Scan barcode
A review by queer_bookwyrm
The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, gun violence, cursing, blood, gore, racism, human sacrifice, animal death, cursing, sexual harassment mention, death
The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco is a YA horror focusing on a nonbinary Filipino (Filipine?) MC, and drawing on Chupeco's experience with caves on the islands of the Philippines. We also get a male love interest that is bi.
We follow Alon, who is acting as a guide on the island of Kisapmata for a group of Hollywood big shots who plan to exploit Filipino culture and legends in order to get fame and recognition by doing a ghost hunting show. We don't learn much about Alon, but they are warning everyone away from the island the whole time people are there. The island doesn't want them there. When people start seeing ghosts of dead loved ones and people they've harmed, some seem to lose their minds when weird freaky stuff starts happening. Turns out the island is alive and doesn't like humans who have harmed other people.
This was a great creepy read for spooky season! We definitely get themes on exploiting indigenous cultures for profit without giving respect, and themes on the lengths some people will go to in order to get power for themselves. It gave me urban-legend-comes-to-life vibes. Chase is the wholesome himbo of my heart, and I want my own Askal to protect me. I really liked the twist! Although it made me feel bad for Alon.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys ghost hunting shows and messages on morality and guilt. Who doesn't want to read about a haunted island that turns out houses an ancient god?
The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco is a YA horror focusing on a nonbinary Filipino (Filipine?) MC, and drawing on Chupeco's experience with caves on the islands of the Philippines. We also get a male love interest that is bi.
We follow Alon, who is acting as a guide on the island of Kisapmata for a group of Hollywood big shots who plan to exploit Filipino culture and legends in order to get fame and recognition by doing a ghost hunting show. We don't learn much about Alon, but they are warning everyone away from the island the whole time people are there. The island doesn't want them there. When people start seeing ghosts of dead loved ones and people they've harmed, some seem to lose their minds when weird freaky stuff starts happening. Turns out the island is alive and doesn't like humans who have harmed other people.
This was a great creepy read for spooky season! We definitely get themes on exploiting indigenous cultures for profit without giving respect, and themes on the lengths some people will go to in order to get power for themselves. It gave me urban-legend-comes-to-life vibes. Chase is the wholesome himbo of my heart, and I want my own Askal to protect me. I really liked the twist! Although it made me feel bad for Alon.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys ghost hunting shows and messages on morality and guilt. Who doesn't want to read about a haunted island that turns out houses an ancient god?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, Violence, Gun violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, and Racism
Minor: Sexual harassment