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The Outcast Chronicles #3
Sanctuary
The mystic Wyrds have been banished by King Charald, whose descent into madness grows ever steeper. Exiled and forced to set sail on the first day of winter, Imoshen’s people are packed onto seven crowded ships. Tensions flare under the pressure and the all-fathers and all-mothers are put to the test controlling their hardened warriors. Ronnynand his sister Aravelle have been separated, just as they feared, and look to an uncertain future. Sorne is betrayed and captured on the seas. Tobazim faces a confrontation with the bloodthirsty All-father Kyredeon and his notorious assassin, Graelen. And, while Imoshen has promised the T’Enatuath a home with the Sagoras, the enigmatic scholars have not yet replied to her plea for sanctuary. This is the thrilling climax to The Outcast Chronicles.
559 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2012
4 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Rowena Cory Daniells
39 books360 followersI write the kind of books that keep you up all night.
I write the kind of books that got you reading fantasy way back when. I also write gritty crime-noir with a touch of paranormal under RC Daniells.
I am unashamedly a Genre Writer!
I write the kind of books that got you reading fantasy way back when. I also write gritty crime-noir with a touch of paranormal under RC Daniells.
I am unashamedly a Genre Writer!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 30, 2017
Sanctuary by Rowena Cory Daniells
***3.5***
***Minor spoilers for Besieged and Exile***
As a continuation of the Outcast story, the book was interesting enough. Imoshen and a large contingent of her people have made it to the docks and the boats heading to the Sagoras. They still have a few days before they are required to set sail and so they sit on the boats and wait to see if any more of their people will arrive, either on their own, or delivered for a reward by the Mieren (or True-Men).
The same themes that are present in the first two books are also present here, some growing in breadth and others waning. To be honest though, it was starting to get repetitive and boring. There are always those among the T'En who are not ready for change, both in the Sisterhoods and Brotherhoods. Thankfully, one of the more vicious T'En leaders is overthrown. However this is done through back channels and manipulations. Actions that go against the very fabric of the peoples. The T'En continue to challenge each other and to fight among themselves. While in a way this hold true to real life (it takes years for people to change their ways) I didn't pick up these books to read about real life and I wanted to see growth and change among the characters. Many of the characters were simply too stubborn and set in their ways to change and for the most part, those causing issue were simply killed.
Sorne is once again separataed from the T'En and thrust back into helping the Mieren hold their kingdom. This part of the story I was so disinterested in I actually skim read until those parts were over. Charald is barely even spoken of and rarely heard from. His departure from the story gets one paragraph of how Sorne is able to move on. Then, when this finally happens Sorne is once again taken prisoner and kept from the life he wants to live. This part too I found boring as it was just a repeat of the previous two books. Sorne is a good man, who is torn between wanting the love and acceptance of his father and hoping to find a place among his people, the T'En and Malajune. During the books he is repeatedly taken prisoner to be used in nefarious ways.
Imoshen makes little headway among the Sisterhood itself, and often makes big movements as the Causare without consulting anyone about it. She is almost single handedly changing the ways of the T'En. In itself this should be impressive, but her sole struggle actually becomes tiresome. You wonder how non of these people can see things from her point of view and she has so little faith in them that she doesn't even consult them before implementing her changes, and everyone just follows suit so they can save face. If she has so little faith in them, why is she bothering to try and change them? To be fair there are enough T'En who think similarly to her, if not exactly the same, but the constant struggle is repetitive and tiresome. The T'En constantly trying to out do each other and overthrow each other has been done to death in the previous two books and I was hoping to see something more develop.
As a conclusion to the story I was a bit let down. Very little is actually changed or achieved by the end of the book. In fact, the story is left so wide open that I am half expecting another book. The book basically ends with the phrase "It's a start." A start to a whole other book because the story isn't even close to finished maybe. So many characters die because the T'En are unwilling to work together and save their people as a whole in exile. They would rather achieve stature for their respective Brotherhoods and rise in the ranks of the T'En. I don't think they realize the T'En will cease to exist unless they get their heads out of their own asses and work together.
Perhaps that is the point of the entire story however. In which case I raise my hat to Daniells because she has captured the infuriating reality of people presented with choices they'd rather not make and the stubbornness of a peoples unwilling to change to save themselves.
For me this was a repetitive and lackluster ending to the series with very little (if any) closure.
***3.5***
***Minor spoilers for Besieged and Exile***
As a continuation of the Outcast story, the book was interesting enough. Imoshen and a large contingent of her people have made it to the docks and the boats heading to the Sagoras. They still have a few days before they are required to set sail and so they sit on the boats and wait to see if any more of their people will arrive, either on their own, or delivered for a reward by the Mieren (or True-Men).
