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Sanctuary #2
Avenger
The world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life, or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary.
When a series of attacks on convoys draws suspicion that Sanctuary is involved, Cyrus Davidon must put aside his personal struggles and try to find the raiders. As the attacks worsen, Cyrus and his comrades find themselves abandoned by their allies, surrounded by enemies, facing the end of Sanctuary and a war that will consume their world.
When a series of attacks on convoys draws suspicion that Sanctuary is involved, Cyrus Davidon must put aside his personal struggles and try to find the raiders. As the attacks worsen, Cyrus and his comrades find themselves abandoned by their allies, surrounded by enemies, facing the end of Sanctuary and a war that will consume their world.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2011
578 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
176 books1,168 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 3, 2021
Another fun read! I felt that this one flowed slightly better than the first, and the author has a bit better of an idea of where things are heading. Everything about this series so far is just good enough to make it an enjoyable read without making it a particularly memorable one.
I can see certain things making this series a pain for some Fantasy readers, but for me, it's all about expectations. I expect a simple and fun story, and I'm not disappointed when it's not more than that.
I can see certain things making this series a pain for some Fantasy readers, but for me, it's all about expectations. I expect a simple and fun story, and I'm not disappointed when it's not more than that.
August 7, 2018
It still feels very jumbly. Crane can't really decide where this book is going and where it is set. There is a lot of modern dialogue being used in a fantasy book. The characters haven't really progressed anywhere from the first book and there's no character development. I'm finding it difficult to connect to any of the characters. I hope it will improve in the next book, but I'm not really hopeful.
February 14, 2015
I sometimes wonder how many people REALLY read and put stock in prologues - and epilogues, for that matter. I, for one, am finding myself intrigued by these opening and closing chapters of the Sanctuary series and have started to read them back to back, hoping to solve the mystery before it is given to me in the last book of the series.
By the second to last chapter of Defender - first in the Sanctuary series - I was certain I would detest Vara forever. Her arrogance and, at times, childishly demeaning comments are at such odds with the rest of the 'good guys' that I wonder why she is tolerated where she clearly feels more superior. Not that it would stop my reading of the series, but she's really irritated me, always finding the most negative things to say to Cy - one of my favourite flawed heroes of all time. And of course, he seems to be carrying a torch for the 'Ice Princess' who cannot reveal the mysterious title 'Shelas'akur'. Now, at the end of Avenger, I have to admit that I am slowly warming to Vara.
Avenger shows an author who has grown in experience and confidence, his characters are more rounded and the dialogue more flowing. He has created convincing characters - the good guys goodish; the bad guys, well some über-evil at times - and injected a healthy dose of humour into this book. I had, at times, roared with laughter or grunted in indignation and, in a moment of pure frustration, even shouted at Vara. The characters are, mostly, likeable and the newer applicants and members, notably Aisling and Fortin, bring some moments of humour to an otherwise difficult time for those at Sanctuary whose very honour and lives are on the line.
I am an unashamed fan of all of Crane's series and although this is his first series, it is the last I started reading, hence a review years after first publication. I am already knee-deep into 'Champion' and wondering what lies ahead for poor Cyrus.
If you enjoy reading series in this genre, I would definitely recommend the Sanctuary series and strongly advise that you read it in order of publication so as not to miss out on any of the adventures or back story.
By the second to last chapter of Defender - first in the Sanctuary series - I was certain I would detest Vara forever. Her arrogance and, at times, childishly demeaning comments are at such odds with the rest of the 'good guys' that I wonder why she is tolerated where she clearly feels more superior. Not that it would stop my reading of the series, but she's really irritated me, always finding the most negative things to say to Cy - one of my favourite flawed heroes of all time. And of course, he seems to be carrying a torch for the 'Ice Princess' who cannot reveal the mysterious title 'Shelas'akur'. Now, at the end of Avenger, I have to admit that I am slowly warming to Vara.
Avenger shows an author who has grown in experience and confidence, his characters are more rounded and the dialogue more flowing. He has created convincing characters - the good guys goodish; the bad guys, well some über-evil at times - and injected a healthy dose of humour into this book. I had, at times, roared with laughter or grunted in indignation and, in a moment of pure frustration, even shouted at Vara. The characters are, mostly, likeable and the newer applicants and members, notably Aisling and Fortin, bring some moments of humour to an otherwise difficult time for those at Sanctuary whose very honour and lives are on the line.
