The Sacrifice

The Fey, Book 1

By: Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Narrated by: David DeSantos

Legendary for their bloodlust, sorcery, and fierce, dark beauty, the Fey have swept across three continents and never face defeat. But now, in defiance of their Black King, the warrior-prince Rugar and his fearless daughter, Jewel, have marshaled an invasion farce to meet its ultimate challenge: Blue Isle, glistening beyond impregnable rocks and raging waters.

A people of simplicity and faith, untainted by intrigue, enchantment, or war, the Blue Islanders have never before been invaded. But their young prince, Nicholas, dreams of battle and will rally his countrymen against the onslaught of the Fey, even as the Islanders discover a deadly, undreamed-of power of their own. So begins a conflict that must ultimately destroy one race or the other - or both.

©1995 Kristine Kathryn Rusch (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Enhanced by great narration

I tried to read this book in paper a few years ago but didn't get very far. But when Audible offered the audio version, I thought I'd try again. I like it better now, thanks in large part to Mr. DeSantos' EXCELLENT narration.

Now I have to see if I can afford more volumes in the series. o_O

Whew! This was a very long audio book!!!

If you could sum up The Sacrifice in three words, what would they be?

Military - Fey - Acceptance.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kristine Kathryn Rusch? Why or why not?

Yes. Although, I became distracted on several occasions, in the end I did like the book. I am curious as to what come next.

What does David DeSantos bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I'm not really sure, I almost wonder if I would have been better off reading the book before listening.

Any additional comments?

At first, I had a difficult time actually getting into the story. There is a lot of detail about military might and execution, if your into that. I discovered it was rather easy to become distracted, allowing my thoughts to wander while listening and yet had no need to rewind. Normally, when I'm distracted from "listening" to an audiobook, I "must" rewind, because I can't bear to miss out on anything in the story. Not so here. About 2/3 of the way in, the story finally had my full attention, although that could have been the effect of a 5 hour road trip. It wasn't bad, but neither was it great. Maybe this is a book I should have read rather than heard.

Fey, humans, red caps, war, politics, faith and religion, ruthlessness, military, military tactics, island life, magic, visions, shape shifting, doppelganger, the preciousness of life, strife with self and others over choices made, holy water, family, friends and enemies.

Also glad it was free and I AM a fantasy reader

I am BARELY hanging on to this story. I'm into the third part and the pace of this book is SCREAMINGLY slow and predictable. Obvious solutions to problems are ignored while the author goes ON AND ON about mundane things. If you want to write an epic book like this, it has to MOVE. Look at Diana Gabaldon who knows how to keep you engaged for hours, or Brandon Sanderson.

I disagree about the narrator as well. He does great character voices but his narrator voice makes me want to scream. If I was reading this book instead of listening to it, I'd be scanning like crazy to get to a little action every now and then.

Only die hard fantasy fans, desperate for a read and with unending patience should try to read this book. I have to finish it now because that's how I roll but others should take heed.

To gruesome for me

I really tried hard to like this book because the following books in the series had high ratings, but after 5 hours, I had to give up. It was just to gruesome for my taste.

bad people doing bad things to other bad people

'nuf said, plus it goes on and on and on......if someone, anyone, was good it would be worth it. Maybe.

Glad it was free

Similar to other reviews, I thought it was long winded and not a lot happens. It had potential from the start but just couldn't pull it off. The narrator was OK, but it seemed like the punctuation was off at times and some of his character voices were annoying.

Thank you audible

I have never been interested in fantasy books, and have never read any. Then when audible offered this book for free for a week, I figured I would try it. At the beginning of the book, the narration was so good that it gave me the patience to sit and listen. Then as the story started to unfold I found it so interesting that I had a hard time turning it off. At times I was sitting at the edge of my seat. The writing was so good, that I was able to visualize everything. Now I will give the second book of this series a try. I love finding new and interesting books to listen to. Thank you audible.

Ms. Rusch can and has done so much better.

I was completely unimpressed by this novel. The characters were flat and unsympathetic. They also don't seem to behave or speak like real people. I'm halfway through and am giving up from irritated boredom.

The reader is average, but not even a great reader could have saved this one.

I'm quite surprised that this is so bad, as Rusch normally writes interesting characters and situations that are very enjoyable.

A well-designed universe

The world, races, and magics Rusch designed for this series are quite interesting and promising. I especially appreciate the physical & magical variety within the fey race and that there isn't a clear "good side" and "evil side."

My disappointment comes in craving more character development. Some of the minor players do more reflection than the "main" characters. For me, developing a character's motives is very important. Some of that development felt like an afterthought since it was delivered in large chunks & not introduced gradually throughout the novel.

I do plan to download the next volume of the series because the world created by Rusch stirs curiosity. I hope that now that the world has been established the characters will get some more growth.

Great marketing plan Audible!!!!

First a note to Audible; Thank you for a great way for us to get into a new series! First book free is genius.
Sadly, the characters in the book didn't have the personality to enchant, enthrall, or 'hook' me. It's important for me to connect with, or 'like' the characters, it's what keeps me going to the end. I'm struggling to the halfway point in this book, I haven't found a reason to like or get to know the cardboard characters.
It reads more like a dry history text book, so here's to hoping the second half of the book becoming engaging!