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La’tiera has spent her life locked away from the world. Her only human contact is with her uncle, Tih’ouren, and her maid, Mela. As the Bearer of the Eye, her life remains in danger from those who would stop at nothing to prevent her from doing her duty. But La’tiera is determined to do what is expected and sacrifice herself to the demons to save the world.
La’tiera becomes restless, so she’s delighted when a young girl sneaks into her garden without the guards noticing. They spend many afternoons playing like children and enjoying each other’s company. Then Aya spooks La’tiera by bringing Dal with her. La’tiera is drawn to Dal, and she talks to him, against her better judgment. He’s seen the world, and she’s hungry to hear about his adventures.
As La’tiera nears her nineteenth birthday, a band of traveling entertainers—to which Aya and Dal belong—discover who she is and kidnap her. They claim that they’re saving her—and that she must live to save the world, not die. But who should she believe? These strangers whom she’s beginning to like, or the loving uncle she’s spent her entire life with?
Willing Sacrifice is one of the best fantasies I’ve ever read. Filled with adventure, danger, and delightful characters—as well as a touch of romance—this novel will keep you reading long into the night. I literally had to force myself to put the book down so I could get some sleep.
Rarely have I ever read such a well-drawn character as La’tiera. You’ll be able to feel her anguish and confusion as she tries to sort out the truth of her destiny. Often, such a character can be irritating, but Ms. Oliver handles it so well that your nerves will only be on edge because you’re wondering what La’tiera will choose to do.
Willing Sacrifice will snare you from page one with its unusual plot and the promise of peril to come, and it just keeps getting better and better. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
