The Sacrifice (Daughters of the Moon #5)

Reader reviewed by Mandy Joan

Stanton isn't really a bad guy when you think about it. He loves Serena and tries his hardest not to hurt her. It isn't his fault the Atrox brain washed him, he was so young. He's an exciting character. Bad boy mixed with love sick teenager. I loved the book. The entire series is captivating.

Reader reviewed by NIs

Stanton initially appears indistinguishable from other teens inhabiting seamy Los Angeles streets, but he actually is an Immortal, enslaved in 1239 by the ancient evil, Atrox. Stanton's role is converting others, and most readers will note how easily misfit teens fall prey to his attentive flattery, unmindful of Atrox's consequences. Number five in the Daughters of the Moon series, this formulaic novel rises above the standard good versus evil plot through Stanton's emotional ambivalence. Because he entered Atrox unwillingly and through betrayal, Stanton retains human emotions. He loves Serena, a goddess who wields the balance between good and evil. Stanton soon becomes embroiled in a lengthy battle for Serena: Lambert, his own betrayer craves her power; Atrox forces demand that Stanton destroy her; and Stanton fights his human desire for her. Assisting him in this explosive fight are the powerful and intrepid three Daughters of the Moon and Cassandra, an Atrox outcast. Stanton fluctuates over his desires for Serena. He escapes Atrox for mortality but returns in a sacrificial gesture that saves Serena. When he emerges as Prince of Atrox, his tame romantic designs regarding Serena turn malevolent. Her present safety is threatened by a more sinister reunion. The clever and shrewd Daughters model strength and the solidarity of friendship.
This book was excellent. I loved it. It is one of the Favorite Dotm series. I like that it told from a guy point of veiw. I like the fact even though he was suppose to be evil he still liked the suppose to be enemy.

Reader reviewed by Le Tiger

As the fifth book in the Daughters of the Moon series, this one meets the expectations of the previous four.

As a twist, The Sacrifice isn't told in one of the four daughters' point of views, but rather in the view of Stanton, an invitus Follower.

I find it rather interesting how you get to know the real Stanton. He battles his darkest urges to turn Serena over to the dark side, but he doesn't because of his deep love for her. But when an evil Inner-Circle member clouds his mind with foulish reasonings, he does try to convert Serena, but ends up getting turn back to a normal person without mind-reading skills, the ability to turn into shadow, and hieghtened senseswith. Yet in the midst of trying to protect, Serena he has to become a Follower again, but this time, no longer invitus, which means forced against his will, but rather willing to go to the dark side.

This, like all the other Daughter of the Moon books, is very emotional. I think even if you hated Stanton before, you'd love him now after seeing what he goes through for the Daughters. Its quite amazing how the author shows his turmoil. It doesn't end happily, but it leaves you craving for the next one.