Sacrifice

by MomsDarkSecret

In the kingdom of Arah, many upperclass families adhere to a custom called “sacrifice”, where a younger sibling is offered as entertainment to suitors to entice them into making an offer for the hand of an elder daughter. While it is far more common for the sacrifice to be female, male sacrifices are not unheard of. And although few will publicly admit it, it is recognized that some men will court a woman with a brother serving as her sacrifice simply for the novelty of enjoying a male lover at no cost. Haniel Pakari has two older sisters, but his parents have chosen to assign him the duties of sacrifice so that both his sisters can be courted. His sisters are only a year apart in age, so his parents assure him he should only have to serve his role for a year or so, after which he can resume a normal life. But Haniel knows that no sacrifice has ever been able to reenter society after having essentially become a whore and the knowledge fills him with bitterness.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Historical Romance, Yaoi, Historical, M M Fantasy

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2010

Reviews

[Riayl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my favorite thing about this book is the way Haniel took something that made him ashamed and an outcast in society and turned it into his power and strength to support himself. While there is a romance here, it really is more about Haniel becoming self-sufficient and confident. I liked how he set his household up, hired people to take care of and protect him, both physically and financially and made himself into the person who called the shots. If he decided that someone would not be taken on as a client or if he decided that someone would lose the privilege of being a client, he had the power to do that and protect himself. I liked that Conrad loved him and it didn't matter to him that Haniel was a paid companion, as long as he could spend time with him and I liked that Haniel didn't immediately decide to retire after he acknowledged his love for Conrad, that he intended to make sure he could support himself, but he did make more time for Conrad in his life.

The book wasn't perfect but it was enjoyable and a nice change from the usual poor-rentboy/prostitute/companion-needs-to-be-saved idea. Haniel didn't need saving and that is what really made the book for me.

[vrstal · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read this book I didn’t write reviews but here’s what I remember: I liked the setting idea, but found the writing a bit odd. For a book that does have sex as a topic, the sex wasn’t well-written. However, I did enjoy the journey Haniel went on, how his views on sex work and his profession were treated by the love interest and the ending itself, and I was happy for him overall.

[Kashii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mostly because of haniel he didnt let himself become a victim who needed saving he saved himself and even managed to find love.

[Littlelier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish it were longer. Like most of the comments it skip the 2 years serving. But it's very worthwhile if you like: genius mc with rich lovers and loving supporter.

[kasjo_peja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read just few chapters, skimmed through the middle and checked the end. The book wasn't what I expected. The two years time of serving as a sacrifice was glossed over and wrapped too quickly. The following career as an exclusive prostitute was sugarcoat. I didn't like the love interest of the main hero - his decision to marry a sister to spare a brother was just stupid, his later cheating on his wife was just wrong no matter what. However the death of the book and the reason I gave up reading was the purple prose during sex scenes.

[Seregil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, but I like this author's other books more. This one seems intendended as more of a MM romance, but there is something impersonal about how the characters are presented to the reader. The style is otherwise perfect for her fantasy stories (where the sex happens offstage).
Very interesting (and kind of creepy) alternate universe. It kept making me think of India - with the arranged marriages, strange casts and some descriptions of the clothes (the tunics + pants combination)

[Fi Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Definitely not your typical rent boy/damsel in distress story. The premise was clever and the idea that it was socially acceptable for a family to prostitute one of it's own was rather chilling.
I would have given a higher rating if the author was even a little better at writing sex scenes. They were a distinct flat spot and rather spoiled the pace of the story.

[Tutu]

I kind of, sorta read the spoiler reviews and I know I'll never read this so...safe bet, remove it from my tbr, create a new shelf :(

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting reading material.