by
3.95 of 5 stars
With only three days left until her twenty-first birthday, her Day of Sacrifice, Flora Hamilton should be living it up. But when another Supernatur... read full description

reviews

Oct 22, 2010
Jennifer rated it: 5 of 5 stars
...“Hold your head up high. Your sacrifice to the Gods on this day will allow your family to thrive. They will gain the favor of the Gods. You have lived a good life and I have been proud to be your Guardian...”

Flora knows when and why she will die. She has lived her life under constant protection, waiting for this day to come. Many first borns have gone before her, continuing this tradition to the Gods. But Flora is a witch, a very powerful witch. When one Guardian fails, another will More...
6 comments like (2 people liked it)
Apr 23, 2011
Alex added it
To be honest, I didn’t know how much I would like this novella. I didn’t know if I could become completely enthralled in a story that was a mere twenty-seven pages, but I did. And I am so happy for that.

The story grabbed my attention right when I started reading and didn’t let go until I had read every last word. The characters were well-written and enjoyable to read, I wish I could read more about them since they were such great and readable characters.

The world Benefiel ha More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Aug 05, 2011
Joey rated it: 5 of 5 stars
In a world where supernatural powers are inherited, this gift doesn’t come without a sacrifice. To appease the gods, the first born in every family is to remain pure and be sacrificed on the day of their 21st birthday. Day of Sacrifice is about Flora Hamilton, a young woman who is 3 days away from her sacrifice when she’s caught in the middle of a hit from a rival family. On the day her best friend Aiden Grant is to give his life to the Gods, Flora’s forced to go on the run with her sexy guardia More...
Apr 23, 2011
Krista rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I am very happy I came across this novella, it was absolutely enthralling. It had me hooked from the first page. The action, story, characters all very entertaining. As I was reading through this I saw great potential in this story line and how it could become a fantastic series and built upon. I found that I really wanted to get inside some of the other characters heads besides the main one, Flora. I wanted to be at that meeting when the father found out something had gone wrong, what he was th More...
Jan 07, 2011
Valerie rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Oct 12, 2010
Keri rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I just read 'Day of Sacrifice' and it was fantastic! This novella is a supernatural love story/action story. I really want to give a great review so you guys will read it right away, but I don't want to give out any spoilers. The characters, Julian and Flora, are awesome. Stacey Benefiel always comes up with the best names for her characters.

The world she has created in 'Day of Sacrifice' is genius and a bit frightening. Living your life knowing that you will be condemning your first More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jan 12, 2011
Serena rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Plot: I don’t read many short stories (I don’t really know why, either). This short story was pretty much filled non-stop action. The world you are thrown into is interesting and scary (human sacrifices = SCARY). All kinds of paranormal creatures are known and accepted (witches, vampires, werewolves, OH MY) In the short story there’s action, fighting, magic, and a little bit of steaminess ;)

Characters: I loved Flora, I felt she was SO brave for knowing she was her family’s sacrifice More...
2 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 04, 2010
What an amazing novella to start off a new series! I started reading and didn't stop until the last page.

The characters are captivating, the story fantastic and the anticipation for the next installment unbearable!

Every supernatural family must sacrifice their first-born on the day of their 21st birthday in order to stay in favor with the Gods; this sacrifice will ensure prosperity and good fortune for the family. Each sacrifice is assigned a Guardian to watch over them; More...
2 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 16, 2011
Kelly/yllektra rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 08, 2011
Angela rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, what an original concept for a storyline. An easy read that sucks you in from the start right down to the last word on the last page. I read it in one afternoon and was left wanting more. The characters are well built and thought out, the storyline flowing easily. I fell in love with the two main characters and the relationship that developed between them. Bring on "Rebellion" next year. Congrats on a great book Stacey. :D
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Mar 15, 2011
Lara rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Flora is three days away from her 21st birthday, a momentus miles stone as that is the day she is to be sacrificed to the gods. Her guardian angel is not impressed with her behavior and leaves her alone, something a guardian should never do. Little does Flora know that her estranged father has started a feud with a business partner and put Flora’s life in imminent danger. If she is not sacrificed on her 21st birthday her family will lose much more than their first-born daughter.

As Fl More...
Oct 22, 2010
Day of Sacrifice is a great novella that puts you on the edge of your seat. Imagine a world where the first born child in your family is sacrficed to the gods in order to increase your families wealth. Flora has been raised to know that on her twenty first birthday she will be sacrificed for the good of her family. That in and of itself would be a hard pill to swallow, but at the same time Flora wants to enjoy the short life she has left and is labeled a wild child. The novella encompasses the t More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Oct 23, 2010
Michelle rated it: 5 of 5 stars
At 15,000 words this book is either a long short story or a short novella, depending on your perspective. Stacey's new series shows her versatility while retaining that wonderful writing style that I enjoyed so much in Glimpse, her YA series. This series is definitely for an older audience but every much as enjoyable.

The opening scene grabbed me right away and that is just the way I like it! Flora has a lot of spunk and a smart mouth, again...just the way I like it. The romance bet More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Oct 13, 2010
Vanessa rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Day of Sacrifice is an amazing story!! I was hooked from the very beginning. The story explores a world in which first born children are expected to be sacrificed to the gods just so their families can gain wealth. I loved the main character Flora, she was headstrong, independent and didn't let anyone push her around.

