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Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts #4)

by Stacia Kane (Goodreads Author)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 2,611 ratings · 426 reviews

READING, WRITING, AND RAISING THE DEAD

When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss—who also happens to be her drug dealer—to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess’s boyfriend, Terrible, doesn’t trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to...more

ebook, 1st Edition, USA, 320 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Del Rey

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Dec 24, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Stacia Kane’s Sacrificial Magic, book #4 in her Downside Ghosts series is her best book to date. If you’re not reading this series about a drug addicted ghost busting witch investigator, you need to start reading ASAP. This series of books shouldn’t work for me since I’m not a big fan of ghosts, or the plight of a drug addicted protagonist, who not only has major self-esteems issues, but her destructive lifestyle is hard to swallow. But the way Stacia has written Chess Putnam, she allows the rea...more

40 likes · like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Chelsea [Vampire Book Club] rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, magic, uf-pnr

This review was originally published at Vampire Book Club.

Chess needed to grow for the Downside Ghosts series to truly move forward, and Stacia Kane didn’t disappoint. Sacrificial Magic pushes on Chess from all sides. She needs to evaluate her position at the Church of Real Truth and what the trust she’s earned there means. She fights her own nature to attempt a relationship with Terrible.

At the crux of Sacrificial Magic is Chess rebelling against her self-imposed isolation and self-hatred. She’...more This review was originally published at Vampire Book Club.

Chess needed to grow for the Downside Ghosts series to truly move forward, and Stacia Kane didn’t disappoint. Sacrificial Magic pushes on Chess from all sides. She needs to evaluate her position at the Church of Real Truth and what the trust she’s earned there means. She fights her own nature to attempt a relationship with Terrible.

At the crux of Sacrificial Magic is Chess rebelling against her self-imposed isolation and self-hatred. She’s still the Chess who sees little value in herself, but she’s trying to reconcile that with the realization people might care for her as more than a means to an end.

As one of the Church’s debunkers, it’s not surprising when they ask Chess to take up a sensitive case. It’s not even all that surprising they’ve passed a case on to her that another debunker failed with – actually, he went missing after the case. But nothing is ever simple for her. Three books have proved that. The case has Chess spending a lot of time in Slobag’s territory among less-than-helpful witnesses who hate the Church for prohibiting their culture.

At the same time, Bump has his favorite Churchwitch looking into arson on his side of Downside – and it looks like ritual sacrifice is part of the problem. When more ritual murders pop up in Downside – on both sides of the drug territory – Chess has to solve things quickly. She doesn’t want Terrible thinking she’s spending time with Lex when she’s really working a case.

That’s just the tip of the Chess and Terrible drama. Kane gives us more insight into Chess’ trust issues and a much more expansive examples of her neuroses. Chess is someone who has never been truly loved. She’s never had a relationship where her partner wasn’t using her for something. Terrible caring for her simply for the strength of her being confounds Chess, and at the same time the possibility of losing it terrifies her. And, because she’s Chess, that means she does idiotic things to try and prove herself. This isn’t an easy relationship, but one that’s worth the trouble and necessary pain.

Chess will infuriate you. She will break your heart. She will surprise you. And by the end you’ll be both exhausted and sated. Sacrificial Magic is dark, and brings the requisite Downside craziness of sex, drugs and magic, but it’s also the most introspective of the novels to date. Clever plot twists, character surprises and brutally honest writing make Sacrificial Magic a must read.

And, because I know several of you want to know, “Chessiebomb” makes a return and Elder Griffin dispenses dating advice. No, really. It’s awesome.

Sexual content: Sex, sensual scenes and Chess contemplating the relationship of sex and trust.(less)

23 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 HeatherJay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone with a pulse.

Shelves: favorites, badass-heroine

Commence gushing in 5...4...3...2....1

I AM IN LOVE WITH STACIA KANE!!!

If I were ever lucky enough to meet her I imagine it would go something like this:

Stacia: "Hello"
Me: "Heeheeheehee"
Stacia: "What's wrong with you?"

And it would go downhill from there.

Ms. Kane has done it again with Sacrificial Magic. Creating a world that is gritty, ugly, dirty, exciting and as always, riveting.

After discovering a gruesome murder/sacrifice of one of his employees, Bump asks/orders Chess to use her powers as...more

19 likes · like · see review

Mar 20, 2012 MISS VAIN rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-that-i-m-obsessed-with, arc, my-alpha-harem, heroines-i-adore

Didn't have anything but hope-----especially her own chances----were about as good as her chances of discovering she was the long-lost daughter of some millionaire who couldn't wait to have her back. Hope wasn't something she's ever had much of.

For those of you that know me, I'm sure you're all fully aware that I'm a complete Fangirl when it comes to Downside Ghosts series; and not only am I a Terrible Girl, I'm also a Chess fan as well because she's fantastic. So this may come as no surprise...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: addicted-hero-heroine, books-that-break-my-heart, books-i-obsess-over, dark-and-gritty, ghosts, favorites, series-i-can-t-wait-to-continue, unbelievably-sexy-heros, magic

Originally posted at: www.Addicted2Heroines.com

A typical night, the streets alive with degeneracy. Sometimes, she loved Downside.