I am an unashamed fan of all of Crane's series and although this is his first series, it is the last I started reading, hence a review years after first publication. I am already knee-deep into 'Champion' and wondering what lies ahead for poor Cyrus.
If you enjoy reading series in this genre, I would definitely recommend the Sanctuary series and strongly advise that you read it in order of publication so as not to miss out on any of the adventures or back story.
June 19, 2018
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο ομολογώ ήταν σαφώς καλύτερο απο το πρώτο.
Αν και εξακολουθούν να υπάρχουν κάποια θεματάκια, οι χαρακτήρες αναπτύχθηκαν πολύ καλύτερα, οι αλληλεπιδράσεις τους ήταν καλύτερα δομημένες και οι μάχες (αν και παλι σε πληθώρα) είχαν ένα στόχο.
Επίσης το στοιχείο μυστηρίου ήταν καλύτερα τοποθετημένο και το γεγονός οτι μειώθηκαν οι χαρακτήρες (και δόθηκε και η αναλυτική περιγραφή τους επιτέλους) βοήθησε πολύ στην κατανόηση του κόσμου και όλων των διαφορετικών πλασμάτων.
Η Vara και ο Cyrus είχαν καταπληκτική χημεία και οι διάλογοι μετέφεραν απόλυτα την σεξουαλική ένταση ανάμεσα σε αυτούς τους δυο. Η στενή φιλία που υποτίθεται έχει με τον Andren έβγαζε περισσότερο νόημα στο δεύτερο βιβλίο γιατί μιλήσανε αρκετά, ωστόσο πιστεύω οτι ο Terian (ή οπως λεγεται δεν θυμάμαι τώρα) είναι ουσιαστικά καλύτερος φίλος με τον Cyrus.
Επίσης μου άρεσε που σε όλο το βιβλίο ο Cyrus πάλευε με την ανάγκη του για εκδίκηση. Αυτό το στοιχείο έδωσε μεγαλύτερο βάθος στην προσωπικότητά του.
Γενικά η γραφή βελτιώθηκε και διαβάζεται πολύ πιο γρήγορα απο το πρώτο. Θα συνεχίσω με το 3ο όπως είχα πει και στην κριτική του προηγούμενου βιβλίου. Αν δώ τέτοια βελτίωση και στο επόμενο, σκέφτομαι σοβαρά να συνεχίσω κανονικά τη σειρά.
Λόγω περιορισμένου χρόνου δεν προλαβαίνω να γράψω μια καλύτερη κριτική και να δώσω περισσότερα στοιχεία οπότε για επιπλέον λεπτομέρειες μπορείτε να στείλετε προσωπικό μήνυμα :D
Αν και εξακολουθούν να υπάρχουν κάποια θεματάκια, οι χαρακτήρες αναπτύχθηκαν πολύ καλύτερα, οι αλληλεπιδράσεις τους ήταν καλύτερα δομημένες και οι μάχες (αν και παλι σε πληθώρα) είχαν ένα στόχο.
Επίσης το στοιχείο μυστηρίου ήταν καλύτερα τοποθετημένο και το γεγονός οτι μειώθηκαν οι χαρακτήρες (και δόθηκε και η αναλυτική περιγραφή τους επιτέλους) βοήθησε πολύ στην κατανόηση του κόσμου και όλων των διαφορετικών πλασμάτων.
Η Vara και ο Cyrus είχαν καταπληκτική χημεία και οι διάλογοι μετέφεραν απόλυτα την σεξουαλική ένταση ανάμεσα σε αυτούς τους δυο. Η στενή φιλία που υποτίθεται έχει με τον Andren έβγαζε περισσότερο νόημα στο δεύτερο βιβλίο γιατί μιλήσανε αρκετά, ωστόσο πιστεύω οτι ο Terian (ή οπως λεγεται δεν θυμάμαι τώρα) είναι ουσιαστικά καλύτερος φίλος με τον Cyrus.
Επίσης μου άρεσε που σε όλο το βιβλίο ο Cyrus πάλευε με την ανάγκη του για εκδίκηση. Αυτό το στοιχείο έδωσε μεγαλύτερο βάθος στην προσωπικότητά του.
Γενικά η γραφή βελτιώθηκε και διαβάζεται πολύ πιο γρήγορα απο το πρώτο. Θα συνεχίσω με το 3ο όπως είχα πει και στην κριτική του προηγούμενου βιβλίου. Αν δώ τέτοια βελτίωση και στο επόμενο, σκέφτομαι σοβαρά να συνεχίσω κανονικά τη σειρά.