The story was about a girl who had to grow up dealing with the fact that she was born to die. But being only three days away from her own DOS everything changes. She's More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jan 17, 2011
Erika rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Flora is a sacrifice. Julian is her new guardian. It is 3 days until her big Day of Sacrifice. She is being hunted instead. Will Julian protect her for the benefit of her family or together will they change the world?

This short novella takes place in a paranormal world where families sacrifice their first born in a very public ritual to the gods in order to keep their powers. Some very interesting questions are posed. What would you sacrifice to gain ultimate power? Would you submi More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 31, 2012
Andrea rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the story. It was different than most stuff I have been reading. Benefiel did a great job. It was a short book and I can't wait to read more. Has a bit of language and sex so if you're not a fan steer clear.
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jan 12, 2011
A.M. rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Flora Hamilton is three days away from turning 21. She’s also three days away from her Day of Sacrifice, the day she must give up her life in a blood-stained ritual in order to ensure the gods bless her family. With only three days left to live, she should be out partying, but a rivalling family is out to make sure Flora won’t live to see 21. Forced on the run with handsome guardian angel Julian, Flora is beginning to realize that what she has prepared for her whole life may be nothing more than More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 05, 2011
huntingirl rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I only wish it was longer!!!
4 comments like (1 person liked it)
Oct 21, 2010
Belinda rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I sincerely enjoyed reading this novella. It was similar in theme to Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson and if anyone knows me, they know I'm obsessed with Sanderson's work.

However, the thing I love about Sanderson is he knows when a work is stand-alone. Even though it is obvious the story continues due to how Day of Sacrifice ends... I felt it ended in a way that it could have been a stand-alone. There just aren't enough good stand-alone fantasy these days!

All in all, a good re More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Oct 08, 2011
Tim rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Very well written story set within a modern world close to ours, but with some witchcraft, angels, and worship of gods in a caliber close to some of our mythological gods. I liked the story quite a bit, good character development, a unique plot line, and interesting mythology, but I hated the ending. I think it's supposed to be a cliffhanger, but really it's pulled off as seeming like the author just decided she was done writing and tied off the end abruptly. Interested in reading what's next an More...
Apr 18, 2011
Jessica rated it: 5 of 5 stars
*This is a combined review for the first three books in the Day of Sacrifice series*

The story begins with Flora waking up - naked after an all-night bender - to her Guardian telling her she quits. A message left for Flora from her sister indicates she is in danger and needs a Guardian more than ever. It is only three days until her day of sacrifice. As the oldest child, at 21 she must give her life for her family. She must be there and alive to grant her family favors from the Gods. It More...
Nov 08, 2010
Jess rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the paced and action of this novella. I've never been one to enjoy long, drawn-out detailed descriptions (particularly when it's of the fantasy/paranormal type genre -- I personally do NOT need to constantly know the color of a character's shoes, etc...), so it was a smooth read without a lot of extraneous, superfluous details.

The elements were also well-placed, without making the plot too complicated. I especially liked the sizzling combination of magic/the occult, and hot a More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Oct 13, 2010
Lauralynn rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I didn't really know what to expect from a story this short. It was longer than a short story and shorter than a novella. I'm usually left wanting after reading a short story. I knew I was going to have to review this story, so I was hoping I would like it. I was not disappointed! This is a great little story. It was fun, romantic, and just the thing for someone who wants to read something quick that still has substance. I really liked the characters, and I liked the unusual plot. Good job, Stac More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jan 13, 2011
Christel rated it: 5 of 5 stars
First off, thanks Stacey for another awesome read! Oftentimes, I enjoy reading novellas, as I can read two or three in a brief span of time. I adore the characters! I seem to be on an angel kick lately?! Coincidence? I think not. Anyway, this was a truly enjoyable read, and now I'm off to read Rebellion. It almost amkes me glad I waited a bit to read this one!
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Nov 03, 2010
Toniann rated it: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite work yet from this author. I HATE novella's because they leave me wanting so much more but there was so much story in DOS! I'll be waiting for part two:)Her other work is great as well, this one is just a little darker & fit my mood for the day.
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jun 26, 2011
Richard rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Got this ebook for free from the author & I enjoyed it.
I thought the story was quick & fun & creeeeepy & it was different.
if you enjoy ebooks I'd suggest you read this. I don't think it's available in paperback.
- Richard
Mar 19, 2011
Kait rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the world Benefiel set up in this short novella. The heroine was relatable, the hero yummy, and the potential for future installments great. Looking forward to Rebellion!
Oct 28, 2010
Michelle rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed it, but I felt like it was a bit climax was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more build up in the relationship and the conflict. I look forward to reading the next installment.
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Oct 10, 2010
Stacey rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I had a great time writing this short story. It's a quick read-good for a lunch break or when you're waiting to pick the kids up from school.
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Dec 01, 2010
Kevin rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Pulp meets fantasy meets teen romance. Something for everyone!
1 comment like (1 person liked it)