. Their relationship continues to be a highlight, a potent mix of romance, unwavering loyalty, and the kind of angst that keeps you hooked until the very last page. But it's not just about Ramses and Saphira; the entire cast of gods and mortals shines. We see familiar faces like Isis, Horus, Ra, Sekhmet, and Ma'at facing their own trials, forging new alliances, and making heartbreaking sacrifices. The depth of these characters is truly remarkable; they feel real, flawed, and utterly compelling.
The narrative itself is a masterclass in pacing. Bittner keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. The action sequences are exhilarating, vividly described, and packed with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. But it's not all frantic fighting; there are moments of quiet reflection, moments where the characters can pause and breathe, allowing us to connect with them on a deeper level. This delicate balance between action and emotion is what truly makes Child of Sacrifice shine.
And the reveal of the surprise enemy? Pure genius! I didn't see it coming, and it added a whole new layer of complexity to the story, making the already high stakes even higher. It perfectly encapsulates the inherent uncertainty and betrayal that can exist even within the seemingly unified forces of good.
If you're a fan of mythology, epic fantasy adventures, or just a good old-fashioned love story with plenty of heart-stopping action, then you absolutely must read this trilogy. Child of Sacrifice is a stunning conclusion, a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. It's a testament to Bittner's skill as a storyteller, a book that will leave you breathless, emotional, and craving more adventures in the world of the Egyptian gods. Seriously, I could read a thousand more stories about these characters!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.61 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 242
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
