Rin Chupeco

The small, uninhabited island of Kisapmata in the Philippines is known to the locals to be the home of the god, Diwata. Diwata controls the island and it is believed that he will awaken after eight sacrifices. Locals stay away from the island except for local caretaker, Alon. Everything is about to change though as a Hollywood documentary crew has bought their way onto Kisapmata. The crew members each have a different motivation for being on the island, but Diwata knows their true purpose. show more Alon tries to keep those who are innocent safe and warn away those that the Diwata deems worthy of sacrifice.

The Sacrifice is a young adult thriller that jumps right into the action and doesn't let up. I was drawn into the story as Diwata immediately shows power by moving plants around, manifesting people from the production crew's lives and showing them exactly what they came for, including corpse trees. The mystery builds as we learn the history of the island with stolen treasure, deaths, sacrifices, cults and local lore. Alon's character was amazing and a mystery himself. I was intrigued by his communication with Diwata and his acceptance on the island. I loved that he and Chase formed a connection and that Diwata was interested in it. Throughout the entire story there was a constant feeling of 'what's next?' and 'that can't be good!' that kept me in suspense. Overall, a great blend of Philippine folklore, suspense and horror.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Girl from the Well

Okiku wanders the world hunting down child murderers, freeing the souls of children bound to their killers. When she discovers Tark, she senses darkness inside of him. Ever watchful for those who would harm children, she takes an interest in Tark. But as she watches him, she learns that the darkness is bound to him and it is beginning to break free. Tark will have a long road and horrific road ahead of him. One that show more will

Rin Chupeco can send a chill down your spine with their writing. Told through the eyes of Okiku, The Girl From the Well builds horror elements with each chapter as the reader becomes immersed in the Japanese lore and human atrocities. You’ll witness brutal murders and the resulting aftermath as Okiku finds those responsible. And let’s not forget the darkness inside of Tark that will rip people limb from limb when challenged.

The characters were also so well balanced and built off of one another. Tark is a reserved boy who’s come to terms with childhood trauma and the supernatural occurrences that plague him. And then you have Okiku, a morally grey character fiercely protective of her charges. Those who harm, or try to harm, children will surely die. Placing the two characters together creates an innovative dynamic that strengthens the dark undertones of The Girl From the Well.

I need to read book two. With the way this one ended, I just need to know what happens next. If you’re a fan of paranormal horror and Japanese culture, I encourage you to read The Girl From the Well. And if you can, try the audiobook. Andi Arndt did a fantastic job with voices and added to the overall horror ambiance. show less

Bravo! Seriously, this book was excellent. I made it evident that I wasn't a huge fan of Rin Chupeco's first book, The Girl From the Well. It started out strong, but it just didn't hold up the way I wanted it to. I wanted terror. I wanted ghosts. I'm happy to say that The Suffering offered all of that, and more. You know that feeling you get when a creepy story is getting to you? The feeling where spiders crawl up your back, and unseen eyes are watching you. That, is this book. It's show more glorious.

See, this book is entirely from Tark's point of view. That's the first thing that sold me. Seeing Okiku through his eyes, living her endless existence of revenge as a part of Tark's life, was something beautiful. It really pushed home the idea that these two are irrevocably linked. Plus, Tark was so much stronger this time around. The way this book begins, with a terrifying game of tag, shows that immediately. I can't deny, I think I love Tark as much as Okiku does now.

Better still, the main setting of this particular book is in the dense forests of Aokigahara. The "suicide forest" is a 35-square-kilometer death trap in real life. In this story, it's even more horrible than that. For a boy who can see ghosts, or more accurately for a boy whom ghosts can see like a beacon of light, Aokigahara isn't the safest place to be. I'll admit, this part of the book stole my breath away. The balance between tension, and all out terror, was right on point. I warn you, it's not for the faint of heart.

Rin Chupeco wholly impressed me, and I'm kind of hoping that there are more books coming in this series! I'll follow Tark and Okiku anywhere. show less

Book Review
The Heart Forger, Rin Chupeco
"Life isn't fair, dear one. And sometimes, neither is death. "
Summary
Second in The Bone Witch series, The Heart Forger begins where the previous story ended. Tea, a bone/asha/dark witch, in exile, has gathered her army of daeva to attack Daanoris. With the Bard and her lover, Kalen,they march. Tea wants revenge for all the wrongs heaped on here by Kion, Odalia, Faceless, Elders..its a long list. No spoilers here! There are battles and surprise twists show more in Daanoris. You see other characters: Fox, Khaled, other asha. Tea's plan continues to unfold. You get a better understanding of what she's doing and why. It's a complicated plot, and I can't explain all, but, still, many big questions remain unanswered.
My Thoughts "They made their choices,and I made mine. If I cannot sway them with kindness, then they shall die."
I'm probably in the minority, but I love Tea at her darkest. This girl is an unstoppable force of nature. No mercy. No changing her mind. She possesses the kind of strength and will power that I want. Yet, she shows her humanity with Kalen and Khaled. She wishes things were different, but this is life. Bone Witches have never been treated fairly. In some ways, she just wants respect and acknowledgment for all Bone Witches. Tea has emotions, just smothered under her rage. I love this story. So many unexpected things keep happening.It's told from Tea and the Bard's perspective,but it's not confusing. The writing is succinct and sharp. I'm not certain of her ultimate goal. How did Kalen die? Who did Tea kill? We wait for answers. I enjoy every character, even bad guys. It's great to see more individual personalities coming into focus. They mesh so well, and the story flows beautifully. The language is lyrical and magical. In the last chapters, Tea is so vivid and powerful. Really just amazing! She leaps off the page. "You will relive this moment in your mind for the rest of your days,and it will be all that you shall remember." Tea embraces the dark, but I always expected her to do that. I think it's destiny. I'm a sucker for drama and girl power. The Heart Forger has both in spades. Do not miss this one! show less