This was an interesting story told by a Filipino writer on White colonialism and learning respect for another's culture. While it had some good lines and a lot of potential, it lacked some necessary character development which prevented me emotionally connecting to the book and the characters. ( )

Pristine beaches, lush greenery, and perfect weather, the island of Kisapmata would be the vacation destination...if not for the curse. The Philippine locals speak of it in hushed voices and refuse to step foot on the island. They know the lives it has claimed. They won't be next.

A Hollywood film crew won't be dissuaded. Legend claims a Dreamer god sleeps, waiting to grant unimaginable powers in exchange for eight sacrifices. The producers are determined to document the evidence. And they convince Alon, a local teen, to be their guide.

Within minutes of their arrival, a giant sinkhole appears, revealing a giant balete tree with a mummified corpse entwined in its gnarled branches. And the crew start seeing strange visions. Alon knows they are falling victim to the island's curse. If Alon can't convince them to leave, there is no telling who will survive. Or how much the Dreamer god will destroy... ( )

The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco was a perfect read for October. With its tropical paradise setting, ominous curse, and mysterious narrator, Mx. Chupeco sets the tone from the opening page. Add in a mostly unlikeable Hollywood crew, and you honestly do not know if it is so much a horror story as it is a much-deserved comeuppance. Interestingly, a reader could interpret The Sacrifice as a warning story regarding imperialism since the Hollywood execs land on the island laughing at native superstition and lack of technology.

Mx. Chupeco does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing while keeping them on edge. They create an intriguing combination of curiosity and tension as the events on the island become more ominous while remaining baffling. Readers will need to continue to read to get answers while feeling a considerable level of anxiety at the creepiness of the events. It is precisely what you want for a spooky read, and I recommend The Sacrifice the next time you want to scratch that horror itch. ( )

A secret within a bunch of secrets summarizes this fast and satisfying read. A mysterious island supposedly hiding treasure in a cave, a reality TV star trying to reclaim his fame following scandals, and a young person who knows the island better than anyone. Add in an attempt to film things in and around the cave for a new ghostly reality show, and you have the beginnings of a dandy fright train. I read it in an evening and was extremely satisfied when I closed the cover. Be prepared for some great surprises. ( )

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. 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. ( )