Customer Reviews

The Sacrifice

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I decided to read The Sacrifice after seeing some of the reviews on Amazon.com, and being intrigued by the plot description. The book was even better than I'd expected. I liked the fact that the Native American culture stands alone without the author having to show the impact of the arrival of white settlers--I can't think of one other book that's simply about Native Americans with no Europeans in it. Originality is always good.

It's also an exceptional story, which should appeal strongly to readers of all ages: the writing's simple enough for young readers to understand, while no older reader will be bored with the story (I'm 16). The book is historical fiction, with maybe a very small bit of fantasy, but it can be enjoyed by readers of fantasy, adventure stories and historical fiction alike. I thought The Sacrifice was extraordinary, especially for a first novel. I recommend it highly, and I'll be looking forward to Diane Matcheck's next piece of work.

Diane Matcheck has written an extraordinary first novel in The Sacrifice. It successfully combines elements of adventure, culture, and romance with vibrant and living settings and a fabulous main character. Weak-one-who-does-not-last is not an instantly likable character, particularly since in the beginning she is 'bad in the heart' and vengeful and angry towards her tribe, the Crow Indians. However, she undergoes a remarkable transformation from spiteful, inconsiderate child, obsessed with becoming the Great One at any cost. Weak-one's metamorphosis into a mature, admirable woman, although occasionally a little hurried, is exceptionally well done and the main focus of The Sacrifice throughout her journeys.

The ending, as suits this novel, is triumphant, if not castle-on-silver-clouds happy. It actually has more impact this way. By the way, the title, The Sacrifice, is very appropriate in many ways throughout the book, and it is through hers and others' sacrifices that Weak-one becomes who she does.

The Sacrifice is definitely recommended for everyone who enjoys survival-in-the-wilderness stories, Indian stories, or teenagers looking for a coming of age novel that says a lot about destiny and direction. Unsurprisingly, I can't think of another book similar enough to it to recommend. I guess I'll just have to impatiently wait until Diane Matcheck writes another novel.

Ailanna

This book is a very fascinating, I love it! It is one of the best books I've read. Believe me, I've read a lot of books! I would recommend this book to female young adult readers . . .especially if you're interesting in Indians, and even if you're not! A great view inside the world of this girl. *****

this was an amazing story about the development of inner strength and the overcoming of inner demons. the heroine of this story was very strong, the reader could track her development as the novel progressed. i won't go through the whole plot as that would probably take some time, but suffice it to say that the heroine approached all of her problems face on and gave the reader the impression that she was sure of her actions (though maybe not the driving motivation in the beginning). she resolves to do something and then carries it out to the best of her ability. as the story progresses she becomes less obsessed with the past and gains a more... present (for lack of a better word) grasp on herself. in the beginning she sets out on this journey to prove herself, and by the end of the book she reaches a place within herself where the most important things in life are not society's perception of her or her material possessions or status. the most important thing is not that she is the great one (never in the story does she doubt this, but at the end it is not her focus any more), the most important thing is that she live her life as best she can.

i think that this story was told well for the level it was targeting. there wasn't really any gore in it, though it was implied that the characters partook of such activities, and it portrayed the heroine's overcoming of obstacles effectively. it doesn't present the most detailed methodology, but the concepts will be understood by those who read it. the story provides a decent, though again not very detailed, look at earlier native american lifestyle and society. it is more a story about inner struggle than about native american culture, so it doesn't really focus on that aspect too much.

the heroine of this story was a great character to follow. she was strong and smart and passionate. i recommend this book to pretty much anyone with the capability of reading it, no matter your age you'll definitely get something out of it

This book recounts a young girl's coming of age with adventure and suspense. The details about Indian life and survival make this a historical novel worth reading.

I picked up this book from my local library. Instantly, I got absorbed in the story of an nameless, outcast Indian girl who ran away from her tribe after her father's death. She felt a need to prove herself because her twin brother who died many years ago was destined to be the Great One, and nobody believed that she might be the true Great One. She wandered in the wilderness, getting burned by geisers and fighting a grizzly. After braving nature, she was captured by another Indian tribe and prepared to be a sacrfice for their god. Will Wolfstar, her new friend from the tribe, help her? The ending stunned me, but I loved this chilling novel. The arrogant, proud young woman was humbled by her trials and even got a name. Read "The Sacrifice" to find out what the name is and what happened to the brave girl.

I couldn't put this book down! It had some really cool characters and a tough heroine. The true facts about Native American life and the human story behind it is really good. I almost cried at the end, it's really action-packed and sad, too. Read it!

Matcheck has created a fabulous novel about Native American life. The young Apsaalook girl is a most determined and dynamic character. The plot of this novel is so authentic and exciting it makes you want to keep on reading. The many experiences she goes through teaches her and the reader many things about life. It is a very real and touching story. This book is one I would consider to be greatly inspiring, especially to the female reader. I would highly recommend this book to any young adult reader. Even though I am not an avid reader of this genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Very absorbing plot with a strong female character. The author creates an authentic portrayal of native American life and the constant struggle for survival. The plot is gripping and fast paced and allows the main character to step out of traditional female roles. Strong literary elements are present with an appropriate ending to the adventure. Great read for adolescents!

I could hardly put this book down, you can't wait to see what happens next. The main character is a girl who doesn't fit in but is very tough and a warrior. She has adventures and also falls in love and finds out what courage and love really are. There are some gross parts but it's still really good.