Λόγω περιορισμένου χρόνου δεν προλαβαίνω να γράψω μια καλύτερη κριτική και να δώσω περισσότερα στοιχεία οπότε για επιπλέον λεπτομέρειες μπορείτε να στείλετε προσωπικό μήνυμα :D
October 22, 2023
This was a good book, fairly easy reading, lots of action and I like the characters. It’s better than I expected
October 23, 2025
Round 2 and it's still exciting and interesting. I'm so happy to see how situations are unfolding and can't wait to see what happens next!
May 21, 2020
It was a fairly fun read. Part of what made it a bit less enjoyable for me was that as an MMO player, all the books in this series read a bit like someone novelizing a World of Warcraft raid. That left me feeling torn between humor over the similarities to my own adventures in MMO raiding, and frustration/annoyance over the same similarities because it made for very redundant reading. The story premises were decent and I did get a kick out of the books, but overall they were "ok, not great".
August 23, 2017
well written had me buying the next book in the series. Seriously Robert Crane is now 1 of my favourite authors
March 31, 2016
I love the supporting characters in this series-they are so eclectic and fun to follow!
February 20, 2018
I like this - it is a good book. I reviewed the first in the series (Defender) earlier this year, and regardless of some critique, I thought it was a good overall read. This second volume in what is (I gather) quite a long series is a clear step above that first. Nice work Robert.
Now, I gave the first book "4-stars", and this book too has been given "4-stars". But this, rather than being an indication that the two books are on a par, is a symptom of my ineptly designed scoring logic. I will need to reassess given this outcome.
Looking back at Defender, one of my key problems with the book was the protagonist - Cyrus Davidon. He was a bit too "heroic", whilst at the same time being just a bit vanilla. My main problem was that everything just sort of went his way, and whatever he touched turned to gold, for no real reason other than that he was the hero of the story. To highlight, he appeared to go from member of a scrabbly threesome to General of an army in under a year - tantamount to progressing from selling lemonade in your front garden to CEO of Coca-Cola in a year. Unlikely.
But we do not have the same problem here.
Part of this is the fact that Cyrus has already plateaued, and he therefore has less stellar acceleration to achieve. But even though he has reached a plain - he doesn't really progress in 'authoritarian' terms over the course of the book - his journey as a man is far more interesting. He has two key 'problems' to occupy him: one of them is a promised vengeance for his old friend; and the other is a quite amusingly prickly relationship with a comrade. Both these aspects were present in the first book, but they were less vivid and less emotionally developed. Here they come to the fore, and where Cy overcomes one, the other is still very much live, and encourages you to read on. Job done! And more than that, there is now something a bit mysterious and prophetic about our protagonist, which will be really interesting if it is developed in the right way (which I believe it will be).
Another problem I had with Defender was the size of the cast. I don't think that this has actually reduced all that much in Avenger, but peculiarly it doesn't feel anywhere as big as it did in the first book. Maybe this has come from experience with the author and the series, but there was a much more obvious sense of "who's who" which was good - and also a better sense of "who's important". That's not to say I was 100% clear on all involved, because I did make the mistake of believing Cass was a woman until the very end when I think I was proven otherwise! Please correct me accordingly Robert...
In fact, Robert adds even more characters here without it seeming daunting, which is great. And we also have some new characters who draw us forward in the series, which is another big green tick from me.
I think that my third problem with the first book was the imagined world itself - the magic rules were just too loose for my comfort. This is still the case in this book (Robert could hardly change the rules halfway through!) but I must iterate that this is very much a question of taste. Fantasy is just that - fantasy - and no-one bar the author has rights over the specific nuances of how that world operates. Opinions - yes; rights - no. And although I think Robert does a great job bringing his world together so that it does hang as a challenging environment - as mentioned in the previous blog, we have gods roaming the world; demons; etc. to put the scope of magic into context - it is still quite a challenge to buy into. The major problem I have is the resurrection that takes place. For me, it cheapens the act of death, which is a rather powerful tool in most fiction.
Having said that, I do think Robert has continued to improve his articulation of the finer details pertaining to his imagined world. The things that stand out are the examples of severe discomfort at "dying" and then being brought back to life. I'm pretty sure this was also seen in Defender, but I probably skirted over it a bit because I hadn't fully engaged with the characters yet. Here it sticks out, probably because of the association between this finer detail and the main characters' relationship challenges.
