Sacrifice

Fire & Brimstone Scroll, Book 2

By: Nikole Knight

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

Human - angel - Nephilim. How can Riley fit in anywhere when he doesn’t know who or what he is?

With his mysterious heritage shrouded in shadow, Riley Shepard struggles with his identity, his confusing sexuality, and the prohibited - but deepening - feelings for his guardian angels. Questions remain unanswered. His guardians harbor secrets. And danger lurks just out of sight.

When disaster strikes, Riley must make a choice that will change everything. But will his sacrifice destroy the life he’s built? Will there be anything left when the dust settles?

To him, it makes no difference. Because for them, it is worth the risk.

Sacrifice is the second book in the slow-burn harem/poly romance series Fire & Brimstone, featuring hurt/comfort, temptingly sexy guardian angels, forbidden love, and an unlikely hero who discovers what it means to be free.

Trigger warnings include: situations of homophobia (both external and internal), violence with low-level gore, and sexual assault.

©2020 Nikole Knight (P)2022 Nikole Knight

Emotional and Captivating

Oh, gosh all the emotions. I found myself tearing up a time or two and holding my breath in anticipation waiting, wondering what would happen next. From the very beginning this story sucked me in. I patiently waited for this second part to come out in audio, but I’m hesitant to wait for the next to come out in audio as I really want to know what’s going to happen. The story is a little slow at times but progresses in a way that kept me captivated.

Riley is growing more and at one point he even proves to be stronger than I thought originally both physically and emotionally. I knew Noel and Jai were close, but in this story, it really shows how much they care for each other and are protective of each other. I loved the fighting scenes.

Kirk Graves did an amazing job, knowing just how to bring the emotions out and pull on my heartstrings. I love that each character has their own voice.

Well that got dark

To quote Sam from Lord of the Rings, “It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. Full of darkness, and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end, because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened?”

Story was interesting, but I had to fast forward in some parts. It just hurt too much to listen… :(

Brilliant

Sacrifice by Nikole Knight is the second book in the Fire & Brimstone series.  A slow burning poly forbidden romance.  Danger, drama, suspense,  surprises, heat, and  emotion.  This journey is exciting,... fantastic.  And these characters have drawn me into their world and I never want to let go. 
Kirt Graves's narration of the story adds another layer.... smooth recording, brilliant Performance.

A Gripping and Powerful Development

"You stay, we stay. That's how it works, that's how it's always worked."

Fair warning, this book delves into much darker territory which is saying something considering the hell Riley has been through. Kirt brought such emotion to the characters and each one underwent some serious development, for better or worse. Lots of realizing feelings for all the angels and Riley, and exploring some new characters.

I need more!!!!!

I finished the first two books in just a couple days and need more! I absolutely loved the first one and this one did not disappoint. I need to know what happens to the boys in the next couple books and can’t wait for the audio versions to come out.

Too Amazing, can not wait for the next book!!

Book rating: 4.8 out of 5
Steam levels: 3 out of 5

I sincerely loved the first book within the series ( Revelation) and was so happy when the second book came out as well because I've been waiting to hear it ever since I heard the first one. This book was everything I could've asked for and more and Nikole Knight is an incredible writer, I really can not wait until the next books within the series are released onto audible. Also, Kirt Graves is such a talented narrator who makes the experience of listening to this book worth every penny.

Within this book so much happens and we as the audience are provided with a lot of different answers that were not explained in the first book such as why Riley and other Nephilim are being hunted down. I truly did enjoy how we got to see Riley grow as a character and gain the confidence that's always been inside him mainly because his newfound confidence gets him to express and explore his feelings for his angles ( Noel, Jai, and Gideon).

Favorite scene: Omg I have so many favorite scenes within this novel that I enjoyed, like when Jai gets jealous and comes home drunk, or when Noel starts talking to his ex because he knows that he can not really have Riley but still craves him, and furthermore when Riley and his angles are called in by the council and we finally figure out why Riley records are the only ones missing.

I love how Riley's relationship with his angles grows more intimate, especially when it comes to his angle Gideon because Gideon is more reserved than the other, however, within this book we get to see him opening up a bit more to Riley and let Riley touch him more.

