Review ~ "Sacrifice" by Cayla Kluver

Sacrifice by Cayla Kluver
Source: Netgalley
Age Recommendation:  YA


Book Description:This is not the time for the fight to end. Now is when the fight will begin. This is the time to regain what has been lost.

ALERA
Queen of a fallen kingdom, secretly in love with the enemy.

SHASELLE
Daughter of a murdered father, rebel with a cause.

One lives behind the former Hytanican palace walls and walks the razor’s edge to keep the fragile peace in her beloved homeland. The other slips through the war-torn streets, seeking retribution for her family’s tragedy, following whispers of insurgency.

Both face choices that will separate them from those they cannot help but love. As their stories intertwine,
a conspiracy ignites that may end in slavery or death—or lead to freedom anew, if only each can face what
must be sacrificed.

Colleen's Thoughts:  I have been eagerly awaiting the concluding book of this series!  I loved the first two, and I loved the third as well.  At the end of the second book, Hytanica is conquered, Steldor and Alera's marriage is dissolved, Narian is made the Cokyrian commander of the new province, and Alera is named the Hytanican representative.  The political climate in Hytanica is extremely volatile.  Many of the Hytanican leaders were released from their previous duties in order to rebuild the city and make room for the Cokyrian leaders. The Captain of the Guard and Alera's personal guard are the only two military leaders to stay as advisers to Alera and Narian.  Together the two plot to overthrow the Cokyrians.
  

It is interesting to watch Alera realize her potential as a leader and monarch.  Although she wants the two countries to be able to find a peaceable solution, she begins to assert her authority in favor of Hytanica and her beliefs.  Previously she had remained blind to many of the problems in her suffering country because of her relationship with Narian.  As her relationship with Narian grows, his character and ideals shift as well.  He is deeply in love with Alera.  He too wants the countries to find a way to work together and live peaceably, but his efforts are often thwarted by his second in command - a vengeful Cokyrian.  Their journey to find a peaceful and accepting place for their relationship is fraught with trial and hardship.  

Shaselle's part in the book is often comical and yet frustrating.  She seems to be able to find trouble wherever she goes.  Although she just wants to be involved and help the cause of her country, she cannot seem to be in the right place at the right time - or with the right person.  Hers is a sad story that teaches her to grow and develop into a much more responsible person.  Her cousin and uncle (Steldor and Cannan) play an integral part in her reformation and resulting happiness.

I am happy to report that, thankfully, it is a relatively happy ending.  The entire series is most definitely worth reading and even re-reading.  I really enjoy Cayla Kluver's writing.