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Mortal Path #2
Sacrifice
A demon's enslaved executioner--a ravager of lives and souls--Maliha Crayne has been reborn, willing to sacrifice her immortality for a chance at freedom ... and salvation. Now she has an opportunity to prevent the death of thousands to help balance the countless lives she has obliterated over the centuries. To do so, she must locate and destroy an evil cabal of madmen in possession of a weapon of unspeakable power--and survive the immortal assassins who are now after her blood. But it means reverting to the old ways and surrendering once more to the darkness.
285 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 18, 2010
25 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Banks
5 books225 followersI have to believe that growing up in a converted turn-of-the-century funeral home, complete with blood gutters and a drain in the basement floor, warped my mind.
I set aside all those macabre thoughts spawned by reading books in the basement at night with a flashlight and undertook a relatively normal life. College, science fiction, husband, computers, Star Trek, mortgage, fantasy, Star Wars, kids, mysteries, writing, thrillers, horror, and cats. I'm not sure in which order all those things happened, but I haven't killed off enough gray cells yet that I've forgotten any of them. That brings me up to now, or at least the last decade.
I wrote short stories in high school and college, submitted them, and got rejection letters. I still have some of them. Writing was shelved while life ran amuck, and I came back to it in the 1990s. I published five books (the PJ Gray series), all hard-edged suspense thrillers dealing with virtual reality, written under my real name of Shirley Kennett. I enjoyed these books because they were my first taste of the writing life, not to mention that they brought in some money and put 500,000 published words under my belt.
I even wrote a middle-grade book about a native American boy and his horse, Honor's Journey, as D.B. Ayers. Fun times!
Something was missing, though, and it took me six books to find out what the missing piece was. Although my books were highly imaginative and extrapolated then-current trends in forensic science, computer simulation, and virtual reality, they didn't go far enough. I felt hemmed in by reality.
I needed to get back into the basement with a flashlight.
I took a deep breath and thought about what I really wanted to do with my writing career. I had an idea that had been playing around at the edge of my mind for a while, and I decided to see what I could make of it. Combining my love of archaeology with the freedom that comes from using mythological elements in a story, I came up with the basic concepts for the Mortal Path series. Developing that world and the characters who bring it to life has been tremendously rewarding for me, and I hope the books provide pleasurable reading for you.
I live on the western fringe of St. Louis, Missouri with my husband. Our two sons, one adopted from Peru and the other from Ethiopia, are well on their way to independent lives. My cats Squeaks and Snickers sometimes ghostwrite my books by walking on my keyboard. Good stuff, too, if you speak Cat.
I'm a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the Horror Writers Association, and Mystery Writers of America.
I set aside all those macabre thoughts spawned by reading books in the basement at night with a flashlight and undertook a relatively normal life. College, science fiction, husband, computers, Star Trek, mortgage, fantasy, Star Wars, kids, mysteries, writing, thrillers, horror, and cats. I'm not sure in which order all those things happened, but I haven't killed off enough gray cells yet that I've forgotten any of them. That brings me up to now, or at least the last decade.
I wrote short stories in high school and college, submitted them, and got rejection letters. I still have some of them. Writing was shelved while life ran amuck, and I came back to it in the 1990s. I published five books (the PJ Gray series), all hard-edged suspense thrillers dealing with virtual reality, written under my real name of Shirley Kennett. I enjoyed these books because they were my first taste of the writing life, not to mention that they brought in some money and put 500,000 published words under my belt.
I even wrote a middle-grade book about a native American boy and his horse, Honor's Journey, as D.B. Ayers. Fun times!
Something was missing, though, and it took me six books to find out what the missing piece was. Although my books were highly imaginative and extrapolated then-current trends in forensic science, computer simulation, and virtual reality, they didn't go far enough. I felt hemmed in by reality.
I needed to get back into the basement with a flashlight.
I took a deep breath and thought about what I really wanted to do with my writing career. I had an idea that had been playing around at the edge of my mind for a while, and I decided to see what I could make of it. Combining my love of archaeology with the freedom that comes from using mythological elements in a story, I came up with the basic concepts for the Mortal Path series. Developing that world and the characters who bring it to life has been tremendously rewarding for me, and I hope the books provide pleasurable reading for you.
I live on the western fringe of St. Louis, Missouri with my husband. Our two sons, one adopted from Peru and the other from Ethiopia, are well on their way to independent lives. My cats Squeaks and Snickers sometimes ghostwrite my books by walking on my keyboard. Good stuff, too, if you speak Cat.
I'm a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the Horror Writers Association, and Mystery Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 22, 2015
I am so glad that I decided to continue with this series. This second book was sooo much better than the first one. It was action packed, full of intrigue, suspense, and just plain kick ass. Maliha is such a great character. Not only is she a bad ass female who can kill and maim, but she is also a person with feelings, emotions, hopes and dreams. Mrs. Banks does a great job of making her relatable and human despite her super spy persona. Loved this and I can't wait to read the next installment.
November 8, 2011
I liked the first one. This one was too much "ooh I love him... No him... No him..."
December 7, 2010
Sacrifice picks up shortly after book #1, Dark Time. We continue to follow Maliha on her journey to find all the shards scattered around the world and balance the scales. No longer Ageless, freed from the demon, Rabishu, Maliha's mission is to balance out the lives she's taken in the past with the lives she saved since finding that loophole.
Dark Time left us with a lot of questions about Maliha's new beau, Jake. Thankfully we don't have to wait too long into this one to get some answers. I wish we would've seen more of him though. Instead, Maliha's love life is thrown a curve ball in the form of a luscious Ageless Roman Centurion, Lucius.
Maliha's a very strong, independent woman with a huge amount of guilt for the things she did while under Rabishu's control, but she's also got a big heart when it comes to the people she's allowed into her life and made her friends.
I enjoy this dark urban fantasy series very much and look forward to Maliha's continuing story in book 3.
Dark Time left us with a lot of questions about Maliha's new beau, Jake. Thankfully we don't have to wait too long into this one to get some answers. I wish we would've seen more of him though. Instead, Maliha's love life is thrown a curve ball in the form of a luscious Ageless Roman Centurion, Lucius.
Maliha's a very strong, independent woman with a huge amount of guilt for the things she did while under Rabishu's control, but she's also got a big heart when it comes to the people she's allowed into her life and made her friends.
I enjoy this dark urban fantasy series very much and look forward to Maliha's continuing story in book 3.
March 15, 2012
Okay, first off this a the Second Book in a series so you will Need to read the first book Dark Time, in order to truly understand what is going on in this series and understand who Maliha was and now is. Also there will be some spoilers below for the first book, so if you are interested in reading this series you Do Not want to read below.
Alright, now that the warning has been taken care of (read more at your own risk for spoilers) Dakota Banks is back with another intense novel, about one women's desire to make amends for the deaths she has caused in her extended ageless life on Earth, and her hope to eventually rid the world of demons who are forever meddling in the human world.
A cover up is happening in Africa. Villages are being burned to the ground, where none of the villagers are surviving. This mystery intrigues Maliha and may possible give her a chance to balance out her scales. However, Maliha has entered into a dangerous game, where there is a powerful company and possible ageless connection which puts everyone that Maliha cares about in Danger. Maliha will discover that her scales work both ways, if she is the cause of innocence's death. And through all the chaos happening, Maliha is on her search for more pieces to the puzzle that will help her eradicate the Demons once and for all. But if she thought this action would go unnoticed, she has a Roman Warrior Ageless to deal with at each turn, trying to prevent her from succeeding. Maliha is not sure if these two challenges will be the death of her, and Maliha knows that Rasishu is watching her every move and waiting for Maliha to come back to him dead or alive, the choice is hers.
I love this series. It's dark, gritty and with a take no prisoners attitude, with No Apology in sight for the storyline being this way. This fast pacing novel has lots of action throughout which will have you reading this book in one sitting. Definitely a book that I did not want to put down.
I know I have been saying how much I have been disliking the kick-ass heroine attitude lately, but the reason I think that I have been disliking them so much is that a lot of them complain nonstop (you have to know the few books/heroines like that) and they are so wrapped up in their men troubles that their character and the storyline suffers. I liked the direction that Banks has moved the book along, even though Maliha may have taken a step back in character development by some readers standards, I look at it as Maliha knowing what is needs to be done in order to get the job done. If she has to go back and become the Black Ghost in order to save her friends and the people in the world I say the more power to her. It is not like she is some frivolous girl who is trying to defeat the dark, she has been part of the dark and knows the best way to destroy them (isn't there a saying about knowing your enemy like a brother....).
I like that the book was not about her Maliha relationship with Jake. Some people who are a fan of more paranormal romance may have wanted more in this aspect. But I like how Maliha put the job, saving lives before the Guy (a refreshing change within the paranormal genre as a whole). The book has minimal interaction with Jake and I think she will have to address their relationship at a later date especially with the introduction of Lucious, but the reason I love Bank's first and second novel, is the romance is always in the background.