Personally, I was a bit scared that the author was not going to add the rest of the series onto audible but in so pleased that Nikole Knight is going to add on the other books within the series as well because these books deserve to be shared with the world. Really can't wait for the rest of the books but I do hope they come out very very soon but until then I'm most likely going to buy the entire series because this book is too good to let go.

Love this series so much!

I absolutely adore this series! I can’t wait for the next one and to get even more of these characters and this world. The author did a fantastic job creating a story that draws the reader in and won’t let go. And the narrator brings that magic to life. I loved the first book and I loved this second book so much! There so many emotions and things are definitely starting to get darker. I need the next book so badly!

whew, these boys need so much therapy

Audio: 4.75⭐️

"Sacrifice" is the second book in a six-book series where each installment (or scroll) is a continuation of a story following the same main characters. It is not a standalone, and this review contains some spoilers for Revelations.

In the month since Riley’s heavenly powers were discovered, Riley has actually been living a pretty normal life. He’s acquired a new friend and a smart phone (learning the fun of emojis), and threats (human or supernatural) have been absent; as Christmas break approaches, his major concern is doing well on his final exams. Now living with his Guardians, Riley fully embraces them as his family and center of his world—learning about his angel heritage; watching movies; training with them daily to strengthen his mental, physical, and metaphysical control; and planning his first Christmas celebration. With the affection, comfort, security, and normalcy his Guardians provide, Riley’s also slowly dismantling Ms. Janet’s indoctrination and punishing himself less for perceived wrongdoings—a blessing since all this freedom from fear and anxiety has left plenty of mental space for Riley to obsess about reflect on his growing attraction for his angels. Jai and Noel’s free-flowing affection and hugs, and Gideon’s treasured praise and rare smiles light up Riley’s heart, and every day he uncovers a new layer of physical awareness and desire. Having never been attracted to anyone before and now only to his Guardians, Riley cycles between confusion, guilt, frustration, and unwarranted possessiveness.

Unbeknownst to Riley, Jai and Noel are trapped in a similar cycle, but in place of confusion is the bone deep knowledge of the illicitness of their desire—a desire that if acted upon could make them anathema in the eyes of their fellow angels and their ruling body, the Council, who have been keeping a more watchful eye on Gideon and his Secondaries. The extra scrutiny adds to Gideon’s unease and tension, but between the decades of Nephilim abductions, Riley’s suspiciously missing genealogy records, and his cherubic ally, Xavier’s, interest in the sacred scrolls, Gideon’s not sure who he can trust. As tensions within their “effed-up family” explode into chaos, the inherent threat the Council’s poses is only surpassed by the danger Riley and his Others’ devolving restraint on their emotions places them in. When sacrifice becomes the only way to save their fractured family, Riley must dig deep, stand up for himself and his angels, and face the darkness he fears will consume everything he cherishes, including his soul.

As scroll two of six and basically a snapshot of a short span of time in the development of the characters and their relationships, "Sacrifice "earns the subtitle ‘Hormonal, Hot Mess Dumpster Fire: When Angels Go Wild.’ Like Revelation, it’s still a character-driven story, but with Riley having 24/7 access to his angels during their emotional crises, his perspective includes more sides to the Guardians’ personalities and their own fallibilities…and boy are they fallible. With the central conflict being the impossibility of the youngins’ intimate feelings and Riley being better protected (theoretically), there’s less damseling and action in the story. For the most part, the biggest danger to Riley is Noel and Jai. They’ve either never had to deal with such deep, emotional conflict or they’ve handled it this poorly in the past. Either way Jai and Noel suck at emotional maturity and the fallout from their behavior runs the gamut from WTH to demotion to meter maid imminent.

"Sacrifice’s" prologue picks up after Gideon leaves to meet his Fallen contact, Tabitha, with the POV shifting from Gideon to Noel. After relaying the information he received from Tabitha, Gideon addresses his most pressing concern—the way Jai and Noel dote on Riley and the need for better boundaries between them all. Initially hurt and affronted by Gideon’s implication that his Secondaries want to bone their ward, Noel reluctantly admits that their attachment to Riley is deeper and more personal than normal, but he’s still hopeful that Riley’s incorporation into the family won’t make waves. After all, “they [are] the strongest Guardian team in a hundred years. What could one little Nephilim do in the face of that?”

