A Dark Sacrifice: Book Two of The Rune of Unmaking

By Madeline Howard

Book Overview

More than a century has passed since the mighty struggle between the wizards and the mages ended in their mutual destruction, and more than forty years since the Empress Ouriána became the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon. Appointing twelve deadly sorcerers as her priests, she rules the land in darkness unending. Yet there is a small chance for hope, if one foreordained princess can survive. But she has vanished behind enemy lines, and even a brave band of heroes may not be able to reach her in time. For Ouriána's dark reign has woken the ancient terrors of legend, and their vengeance will be swift and all-consuming. . . .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060575921
• ISBN13: 9780060575922
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Harper Voyager
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Well done, interesting, the pace is slow

I could sum up what happened in this book in about 5 sentences. The pace is glacial. On the other hand, I enjoyed the writing style and the book was an interesting read so I won't complain too much. Too many prince and princesses here, I agree with another reviewer. Well done fantasy world otherwise, not too many characters, interesting characters. Predictable in some ways some interesting plot twists too. Of course, my final opinion will be based on how the series ends as this book left quite a few threads to tie up.

wonderful fantasy

Ouriana is the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon, strong in magic due to the deity that resides in her. Like her, it feeds on blood and death and works only dark sorceries. She is impregnable and is served by the Furiadhim, mutated beings who were once men who wield black magic. The only thing that Ouriana fears is the prophecy that states one of her blood will overthrow her. Her niece Winloki is the child of the prophecy all grown up and living in Skyrana in the north adopted by King Ristil who is at war with the Eislanders. Winloki, a healer accompanies Prince Kivlik and his relative Skerry to battle but they are overrun and find themselves trapped in the fortress at Tirfang. A small group who want Winloki to fulfill the prophecy are marching to the fortree including the powerful healer Sinderian, her dead father who takes the shapes of various birds and the half-Faery Prince Ruan. The people are under siege from giants, shapechangers and Eislanders. When Winloki is kidnapped by the Furiadhim, the siege ends; her allies go out to find and rescue her. Both groups face danger from various creatures and supernatural beings. A DARK SACRIFICE is a wonderful fantasy set in a world where magic is taken for granted and dwarves, the fae and other creatures of myth and legend are real and dangerous to humans. Readers will feel sorry for Winloki who has to adjust her conception of herself and admire Sinderian who is willing to do whatever it takes to defeat Ouriana. These strong willed independent women come to realize the power that resides within them and make difficult choices according to their nature. Madeline Howard is a first rate fantasist. Harriet Klausner