So, overall we have a more comfortable journey through the book; and the experience is lightened by some great snippets of comedy too - or at least little quips which made me laugh out loud. This is great.
What next I hear you cry? Well, Robert has stayed true to his structure of jumping from the present to the past, and back to the present for the Epilogue - and this does rather intrigue. It offers suggestive information as to what is to come, and the more that is revealed in the body of the story, the more power these book-end snippets have. All of the key protagonists are coming good, and there is also some tasty friction building up which looks like it could create some excellent action later in the series. So, all in all, I will definitely be reading on - not least because the first three books are free on Amazon!
So - why didn't I give this 5 stars? I would like to say that I have a strict set of criteria for scoring a book 5, but given my earlier confession, this has already been exposed as a lie! My main residual reservations are as follows:
- The world itself (as mentioned above): this does work as a story and a concept, but it is purely a question of the balance of taste. I am certainly willing to forgive this, and am eager to read on regardless, but it does sit at the back of my head. I hope that Robert's end-game extravaganza proves me wrong!
- The writing is very much improved in this book, but there is still a roughness to it - the odd word that's not necessary, and which elongates a statement, slowing the pace involuntarily. And there is the odd spelling mistake (or rather incorrect word) which just trips up and jars. Not serious problems by any means, but just enough to drop it a notch.
- The language: this is probably taste as-well, but the language used by the characters feels just slightly out of place in what is essentially a medieval fantasy world. There is a little bit too much 21st century about it - only a bit, but it is telling. Of course, there is no reason why the characters of this fantasy world wouldn't speak like this, but I find it just a tiny bit jarring. And if Robert subsequently reveals this as a post-apocalyptic world based on 29th century US, then I may be well and truly proven wrong - but I can't see this coming at the moment.
Overall, a great read, and I look forward to venturing into the next volume in the series - it's already downloaded.
https://jhockley.com/book-recommendat...
Now, I gave the first book "4-stars", and this book too has been given "4-stars". But this, rather than being an indication that the two books are on a par, is a symptom of my ineptly designed scoring logic. I will need to reassess given this outcome.
Looking back at Defender, one of my key problems with the book was the protagonist - Cyrus Davidon. He was a bit too "heroic", whilst at the same time being just a bit vanilla. My main problem was that everything just sort of went his way, and whatever he touched turned to gold, for no real reason other than that he was the hero of the story. To highlight, he appeared to go from member of a scrabbly threesome to General of an army in under a year - tantamount to progressing from selling lemonade in your front garden to CEO of Coca-Cola in a year. Unlikely.
But we do not have the same problem here.
Part of this is the fact that Cyrus has already plateaued, and he therefore has less stellar acceleration to achieve. But even though he has reached a plain - he doesn't really progress in 'authoritarian' terms over the course of the book - his journey as a man is far more interesting. He has two key 'problems' to occupy him: one of them is a promised vengeance for his old friend; and the other is a quite amusingly prickly relationship with a comrade. Both these aspects were present in the first book, but they were less vivid and less emotionally developed. Here they come to the fore, and where Cy overcomes one, the other is still very much live, and encourages you to read on. Job done! And more than that, there is now something a bit mysterious and prophetic about our protagonist, which will be really interesting if it is developed in the right way (which I believe it will be).
Another problem I had with Defender was the size of the cast. I don't think that this has actually reduced all that much in Avenger, but peculiarly it doesn't feel anywhere as big as it did in the first book. Maybe this has come from experience with the author and the series, but there was a much more obvious sense of "who's who" which was good - and also a better sense of "who's important". That's not to say I was 100% clear on all involved, because I did make the mistake of believing Cass was a woman until the very end when I think I was proven otherwise! Please correct me accordingly Robert...
In fact, Robert adds even more characters here without it seeming daunting, which is great. And we also have some new characters who draw us forward in the series, which is another big green tick from me.
I think that my third problem with the first book was the imagined world itself - the magic rules were just too loose for my comfort. This is still the case in this book (Robert could hardly change the rules halfway through!) but I must iterate that this is very much a question of taste. Fantasy is just that - fantasy - and no-one bar the author has rights over the specific nuances of how that world operates. Opinions - yes; rights - no. And although I think Robert does a great job bringing his world together so that it does hang as a challenging environment - as mentioned in the previous blog, we have gods roaming the world; demons; etc. to put the scope of magic into context - it is still quite a challenge to buy into. The major problem I have is the resurrection that takes place. For me, it cheapens the act of death, which is a rather powerful tool in most fiction.