Apparently their twinky, innocent Nephilim’s presence can do A LOT in a month’s time. While Riley’s late-onset teenage angst stage is expected, I never thought to see it in centuries-old angels, and it is a gloriously painful train wreck. Riley is still Riley, so sweet summer child that he is, he has no idea when people are interested in him romantically, but Jai and Noel are very much aware and try to internalize the unfamiliar jealously and powerful attraction to their ward. Having grown emotionally distant in some ways, neither Other thinks to confide in his pair, instead channeling their angel angst into ways similar to their natures—Noel tries to be positive and encouraging to Riley while giving in to his self-destructive side and returning to an abusive partner, and Jai, already hurt and pissed by Noel’s actions, doubles down on his aggressive, impulsiveness and lashes out…mostly at Riley.

But Riley trusts his Others’ care for him implicitly and has gotten much better at not taking their (mostly Jai’s) ish. He may still get upset and cry, but he calls them on it and eventually exposes their truths. As Gideon is preoccupied with figuring out Riley’s lineage to better understand the demonic and heavenly interest in his ward and keep him safe, he ends up one the receiving end of a lot of Riley’s tears, constantly asking “what happened” and being infuriated with and disappointed in his Secondaries. Still, I honestly have no idea how Gideon wasn’t drowned beneath the rising tide of hormones and subsequent f^ckery that overwhelmed their household in a matter of days. I was actually almost relieved when the baddies showed up…until I wasn’t. While the Other pair did need a come to Jesus talk about letting their feelings interfere with their duties, the punishment is brutal.

There’s some serious consequences and revelations for everyone, and all the book’s rising tension, upheaval, and emotional explosions are handled deftly by narrator Kirt Graves. I’m once again delighted by how well Graves conveys the duality of many of Riley’s emotions—from deferent defiance and shy boldness to timid bravery, Graves nails them all. Riley’s voice requires a skilled touch to portray the character’s smothered, but burgeoning personality, as well as make his continued struggles with self-worth and insecurity relatable and sympathetic. Although Riley is the most complex to voice, Graves gives all the characters the same attention, managing to express major aspects of their personalities that the text gives or implies in their voices. I’ve gotten quite used to Gideon’s calm, deliberate tone that only gives the barest hint of deeper feelings (even when upset or shaken), so hearing Graves lean in to Gideon’s increasing sass, frustration, and then explosion of temper is an audio highlight for me.

Though not quite what I expected, "Sacrifice" is a compelling story that strapped me into the emotional roller-coaster the characters are riding, making me want to hug, smack, maim, and sob all over them from one moment to the next. As the Guardians have said many times, they’re imperfect parts of a dysfunctional family but are imperfectly perfect for Riley, and I can’t wait to hear how he continues to remake their bonds. If you haven’t listened to Revelations, I highly recommend that you do, so you can jump right into "Sacrifice".

MM Slow Burn Fantasy

This was just as good as book one! Kirk Graves is phenomenal on this narration, and I cannot wait to dive into the following books. In this one, Riley becomes more open to himself and his feelings for his guardians and the guardians begin to open up as well. We get a ton more world building and we figure out a lot of interesting information about Riley, all the guardians, we meet a lot more characters and we have the dreaded reunion of Riley and Ms. Janet. It was packed full and it was an amazing read. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves a fantasy slow burn, as it is not quite a romance yet, but I definitely want to see how that all plays out.

When angels fall in love with their ward

Omg! Riley and his guardian angels are back and I’m one very happy listener to listen their continued journey. We witnessed the heartache and struggles young Riley had to face and now he might be facing the biggest challenge of his life.

Riley finally learned what he truly was and he has to face with how to control his impulses and his power. While his angels are fighting for him and protecting him, he also had a minor fall out with them when they found out he went on a date behind his back. But they did find a balance for all of them amidst all these struggles and we got a satisfying answer for Riley and his yummy guardian angels. At east for now. I’m so excited to see what Riley will face in the future and how the relationship between him and his guardian angels will grow. As always, Kirt Graves’s narration was super yummy.

4.5 When angels fall in love with their ward stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫


Audio rating

Story - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