Book Review: Season of Sacrifice

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Season of Sacrifice     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mindy L. Klasky
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Roc, Jan 2002, $6.99, 352 pp.

To the people of the Headland of Slaughter, there is nothing more important than The Tree. The villagers of this small-secluded hamlet make their living through the bounty of the sea and are dependent upon the Tree to keep the fisherfolk safe. The Woodsinger is the villager who communicates with the tree through the bavins it grows enabling her to guide the fisherfolk on the water.

The nominal sovereign of the village is the king who lives in Smithcourt, but the townsfolk are so isolated from the mainstream of society, they barely know the king is dead and the throne vacant. Duke Coren and his men come to the village, ostensibly to trade goods, but in reality to kidnap a set of twins from the village and take them to Smithcourt where they are to play a key role in the Duke’s plan to become the monarch. Alana Woodsinger and others from the village are determined to get the children back no matter what price they have to pay.

SEASON OF SACRIFICE is a very creative and colorful high fantasy novel that has enough action and drama it to keep readers from ever getting bored. The characters, especially the kidnapped children, are so endearing that they make a place for themselves in the reader’s heart. Mindy L. Klasky proves she is a super-talented author.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner