Book Review: Island of Secrets and Sacrifice by Deborah Grace White

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Genre: ✨ Clean Fantasy | Age: 👩🏼 Young/New Adult | Buy: Amazon | ⭐Star rating

Series: This is part of the multi-author “Sacrificed Hearts” series but set in the world of White’s “The Singer Tales” (this is a stand-alone).

Haiden is a grumpy guy who likes to keep to himself and expects others to do the same. Ember is chosen by magic to be sacrificed to the monster who protects her people — and welcomes the opportunity to leave.

🙊 Cult Vibes

I love cult settings in fantasy books (because it’s just too creepy for me in realistic fiction). Ember has grown up on an island where no one questions anything…and she questions everything.

The Protector has an elaborate story that keeps the islanders mentally trapped. I absolutely loved how Ember challenged the thinking of her people without disrespecting them. She is my kind of strong-willed character.

Settings like this one are good reminders for me to check if I am actively engaged in thinking about the content of those I follow or if I have become lazy in my discernment.

This cult does practice some human sacrificing (no details given), which is a little darker than other books I’ve read by White. It fit the story well, though, so I didn’t think any of the violence was unnecessary.

🫧 Illusions Galore

Ember is one of my favorite characters I’ve read from White. Her attitude was so refreshing and natural, and I found myself wanting to see how she would jump into each challenge. She was always ready to learn what needed to be done, ask questions, and stay positive along the way.

All this to say, the way she chose to see through Haiden’s grumpy exterior was excellently done. I found myself thinking that I want to be more like Ember; she was a master at discerning evil from grouchiness. It helped everyone in the long run.

🎶 Familiar Landscape

I love entering back into worlds that I’ve been immersed in before. You definitely don’t need to have read any of “The Singer Tales” books to enjoy this story — the magic system is explained well — but the familiar hue of singing magic and Haiden’s backstory made this even more enjoyable for me.

🦉Who Would Like This Book

Fantasy lovers.

Clean, slow-burn romance readers.

Those who love the world and magic of White’s “Singer Tales” series.

Readers intrigued by fictional cult communities.

Happy Reading!

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🤖 Always written and edited without the use of AI.