In this fourth installment to the Downside Ghosts series, Stacia Kane takes us on a dark, sometimes disturbing, yet always fascinating, journey through Downside, Triumph City with drug-addicted Churchwitch Chess Putnam. Fans of this series have waited a long time since City of Ghosts was released in August 2010, and Stacia Kane delivers in spades. Returning to Downside...more

14 likes · like · see review

Mar 27, 2012 Suz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, arc

Sacrificial Magic drops at stores today, March 27, 2012! The following ARC review first appeared at Paperback Dolls.

I write about my experience when I’m reading a book, and this writing will be no different. I suppose I should start this review of Stacia Kane’s next installment in the Downside Ghosts series, Sacrificial Magic, with my confession. I’m a Downside junkie, right up, and I have no interest in giving it up. Now, that’s not to say that I wasn’t ridden hard and put away wet, because I w...more Sacrificial Magic drops at stores today, March 27, 2012! The following ARC review first appeared at Paperback Dolls.

I write about my experience when I’m reading a book, and this writing will be no different. I suppose I should start this review of Stacia Kane’s next installment in the Downside Ghosts series, Sacrificial Magic, with my confession. I’m a Downside junkie, right up, and I have no interest in giving it up. Now, that’s not to say that I wasn’t ridden hard and put away wet, because I was. That’s just the way it is when you let yourself get willingly strung out on something. Even so, by the time it was over and I looked back on it all, took a deep breath and took it all in, I was glad for the ride and knew I’d do it again as soon as the train left the station.

I had just come out of reading the six chapter novella “Home” in the Downside series when I discovered I’d somehow managed to score an ARC of Sacrificial Magic. Kane had lulled me into a false sense of security with Home, making me feel all warm and fuzzy, safe in the arms of new-found lusty-love and the new perspectives that come with it. So I launched into Sacrificial Magic thinking that Chess had somehow found some kind of miraculous transformation between Terrible’s thighs and off the page; and would now be super-charged with a new sense of love-induced good judgment *cough, hack, wheeze* and all her inner turmoil and baggage had been packed off to Know Thyself Self Actualization-land. Yeah…uh…no.

People are dying by ritual magic in Downside and the murderer doesn’t seem to care too much about drug dealer territory borders. Chess gets sent by the Church to investigate a reported haunting and manages to end up smack in the middle of the murders as well. It doesn’t help matters that most of the investigation puts her in the middle of the territory that is not the territory Terrible, her boyfriend, works for. That means she sees a lot more of Lex than Terrible likes.

After reading Home I’d love to tell you that our girl was a pillar of solidity, but I’m afraid she’s still human and she still makes things harder than they have to be. That’s probably the most frustrating thing about these books for me, watching her do the things I know she shouldn’t do! I mean come on! We all know what’s best for our girl, right? We all see the trouble coming and know she better not do that! We all know she needs to stop believing that garbage and taking those pills and playing that mind game and and and… but we have to watch her do it anyway. It’s a bit like watching our own child make their own mistakes, I think. Knowing you want to stop them and are helpless to do anything but let them make their own choices. I spent the better portion of the book wanting to shake her, and a little bit of it wanting to shake Terrible, too.

All throughout the book we are led to believe that the Sacrificial Magic of the title is the magic that is being used for the murders, and perhaps to some extent it is. But there is a climax to this book. One that I think is massive and at the same time under played. It’s about choices, and really aren’t all choices sacrifices of a kind? I wish I could talk more about that, but it would spoil so much that all my book friends would disown me and then I’d never have anyone to talk to about this stuff. So read the book and let’s talk about what happens at the climax, because it’s really killing me to keep it to myself.

In the meantime, I want to see more couples work through stuff the way Chess and Terrible do. Warts and all. I want to see more people accept each other the way they are, they way these two do. Warts and all.

I hope I never stop hurting every time someone says they wish there wasn’t so much drugs in the series, as if it somehow takes away from the humanity of the character. And I hope that the character finds a way to heal all the bullshit that was told to her all her life, because it’s a tired refrain that will transition from reason to excuse quickly. She beautifully embodies the dichotomy of fragility and strength that is woman. I have every faith that Stacia Kane can find a way to help her keep it and emancipate her from her history, too.(less)

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Mar 12, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-pnr-sci-fi-romance

The images in her head slowed, and she turned to see that big guy standing there, an uncertain look on his craggy, bleeding face. "You right, baby? Be a problem?"

Terrible.

Cesaria (Chess) Putnam, Debunker for the Church of Real Truth is still doing Cepts, smoking cigarettes and living the lowlife. Terrible is still the most feared man in Downside, Chess's boyfriend and Lex's rival. Bump is still her dealer. And as usual Chess has a job to do for the Church and a job to do for Bump.

This series is...more
The images in her head slowed, and she turned to see that big guy standing there, an uncertain look on his craggy, bleeding face. "You right, baby? Be a problem?"

Terrible.

Cesaria (Chess) Putnam, Debunker for the Church of Real Truth is still doing Cepts, smoking cigarettes and living the lowlife. Terrible is still the most feared man in Downside, Chess's boyfriend and Lex's rival. Bump is still her dealer. And as usual Chess has a job to do for the Church and a job to do for Bump.

This series is imaginative. From the very flawed, drug-addicted heroine, Chess, to the ugly, lovable, faithful, street-thug hero, Terrible, to the sometimes difficult-to-decipher Down-speak, to the violent, dark world of Downside.