This one of my must read paranormal series, I really want to find out more and what will happen when her scales are finally balanced out. Banks novels keep you entertained, are action packed and, have that dark edge that I love. Banks, does not promise that everyone and everything will come out with a happy ending in the end, which is fantastic (in my opinion, i'm not a fan of the whole cookie cutter aspect) as it keeps the reader guessing and waiting to see what will happen in the end and who will be left standing.
Enjoy!!!
Alright, now that the warning has been taken care of (read more at your own risk for spoilers) Dakota Banks is back with another intense novel, about one women's desire to make amends for the deaths she has caused in her extended ageless life on Earth, and her hope to eventually rid the world of demons who are forever meddling in the human world.
A cover up is happening in Africa. Villages are being burned to the ground, where none of the villagers are surviving. This mystery intrigues Maliha and may possible give her a chance to balance out her scales. However, Maliha has entered into a dangerous game, where there is a powerful company and possible ageless connection which puts everyone that Maliha cares about in Danger. Maliha will discover that her scales work both ways, if she is the cause of innocence's death. And through all the chaos happening, Maliha is on her search for more pieces to the puzzle that will help her eradicate the Demons once and for all. But if she thought this action would go unnoticed, she has a Roman Warrior Ageless to deal with at each turn, trying to prevent her from succeeding. Maliha is not sure if these two challenges will be the death of her, and Maliha knows that Rasishu is watching her every move and waiting for Maliha to come back to him dead or alive, the choice is hers.
I love this series. It's dark, gritty and with a take no prisoners attitude, with No Apology in sight for the storyline being this way. This fast pacing novel has lots of action throughout which will have you reading this book in one sitting. Definitely a book that I did not want to put down.
I know I have been saying how much I have been disliking the kick-ass heroine attitude lately, but the reason I think that I have been disliking them so much is that a lot of them complain nonstop (you have to know the few books/heroines like that) and they are so wrapped up in their men troubles that their character and the storyline suffers. I liked the direction that Banks has moved the book along, even though Maliha may have taken a step back in character development by some readers standards, I look at it as Maliha knowing what is needs to be done in order to get the job done. If she has to go back and become the Black Ghost in order to save her friends and the people in the world I say the more power to her. It is not like she is some frivolous girl who is trying to defeat the dark, she has been part of the dark and knows the best way to destroy them (isn't there a saying about knowing your enemy like a brother....).
I like that the book was not about her Maliha relationship with Jake. Some people who are a fan of more paranormal romance may have wanted more in this aspect. But I like how Maliha put the job, saving lives before the Guy (a refreshing change within the paranormal genre as a whole). The book has minimal interaction with Jake and I think she will have to address their relationship at a later date especially with the introduction of Lucious, but the reason I love Bank's first and second novel, is the romance is always in the background.
This one of my must read paranormal series, I really want to find out more and what will happen when her scales are finally balanced out. Banks novels keep you entertained, are action packed and, have that dark edge that I love. Banks, does not promise that everyone and everything will come out with a happy ending in the end, which is fantastic (in my opinion, i'm not a fan of the whole cookie cutter aspect) as it keeps the reader guessing and waiting to see what will happen in the end and who will be left standing.
Enjoy!!!
April 11, 2012
Book two is another nonstop action packed story. My only complaint is the love interest angle. It felt like it was almost an after thought and it was frankly annoying. One minute she loves Jake then she is thinking she might love Lucius. I thought Lucius was put into the story just to give her one more reason to feel guilty as if she didn't have enough before his part of the story. Other than that issue, I did enjoy the book and I am on to read #3.
October 10, 2025
Sacrifice by Dakota Banks is the second book in the "Mortal Path" trilogy. In this one, Susannah Layhem is burned to death in the witch trials in 1692. She makes a deal with a demon named Rabishu and gains immortality and special powers in exchange for becoming an assassin for her new demon master. After many years, things change, and she wants to get out of her contract. In order to be free, she must save a soul for every soul she killed. The kicker is that she ages for every soul she saves. Determined to end her servitude to the demon, she begins to save lives when and where she can. She soon learns that others have made deals with demons and are opposed to everything she fights for.
The premise of the novel is inventive, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The writer clearly knows her craft. The plot flowed well, and the writing sped me through from start to finish. I definitely intend to read the next installment of this trilogy, Deliverance.
The premise of the novel is inventive, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The writer clearly knows her craft. The plot flowed well, and the writing sped me through from start to finish. I definitely intend to read the next installment of this trilogy, Deliverance.
December 13, 2025
I was completely drawn into Maliha Crayne’s dark, gripping world. The stakes are intense, and I loved how her struggle for redemption is complicated by the pull of her own destructive past. The story kept me on edge action-packed, morally complex, and impossible to put down.
July 7, 2018
Pretty good
I liked the idea of this series but the books are not living up to the hype. The characters are dry and too self absorbed to draw me in.
I liked the idea of this series but the books are not living up to the hype. The characters are dry and too self absorbed to draw me in.
April 24, 2020
Great series , quick but all eBooks are
November 21, 2025
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
A CK2S K2 Recommended Read!
I can gladly say there has been no sophomore slump for Dakota Banks with Sacrifice, the second book in her fantastic Mortal Path series! With all the action, excitement, passion, and danger of book one, I found myself racing to the finish, only to then realize I had to again wait for the next book in the series! And what a hard wait that will be!
Maliha Crayne is well on her path to redemption after centuries as a demon’s slave, though she still has a long road ahead of her. If before her death, she can save as many lives as she took during her time as an assassin, she will buy her freedom from torment. Now she is presented with one of her best chances to balance her personal set of scales. Secret testing of an extremely deadly new form of biological/chemical warfare has begun and if this weapon is released countless numbers of innocents will perish. Maliha is determined to defeat the company responsible for this new threat, but in order to do so, she must immerse herself back into the life she turned her back on, the assassin known as “the Black Ghost.”
Danger beckons and temptation lures her in, but Maliha is on a quest. With the help of her faithful band of friends with some pretty amazing abilities of their own, worldly or otherworldly though they may be, Maliha sets out to win, and to bring herself one step closer to her greatest goal, destroy the demons once and for all. However, great Sacrifice must be made… is Maliha up to the challenge?
I love love LOVE this series, Mortal Path! Maliha is such a compelling character, with an impossible goal before her, but her determination is so strong I have a hard time believing she won’t succeed. If anyone can do it, she can. Maliha faces such immense challenges, and a time or two I did find myself slightly worried, alomng with her friends, that she’d get so far along the dark path that she’d not be able to turn back around. While Maliha is no ordinary woman, she faces many of the same struggles as the rest of us, only hers come with some kick-ass abilities that are holdovers from her previously immortal life. Maliha does sometimes seem emotionally removed from the other players in this novel, but that is only because she buries everything so deep inside. We do get to see the emotional side of Maliha a little more in this one, which really provides contrast between her persona as the Black Ghost and the mortal life she has returned to.
I love that we got to know more about Maliha’s band of warriors whose loyalty may waver a time or two, but never dies. We also find out the answers to some big questions that left us hanging at the end of Dark Time. (How did he get into her apartment and survive it, for one.) We also meet a few more immortal assassins, some who have chosen the Mortal Path like Maliha, some who revel in the gift they’ve been given by the demons, and some who long to escape their slavery but know they can never make amends for their wrongdoings. One immortal in particular utterly fascinated me, former Roman Centurion Lucius, and I really enjoyed getting to know him through Maliha’s eyes. Another highly fascinating character, though more so because of the absolute depravity of his soul, is the immortal who is helping develop the latest deadly weapons. Once we find out who he really is, I was shocked and amazed, all the while thinking, how perfect a character to include in this story. I want so badly to tell you who that is, but I will resist, as I want you to feel exactly the same as I did when his identity was revealed to me.
Be forewarned however, Sacrifice is extremely dark, very graphic, and could be quite frightening to the faint of heart. Extreme violence, very vivid descriptions of gruesome deaths, and truly despicably evil enemies are prevalent throughout. Personally, I am a fan of “darker is better” so even though I did find myself slightly squeamish in a few particular scenes, I loved it all. There is just something that draws me in to keep going when I meet characters in such dire straits who never give up and come out on top in the end, but not without a great deal of personal cost.
If you love a deliciously dark fantasy novel, with characters who drag you into their lives and make you feel for them, dashing and dangerous adventures with life or death consequences (or in this case eternal) consequences, then Sacrifice is your kind of story! I hope you give this incredible series by Dakota Banks a try. Some will love it like I do, others will hate it, but one thing is for certain, you will be moved beyond words in either direction. That is what good writing does to you; it makes you passionate about it, good or bad, but never indifferent. I hope, naturally, that you all love it as much as I do!
© Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2010. All rights reserved.
A CK2S K2 Recommended Read!
I can gladly say there has been no sophomore slump for Dakota Banks with Sacrifice, the second book in her fantastic Mortal Path series! With all the action, excitement, passion, and danger of book one, I found myself racing to the finish, only to then realize I had to again wait for the next book in the series! And what a hard wait that will be!
Maliha Crayne is well on her path to redemption after centuries as a demon’s slave, though she still has a long road ahead of her. If before her death, she can save as many lives as she took during her time as an assassin, she will buy her freedom from torment. Now she is presented with one of her best chances to balance her personal set of scales. Secret testing of an extremely deadly new form of biological/chemical warfare has begun and if this weapon is released countless numbers of innocents will perish. Maliha is determined to defeat the company responsible for this new threat, but in order to do so, she must immerse herself back into the life she turned her back on, the assassin known as “the Black Ghost.”
Danger beckons and temptation lures her in, but Maliha is on a quest. With the help of her faithful band of friends with some pretty amazing abilities of their own, worldly or otherworldly though they may be, Maliha sets out to win, and to bring herself one step closer to her greatest goal, destroy the demons once and for all. However, great Sacrifice must be made… is Maliha up to the challenge?
I love love LOVE this series, Mortal Path! Maliha is such a compelling character, with an impossible goal before her, but her determination is so strong I have a hard time believing she won’t succeed. If anyone can do it, she can. Maliha faces such immense challenges, and a time or two I did find myself slightly worried, alomng with her friends, that she’d get so far along the dark path that she’d not be able to turn back around. While Maliha is no ordinary woman, she faces many of the same struggles as the rest of us, only hers come with some kick-ass abilities that are holdovers from her previously immortal life. Maliha does sometimes seem emotionally removed from the other players in this novel, but that is only because she buries everything so deep inside. We do get to see the emotional side of Maliha a little more in this one, which really provides contrast between her persona as the Black Ghost and the mortal life she has returned to.
I love that we got to know more about Maliha’s band of warriors whose loyalty may waver a time or two, but never dies. We also find out the answers to some big questions that left us hanging at the end of Dark Time. (How did he get into her apartment and survive it, for one.) We also meet a few more immortal assassins, some who have chosen the Mortal Path like Maliha, some who revel in the gift they’ve been given by the demons, and some who long to escape their slavery but know they can never make amends for their wrongdoings. One immortal in particular utterly fascinated me, former Roman Centurion Lucius, and I really enjoyed getting to know him through Maliha’s eyes. Another highly fascinating character, though more so because of the absolute depravity of his soul, is the immortal who is helping develop the latest deadly weapons. Once we find out who he really is, I was shocked and amazed, all the while thinking, how perfect a character to include in this story. I want so badly to tell you who that is, but I will resist, as I want you to feel exactly the same as I did when his identity was revealed to me.
Be forewarned however, Sacrifice is extremely dark, very graphic, and could be quite frightening to the faint of heart. Extreme violence, very vivid descriptions of gruesome deaths, and truly despicably evil enemies are prevalent throughout. Personally, I am a fan of “darker is better” so even though I did find myself slightly squeamish in a few particular scenes, I loved it all. There is just something that draws me in to keep going when I meet characters in such dire straits who never give up and come out on top in the end, but not without a great deal of personal cost.
If you love a deliciously dark fantasy novel, with characters who drag you into their lives and make you feel for them, dashing and dangerous adventures with life or death consequences (or in this case eternal) consequences, then Sacrifice is your kind of story! I hope you give this incredible series by Dakota Banks a try. Some will love it like I do, others will hate it, but one thing is for certain, you will be moved beyond words in either direction. That is what good writing does to you; it makes you passionate about it, good or bad, but never indifferent. I hope, naturally, that you all love it as much as I do!
© Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2010. All rights reserved.
July 2, 2013
Maliha has been a demon’s assassin for over 300 years, but she finally had enough and has broken free. Now she has to redeem herself and save as many souls as she has killed in those 300 years, before she dies, or she will have to face eternal torture. She is no longer immortal, but not completely human yet either. But for every life she saves, she will age a bit, so Maliha is not sure she will have enough time to accomplish her goal.
So now Maliha is on a mission, to fight evil and save innocents, but she is also looking for the seven hidden pieces of a magical object. If she finds them, she can kill or banish all the demons from Earth, and make this a better place for humans. Where we at least can make our own mistakes without being prompted by the demons. They thrive on chaos and war, death and destruction. Of course, the demons are looking for those objects as well, and they will use it to call the Sumerian gods back to earth.
The book starts in a helicopter in Darfur, where Maliha and Hound are searching for his kidnapped girlfriend Glass. She was there on a humanitarian mission, when the village she was in was raided by the Janjaweed. They rape and mutilate their victims, so they have to find Glass soon! When they find the camp where Glass and the other women are held, Maliha has to fall back on her old assassin skills, to kill the sentries and free Glass, but Hound cannot follow orders and just runs into the camp, shooting like a maniac. Which does not make freeing Glass and getting away unseen any easier. Glass has also been almost beaten to death, and both her legs and an arm are broken. They will have to carry her out of here. Or rather, Hound needs to do that, while Maliha keeps the rest at a distance.
But the severe numbers of tugs overwhelm her, and when Maliha is about to die, she is saved by a Roman warrior. Can this be true? It has to be, as she wakes up in the hospital later. Although Hound never saw the man, she was just in the pickup location, unconscious from her wounds.
But rescuing Glass was not enough, apparently she stumbled upon a `melting` corpse, and men in white suites destroying everything in the vicinity with fire. Glass managed to put some of the substance in her canteen, and it needs to be tested, to find out what caused the deaths. Maliha sends the canteen to some scientist friends in America, to research the contents. Unfortunately, her friends are not at the university, but at some conference so it will take a few more days before they have answers. When Maliha gets impatient, and her friends don´t call her back, she decides to drop by herself, only to find her friends being murdered, and their lab and whatever they found in the canteen, destroyed.
Maliha´s gift enables her to relive a dead person’s last moments if they died violently, where she can communicate with the piece of ghost left behind. Reliving being murdered time and again is not a walk in the park, but it is necessary to find out what happened, and to release the ghost into the afterlife.
Somehow, they have stumbled upon a secret experiment with nano technology, killing people invisibly from the inside out, in a horrible manner. And one of the ageless is behind it all. But it does set Maliha on her next quest, to find the people responsible and to put a stop at this before they unleash this horrible weapon upon the world.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. I like Maliha, who is certainly not a typical heroine. Yes, she is kick ass, and she likes to do things her way. But she has a conscience, and protects her friends as best as she can. But she also loves men and sex, and after saving people and suffering the pain from doing that, she needs sex, a man to warm the cold inside of her. So she has not just one boyfriend, but some casual encounters as well, wherever in the world she is. This is just one of the things that make Maliha unique, and I like it.
She loves the better things in life, like really fast and expensive cars, and she has enough money to do whatever she wants. Maliha also has a public face, that of a mystery writer named Marsha Winters, which comes in handy from time to time.
Maliha's friends mostly help her with research, and try to keep her on the right path. And this going it alone, is making her walk a very fine line to her past. Even making her former owner, the demon, offer her her old job back with all the benefits of the Ageless.
This novel is fast paced, action packed, and would be perfect as a tv series or movie. I like Dakota Banks' writing style, her characters and world building, and look forward to the next book in the series. Which is already on my shelves, waiting for me.
9 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
So now Maliha is on a mission, to fight evil and save innocents, but she is also looking for the seven hidden pieces of a magical object. If she finds them, she can kill or banish all the demons from Earth, and make this a better place for humans. Where we at least can make our own mistakes without being prompted by the demons. They thrive on chaos and war, death and destruction. Of course, the demons are looking for those objects as well, and they will use it to call the Sumerian gods back to earth.
The book starts in a helicopter in Darfur, where Maliha and Hound are searching for his kidnapped girlfriend Glass. She was there on a humanitarian mission, when the village she was in was raided by the Janjaweed. They rape and mutilate their victims, so they have to find Glass soon! When they find the camp where Glass and the other women are held, Maliha has to fall back on her old assassin skills, to kill the sentries and free Glass, but Hound cannot follow orders and just runs into the camp, shooting like a maniac. Which does not make freeing Glass and getting away unseen any easier. Glass has also been almost beaten to death, and both her legs and an arm are broken. They will have to carry her out of here. Or rather, Hound needs to do that, while Maliha keeps the rest at a distance.
But the severe numbers of tugs overwhelm her, and when Maliha is about to die, she is saved by a Roman warrior. Can this be true? It has to be, as she wakes up in the hospital later. Although Hound never saw the man, she was just in the pickup location, unconscious from her wounds.
But rescuing Glass was not enough, apparently she stumbled upon a `melting` corpse, and men in white suites destroying everything in the vicinity with fire. Glass managed to put some of the substance in her canteen, and it needs to be tested, to find out what caused the deaths. Maliha sends the canteen to some scientist friends in America, to research the contents. Unfortunately, her friends are not at the university, but at some conference so it will take a few more days before they have answers. When Maliha gets impatient, and her friends don´t call her back, she decides to drop by herself, only to find her friends being murdered, and their lab and whatever they found in the canteen, destroyed.
Maliha´s gift enables her to relive a dead person’s last moments if they died violently, where she can communicate with the piece of ghost left behind. Reliving being murdered time and again is not a walk in the park, but it is necessary to find out what happened, and to release the ghost into the afterlife.
Somehow, they have stumbled upon a secret experiment with nano technology, killing people invisibly from the inside out, in a horrible manner. And one of the ageless is behind it all. But it does set Maliha on her next quest, to find the people responsible and to put a stop at this before they unleash this horrible weapon upon the world.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. I like Maliha, who is certainly not a typical heroine. Yes, she is kick ass, and she likes to do things her way. But she has a conscience, and protects her friends as best as she can. But she also loves men and sex, and after saving people and suffering the pain from doing that, she needs sex, a man to warm the cold inside of her. So she has not just one boyfriend, but some casual encounters as well, wherever in the world she is. This is just one of the things that make Maliha unique, and I like it.
She loves the better things in life, like really fast and expensive cars, and she has enough money to do whatever she wants. Maliha also has a public face, that of a mystery writer named Marsha Winters, which comes in handy from time to time.
Maliha's friends mostly help her with research, and try to keep her on the right path. And this going it alone, is making her walk a very fine line to her past. Even making her former owner, the demon, offer her her old job back with all the benefits of the Ageless.
This novel is fast paced, action packed, and would be perfect as a tv series or movie. I like Dakota Banks' writing style, her characters and world building, and look forward to the next book in the series. Which is already on my shelves, waiting for me.
9 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
January 26, 2015
My Thoughts
If you haven’t read my review on Book #1 (Dark Time), click HERE. I included some backstory info that you might like to read.
The mortal path isn’t so smooth for Maliha. Since giving up her immortality and the life of an assassin, she is free to have friendships and people in her life; however, that also means having much more to lose. Since her quest is dangerous, she struggles with the decision to involve those she loves or to keep them at a distance to protect them. She is happy with her decision to become mortal but at the same time misses the power that comes with being Ageless.
In this installment, Hound’s girlfriend Glass, is kidnapped by a band of Janjaweed in Sudan when delivering supplies for the World Health Organization. While there Glass sees inhumane experiments are taking place and manages to take a sample with her when they escape. Turns out the sample show the existence of a newly created nanite device that when ingested can destroy entire populations. Maliha knows this is her next quest.
Trying to find answers about these deadly nanites, death comes to everyone Maliha talks to including two friends. Worried for their safety, she pushes her friends into a safe house and away from the action. Then, a little too easily, she reverts back to the old Maliha - the Ageless Black Ghost. The lone assassin. The bad thing is…she finds herself enjoying the feeling of working on her own again and the power of being an assassin. Enough so, that she’s tempted to become Ageless again when approached by Rabishu.
There’s still her quest to find the missing diamond shards of the lens that will allow her to read the Tablet of the Overlord. If she can find all seven shards, she can destroy the demons and save countless lives. So along with locating the evil nanite makers, she spends time looking for these as well.
Dealing with death, lies and betrayal, she slips back into who she was before - unemotional, detached and distant. This is an understandable and realistic reaction to her situation and would explain some of the bad decisions she made while on the mission.
Maliha isn’t a perfect heroine. Nowhere close. That’s why I like her. She makes mistakes but isn’t afraid to own up to them. Some of her actions may be atypical but that’s ok. It’s her imperfection that makes her such a great character and the reason why I enjoy this series so much.
We had a few new characters introduced to us. Glass (Hound’s girlfriend) is quite spirited and endearing. I hope we get to hear more about her. Lucius is another very yummy Ageless one. After 1,000 years being an assassin, he pursues Maliha to find out how she got out of her contract with her demon. Their relationship was intense and I had high hopes for them. Abiyram is a contact from her past and he helps her find one of the men behind the nanite plot.
I enjoyed Sacrifice so much that I was ready to give it 5 bad boys but then the last chapter threw me. When Maliha was in the clinic, she seemed to realize her mistakes and what she needed to do. Her head was on straight and she made up with her friends. All was good. But then she started an internal dialogue about what choices she needed to make - giving it all up to stay on the island, rescuing Lucius, living with Jake, living with Abiyram in Jerusalem, living with Dac in Australia. It was a bit confusing for me. I wonder if this was a way to let us know that everything is not as settled as we thought and that the series can go just about anywhere?
Bottom Line
Banks delivers another great chapter in Maliha’s struggle to redeem herself since choosing to give up immortality and live on the mortal path. Like the previous in the series (Dark Time), this novel has everything that makes a great Urban Fantasy novel - conflict, suspense, major obstacles and compelling characters. I really enjoyed reading it and despite the ending, I’m anxiously waiting for the next in the series – Deliverance on March 27th, 2012.
Happy Reading!!
4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!
If you haven’t read my review on Book #1 (Dark Time), click HERE. I included some backstory info that you might like to read.
The mortal path isn’t so smooth for Maliha. Since giving up her immortality and the life of an assassin, she is free to have friendships and people in her life; however, that also means having much more to lose. Since her quest is dangerous, she struggles with the decision to involve those she loves or to keep them at a distance to protect them. She is happy with her decision to become mortal but at the same time misses the power that comes with being Ageless.
In this installment, Hound’s girlfriend Glass, is kidnapped by a band of Janjaweed in Sudan when delivering supplies for the World Health Organization. While there Glass sees inhumane experiments are taking place and manages to take a sample with her when they escape. Turns out the sample show the existence of a newly created nanite device that when ingested can destroy entire populations. Maliha knows this is her next quest.
Trying to find answers about these deadly nanites, death comes to everyone Maliha talks to including two friends. Worried for their safety, she pushes her friends into a safe house and away from the action. Then, a little too easily, she reverts back to the old Maliha - the Ageless Black Ghost. The lone assassin. The bad thing is…she finds herself enjoying the feeling of working on her own again and the power of being an assassin. Enough so, that she’s tempted to become Ageless again when approached by Rabishu.
There’s still her quest to find the missing diamond shards of the lens that will allow her to read the Tablet of the Overlord. If she can find all seven shards, she can destroy the demons and save countless lives. So along with locating the evil nanite makers, she spends time looking for these as well.
Dealing with death, lies and betrayal, she slips back into who she was before - unemotional, detached and distant. This is an understandable and realistic reaction to her situation and would explain some of the bad decisions she made while on the mission.
Maliha isn’t a perfect heroine. Nowhere close. That’s why I like her. She makes mistakes but isn’t afraid to own up to them. Some of her actions may be atypical but that’s ok. It’s her imperfection that makes her such a great character and the reason why I enjoy this series so much.
We had a few new characters introduced to us. Glass (Hound’s girlfriend) is quite spirited and endearing. I hope we get to hear more about her. Lucius is another very yummy Ageless one. After 1,000 years being an assassin, he pursues Maliha to find out how she got out of her contract with her demon. Their relationship was intense and I had high hopes for them. Abiyram is a contact from her past and he helps her find one of the men behind the nanite plot.
I enjoyed Sacrifice so much that I was ready to give it 5 bad boys but then the last chapter threw me. When Maliha was in the clinic, she seemed to realize her mistakes and what she needed to do. Her head was on straight and she made up with her friends. All was good. But then she started an internal dialogue about what choices she needed to make - giving it all up to stay on the island, rescuing Lucius, living with Jake, living with Abiyram in Jerusalem, living with Dac in Australia. It was a bit confusing for me. I wonder if this was a way to let us know that everything is not as settled as we thought and that the series can go just about anywhere?
Bottom Line
Banks delivers another great chapter in Maliha’s struggle to redeem herself since choosing to give up immortality and live on the mortal path. Like the previous in the series (Dark Time), this novel has everything that makes a great Urban Fantasy novel - conflict, suspense, major obstacles and compelling characters. I really enjoyed reading it and despite the ending, I’m anxiously waiting for the next in the series – Deliverance on March 27th, 2012.
Happy Reading!!
4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!
September 6, 2011
*Giveaway Bonus*
If you enjoy the review below and would like to win Sacrifice, here are the terms and details about entering into Dakota Bank's giveaway:
1.) It's international, and the winner will receive a signed copy of Sacrifice + a $25 Amazon gift card!
2.) You must leave a comment (http://fuisti.blogspot.com/2011/09/sa...), by September 12, on some aspect of the review. Something like 'enter me in the drawing' won't count.
3.) Add your e-mail address at the end of your comment so, if you are selected, Dakota can contact you.
******
Once upon a time, Maliha Crayne was just a late 16th century wife and soon-to-be mother. Very humble beginnings for what and who she'd later become - an immortal and powerful slave and executioner, her master a ruthless demon.
Centuries later, Maliha Crayne is a popular writer, an archaeological and geographical expert, billionaire times three with powerful connections, and, most importantly, an executioner only on her own terms. Now Maliha's main goal is to fully break apart from the demon and defeat the most powerful of the bunch, possibly saving mankind, by accounting for the deaths of those she killed and gathering powerful shards.
But, on the way to completing this journey, other battles fight for Maliha's attention, battles that take her all over, both physically and emotionally. On the one hand, there's Jake, her boyfriend of a couple months with a past too foggy for Maliha to decide what to trust. On the other, there's Lucius, a current demon slave and executioner wavering between which side he's on. The biggest emotional battle for Maliha, though, is the one within. To win, she has to revert to the tactics she used as a demon slave, but without falling prey to that lifestyle again. Easier said than done.
There are so many battles to be fought. Can she conquer them all and remain herself in the end?
Sacrifice has various layers and sub-plots. This can be a double-edged sword. While it makes the plot and characterization more complex and thorough, giving each sentence great value, it can also trip readers up. The layers always connect; sometimes, though, you have to really concentrate to make sure you don't get too wrapped up in a sub-plot and lose sight of the main plot. The details about weaponry, geography, technology, battle tactics, etc. really made me respect the author and her level of research. In spite of how much is explained, it never feels like info-dumping.
Last, but not least, romance and characterization. There are a lot of interesting characters in the story, different ages and genders and power types, and it's all very well done. As in, realistic. I never got the impression that these people weren't real. As far as romance goes, Maliha is a sexy woman of power, so lust and love can be expected. I like how the romance never entirely feels solid. Someone who has been alive for centuries is expected to have had many flings and issues with commitment regardless of how strong the emotions are. Maliha definitely does.
In all, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in action, geography, romance, sub-plots, demons, depth of characterization, and skilled writing.
If you enjoy the review below and would like to win Sacrifice, here are the terms and details about entering into Dakota Bank's giveaway:
1.) It's international, and the winner will receive a signed copy of Sacrifice + a $25 Amazon gift card!
2.) You must leave a comment (http://fuisti.blogspot.com/2011/09/sa...), by September 12, on some aspect of the review. Something like 'enter me in the drawing' won't count.
3.) Add your e-mail address at the end of your comment so, if you are selected, Dakota can contact you.
******
Once upon a time, Maliha Crayne was just a late 16th century wife and soon-to-be mother. Very humble beginnings for what and who she'd later become - an immortal and powerful slave and executioner, her master a ruthless demon.
Centuries later, Maliha Crayne is a popular writer, an archaeological and geographical expert, billionaire times three with powerful connections, and, most importantly, an executioner only on her own terms. Now Maliha's main goal is to fully break apart from the demon and defeat the most powerful of the bunch, possibly saving mankind, by accounting for the deaths of those she killed and gathering powerful shards.
But, on the way to completing this journey, other battles fight for Maliha's attention, battles that take her all over, both physically and emotionally. On the one hand, there's Jake, her boyfriend of a couple months with a past too foggy for Maliha to decide what to trust. On the other, there's Lucius, a current demon slave and executioner wavering between which side he's on. The biggest emotional battle for Maliha, though, is the one within. To win, she has to revert to the tactics she used as a demon slave, but without falling prey to that lifestyle again. Easier said than done.
There are so many battles to be fought. Can she conquer them all and remain herself in the end?
Sacrifice has various layers and sub-plots. This can be a double-edged sword. While it makes the plot and characterization more complex and thorough, giving each sentence great value, it can also trip readers up. The layers always connect; sometimes, though, you have to really concentrate to make sure you don't get too wrapped up in a sub-plot and lose sight of the main plot. The details about weaponry, geography, technology, battle tactics, etc. really made me respect the author and her level of research. In spite of how much is explained, it never feels like info-dumping.
Last, but not least, romance and characterization. There are a lot of interesting characters in the story, different ages and genders and power types, and it's all very well done. As in, realistic. I never got the impression that these people weren't real. As far as romance goes, Maliha is a sexy woman of power, so lust and love can be expected. I like how the romance never entirely feels solid. Someone who has been alive for centuries is expected to have had many flings and issues with commitment regardless of how strong the emotions are. Maliha definitely does.
In all, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in action, geography, romance, sub-plots, demons, depth of characterization, and skilled writing.
November 29, 2010
I LOVED Dark Time, so when I got the chance to read the second book in the Mortal Path series, I couldn’t say YES! fast enough. I don’t know if I found Sacrifice to be better then Dark Time, but it was absolutely just as wonderful in my opinion.
Sacrifice picks up a little while after the ending in Dark Time. Maliha is still working towards her ultimate goal of getting rid of all demons and of balancing her scale so she doesn’t have to spend eternity is Rabishu’s clutches.
We learn a couple chapters in what came after the cliff hanger from Dark Time, and we finally find out the secret that surrounds Jake. I really like Jake and I do think that he is a great pair for Maliha, but the addition of Lucious to the story, an ageless that is hunting Maliha and seems to be having the same sort of doubts that made her break her contract with Rabishu, change my focus.
Lucious is absolutely perfect for Maliha, but this is not a romance series and after Sacrifice, I just know that I should not not expect the HEA I so want for my girl Maliha. I don’t wanna spoil anything, but I couldn’t help but curse the author for putting my heart through the ringer and making me cry in this book, though I have to admit it made for a very intense and rich reading experience.
I loved that Dakota gave us a couple chapters in different points of view other than Maliha’s, it was a great change of pace and it gave a lot more depth to the characters my understanding of the stakes in Sacrifice.
Maliha is not an easy heroine to love, she makes tons of mistakes and we just have to sit, read them and shake our heads, but she does learn from them and i could not ask more of a heroine then the willingness to learn and grow from her own mistakes. he thing that bothers me about her is her selfishness and materialism at times, it can get on your nerves but her plea is one that you can no doubt understand.
I loved the storyline of Sacrifice and the fact that the villain was so awful that it took Maliha falling back into her assassin ways and almost losing herself to get close to him and it was even more amazing to see how important her friends, the family she has built is, they keep her grounded and focused.
Sacrifice was an intense read book i could not stop reading, I just hope that we get more books in this series, I want more Maliha, Jake, Hound and company. Rich characters, out of this world action, fast-paced and heart wrenching romance, what more can I ask from a great Urban Fantasy series? I totally recommend not only Sacrifice but the previous book, Dark Time as well, you won’t regret it!
also Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
Sacrifice picks up a little while after the ending in Dark Time. Maliha is still working towards her ultimate goal of getting rid of all demons and of balancing her scale so she doesn’t have to spend eternity is Rabishu’s clutches.
We learn a couple chapters in what came after the cliff hanger from Dark Time, and we finally find out the secret that surrounds Jake. I really like Jake and I do think that he is a great pair for Maliha, but the addition of Lucious to the story, an ageless that is hunting Maliha and seems to be having the same sort of doubts that made her break her contract with Rabishu, change my focus.
Lucious is absolutely perfect for Maliha, but this is not a romance series and after Sacrifice, I just know that I should not not expect the HEA I so want for my girl Maliha. I don’t wanna spoil anything, but I couldn’t help but curse the author for putting my heart through the ringer and making me cry in this book, though I have to admit it made for a very intense and rich reading experience.
I loved that Dakota gave us a couple chapters in different points of view other than Maliha’s, it was a great change of pace and it gave a lot more depth to the characters my understanding of the stakes in Sacrifice.
Maliha is not an easy heroine to love, she makes tons of mistakes and we just have to sit, read them and shake our heads, but she does learn from them and i could not ask more of a heroine then the willingness to learn and grow from her own mistakes. he thing that bothers me about her is her selfishness and materialism at times, it can get on your nerves but her plea is one that you can no doubt understand.
I loved the storyline of Sacrifice and the fact that the villain was so awful that it took Maliha falling back into her assassin ways and almost losing herself to get close to him and it was even more amazing to see how important her friends, the family she has built is, they keep her grounded and focused.
Sacrifice was an intense read book i could not stop reading, I just hope that we get more books in this series, I want more Maliha, Jake, Hound and company. Rich characters, out of this world action, fast-paced and heart wrenching romance, what more can I ask from a great Urban Fantasy series? I totally recommend not only Sacrifice but the previous book, Dark Time as well, you won’t regret it!
also Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
October 30, 2010
I really loved the first book, and it was the one which introduced me to the urban-fantasy genre. Sacrifice, the second book is just as good. It is intense and action-packed. I finally have a clue about Jake when Dakota answers the big question mark which was left hanging there at the end of the first book.
As for Maliha, she is on a quest to search the shards scattered in every corner of the world in order to destroy the seven demon offsprings of Anu while trying her best to balance the scale on her belly. She values her friends very much and can turn out to be a passionate lover as well. Romance plays an important part in this book. She finds out that another Ageless, a Roman centurion named Lucius is in love with her. But who is the one she really loves? *Please note that there are adult contents in this book.
The villain in this book is so evil, he wanted to poison everyone in the big, powerful countries with something that will destroy them from the inside. And once again, Maliha is in charge of saving the world. But this nearly causes her to revert to her old ways in which she enjoys the act of killing and the feel of power and excitement it gives her.
Maliha has a strong feeling of love and protection for her friends whom she has already considered as part of her family. She is willing to go to great lengths to ensure their safety and well-being. But of course, being a human, she makes mistakes, and not just ordinary ones, but deadly ones. She blames herself for the deaths of the ones whom she fails to protect although she has tried her best.
The plot, overall is quite entertaining and the characters are well-developed, especially Maliha. I've grown quite fond of Lucius who plays an important role in this book, and I'm sad that he has to leave the series so soon.
As a conclusion, I highly recommend the Sacrifice (Mortal Path #2) by Dakota Banks to all UF lovers who are 18 and above. Make sure you read the first book before this one so that you know what's going on. To start gaining knowledge of the series, you can read my review for Dark Time (Mortal Path #1) or visit Dakota's Website to find out more.
Read more reviews @ http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com
As for Maliha, she is on a quest to search the shards scattered in every corner of the world in order to destroy the seven demon offsprings of Anu while trying her best to balance the scale on her belly. She values her friends very much and can turn out to be a passionate lover as well. Romance plays an important part in this book. She finds out that another Ageless, a Roman centurion named Lucius is in love with her. But who is the one she really loves? *Please note that there are adult contents in this book.
The villain in this book is so evil, he wanted to poison everyone in the big, powerful countries with something that will destroy them from the inside. And once again, Maliha is in charge of saving the world. But this nearly causes her to revert to her old ways in which she enjoys the act of killing and the feel of power and excitement it gives her.
Maliha has a strong feeling of love and protection for her friends whom she has already considered as part of her family. She is willing to go to great lengths to ensure their safety and well-being. But of course, being a human, she makes mistakes, and not just ordinary ones, but deadly ones. She blames herself for the deaths of the ones whom she fails to protect although she has tried her best.
The plot, overall is quite entertaining and the characters are well-developed, especially Maliha. I've grown quite fond of Lucius who plays an important role in this book, and I'm sad that he has to leave the series so soon.
As a conclusion, I highly recommend the Sacrifice (Mortal Path #2) by Dakota Banks to all UF lovers who are 18 and above. Make sure you read the first book before this one so that you know what's going on. To start gaining knowledge of the series, you can read my review for Dark Time (Mortal Path #1) or visit Dakota's Website to find out more.
Read more reviews @ http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com
October 20, 2010
Now, one bad azz babe with kicks that kill, Maliha was once a simple wife and healer. Leading a pleasant life with her husband and expecting her first child, Maliha never could have foreseen her true future. Branded a witch by a jealous lady friend, Maliha was stoned by the town’s people, including her own husband, and subsequently burned at the stake. When approached by Rabishu, a vile and evil demon, Maliha could not see beyond anything but her obsession for vengeance. Accepting a life of servitude as Rabishu’s assassin, Maliha soon became a vicious force to be reckoned with.
After centuries of acting as a demon’s killing machine, Maliha has checked her conscience and left the murderous life of the Ageless to become Rogue. With comparatively little time ahead of her, Maliha is now faced with the nearly impossible task of “balancing the scales”. She must fight evil to save enough lives to obtain said balance and reclaim her soul.
In Sacrifice, the second of the Mortal Path Series, Dakota Banks brings to the table another great installment rife with “in your face” violence. Most definitely not for the faint of heart, Maliha’s quest to cleanse her soul will take readers inside the mind and brutal nature of a former assassin.
While quite a bit darker and much more violent than the stories this reader is used to, Banks’ ability to carry through the evil and lead the reader to understanding, and even caring, for Maliha is remarkable. Admittedly, Maliha’s intentions are for good, it’s her methods that made me squirm. Yet, through Banks talent, the brutal nature of the story is excellently countered with the good intention making the reader feel much compassion for Maliha’s plight.
With a knack for painting an extremely vivid picture in the readers mind, Banks story-telling will leave you chomping at the bit for more. Including fast paced development and edge of your seat excitement, Banks has expertly created a Dark Urban Fantasy series which promises to keep you wanting more.
After centuries of acting as a demon’s killing machine, Maliha has checked her conscience and left the murderous life of the Ageless to become Rogue. With comparatively little time ahead of her, Maliha is now faced with the nearly impossible task of “balancing the scales”. She must fight evil to save enough lives to obtain said balance and reclaim her soul.
In Sacrifice, the second of the Mortal Path Series, Dakota Banks brings to the table another great installment rife with “in your face” violence. Most definitely not for the faint of heart, Maliha’s quest to cleanse her soul will take readers inside the mind and brutal nature of a former assassin.
While quite a bit darker and much more violent than the stories this reader is used to, Banks’ ability to carry through the evil and lead the reader to understanding, and even caring, for Maliha is remarkable. Admittedly, Maliha’s intentions are for good, it’s her methods that made me squirm. Yet, through Banks talent, the brutal nature of the story is excellently countered with the good intention making the reader feel much compassion for Maliha’s plight.
With a knack for painting an extremely vivid picture in the readers mind, Banks story-telling will leave you chomping at the bit for more. Including fast paced development and edge of your seat excitement, Banks has expertly created a Dark Urban Fantasy series which promises to keep you wanting more.
January 17, 2011
This book does not start out as heart wrenching (book in the freezer throwing... yes another Friends reference) book like the first one, Dark Time. However, as the last one left off, Ms. Banks took her time getting to the question lingering as we left off the last book. Frustrating, but we are completely entertained by all the action going on before we come back to that interesting question I'm not going to reveal (*evil laugh*). Unfortunately, I will also have to tread carefully here about this mysterious subject so I do not spoil anything for you... *sigh* *evil laugh denied!*
In this story, Maliha finds herself learning about an evil counsel of people who want to gain more power and control in an unspeakable way. She must find the leaders, who is protecting them, how and what they are doing, and find a way to prevent it. All this and battle more ageless for the shards she is searching for to free humanity. Yep, her plate is quite full! Oh, and within all this action she finds some time to actually contemplate a relationship for the first time in centuries.
Oh can I tell you that there is no heart wrenching parts to this book as there was in the last one? Sadly, I cannot. In fact... I almost threw this one in the freezer too and cursed Ms. Banks for getting me so involved and upsetting me! *shakes fist* Ah, but at the same time I loved it and it made me not like another individual even more. I had questions about Jake, and I still question him, but with what happened, let me just say... I felt it contrasted to his behavior and left him lacking. What the heck am I talking about? Let me just say that this time the evil laugh will not be denied! All I will say is that Lucius is my man! As to the rest, you must read it and find out for yourself. I'm not spoiling a thing! *evil laugh*
Well, I give this book 4 stars. Oh, if you love adventure, this is a book for you! Ms. Banks... stop making me open my freezer! It's not good for the environment! ;)
In this story, Maliha finds herself learning about an evil counsel of people who want to gain more power and control in an unspeakable way. She must find the leaders, who is protecting them, how and what they are doing, and find a way to prevent it. All this and battle more ageless for the shards she is searching for to free humanity. Yep, her plate is quite full! Oh, and within all this action she finds some time to actually contemplate a relationship for the first time in centuries.
Oh can I tell you that there is no heart wrenching parts to this book as there was in the last one? Sadly, I cannot. In fact... I almost threw this one in the freezer too and cursed Ms. Banks for getting me so involved and upsetting me! *shakes fist* Ah, but at the same time I loved it and it made me not like another individual even more. I had questions about Jake, and I still question him, but with what happened, let me just say... I felt it contrasted to his behavior and left him lacking. What the heck am I talking about? Let me just say that this time the evil laugh will not be denied! All I will say is that Lucius is my man! As to the rest, you must read it and find out for yourself. I'm not spoiling a thing! *evil laugh*
Well, I give this book 4 stars. Oh, if you love adventure, this is a book for you! Ms. Banks... stop making me open my freezer! It's not good for the environment! ;)
July 15, 2012
This book is the 2nd installment of the "Mortal Path" series. It continues the saga of Maliha Crayne, a woman who for 300 years served a Sumerian demon named Rabishu, but who has renounced her immortality and service of him to defend humanity from him and his fellow demons.
