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Early Review: Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts #4)

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Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts #4)Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts #4)
Stacia Kane
Published: Mar. 27, 2012 (DelRey)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon

Rating (out of 5): 5 stars

Note: This review contains no spoilers for Sacrificial Magic, but assumes you have read the three prior novels. If that is not the case, please check out my review of the first novel Unholy Ghosts.

Chess needed to grow for the Downside Ghosts series to truly move forward, and Stacia Kane didn’t disappoint. Sacrificial Magic pushes on Chess from all sides. She needs to evaluate her position at the Church of Real Truth and what the trust she’s earned there means. She fights her own nature to attempt a relationship with Terrible.

At the crux of Sacrificial Magic is Chess rebelling against her self-imposed isolation and self-hatred. She’s still the Chess who sees little value in herself, but she’s trying to reconcile that with the realization people might care for her as more than a means to an end.

As one of the Church’s debunkers, it’s not surprising when they ask Chess to take up a sensitive case. It’s not even all that surprising they’ve passed a case on to her that another debunker failed with – actually, he went missing after the case. But nothing is ever simple for her. Three books have proved that. The case has Chess spending a lot of time in Slobag’s territory among less-than-helpful witnesses who hate the Church for prohibiting their culture.

At the same time, Bump has his favorite Churchwitch looking into arson on his side of Downside – and it looks like ritual sacrifice is part of the problem. When more ritual murders pop up in Downside – on both sides of the drug territory – Chess has to solve things quickly. She doesn’t want Terrible thinking she’s spending time with Lex when she’s really working a case.

That’s just the tip of the Chess and Terrible drama. Kane gives us more insight into Chess’ trust issues and a much more expansive examples of her neuroses. Chess is someone who has never been truly loved. She’s never had a relationship where her partner wasn’t using her for something. Terrible caring for her simply for the strength of her being confounds Chess, and at the same time the possibility of losing it terrifies her. And, because she’s Chess, that means she does idiotic things to try and prove herself. This isn’t an easy relationship, but one that’s worth the trouble and necessary pain.

Chess will infuriate you. She will break your heart. She will surprise you. And by the end you’ll be both exhausted and sated. Sacrificial Magic is dark, and brings the requisite Downside craziness of sex, drugs and magic, but it’s also the most introspective of the novels to date. Clever plot twists, character surprises and brutally honest writing make Sacrificial Magic a must read.

And, because I know several of you want to know, “Chessiebomb” makes a return and Elder Griffin dispenses dating advice. No, really. It’s awesome.

Sexual content: Sex, sensual scenes and Chess contemplating the relationship of sex and trust.

Another note: This book has a character named after me. I can’t tell you about her, because it would spoil, but know I dress way better. Additionally, Stacia was kind enough to dedicate the novel to me as well. While I’m confident I would have squealed like a fan girl over this book either way, I’m all about full disclosure.

11 Responses to “Early Review: Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts #4)”

  1. Aubrey says:

    Can’t. Wait!

  2. Amy M says:

    I love this series! I can’t wait for next Tuesaday!

  3. Every time I read your name I was mentally saying OMGs for you! So exciting! 🙂
    I completely agree with your review, now I’m looking forward to read Chasing Magic.

  4. Karen says:

    I’m about halfway into this book and I kept reading the name and going hmmmm……then last night I was like “HEY! I know who that is!!” lol That’s so great!!!

    I have passed the “Chess will break your heart” pause and moved on to the infuriate part….at least momentarily. I know she’ll win me back in the end though 🙂

  5. Janet says:

    Can I squeeeeeeeeeeee for you? So awesome, Chelsea!!!

  6. Great review and nice to know someone 🙂 from the book. I loved this book even more and terrible –swoon.

  7. Julie says:

    Ok – I’m am STOOPID jealous about having your name in a Downside book. Is there a good story as to how it got there? Bribes? Blackmail? Give us the knowledge! (pretty please)

  8. cindyg says:

    I’m so damn excited about this book. Six days to go…

  9. Lupdilup says:

    I just discovered this series (actually it was on my wish list for like forever) it was recommended to me by The Book Nympho, now I’m completely hooked, I love the darkness, I love the world and I love Terrible.
    I’m hoping the audiobook comes out the same day as the printed copy, the girl that reads these books is phenomenal!

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