After reading the two reviews in front of me, I'm about to become what you call the dissenting opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Warning: There are spoilers and hints of spoilers in this review.
Sariel is the orphaned ward of her uncle, Harold Baldwin. Alexander is an ifrit, a demon of fire that avenges murder. He has come to New York to punish Harold, but first has a chance meeting with Harold's niece, Sariel. She's been in her uncle's domineering care since her parents died. He's sent her to boarding schools, but now she'll soon graduate and attend college. Her plan is to go the Paris and study art; he demands she go to Harvard. Uncle Harold is more than just a bossy guardian, as Alexander quickly learns.
This is a fast, quick read. Part of that is due to the fact that it's only part of the story and the rest comes from the author's simple style. The words used are all very-well chosen and I never had an issue reading the story. The Black Sacrament is given just enough details for me to be interested in what it will be while not spoiling the final surprise, which I assume will be in Part 2. And the last few lines of Part 1 do build significant interest for what will happen in Part 2.
My first issue with this partial story is that it isn't a complete story. I probably should have caught that with the subtitle "Part one" but it also said it was a series. I read that to mean that this would be the first book in the series, so when the end of the document didn't contain a resolution, I was disappointed. Next, while a quick read is a good thing, I think the author could have slowed the story down and fleshed out her world and her characters some more. As one example, I know that Alexander is an ifrit and that heat heals and revitalizes him while cold impairs his powers but little else. Moderate use of flashbacks could fill in more details about him as a character, so that we get to know and care about him. Same with Sariel and Harold--though obviously caring about Harold is not exactly the goal. He's there to be the villain but we could still learn more about him. Why does he want the Black Sacrament? Is there a reason beyond having all the power in the universe? Perhaps he has a dead wife/daughter and this is the only way to have her returned to him? Those kinds of details would enhance the characters greatly.
The last note I'll add is that I hope Harold's existing powers are adequately explained in part two. He seems pretty powerful already, even before acquiring the Black Sacrament.
Overall, the Black Sacrament is an interesting teaser with good characters and a truly sinister villain. I look forward to reading more.