Though I don’t particularly like that Chess is a drug addict, neither do I want to see author Stacia Kane cop out with an easy fix for the messed-up Chess. Her drug addiction is not galmorised; it just is. A sad and unfortunate product of her past and for Chess a necessary part of her present. Revealed are some of the details of her bleak childhood and at least some of the reasons for her addiction, the early association of pills and relief from emotional, psychological and physical pain. Still. I’m now ready to see Chess move on and deal with her problems. And hopefully what happens to her at the end of this story will be the catalyst for change.

Having said that about Chess I really don't feel for her, I'm not emotionally invested in her character, nor do I feel sorry for her. In many ways I think Terrible, the ugly enforcer, the muscle for a drug dealer, is too good for Chess. Chess may be the main character, but Terrible is the star. Terrible is wonderful.

What I am invested in here is the relationship between Chess and Terrible. For me this series is more about Chess and Terrible than anything else. Certainly the world Stacia Kane has created is an intriguing backdrop. But it serves its purpose for me as a reader so that I might see Chess and Terrible together.

The mystery though well-done, was pretty much an average read for most of the book. Yet it was all worth it to get to the final showdown where it all just came together and the tempo lifted with Chess having to make a painful decision, a pivotal choice. That captivating, riveting, heartbreaking scene.

"I chose you," she managed, choking out the words in a strangled, warbly sounding whisper. "I chose you, I chose you all but I chose you, because I love you so much and I chose you -"

Steam: 2.5

ARC courtesy of Random House (Del Rey) via NetGalley

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Mar 19, 2012 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Coming soon to badassbookreviews.com

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Mar 29, 2012 Brandi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

It was almost a given that I would give this a 5 star because of my love of this series. I admit though that I was a bit worried that I was going to be let down simply because of how high I held this series (thinking of course of the other series that just produced crap after several books in). I should have known that Stacia Kane would not do that me.

Sacrificial Magic took a long time to come, but the wait was worth it considering the quality of the story we are provided. Chess and Terrible le...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Tom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really love this series and this book is no different. I’m going 4.5 even though I believe it was a step down from City of Ghosts. Instead of doing a review and explaining the book I’m going to justify what that 5th star is doing up there.

This book wasn’t much different than the others in the series. The first 20% was like reading every other first 20% in the series. But I loved every bit of it. I even saved this book as a rebound book to get me over a 5 star book which worked out perfectly. N...more I really love this series and this book is no different. I’m going 4.5 even though I believe it was a step down from City of Ghosts. Instead of doing a review and explaining the book I’m going to justify what that 5th star is doing up there.

This book wasn’t much different than the others in the series. The first 20% was like reading every other first 20% in the series. But I loved every bit of it. I even saved this book as a rebound book to get me over a 5 star book which worked out perfectly. Now I’m a lot like Chess. Okay I’m not a church witch, or drug addict, or morally compromised broken human being and I’m not even a female. Okay I guess I’m not like Chess..haha How I can relate to her is the million things running through her mind. That is how I function. I try to see every possible outcome in a situation and try to think 10 moves down the line. Anyone who functions like that understands that insecurity is at play there, always afraid of making the wrong decision and ultimately just living with the results of your actions. Living with the outcome doesn’t mean that you don’t replay the situation over and over again. It never seems to be the good outcomes that we replay in our mind. I’ve been married for 23 years so haven’t had to deal with the new relationship for most of my life but I am sure I would have every bit of angst that Chess goes through with putting herself out and being afraid of what she gets in return is real or not. That would totally be me if I had to join that scary world of giving yourself wholly to someone with the chance that you could end up being used or made a fool of because you gave everything and they just didn’t really feel the same way.

Most books usually have a slow spot or two and in theory this book had it too but I just never get tired of reading the Downside Ghosts story. Does it deserve the 5th star? Maybe not but I loved the whole book and as demented as it might sound I can relate to all of Chess’s insecurities and maybe it just makes me feel better about my life, reading how freakin bad hers gets at times.
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May 10, 2012 Anna (Bobs Her Hair) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Urban Fantasy fans

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Grade: A or 4.5 stars...Raw, intense, explosive!

The overall storyline in the series progresses (Chess's growing addiction, chaotic lifestyle, turbulent relationships, the crime lords' turf war, and Church politics and conspiracy theories). We see Cesaria "Chess" Putnam in all her ugly glory! Sacrificial Magic is sad, moving, and violent. It also has a solid plot with twists, turns, and new developments.

Despite this series featuring such a defective heroine, I love her seeming frailty, her courag...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, ghosty-stuff, magic-stuff

Oh Ms. Kane, you hurt me so good! I freakin love this series. I love effed up Chess. I love badass Terrible. I love the ghosts. I love the world. I love the Church with it's warped control over everything. I love it. And this one hit on everything just right.

I know we've all been worried about where Chess and Terrible would go after their HFN from the last book and that sweet little peak in Home. And to be honest, if things had been perfect, we wouldn't have believed it. Because Chess is a self-...more

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Mar 14, 2012 Mariya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Giving a fuck what other people thought was a road straight to misery and pain; an obsession of the weak. To believe otherwise was to live in a fairy tale."

I was pleasantly surprised to love SACRIFICIAL MAGIC as much as I did, especially since I have not been madly in love with this series since the beginning like many other fans of the series. But I am glad to give the Downside Ghosts Series my full attention now.