Having said that, I do think Robert has continued to improve his articulation of the finer details pertaining to his imagined world. The things that stand out are the examples of severe discomfort at "dying" and then being brought back to life. I'm pretty sure this was also seen in Defender, but I probably skirted over it a bit because I hadn't fully engaged with the characters yet. Here it sticks out, probably because of the association between this finer detail and the main characters' relationship challenges.
So, overall we have a more comfortable journey through the book; and the experience is lightened by some great snippets of comedy too - or at least little quips which made me laugh out loud. This is great.
What next I hear you cry? Well, Robert has stayed true to his structure of jumping from the present to the past, and back to the present for the Epilogue - and this does rather intrigue. It offers suggestive information as to what is to come, and the more that is revealed in the body of the story, the more power these book-end snippets have. All of the key protagonists are coming good, and there is also some tasty friction building up which looks like it could create some excellent action later in the series. So, all in all, I will definitely be reading on - not least because the first three books are free on Amazon!
So - why didn't I give this 5 stars? I would like to say that I have a strict set of criteria for scoring a book 5, but given my earlier confession, this has already been exposed as a lie! My main residual reservations are as follows:
- The world itself (as mentioned above): this does work as a story and a concept, but it is purely a question of the balance of taste. I am certainly willing to forgive this, and am eager to read on regardless, but it does sit at the back of my head. I hope that Robert's end-game extravaganza proves me wrong!
- The writing is very much improved in this book, but there is still a roughness to it - the odd word that's not necessary, and which elongates a statement, slowing the pace involuntarily. And there is the odd spelling mistake (or rather incorrect word) which just trips up and jars. Not serious problems by any means, but just enough to drop it a notch.
- The language: this is probably taste as-well, but the language used by the characters feels just slightly out of place in what is essentially a medieval fantasy world. There is a little bit too much 21st century about it - only a bit, but it is telling. Of course, there is no reason why the characters of this fantasy world wouldn't speak like this, but I find it just a tiny bit jarring. And if Robert subsequently reveals this as a post-apocalyptic world based on 29th century US, then I may be well and truly proven wrong - but I can't see this coming at the moment.
Overall, a great read, and I look forward to venturing into the next volume in the series - it's already downloaded.
https://jhockley.com/book-recommendat...
May 1, 2018
I don't normally review but given my score seems an exception to the average score, I thought I should. Unfortunately this book was not for me. The writing was ok, the characters are fine, but its the mmorpg style world that really bothers me.
Plot holes and mechanics that I dislike from mmorpg games but can forgive as being game mechanics are suddenly part of this fantasy world: the existence of guilds, the fact death has no real consequence to the point members act as suicidal cannon fodder knowing all is fine as long as the healers survive to resurrect them , the fact there can be multiple attacks on the same dungeons mentioned in the book meaning even the enemies must respawn from being wiped out, the fact its revealed spells don't need education to learn just a few hours (and presumably payment of 2000 xp and 100 gp),and finally to the fact that the parts of the hero's prize sword are split over 5 dungeons. Really, outside of a video game, how would that actually happen?
If these are fine for you give it a try, there are certainly decent parts, but I guess I need a more realism based fantasy world personally.
Plot holes and mechanics that I dislike from mmorpg games but can forgive as being game mechanics are suddenly part of this fantasy world: the existence of guilds, the fact death has no real consequence to the point members act as suicidal cannon fodder knowing all is fine as long as the healers survive to resurrect them , the fact there can be multiple attacks on the same dungeons mentioned in the book meaning even the enemies must respawn from being wiped out, the fact its revealed spells don't need education to learn just a few hours (and presumably payment of 2000 xp and 100 gp),and finally to the fact that the parts of the hero's prize sword are split over 5 dungeons. Really, outside of a video game, how would that actually happen?
If these are fine for you give it a try, there are certainly decent parts, but I guess I need a more realism based fantasy world personally.
June 7, 2025
All books got 4.75 stars
I had the three book box set but if I do not break the books down by each it does not count them as three. Making me do this the hard way.
This book left me wanting more and more. I will have to read book 0 for it fills the gaps apparently.