In this book, Maliha and her friends stumble onto a massive terrorist conspiracy against developing nations, and she has to track down the conspirators and try to stop them before they kill hundreds of innocents. Along the way, she encounters several "Ageless" -- people who are, like she was, servants of one demon or another. She also tries to work on her plan to stop all the demons forever, by finding a magical "lens" created by the Sumerian god Anu that will allow her to read a special tablet and give her power over the demons (including the power to kill them).
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. I think the first book suffered from the "origin story" of Maliha, which was somewhat convoluted and confusing. It took Banks a long time to reveal enough in the first book that you understood what the heck was going on. In the 2nd book, since you already know the whys and wherefores, she's able to get right into the story, and it is non-stop action the whole way through. Maliha is also forced to make several very difficult moral choices along the way, which gives you some insight into how she has grown as a character since the last book. Several new and very interesting characters, including new Ageless, are introduced into this story.
Overall, I found this book to be a well-written "page turner," one that I couldn't put down especially during the last 100 pages or so. Banks is good at writing climaxes. And although I didn't start out the first book loving the Maliha character, I've now become very attached to her. She's a flawed but in the end very likable hero.
In this book, Maliha and her friends stumble onto a massive terrorist conspiracy against developing nations, and she has to track down the conspirators and try to stop them before they kill hundreds of innocents. Along the way, she encounters several "Ageless" -- people who are, like she was, servants of one demon or another. She also tries to work on her plan to stop all the demons forever, by finding a magical "lens" created by the Sumerian god Anu that will allow her to read a special tablet and give her power over the demons (including the power to kill them).
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. I think the first book suffered from the "origin story" of Maliha, which was somewhat convoluted and confusing. It took Banks a long time to reveal enough in the first book that you understood what the heck was going on. In the 2nd book, since you already know the whys and wherefores, she's able to get right into the story, and it is non-stop action the whole way through. Maliha is also forced to make several very difficult moral choices along the way, which gives you some insight into how she has grown as a character since the last book. Several new and very interesting characters, including new Ageless, are introduced into this story.
Overall, I found this book to be a well-written "page turner," one that I couldn't put down especially during the last 100 pages or so. Banks is good at writing climaxes. And although I didn't start out the first book loving the Maliha character, I've now become very attached to her. She's a flawed but in the end very likable hero.
September 18, 2010
Maliha Crayne was reborn into a vicious executioner. She was imprisoned to a demon by the name of Rabishu. She was his right hand woman for 300 hundred centuries. She was able to find a loophole and be set free. Ever since then, Maliha has been trying to right all the wrongs she did.
Someone has wiped out an entire village. The person or people behind this attack are dangerous. Only a weapon so massive and powerful could do something like this. Maliha will have her hands full. As if things weren’t already bad enough, someone wants to take her out. A group of immortal assassins are just a few steps behind Maliha with just one goal…eliminate Maliha. If Maliha wants any chance of living out her freedom and saving innocent lives, she just may have to make the ultimate sacrifice…surrender to the darkness once more.
Sacrifice is the second Mortal Path book. The first one is titled, Dark Time. I would recommend that you read these books in order to really get the most out of them. I read Dark Time and author, Dakota Banks became a instant classic with me. I have been wanting to read Sacrifice since I finished the first book.
I like Maliha. She is a very complex and intriguing character. I learn something new about her every time. Maliha is right up there on the list as one of the best ass kicking chicks. Maliha shows both sides of good and evil. Some times evil wins and other times good prevails. You could see Mrs. Banks love for both archaeology and paranormal in this book. My last words of wisdom to the readers is…It is not a Sacrifice to read and enjoy a really impressive novel.
Someone has wiped out an entire village. The person or people behind this attack are dangerous. Only a weapon so massive and powerful could do something like this. Maliha will have her hands full. As if things weren’t already bad enough, someone wants to take her out. A group of immortal assassins are just a few steps behind Maliha with just one goal…eliminate Maliha. If Maliha wants any chance of living out her freedom and saving innocent lives, she just may have to make the ultimate sacrifice…surrender to the darkness once more.
Sacrifice is the second Mortal Path book. The first one is titled, Dark Time. I would recommend that you read these books in order to really get the most out of them. I read Dark Time and author, Dakota Banks became a instant classic with me. I have been wanting to read Sacrifice since I finished the first book.
I like Maliha. She is a very complex and intriguing character. I learn something new about her every time. Maliha is right up there on the list as one of the best ass kicking chicks. Maliha shows both sides of good and evil. Some times evil wins and other times good prevails. You could see Mrs. Banks love for both archaeology and paranormal in this book. My last words of wisdom to the readers is…It is not a Sacrifice to read and enjoy a really impressive novel.
March 30, 2011
Dakota Banks' second book in the Mortal Path series, Sacrifice was definitely interesting. I'll admit, it takes me awhile to really get sucked into these books, maybe it's because the text is so small and smashed like on the pages, but overall I never regret reading them.
I am curious to find out how, if, and when Maliha can do what she's set out to do. Balance the scale and rescue as many lives as she's destroyed and rid the world of demons. She's got a full plate on her hands and the surprises never stop.
It always amazes me to just how old Maliha really is, she's so old, she's freaking loaded with cash that she can spend as much as she wants and never bat an eye! That kind of financial stability is just mind-blogging to me! But anyway Maliha really has to deal with a lot of other bad guys in this one and there will be prices to pay in order for her to reach the end of this battle.
The answer behind Jake's identity is revealed somewhat. At least in a few small doses so we know a tad more about him. And there's another new guy on the block who has his eyes set on Maliha...but trying to figure out if its a good way or bad is still in question!
The pacing was pretty good, my mind wandered a little here and there, but not enough for me to stop reading. I sometimes had to force myself to continue on, but while the journey to finishing the book may be hard, the end results are always worth it. As to whether or not I'll read the next book, I don't know yet. I was able to win a copy of Sacrifice so that made the decision easier to make, only time will tell for the next book.
Overall rating 3/5 stars
I am curious to find out how, if, and when Maliha can do what she's set out to do. Balance the scale and rescue as many lives as she's destroyed and rid the world of demons. She's got a full plate on her hands and the surprises never stop.
It always amazes me to just how old Maliha really is, she's so old, she's freaking loaded with cash that she can spend as much as she wants and never bat an eye! That kind of financial stability is just mind-blogging to me! But anyway Maliha really has to deal with a lot of other bad guys in this one and there will be prices to pay in order for her to reach the end of this battle.
The answer behind Jake's identity is revealed somewhat. At least in a few small doses so we know a tad more about him. And there's another new guy on the block who has his eyes set on Maliha...but trying to figure out if its a good way or bad is still in question!
The pacing was pretty good, my mind wandered a little here and there, but not enough for me to stop reading. I sometimes had to force myself to continue on, but while the journey to finishing the book may be hard, the end results are always worth it. As to whether or not I'll read the next book, I don't know yet. I was able to win a copy of Sacrifice so that made the decision easier to make, only time will tell for the next book.
Overall rating 3/5 stars
October 3, 2010
I liked the first book but didn't give too much thought to the writing itself. In this second installment I'm already a bit disappointed to find something that is all too common in romance/urban fantasy novels and extremely annoying i.e. whenever a character has wealth, they must buy the most expensive item of everything and I have to read through a list of all the expensive sexy things money can buy. Not every wealthy person has the need to have their coffee extruded from the anus of a south Asian mammal. I'm hoping it gets better from here...
Now that I'm finished, I'm completely disappointed in Maliha's character. She is so inconsistent in her affections and desires that it seems nothing she feels is particularly meaningful. One moment she's thinking of living in Israel, the next France, then Australia, then Greece and all of these places comes with a different man attached to them as if all their appeals and values to her are completely interchangeable. She claims she loves Jake but any feelings she has for him are put aside the moment Lucius steps into the picture. And neither of those men are considered when she spends the night with random Australian man. Maliha isn't a sexually independent woman, she's self absorbed. Only her feelings are relevant.
The plot itself was OK but the ending was predictable, contrived and flawed. I would have rated the whole thing 2 stars but the concept is still good and it was still entertaining, I just wouldn't say it was good.
Now that I'm finished, I'm completely disappointed in Maliha's character. She is so inconsistent in her affections and desires that it seems nothing she feels is particularly meaningful. One moment she's thinking of living in Israel, the next France, then Australia, then Greece and all of these places comes with a different man attached to them as if all their appeals and values to her are completely interchangeable. She claims she loves Jake but any feelings she has for him are put aside the moment Lucius steps into the picture. And neither of those men are considered when she spends the night with random Australian man. Maliha isn't a sexually independent woman, she's self absorbed. Only her feelings are relevant.
The plot itself was OK but the ending was predictable, contrived and flawed. I would have rated the whole thing 2 stars but the concept is still good and it was still entertaining, I just wouldn't say it was good.