I really have a love and hate relationship with Chess for the stuff with the...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Susana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, urban-fantasy, stacia-kane

My thoughts the day i received this book:(i really love books, and i especially love this series so bear with me....)
"I finally received this one TODAY!! YAY!! I can't wait to start reading it!"

This has become one of my favorite series, and reading it, leaves me with a somewhat bittersweet feeling. I love the main couple: Chess and Terrible. Their intensity, their chemistry, even the way Terrible talks_ as most of Downsiders do _ has gotten under my skin. And i love them for it.
They are original...more

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May 16, 2012 Leona rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 stars

Love Chessie and Terrible....but now I want Lex stories and Beulah stories too! (even though I'm worried for them) And maybe at least a short story on Elder Griffin's wedding????

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, urban-fantasy

This book is amazing. This series is phenomenal. The characters are so very deeply flawed: filled with insecurities, addiction, rage, lust and sorrow. But through that, they so are so very real. I read most of this book with a knot in my stomach. In turns, I felt hopeless and crushed, joyous and elated. Because that is what Chess felt. And Stacia Kane masterfully put me inside of her head.

The story picks up shortly after the ending of City of Ghosts. Chess and Terrible are in love, but there are...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Heather Book Savvy Babe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: witches-magic, urban-fantasy, netgalley, 5-star, favorites, review-on-blog

This review is also published at Book Savvy Babe

I am completely blown away by this urban fantasy series. Each installment in the series brings more emotions, reveals more depth to the characters, and the power gets stronger and stronger. After what seemed like an epic battle in book 3, I was concerned that this book might feel like a filler book, or a set up for the next book. So, I was unprepared when Stacia Kane upped the ante with Sacrificial Magic and blew all of my expectations out of the w...more This review is also published at Book Savvy Babe

I am completely blown away by this urban fantasy series. Each installment in the series brings more emotions, reveals more depth to the characters, and the power gets stronger and stronger. After what seemed like an epic battle in book 3, I was concerned that this book might feel like a filler book, or a set up for the next book. So, I was unprepared when Stacia Kane upped the ante with Sacrificial Magic and blew all of my expectations out of the water.

Sacrificial Magic is one of the most gripping, gut-wrenching, and thoroughly absorbing books I have ever read.

In Sacrificial Magic, Chess is trying to uncover the truth behind a ghost at a school, and trying to prove her loyalty to Terrible. Chess spends so much time stressing about her inability to have relationships, so much so that she begins pushing Terrible away. She can’t forgive herself for her past mistakes, and she sets herself up to fail. Her insecurity and self-doubt build and build, and in one gut-wrenching scene, all her doubts and fears explode. This scene is one of the most powerful and affecting scenes I have ever read. It influenced the book, and raised the bar for other urban fantasy series.

Stacia Kane does a remarkable job at nailing the roller coaster of emotions, and making flawed characters appealing. The entire book is utterly absorbing, and I was unable to put the book down once I started reading. There are twists and turns in the plot, and I was trying to figure out who was good or bad, who wanted to help or hurt, and how characters would act and react. Chess’s abilities as a witch continue to grow, she again proves that she is a force to be reckoned with.

At the end of the book, I was left satisfied, curious, and a bit dazed. As an official Stacia Kane fan girl, I can say that I am very excited for the next installment in the series. Change is coming to downside with the shifting of power players, and with changes coming to the Church, the scene is set for future books. When book 5 is released, I will be first in line to read it.

Downside Ghosts is a must-read series and Sacrificial Magic has a place on my favorites shelf. Urban Fantasy readers, the Downside Ghosts series is a “must-read” series.
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Aug 12, 2012 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: whodunnit, sweet-romance, squee-worthy, romantic-elements, received-for-review, netgalley, magic-tastic, hot-smexy-times, heroine-i-love, hero-i-love, ghost-tastic, favourites, cracking-mystery, book-boyfriend, beyond-awesome, bad-ass-dude

For those of you that enjoyed the sweet, emotional torture that was City of Ghosts, this is yet another roller coaster ride for the heart. Whether it's pounding in fear, or breaking in sympathy, this book was satisfying on pretty much every level.

Like with many other series, the Downside Ghosts, or Chess Putnam series if you prefer, has only improved with each book as we've learned more and tried to understand these incredibly complex characters. Because of the raw, damaged nature of our main ch...more For those of you that enjoyed the sweet, emotional torture that was City of Ghosts, this is yet another roller coaster ride for the heart. Whether it's pounding in fear, or breaking in sympathy, this book was satisfying on pretty much every level.

Like with many other series, the Downside Ghosts, or Chess Putnam series if you prefer, has only improved with each book as we've learned more and tried to understand these incredibly complex characters. Because of the raw, damaged nature of our main character, Chess, you can never quite predict her reaction to situations. Whether her insecurities and paranoia stem from her drug use, or whether that's just a symptom of the bigger issues is up for your debate, and this series is definitely one that provides much food for thought.

If it's even possible, and frankly, before this book I wouldn't have said it was, I think I fell even more in love with Terrible this time around. He might think he's not good with words, or "with the explains" as he would say, but trust me when I say that what he comes out with is just fine by me! There were many squee-worthy scenes to be savoured. Terrible fans will not be disappointed in this instalment!

The ghostly plot was my favourite so far, I think. It was on a slightly smaller scale- contained mostly within the walls of a school over on Slobag's side of town- but it was very well executed and displayed Chess's strengths and gave her something to concentrate on rather than tying herself in knots about everything else that's going on.

For anyone that hasn't picked up this amazing series yet, or perhaps you've seen it floating around on peoples' shelves but have been put off by the fact that the MC is an addict, I have to implore you to reconsider. This is such an addictive (ha), compelling series. Like car-crash TV in a book, that smacks you right in the face with no apologies, you would really be missing out if you were to, um, judge it by its cover. (Did I really say that? Why yes. Yes I did)

And also, you know, it's got Terrible in it. Duh!

5 Stars! ★★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review(less)

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Mar 30, 2012 Ferdy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pararnomal-csi-shit, likeable-heroine, witchy-shit, ghosts, dark-tortured-broody-hero, decent-heroine

Some spoilers

Sacrificial Magic is set just a few weeks after the events of City of Ghosts. Chess and Terrible are settling into a relationship, but Chess's self-loathing, lack of relationship experience and insecurities are making things difficult. Her love life maybe up and down but her work life is going from strength to strength. Elder Griffin assigns Chess to a new case at a school. The school have reported several recent sightings of the ghost of a former student. Unluckily for Chess (and...more Some spoilers

Sacrificial Magic is set just a few weeks after the events of City of Ghosts. Chess and Terrible are settling into a relationship, but Chess's self-loathing, lack of relationship experience and insecurities are making things difficult. Her love life maybe up and down but her work life is going from strength to strength. Elder Griffin assigns Chess to a new case at a school. The school have reported several recent sightings of the ghost of a former student. Unluckily for Chess (and Terrible) said school is in Lex's territory.
Chess is still as Fu**ed up as ever, she does a lot of stupid things albeit mostly unintentionally. This book delves into Chess's mind and soul, she's an addict, an emotional wreck and she sabotages herself repeatedly because she doesn't feel like she deserves anything good. Even though she's a mess I still couldn't help rooting for her and feeling protective of her. Her cluelessness and insecurities about being in a relationship were completely understandable, considering her past. The lack of trust and reluctance to show vulnerabitity is something most people experience, Chess experiences it in spades and it almost leads to her losing Terrible. The brief glimpses of Chess's horrific past shed a light on Chess's drug use and why she is the way she is.
Terrible is not your typical hero - he's a thug, he works for a pimp and drug lord, he's ugly and he's not very smart but he still somehow manages to be more appealing than all the other so-called 'hot, intelligent, rich and mysterious' heroes that authors seem so fond of. I don't think there's much Terrible wouldn't do for Chess..he pretty much worships the ground she walks on yet he'll still stick up for himself and doesn't just take all the crap Chess throws at him. Terrible is just wonderful.
Even though I was beyond excited to see Chess and Terrible in a relationship, I still had some reservations. I didn't want them to become boring or lose their chemistry & spark, like quite a few of my once favourite couples have done. So, I'm happy to report that Chess and Terrible together are still as compelling and sublime as ever. I utterly adore Cherrible, it's obvious to everyone but themselves how much they love one another. Since neither of them have much experience being in a relationship, both Chess and Terrible (mostly Chess though) tend to misinterpret things and wrongly conclude what the other one is feeling and thinking. The argument scene..wow, that was intense and heartbreaking, that scene had me on the verge of crying, I can't remember the last time I felt that emotional when reading. Cherrible are passionate, adorable, complex and delicious..I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship changes. Is it wrong that I got all warm&fuzzy&giddy when Chess commented on how Terrible kept an eye on the drugs she was taking..I just found it really sweet. They are one of my Top 5 couples/ships in a UF/PNR series, along with Barrons& Mac, Curran&Kate, Charley&Reyes and Cassie&Pritkin.
The side characters were as fantastic as ever - Lex, Blue and Elder Griffin are just great. I'm looking forward to seeing how Lex handles his new role and how it'll affect his realtionship with Chess. I loved the addition of Blue, she seemed lonely and it looked like she was reaching out to Chess. I hope Blue and Chess become BFF's..the banter and chemistry between them was fab and I think they both deserve a true friend. At one point, I actually thought Blue had a thing for Chess..I don't know why but I was actually disapponted to find out that this wasn't the case.
Thankfully, there was no cliffhanger ending..I'm still eager for the next book to see how Cherrible are getting on and to find out how Lex handles his new role.(less)

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Jun 20, 2012 NanaVamp rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my first Urban Fantasy series. After a slow start with book 1 (I was trying to get comfortable with the urban language (?). By the end of book one I had it mastered and I loved it.. I downloaded the other 3 books, and became hooked. By the time I finished book 3, I was anxious (in a stressful way) to see what happens to the flawed, dysfunctional HEA's, Terrible and Chess. After reading this last book Sacrificial Magic, I started to breathe easier.

Chess is a drug addict who is a kickass g...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Ann has a dirty mouth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, paranormal

Wow! What can I say about these great books that I haven't said for the last installments? These keep getting better, and I have enjoyed the series tremendously.

Anyways on to Chess. I would say that Chess is one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines because she is so different from the type of woman we normally read about. I think that in romance there is often an assumption that women are born knowing more about love, feelings and relationships than men, and that a good woman's love can redeem...more Wow! What can I say about these great books that I haven't said for the last installments? These keep getting better, and I have enjoyed the series tremendously.

Anyways on to Chess. I would say that Chess is one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines because she is so different from the type of woman we normally read about. I think that in romance there is often an assumption that women are born knowing more about love, feelings and relationships than men, and that a good woman's love can redeem anyone. Chess is so out of the norm because her rough life has meant that she has never really felt love of any sort before- in this book she is feeling things out with Terrible and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. The contrast between the confidence she feels about her debunking and the fact that she is completely out to sea with love and friendship make her an incredibly endearing character to me even when I want to slap her in the face for making stupid decisions. Chess makes a lot of fumbles in this book, but she really grows a lot and is a much stronger person than she was in the first book. She continues to be the perfect combination of strong and vulnerable.

Terrible continues to be patient and loving with Chess even when she is a gigantic fuck up. People mention in every review that he is pretty much the most delicious love interest in a book ever, so I will just say "ditto!" I imagine him looking like Tom Hardy in Warrior after he was punched in the face a thousand times at the end. Because our point of view is clustered so tightly around Chess, I really do feel butterflies in my stomach that she will be too messed up or insecure to keep him even though they love each other so much. There are hints in this book that he is already getting tired of her drug use.

The mystery in this book is great as well. Chess is a fun detective- like a junkie Encyclopedia Brown. I won't say too much about it though because I feel mysteries are always better without spoilers.

The Downside dialog and world building continue to be top notch as well. I want to go hang out in Downside and get into trouble with Chess and go to a pipe room (just kidding Dad... maybe...) I plan on buying the next book as soon as it comes out! I am so glad I only have to wait a couple months and not a whole year! Developments at the end of this book that I won't spoil already have me itching for my next fix!(less)

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Apr 09, 2012 jD rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, 2012_5-stars, fantasy_adventure_worldbuilding, fantasy_ghost, fantasy_romance, genre_mystery, genre_fantasy

I don’t keep up with book awards but I hope somebody is putting statues in Stacia Kane’s office. The woman has mad skills that need to be recognized. Normally I only think of authors in relationship to what they create, call a book, and pimp out to the masses. Sometimes its awe inspiring and other times its complete crap. Too many of these books land somewhere in between and end up simply being time-sucks. What I like most about Ms. Kane’s writing is the boldness. I don’t ever feel like a scene...more I don’t keep up with book awards but I hope somebody is putting statues in Stacia Kane’s office. The woman has mad skills that need to be recognized. Normally I only think of authors in relationship to what they create, call a book, and pimp out to the masses. Sometimes its awe inspiring and other times its complete crap. Too many of these books land somewhere in between and end up simply being time-sucks. What I like most about Ms. Kane’s writing is the boldness. I don’t ever feel like a scene has been dumbed down or commercialized for the masses. Ms. Kane knows what is best for the Downside world -- it’s magic, it’s characters, it’s drama. She doesn’t seem to hesitate. I used to find that gift in many dark, urban fantasy series but too often, best-selling authors give up their voice and start spouting crap. The end result is a series that breaks your heart with a lack of originality and imagination. I don’t see that on the horizon for Downside at least not based on this installment.

Chess, as one would expect, gets a case that challenges her as a witch and a person. She continues to amaze me with her ability to grow in barren soil. She starts out with nothing on her side especially her own mind. Her insecurities and inability to process normal human emotions worked against her with a vengeance. The journey to the last page of this book was like driving an 8-cylinder SUV 110mph under a big sky in the Nevada desert at 3 am (trust me, you don’t want to know). Nothing but pure adrenalin!

So what happened –
Chess got her ass kicked, heartbroken, addiction challenged, and loyalty tested while holding herself together with duct tape in the form of pills. Terrible kicked ass, got his heartbroken, and love for his Chessie Bomb tested. Lex got my respect. The Church got more of my suspicion that they are not the good guys. A new character got my attention. Yeah, NO SPOILERS!

I am excited that the next book comes out in June. I am planning to gobble it down. I can only pray that Ms. Kane keeps delivering her bold vision without holding back or taking a turn on ‘WTF’ street. I give this one 5 extra large stars and a happy face.

(less)

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Apr 03, 2012 JennyJen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2012

Don't know how I kept my sanity waiting for my Chessie & Terrible fix.

Review to come.

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2013 ❉Olivia ツ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, kindle, books-i-love

Another awesome Chessie book!! Big developments and revelations in this one. Chess' world outside the Church is getting smaller and smaller. She's been able to stay neutral between the two drug lords of Downside but looks like that may have to end. As usual she doesn't get a nice and easy debunking case and these ghosts are getting nastier and nastier. I suspect monumental changes are coming to the Church.

Then there is Terrible and Chess. These two... I want Chess to get sober. Yet, I know she...more

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May 29, 2012 marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you just read the summary of this series you would never think that anyone could find these characters so relatable. When you read these books you almost instantly see otherwise. Not only are they completely relatable but you fall in love with them.

It took a few pages to get back into the Downside mode, but after that it was like I never left. The writing is just so good in this series that I am not sure what to even write here. I am really pushy about making my friends pick these up. I was t...more

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Mar 27, 2012 AH rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-netgalley, ghosts, dark, favorites, zzread-feb-2012, witches, babr-reviews, own

Awesome!

Once again I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to smack Chess or hug her. Sacrificial Magic took me on a fast paced, action-packed emotional ride. I could not put this book down.

