My Shelf.com

Reviewed by Janie Franz

For nineteen years, La'tiera has been groomed for one purpose: to die at the appointed time to save the world. Her life has been carefully sheltered in the royal house by the viscount, whom she calls uncle. As the day of sacrifice draws near, La'tiera's cloistered life is shattered when she discovers the tiny face of a little girl named Aya hiding in her secret garden. When Aya and her friends, traveling entertainers, kidnap her, everything La'tiera has come to know and trust begins to unravel.

This is the dilemma Gloria Oliver creates in her book, Willing Sacrifice. It is an interesting read for those interested in the fantasy that Oliver presents. However, action and adventure are limited because the emphasis is on characters and themes. It is more a novel of manners set in another world with different morals and ethics and a cast of colorful and memorable characters.

I found the book had a depth beyond the simple telling of a good story. It is a well-written exploration of religious belief, self-discovery, and love. The book presents a simple rendering of the power of doubt and hope, revealed through narrative and symbolism, whether intentional or not. It is an allegory.

For example, what the reader sees of La’tiera at the beginning of the story could be painted in drab tones, with dark interiors and dark scowls. When Aya comes into her garden, almost like the snake in Eden, offering knowledge, the world takes on light and color. Aya brings life and joy and the concept of fun as she plays the games of childhood La'tiera has never known and offers her a world she has never seen.

I haven't read a novel in a great while that offered so much literary fodder in such a simple story. If I were an English literature teacher, I'd want to put Willing Sacrifice on my list of books to read and analyze in detail. It is destined to have lasting value.

TeensReadToo.com

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel

Rating: 4 Stars

La’tiera lives in a unique world, where she knows that one day she must sacrifice herself for mankind to survive. She lives locked away in a castle, where she’s protected from strangers.

However, one little girl from a traveling troupe of entertainers discovers a way inside the fortress. She meets La’tiera and tells her troupe all about her. Could she be the one they have been searching for? Without hesitation, other members of the group believe that she’s the girl who will save the world.

The group kidnaps La’tiera for her own safety. They speak of anther solution besides sacrifice, where La’tiera must live in order to save mankind, rather than die. As much as La’tiera grows to love her friend and admire the people around her, she knows what she must do.

Who is telling her the truth -- and can she figure out her destiny before it’s too late?

WILLING SACRIFICE is a unique tale that fantasy readers will certainly enjoy.