[b:The Penitent|198001344|The Penitent (The Sacrifice #2)|Natasha Knight|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|200750036] by [a:Natasha Knight|6478732|Natasha Knight|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1607860639p2/6478732.jpg] and [a:A Zavarelli|36405829|A Zavarelli|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is the second installment in the Sacrifice Duet, and cannot be read as a stand-alone. If you haven't read [b:The Tithing|198679403|The Tithing (The Sacrifice Duet)|Natasha Knight|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1694953152l/198679403._SY75_.jpg|188751071], please go read that book first before reading The Penitent.

I frequently struggle with how to write spoiler-free reviews when reviewing a second or subsequent book in a series, and this book is no different. I will keep this review short, sweet and to the point.

I was very happy with Azrael's character growth in this book. Where I was unsure of how I felt about him in The Tithing, I absolutely loved him in The Penitent, even if Willow, the female protagonist, still steals the show.

There were a few things I suspected would happen in this book, and I was right about those things. However, that didn't prevent me from binging this book in under 24 hours. I also didn't expect the storyline to take a few turns that it did, and I really enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.

I thought that the ending was absolutely perfect for these two characters. I honestly could not be happier with how Natasha Knight and A Zavarelli wrapped this duet up. If you like dark romances, secret societies and stories with ominious vibes, The Sacrifice Duet is not to be missed!