Why was this book so wonderful? First of all, Stacia Kane is a genius. Her excellent world building and well-crafted story had phenomenal character development. The reader becomes emotionally invested to these characters

Let’s take Chess, for example. Chess is one of those characters that could have everything going fo...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: most-anticipated-reads, urban-fantasy, drug-addiction, love-triangle, raped-or-abused, favorite-heroes, favorite-series, favorite-heroines, march-2012, 2012-read, major-character-death, major-illness-or-injury, favorites, steam-level-steamy, magick, tortured-hero, tortured-heroine

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: Random House
Imprint: Del Rey
Author’s Website: staciakane.net
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 4, Downside Ghosts series
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Steamy

This book broke my heart. It did. Broke it into tiny little pieces, scattering on the ground as I read. And yet, I loved it, just as I’ve loved the first three books in the serie...more This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: Random House
Imprint: Del Rey
Author’s Website: staciakane.net
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 4, Downside Ghosts series
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Steamy

This book broke my heart. It did. Broke it into tiny little pieces, scattering on the ground as I read. And yet, I loved it, just as I’ve loved the first three books in the series. It was thrilling. It was emotional. It was completely devastating, and the ending changed everything.

Chess is even more emotionally damaged than she has been in previous novels and it shows, with a very noticeable increase in her drug use, her self-sabotage, and her trust issues. There was one moment in the middle of the story where I was literally saying “no no no no no no NO!” out loud, and I admit, that sentiment returned several times over the course of the novel.

While not what I would consider to be a “steamy” read, I’ve always felt that the heat in this series is far higher than it would be with an identical scene in any other story, simply due to the emotions behind the love scenes.

I definitely think that newcomers to the series would be doing themselves a disservice by starting with this book, because while enough information was given to be a good refresher, there’s so much nuance and important history between all of the major players that a newcomer would miss having not experienced the previous novels. That, and I love this series so much that I think everyone should read it anyway.

Overall, I of course adored it. Chess’ self-hatred and self-sabotage did start to grate on me towards the end, which I admit almost kept it from being a 5-star read, but the ending was absolutely amazing and the setup for the next story has me frothing at the mouth at the thought of having to wait until June to read it, which more than made up for any irritation I might have had with Chess.

An incredibly solid 5/5 Stars.(less)

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Oct 15, 2012 Duchess Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: h-love-triangles, e-pcs, genre-urban-fantasy, read-in-2012

I.EFFING.LOVE.TERRIBLE!!!!!

"His eyes sparked hard behind their darkness as he crossed the kitchen floor, not speaking. Too much energy moved in the air around him, and when he stood right in front of her-close enough to make her tilt her head all the way back-and reached out to touch her cheek she knew what it was. He'd had quite a day, she guessed; violence clung to him like black oil. Violence and a wild sort of intoxication from that violence, to be more exact. Whatever it was inside him tha...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Cassie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

At first, I really didn't want to read this series. I kept on hearing all these good things about it but I was nervous about the main character being a drug addict. I know drug addicts, my aunt and my cousin both do drugs. It fucked up my family and causes arguments that should never have happened. My cousin shot himself in the head when he was on shrooms one night and thankfully survived. Both my aunt and cousin seemed to be inclined to think that the world owes them something and both of them...more At first, I really didn't want to read this series. I kept on hearing all these good things about it but I was nervous about the main character being a drug addict. I know drug addicts, my aunt and my cousin both do drugs. It fucked up my family and causes arguments that should never have happened. My cousin shot himself in the head when he was on shrooms one night and thankfully survived. Both my aunt and cousin seemed to be inclined to think that the world owes them something and both of them live and leech money off my grandma. They don't take care of any of the housework and complain when they need to do something. If they feel inclined to actually get a job, they can never hold it. So you can see why my hesitation in starting this series.

But I also know that we all have an addiction even if it is harmless. I can say I'm addicted to books but I used to be addicted to food. I had a bad period in life where I just stuffed myself and at night would suffer severe heart burn. I couldn't stop myself and I would always say I would eat right tomorrow but the next day I would do the same thing. I finally got myself out of that hole but sometimes I feel like I can slide right back there if I'm not careful enough. So I figured, I would give this series a chance and I am happy I did.

Chess makes this series for me. She suffered a horrible childhood which is the main reason she takes her drugs. She is fucked up and doubts always feel her head. Yet, she is strong, she faces her fears and she pushes herself to do better. I don't think she'll ever give up her drugs, at least not anytime soon because she isn't ready to let go of it as a crutch. But though the drug parts are painful for me to read, I also see a woman trying to live her life the best way she can.

I am so glad that Chess got rid of Lex for Terrible because Terrible understands Chess much better than Lex ever did. He may eventually even be the reason that Chess could give up her drugs. Terrible is suppose to be somewhat ugly but Chess looks beyond that and so do the readers. Who couldn't love Terrible?

I loved this book, it is my favorite of the series. Chess actually looks like she will make a girl friend which is good for her. I feel like she is finally making a support system for herself. Chess is sent to Slobag's side of town on a case at a school. I'm very much like Chess, I hated school. Yearbooks were mostly for popular kids, so the can get all their signatures or win awards that don't really matter. Seriously, "the cutest couple" just doesn't really work much as an award.

Anyways, of course being at that side of town brings her in contact w/ Lex. Some of their scenes you want to slap Chess, but they are very realistic. These people had sex, they know each other's bodies, and let's face it, they are attracted to each other. So I'm not really pissed at Chess since she is honest with Terrible about everything that happens between Lex and her. I think of lot of this book is about trust and being in love. How being in love can go wrong and the choices we make when we are in love.

Terrible and Chess's relationship if very realistic and I love how they are growing together. Obviously, after what Chess did in Unholy Magic, it will take time for Terrible to trust Chess. It also taking Chess time to trust in Terrible because she has never been in a relationship before. She is always believing that Terrible will leave her and doesn't trust him to stay with her.

I love this series and this book and can't wait for Chasing Magic. I need my Terrible and Chess fix. =)(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Ferdy I hope Chess does stop using drugs but I'm very doubtful because she's used drugs since she was given them as a child..but if anyone can do it, it's C...more
Apr 18, 2012 07:14am

Becky I'm with you guys, I really want to see Chess get clean but am not sure she ever will. It would require some serious introspection and, honestly, lots...more
Apr 18, 2012 06:48pm

Cassie I think that we might see her get clean but it would have to be at the very end of the series. Right now, she is building a support system with Blue,...more
Apr 18, 2012 08:41pm

Apr 06, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, read-in-2012

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Sacrificial Magic is the fourth book in Stacia Kane’s dark and gritty Downside Ghosts series. I can’t say why but it took me quite a while to really get into this book but once I did, wow!

Right from the get go you are thrown into the action. You tag along as Chess takes care of a job as a Debunker (basically she banishes crazy creepy and mostly violent ghosts) then you follow her to Church where she received a new assignment. And this new assignment is a...more Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Sacrificial Magic is the fourth book in Stacia Kane’s dark and gritty Downside Ghosts series. I can’t say why but it took me quite a while to really get into this book but once I did, wow!

Right from the get go you are thrown into the action. You tag along as Chess takes care of a job as a Debunker (basically she banishes crazy creepy and mostly violent ghosts) then you follow her to Church where she received a new assignment. And this new assignment is a very interesting job indeed. When she arrives at the school that is supposedly being haunted, the questions that pile up are unbelievable! There is no way of knowing where the story is headed! Then slowly things unravel and come to light and just then you think Chess has come to the end of it…you realize she hasn’t and the mystery builds and gets even more intense! Yes I realize that that is a lot of exclamation marks but trust me, each one is deserved! I found the ‘mystery-solving’ aspect of this installment to be stellar. The twists were wonderful and when you finally find out the whole truth of what is going on…wow.

Chess is great in this book. Okay, maybe not the whole book but she gets there eventually. Truth be told, I wanted to smack her for about 85% of the book. She is finally with Terrible and things are going great but she is so dead set on questioning why he’s with her and she’s continually counting down the moments until he ‘realizes he should be with someone else’ that she not only sabotages her relationship but she drives the reader freaking nuts! Yes, the drugs and her upbringing and all that plays a role in her behavior and therefore it is character appropriate, but it is also, at times, just too much for me. It goes back to one of my pet peeves where the heroine doesn’t realize that she is actually insulting the hero by thinking she’s not good enough for him. If that were true, why would he be with her? But when things get straightened out between Chess and Terrible the scene is actually really nice and finally near the end when Chess seems to get stronger and break through some sort of emotional barrier, well that scene is awesome. I really hope we continue seeing this ‘new Chess’ in the next installment because I am so proud of her and I want to see her continue to ‘grow’.

Terrible is…Terrible. He’s not changed much in this book but he really didn’t need to. He just needs to show up on the page and it’s practically impossible to focus on anything else. He is an enforcer but there is so much to him. He’s considered ugly but he is beautiful at heart. He’s just a really well written character that continues to impress.

I enjoyed reading Lex this time around and we get to meet his sister in this book and I found her to be well done. Lex really is a good friend to Chess and it was nice to be able to see him at his best. But man his role is about to change and I am super curious to see where it’s going. Lex’s sister is all over the place in this book. One second you hate her and the next you like her. I think she has the potential to also become a friend for Chess and she’s another character I am looking forward to revisiting in the next installment. I also really like Elder Griffin. He’s almost like a father figure to Chess but his role too may be changing. So many things to look forward to in book five, Chasing Magic,and thank goodness not too long to wait since it’s due to release June 26th2012.

As you can see there is a lot of interesting things that happen in this book with and to the characters. And the mystery is really gripping. So I can’t even begin to tell you why it took me about half the book to really get into it. But I can tell you that once I hit that mark where I got totally sucked in, it was hard to put this book down. Stacia did a fantastic job continuing to develop the extremely unique world that she has created and makes it that we can never be sure where she is taking us. The book is as hard and raw as the others in the series and continues to be a shining example of how dark urban fantasy should be written. Fans of the genre can’t miss this series and fans of the series will be very pleased with this book.(less)

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About Stacia Kane

Stacia Kane is the author of the light-hearted romantic urban fantasy "Megan Chase" series starting with PERSONAL DEMONS.

She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.

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Quotes from Sacrificial Magic

“Always want you, Chessiebomb. Always.” — 31 people liked it

“Chessie … shit, Chessie, I love you so bad.” His teeth on her throat, biting hard, his lips soothing the spot. “So fucking much, so … so bad.” — 24 people liked it

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Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts #4)

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