The same themes that are present in the first two books are also present here, some growing in breadth and others waning. To be honest though, it was starting to get repetitive and boring. There are always those among the T'En who are not ready for change, both in the Sisterhoods and Brotherhoods. Thankfully, one of the more vicious T'En leaders is overthrown. However this is done through back channels and manipulations. Actions that go against the very fabric of the peoples. The T'En continue to challenge each other and to fight among themselves. While in a way this hold true to real life (it takes years for people to change their ways) I didn't pick up these books to read about real life and I wanted to see growth and change among the characters. Many of the characters were simply too stubborn and set in their ways to change and for the most part, those causing issue were simply killed.
Sorne is once again separataed from the T'En and thrust back into helping the Mieren hold their kingdom. This part of the story I was so disinterested in I actually skim read until those parts were over. Charald is barely even spoken of and rarely heard from. His departure from the story gets one paragraph of how Sorne is able to move on. Then, when this finally happens Sorne is once again taken prisoner and kept from the life he wants to live. This part too I found boring as it was just a repeat of the previous two books. Sorne is a good man, who is torn between wanting the love and acceptance of his father and hoping to find a place among his people, the T'En and Malajune. During the books he is repeatedly taken prisoner to be used in nefarious ways.
Imoshen makes little headway among the Sisterhood itself, and often makes big movements as the Causare without consulting anyone about it. She is almost single handedly changing the ways of the T'En. In itself this should be impressive, but her sole struggle actually becomes tiresome. You wonder how non of these people can see things from her point of view and she has so little faith in them that she doesn't even consult them before implementing her changes, and everyone just follows suit so they can save face. If she has so little faith in them, why is she bothering to try and change them? To be fair there are enough T'En who think similarly to her, if not exactly the same, but the constant struggle is repetitive and tiresome. The T'En constantly trying to out do each other and overthrow each other has been done to death in the previous two books and I was hoping to see something more develop.
As a conclusion to the story I was a bit let down. Very little is actually changed or achieved by the end of the book. In fact, the story is left so wide open that I am half expecting another book. The book basically ends with the phrase "It's a start." A start to a whole other book because the story isn't even close to finished maybe. So many characters die because the T'En are unwilling to work together and save their people as a whole in exile. They would rather achieve stature for their respective Brotherhoods and rise in the ranks of the T'En. I don't think they realize the T'En will cease to exist unless they get their heads out of their own asses and work together.
Perhaps that is the point of the entire story however. In which case I raise my hat to Daniells because she has captured the infuriating reality of people presented with choices they'd rather not make and the stubbornness of a peoples unwilling to change to save themselves.
For me this was a repetitive and lackluster ending to the series with very little (if any) closure.
September 23, 2012
I didn't write a review for Exile, although I read it. Sanctuary would have been the same since it suffers the exact mistakes of the former. How can you write half a book from the perspective of two different characters whose ultimate roles amount to almost nothing in the end. Let me not focus too long on the fact that these two characters are not charismatic or edgy. In fact they exude very little character at all, mostly just angst.
My favorite two characters, the ones that pedicated my thorough enjoyment of Beseiged, are sparingly narrated. While I did enjoyed the fresher perspective Jaraile, that too felt sparingly adequate to the aforementioned dull viewpoints carried over from Exile of Ronynn and Aravella.
The book ends, and that's probably the best thing I can say about it.what begun as an incredible tale in Beseiged as watered down in Exile and dilutted and stretched in Sanctuary. How sad.
I think the fact that I also find the T'En to be a most obtuse culture didn't help. How can you be facing extinction as a race and still find the time to kill your own kind? This while knowing that your population breeds at a much slower rate than your enemies. That was the biggest hurdle I think. I fear that I could not suspend my disbelief significantly to bypass that.
My favorite two characters, the ones that pedicated my thorough enjoyment of Beseiged, are sparingly narrated. While I did enjoyed the fresher perspective Jaraile, that too felt sparingly adequate to the aforementioned dull viewpoints carried over from Exile of Ronynn and Aravella.
The book ends, and that's probably the best thing I can say about it.what begun as an incredible tale in Beseiged as watered down in Exile and dilutted and stretched in Sanctuary. How sad.
I think the fact that I also find the T'En to be a most obtuse culture didn't help. How can you be facing extinction as a race and still find the time to kill your own kind? This while knowing that your population breeds at a much slower rate than your enemies. That was the biggest hurdle I think. I fear that I could not suspend my disbelief significantly to bypass that.
October 19, 2024
This book really fell off from the first two. I had put it down for more than a month before finally picking it back up to finish it. This was the second series I read by this author and I don't think I'm going to read anymore, in both series the last book was such a disappointment. I think it was worse in this one, as overall the series was better and the last book did have potential.
A good chunk of this book just seemed to be so drug out, and then the last couple of chapters felt very rushed, with plot threads opening up with no time to fully close them. There were other plot threads from earlier in the book that were never resolved either. If some of the repetitive parts in the middle had been cut, these parts that needed expansion could have gotten that.
A good chunk of this book just seemed to be so drug out, and then the last couple of chapters felt very rushed, with plot threads opening up with no time to fully close them. There were other plot threads from earlier in the book that were never resolved either. If some of the repetitive parts in the middle had been cut, these parts that needed expansion could have gotten that.
