Book Review: Sacrificed: Heart Beyond the Spires by Bey Deckard

Reviewed by JustJen

Title: Sacrificed: Heart Beyond the Spires
Author: Bey Deckard
Series: Baal’s Heart #2
Heroes: Baltsaros/Tom/Jon
Genre: MM Historical Fantasy
Length: 380 Pages
Publisher: Bey Deckard
Release Date: October 15, 2014
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Reunited once more, the crew of Baal’s Heart must make the long and treacherous journey south to the towering spires of the Devil’s Isles. The path through the mountain range is fraught with peril; mayhem and tragedy plague the pirate ship, but what the men find beyond the spires is the most shocking of all.

In this sequel to the acclaimed Caged, the pirates are dragged into a dangerous new world by Captain Baltsaros’s all-consuming obsession. In the midst of terror and chaos, Jon learns that the captain and first mate have been keeping secrets from him. But will the truth tear them apart?

Review: This book picks up where Caged left off. Captain B and Jon are eagerly awaiting to see if Tom will give in and join them on their next adventure. Within the first few pages, I was pulled right back into this story and the fabulous world created. It felt really good being reunited with these guys again, and seeing each of them was a total feel good moment for me.

There is such depth to these characters. Each one has his own issues and struggles going on inside, which I absolutely love. Baltsaros is continually dealing with his feelings (and jealousy) regarding Jon and Tom – He wants them both but fears they will find enough in each other to not need him. Then there are his secrets – will Jon be able to handle them? Will he be able to find the answers on this current journey to make it a non-issue? Will he be able to win Tom’s trust back? Does he love them? Is he even capable of love? So many issues with poor Captain B.

Jon is struggling with his feelings for both men as well. He truly believes he cannot do without either of them, but so many things happen along the way to sway him one way or another.  Jon is more concerned than ever that his time around Baltsaros and Tom, as well as his time aboard the ship, are changing him, and he is really not sure he is ok with that.

And then we have Tom, one of my all-time favorite characters.  Seriously, when Tom talks, it’s like you’re in the room with him and he’s taking up all the space.  He just has this aura surrounding him, and I swear I can actually  hear his voice every time is see his words.  Poor Tom has been through so much.  He is torn between his feelings for Baltsaros, how B saved him all those years ago, to the whipping from the last book, and how Tom realizes how much he needs what Balsaros gives him.  I think he is quite surprised by how much he feels for Jon, and while those feelings are strong, there is no question he is terrified he will be made to choose between them at some point.

As for the story, this is quite an adventure.  They sail to a new place, full of mystery, rumors and deceipt.  Some characters are lost along the journey, while a few others are picked up.  I absolutely loved the twist that surrounds the Emperor of the city of sacrifice.  It is mysterious and creepy and completely reminded me of the old movie, The Island of Dr. Moreau.  It is here, and through the workings of the Emperor himself, that Baltsaros believes his problems can be solved.  Of course, things don’t go as planned, and Jon and Tom are truly put to the test more than once.   Secrets are revealed, loyalties and love are tested.  There are so many intense moments throughout (in all combinations – Jon/Tom, Jon/Baltsaros, Tom/Baltsaros) that had me holding my breath.

I absolutely love when a book is able to make me a part of its story. By that, I mean that it feels more than just opening and closing the cover. It takes me away for that little while as I’m reading and allows me to totally shut out the outside world for a bit. This story has been that way from the start and this installment is no different.  If you’re like me and love grabbing a book you can really sink your teeth into, one that leaves you longing for the next before you even finish it, then I highly recommend you give this engaging series a try.

Overall Impression: It was amazing!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*