Well after almost 1300 pages of reading I can say this series was amazing 3 book start. This gave me the feel of lord of the rings, Elden ring if you have played and wheel of time. From wars, guild halls with honor to thieves making other arrangements. The story had so many turns and twist with other side plots. Easy to follow and the characters are developed to build and grow as the story grows. Does have some romance with very detailed parts so maybe not for younger children. The battle scenes are amazing and had me on the edge of my seat. I kept reading every time I opened the kindle app to read. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.
I had the three book box set but if I do not break the books down by each it does not count them as three. Making me do this the hard way.
This book left me wanting more and more. I will have to read book 0 for it fills the gaps apparently.
Well after almost 1300 pages of reading I can say this series was amazing 3 book start. This gave me the feel of lord of the rings, Elden ring if you have played and wheel of time. From wars, guild halls with honor to thieves making other arrangements. The story had so many turns and twist with other side plots. Easy to follow and the characters are developed to build and grow as the story grows. Does have some romance with very detailed parts so maybe not for younger children. The battle scenes are amazing and had me on the edge of my seat. I kept reading every time I opened the kindle app to read. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.
August 30, 2018
This book improves upon the first book in the series, which wasn't really that hard to do. We are still mixed in with Cyrus Davidon and the members of the Sanctuary Guild as they do what fantasy heroes do.
I did have some issues with this book. Cyrus' descent into madness and obsession is downplayed a lot in the majority of the book, and then it suddenly jumps into the forefront. The character does a good job at coming to terms with his obsession in a way that is believable based on what we know of him.
I still have some issues with Vara. I know she's an elf in her very young years, but I still cringe whenever she gets described being similar to a giggling teenager.
Overall, still not the best fantasy I've read, in all honesty, but a good read. I still have issues with the feel of it being a narrated MMORPG session, but the author is improving in how he delivers his story.
I did have some issues with this book. Cyrus' descent into madness and obsession is downplayed a lot in the majority of the book, and then it suddenly jumps into the forefront. The character does a good job at coming to terms with his obsession in a way that is believable based on what we know of him.
I still have some issues with Vara. I know she's an elf in her very young years, but I still cringe whenever she gets described being similar to a giggling teenager.
Overall, still not the best fantasy I've read, in all honesty, but a good read. I still have issues with the feel of it being a narrated MMORPG session, but the author is improving in how he delivers his story.
May 20, 2018
Finished reading " Avenger " by Robert J Crane. This is the second part of the Sanctuary Series. Another very good read. I am liking the story and will continue the series.
Caravans are being attacked and robber. People are being killed. Sanctuary is being blamed for it. They have been exiled from all the lands and have been given a short time period to prove their innocence. Is someone framing Sanctuary or is someone in the guild actually doing it? If they fail to prove their innocence the members will be executed.
Caravans are being attacked and robber. People are being killed. Sanctuary is being blamed for it. They have been exiled from all the lands and have been given a short time period to prove their innocence. Is someone framing Sanctuary or is someone in the guild actually doing it? If they fail to prove their innocence the members will be executed.
January 6, 2021
This book is slightly better than the first book. Cyrus continues to mature. which is great for character development. His supporting cast is fun/interesting as usual. Action/adventures was better with the trials and returning to a place from the first book. Negatives, I'm starting to get annoyed about certain characters being revived, though it must be because they will have bigger roles in future books i guess. it would have more meaning/impactful if some stayed dead. Overall another good book.
June 13, 2023
Slow for 70%, Great for the remainder.
I almost put this book down because it became so frustrating and depressing. I quick read a lot of pages because of it was going nowhere. The it finally took a huge jump in excitement and interest. I'm glad I kept reading, the last 30% of the novel I read all in one seating. Now I venture on to the next one in the series. Let's hope the quality of the last third of this one rolls into the next..
I almost put this book down because it became so frustrating and depressing. I quick read a lot of pages because of it was going nowhere. The it finally took a huge jump in excitement and interest. I'm glad I kept reading, the last 30% of the novel I read all in one seating. Now I venture on to the next one in the series. Let's hope the quality of the last third of this one rolls into the next..
August 25, 2024
Fantastic read
I'm not great at writing reviews, so I don't do it very often. I have read all of Mr. Crane's Girl in the box/out of the box series and love them. So I thought I'd try his Sanctuary series. I am so glad I did, because wow! what a fantastic read. Kind of a cross between The Witcher (without the saucy bits) and Lord of the Rings. This book made me laugh, cry, and adrenaline rise to the point of shaking. Well done, Mr Crane. Thank you for the joyride.