May 20, 2012
This series is Dark and gritty and a heck of a lot of fun. I'll admit that I like paranormal romance...emphasis on the romance. I also like romance...so that being said, I wouldn't have minded seeing a little bit more with Lucius or Jake. I didn't need a lot, but it seems with as torn as she is with the two there would be a bit more so she could decide. Alright...enough about that. Back to the story. It started off with a bang...a gruesome, body dissolving bang. Someone is using villages as testing grounds for a new weapon. Maliha has to figure out who the Leader is so that she can stop unnecessary deaths. In the meantime, Jake is in and out of her life, Lucius decided to take the high road and renounce his demon, Yanmeng is becoming more and more spiritual and Amaro is his usual amorous self...and refusing to drink monkey poop coffee. It is a great family that Maliha has and she loves them. You have to read the first book to really get a grasp on the story that is happening. You need the history and the emotional start to everything.
If you enjoy paranormal stories then you'll like this one. Love is not the emphasis...right and wrong is and Maliha is has got in spades. She has to make tough decisions, and she may suffer for them, but she knows that in the end she needs to try to atone for the lives she has taken in her Ageless life. I really like this story and can't wait to see the next adventure she is set on.
If you enjoy paranormal stories then you'll like this one. Love is not the emphasis...right and wrong is and Maliha is has got in spades. She has to make tough decisions, and she may suffer for them, but she knows that in the end she needs to try to atone for the lives she has taken in her Ageless life. I really like this story and can't wait to see the next adventure she is set on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2010
I love Maliha's character and the decision she's made to save people in order to make up for the death and destruction she reaped on behalf of a demon. I had a lot of expectations for this sequel, and Sacrifice met most of them. Maliha's journey toward redemption is always the main priority, but her relationship with Jake, the short relationship with Lucias, and even to a lesser extent her relationship with other men from her past left me feeing unsatisfied at the end. I loved Lucias's character. Jake's character leaves plenty of room for conflict and issues to settle. The other men...well, they're just there. I guess when you've lived a long life, some people will fall into that category. I just expected a little more from Maliha because of the internal conflict she'd worked so hard to resolve.
I liked the book, and I'll read the next story Maliha's involved in. I hope it clears up some of the frustration I felt toward conflicting character traits because I like Maliha too much to look the other way!
I liked the book, and I'll read the next story Maliha's involved in. I hope it clears up some of the frustration I felt toward conflicting character traits because I like Maliha too much to look the other way!
September 25, 2010
Sacrifice by Dakota Banks
The young mother from Dark Time returns. http://bookrevues.blogspot.com/2009/0...
Her quest to bring the demons down continues, complicated by her ambivalent love triangle. Her new mortality is impacting her morality. She faces both internal and external conflict in her ongoing quest.
As I noted in my review of Dark Time, the revoking of her ageless infallibility and her now more credible skill set helps in creating a more believable and likeable Maliha. I find her struggle with the changes she has undergone to make her a more believable character. The skill set she lost needs to be affirmed by the satisfaction of balancing her scale. The conflict between delayed gratification and immediate gratification is one faced by most people on a daily basis. It gives Maliha depth.
In Bank’s cynical, harsh world tragedy and violence abound. This is an action filled dark urban fantasy.
I recommend the book.
The young mother from Dark Time returns. http://bookrevues.blogspot.com/2009/0...
Her quest to bring the demons down continues, complicated by her ambivalent love triangle. Her new mortality is impacting her morality. She faces both internal and external conflict in her ongoing quest.
As I noted in my review of Dark Time, the revoking of her ageless infallibility and her now more credible skill set helps in creating a more believable and likeable Maliha. I find her struggle with the changes she has undergone to make her a more believable character. The skill set she lost needs to be affirmed by the satisfaction of balancing her scale. The conflict between delayed gratification and immediate gratification is one faced by most people on a daily basis. It gives Maliha depth.
In Bank’s cynical, harsh world tragedy and violence abound. This is an action filled dark urban fantasy.
I recommend the book.
July 29, 2011
This was a good book, and I may come back later to change this rating to a five star. I did not like the end so I am keeping it at four stars right now.
I really like the lead character Malhia. She is a strong woman, a sort of kick ass and ask question later type of lady. One thing I find that I do like about her is the fact that she takes care of business herself and doesn't feel that she needs to lean on anyone else to accomplish what she has too.
Malhia has been an assassin for a demon for centuries and she wants to get out of her contract. The only way she can get back her life is to make up for all of the bad that she has done for him. It isn't always easy for her but she plugs along. Sometimes she backslides and her past comes back at her.
I think that this is a series for people that like a strong female protagonist. Read it. I will stick with this series and I look forward to March, 2012 and the latest book in the series.
I really like the lead character Malhia. She is a strong woman, a sort of kick ass and ask question later type of lady. One thing I find that I do like about her is the fact that she takes care of business herself and doesn't feel that she needs to lean on anyone else to accomplish what she has too.
Malhia has been an assassin for a demon for centuries and she wants to get out of her contract. The only way she can get back her life is to make up for all of the bad that she has done for him. It isn't always easy for her but she plugs along. Sometimes she backslides and her past comes back at her.
I think that this is a series for people that like a strong female protagonist. Read it. I will stick with this series and I look forward to March, 2012 and the latest book in the series.
December 5, 2010
Maliha was once a simple wife and healer. Leading a pleasant life with her husband and expecting her first child, Maliha never could have foreseen her true future. Branded a witch by a jealous lady friend, Maliha was stoned by the town's people, including her own husband, and subsequently burned at the stake. When approached by Rabishu, a vile and evil demon, Maliha could not see beyond anything but her obsession for vengeance. Accepting a life of servitude as Rabishu's assassin, Maliha soon became a vicious force to be reckoned with.
Maliha is on a quest to search the shards scattered in every corner of the world in order to destroy the seven demon offsprings of Anu while trying her best to balance the scale on her belly. She finds out that another Ageless, a Roman centurion named Lucius is in love with her, but the writer finds a way to eliminate him from the series anyway.
Maliha is on a quest to search the shards scattered in every corner of the world in order to destroy the seven demon offsprings of Anu while trying her best to balance the scale on her belly. She finds out that another Ageless, a Roman centurion named Lucius is in love with her, but the writer finds a way to eliminate him from the series anyway.
November 15, 2012
I enjoy these books partially for the historical events that are incorporated as well as the archaeology which are all accurate to a degree. Once again this is a solid 4.5 star book same as the previous one. I'm so happy to have found another well written engaging story that involves a bum-kicking intelligent adult female heroine as they are hard to find. These books have 3 main stories: 1) a woman's search for redepmtion of her soul and for who she is, 2) of the Sumerian demons and diamond shards, and 3) love story and decission of which man to choose. All are engaging on their own. Each book has a main immediate goal that relates to the soul redemption part. I think it adds to the story that the main character, even though she has chosen a higher path, is not perfect. However, she is very likable. For all of these reasons I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2012
Loved it!!!! In this installment of the Mortal Path series, Maliha once again delivers some serious butt-kickery. I don't want to give away anything..suffice it to say its very hard NOT to get pulled into the book. I had a hard time putting it down. Very action packed and riveting. I would be totally torn between Jake and Lucius(although truth be told I am rooting for Lucius...even in light of what transpires). What I liked most about Sacrifice is development of Lucius' character, but not what happens to him in the end. I have weird suspicians about Jake, but I guess time will tell....
Again, like Dark Time I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get caught up in Mahlia's story..I warn you though, once you get started you won't want to stop so I suggest having the next book at hand..(what will I do when done with Deliverance?)
Again, like Dark Time I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get caught up in Mahlia's story..I warn you though, once you get started you won't want to stop so I suggest having the next book at hand..(what will I do when done with Deliverance?)
September 9, 2010
Absolutely FABULOUS book! Lots of twists and turns and a few sad moments. Thought for a while there Maliaha was going back to her old ways but good to see she smartened up at the end of the book. The very end of the book, like last page or so was very well written...the absolute last sentence was sooooo cute, LOL! I love this sequel to Dark Time and am enjoying the story line imensely. You've got her being the hero/good guy for humanity, and then she has her "side goal" which is to find all the shards so she can eliminate the demons once and for all. I'm hoping we will find out more about Jake though...he wasn't really in this book a whole lot.
Very much looking forward to the next one. :-)
Very much looking forward to the next one. :-)
September 4, 2010
I would hate to be on Dakota Banks' bad side. She know so much about spying and assassination that I am starting to wonder if she leads a secret life . I thoroughly enjoyed Sacrifice. It is a straight forward Dark Urban Fantasy. I like all the characters and her evil characters are truly evil. I don't want to give any spoilers, but darn it! Chapter 31 was very upsetting . Oh, and Lucious is luscious . Can't wait to read what happens next to Maliah and how much closer she comes to saving her soul.
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