I'm not great at writing reviews, so I don't do it very often. I have read all of Mr. Crane's Girl in the box/out of the box series and love them. So I thought I'd try his Sanctuary series. I am so glad I did, because wow! what a fantastic read. Kind of a cross between The Witcher (without the saucy bits) and Lord of the Rings. This book made me laugh, cry, and adrenaline rise to the point of shaking. Well done, Mr Crane. Thank you for the joyride.
August 19, 2018
I enjoyed book #2 in this series better than the first. It is most likely due to much more character development and backstories learned of the characters that were introduced in a rush in the first book. I love the story and find the trials of Purgatory to be especially intriguing. I’m continuing on to the next book.
October 9, 2018
3 1/2 Stars. Has the same heroes still adventuring and dungeon-crawling, but at least now there's actually some background and storyline. Thank goodness. There is still too much lack of respect for death, but at least the author is consistent. Lovers of D&D will enjoy all the 'hack and slash' as I did, which is why I'll soon be reading #3 and writing that review.
September 1, 2020
gold and lies
Sanctuary is accused of heinous attacks on caravans crossing the Plains. they are called by the three ruling counsels and censored with demands of exorbitant payments. included in this are guarantees of death for any of the guild members found on the Plain. this doesn't stop Cyrus and his band. they plan to find the killers and clear their names
Sanctuary is accused of heinous attacks on caravans crossing the Plains. they are called by the three ruling counsels and censored with demands of exorbitant payments. included in this are guarantees of death for any of the guild members found on the Plain. this doesn't stop Cyrus and his band. they plan to find the killers and clear their names
August 11, 2021
Hooked
Started with first volume and, sadly told myself I'll just check it out and maybe pick up the follow on book. Was I severely deluding myself. Now I can't wait to read the whole epic adventure that is Cyrus, Vara, Sanctuary, et'al. Thanks Mr. Crane for sharing this tale, I am enjoying it emsley.
Started with first volume and, sadly told myself I'll just check it out and maybe pick up the follow on book. Was I severely deluding myself. Now I can't wait to read the whole epic adventure that is Cyrus, Vara, Sanctuary, et'al. Thanks Mr. Crane for sharing this tale, I am enjoying it emsley.
May 16, 2018
The second book is much better and even though it is not a series I would typically read I am considering getting each of the books one at a time. If it starts to get boring again I will stop the series.
November 12, 2019
Excellent series.
A tale of love, war, bravery, mercy and treachery.
The story starts somewhat slowly but gradually and grippingly, draws you into the lives of the characters. Yet, above all the overriding theme is one of honour.
A tale of love, war, bravery, mercy and treachery.
The story starts somewhat slowly but gradually and grippingly, draws you into the lives of the characters. Yet, above all the overriding theme is one of honour.
January 12, 2020
My usual reading consists of mysteries and thrillers but I have to add that this book of Harry Potter-like wizards, rock giants and dwarves was very interesting.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 10, 2020
Cyrus losses his team, but the sorcerer brings them back to life, with a special spell. Crus becomes the Avenger. It's hard giving reviews, dur to all of the spoilers. Once thr reader gets into the story it begins to move a little faster, hut it is slow starting.
January 16, 2021
Amazing reading🎧
An excellent book 2 in the Sanctuary Series by Robert Crane, it is a will written fanasty thriller Sci-Fi novel with interesting characters and story line. I would recommend this series to anyone who read fansty novels. Enjoy reading 2021 ⚔😎🎉✨
An excellent book 2 in the Sanctuary Series by Robert Crane, it is a will written fanasty thriller Sci-Fi novel with interesting characters and story line. I would recommend this series to anyone who read fansty novels. Enjoy reading 2021 ⚔😎🎉✨
October 31, 2023
Avenger (The Sanctuary Series Book 2)
Bold fully engaging characters that you can grow attached to. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A book that is hard to put down because it’s so throughly engrossing.
Bold fully engaging characters that you can grow attached to. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A book that is hard to put down because it’s so throughly engrossing.
May 14, 2017
The story has many exciting elements, dragons, goblins, and monsters galore. Fun read.
June 28, 2017
I can't stop reading this series, the first one took a while to get into it but now I want to find out what all the characters are doing
January 16, 2019
A continuation of book 2 and a little better than the first one. Will be reading further.
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