September 26, 2014
Source: Author (Honest Review Requested)
Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
♦ What I Liked. I had a strong feeling at the conclusion of Exile that I was going to love Sanctuary and I was right. In some ways this book was better than the first two books combined. It wasn't perfect mind you. But you can ask anybody in this household and they will tell you I literally disappeared from this world every time I opened its pages.
Juggling this much information is hard sometimes but for the most part I had very little trouble keeping up. There are some really clever players in this drama and they kept me on my toes. I wavered between "omg, what else can go wrong" to "omg, what a great solution!"
The issues explored are deep and varied. The pace marched to a rhythm of 2 steps forward, followed by one or more steps back. Progress is made but the means are often tragic or at the very least, painful. And as with almost any civilization, change is fought against every step of the way.
The whole process was a joy to read.
♦ What I didn't like. I wasn't entirely happy with the ending. It had too much of a "to be continued" feel to it. To make matters worse, I am not sure -- this being a prequel -- if there is going to be a continuation of this story or it was designed to tie into the first series, Fall of Fair Isle. I doubt that it is though. I haven't read the first series but it is my understanding that it takes place well into the future. The cliffhanger I am referring to suggests something more imminent.
Now before you misunderstand me on this, the book did conclude most of the major conflicts; effectively ending this chapter of the character's lives. It was only the very end that felt like a segway into a whole new series. Granted one I very much want to read but it is bad enough when book one and two within a trilogy end in a cliffhanger. For a concluding volume to do so makes me alittle angry. If I loved the series I don't need a hook to read the next one. I'm going to do it because I love the author's style. The whole reason why I read entire series at one time is so I don't have to put up with cliffhangers! Grrrrr.
♦ Conclusion. As long as I shove my annoyance over the ending aside, I have to say this was the strongest of the three books. I can't help but admire a writer who so perfectly juggles the lives of so many people all while dealing with a myriad of social, racial, cultural and gender related issues. This is true Epic Fantasy all the way from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
♦ What I Liked. I had a strong feeling at the conclusion of Exile that I was going to love Sanctuary and I was right. In some ways this book was better than the first two books combined. It wasn't perfect mind you. But you can ask anybody in this household and they will tell you I literally disappeared from this world every time I opened its pages.
Juggling this much information is hard sometimes but for the most part I had very little trouble keeping up. There are some really clever players in this drama and they kept me on my toes. I wavered between "omg, what else can go wrong" to "omg, what a great solution!"
The issues explored are deep and varied. The pace marched to a rhythm of 2 steps forward, followed by one or more steps back. Progress is made but the means are often tragic or at the very least, painful. And as with almost any civilization, change is fought against every step of the way.
The whole process was a joy to read.
♦ What I didn't like. I wasn't entirely happy with the ending. It had too much of a "to be continued" feel to it. To make matters worse, I am not sure -- this being a prequel -- if there is going to be a continuation of this story or it was designed to tie into the first series, Fall of Fair Isle. I doubt that it is though. I haven't read the first series but it is my understanding that it takes place well into the future. The cliffhanger I am referring to suggests something more imminent.
Now before you misunderstand me on this, the book did conclude most of the major conflicts; effectively ending this chapter of the character's lives. It was only the very end that felt like a segway into a whole new series. Granted one I very much want to read but it is bad enough when book one and two within a trilogy end in a cliffhanger. For a concluding volume to do so makes me alittle angry. If I loved the series I don't need a hook to read the next one. I'm going to do it because I love the author's style. The whole reason why I read entire series at one time is so I don't have to put up with cliffhangers! Grrrrr.
♦ Conclusion. As long as I shove my annoyance over the ending aside, I have to say this was the strongest of the three books. I can't help but admire a writer who so perfectly juggles the lives of so many people all while dealing with a myriad of social, racial, cultural and gender related issues. This is true Epic Fantasy all the way from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2012
The problem with this book was the end. It was all good up to that, but, there was no conclusion. There was nothing that left me feeling good and that everything would turn out ok. It was more, they are fine for today, but hey today they might all die. And for me that is not a good feeling. I like conclusions, while this felt like more is coming. But is more coming? I think not.
Anyway it was still a good book even if it felt unfinished. There are lots of characters in it..yeah lots and all with names that I can't remember how to spell except for Imoshen. The woman who tries to lead her people into exile. Humans are bad, idiots most of them. The T'en are better, but only cos they do not kill humans, just each other. So yes in that aspect they are no better. But it's a fascinating society even with it's flaws. I would sure not like to be born into it. Men and women do not trust each other and the half bloods are just lessers.
A fascinating world as I said. A good thrilling story. I just wished for more of an ending.
Anyway it was still a good book even if it felt unfinished. There are lots of characters in it..yeah lots and all with names that I can't remember how to spell except for Imoshen. The woman who tries to lead her people into exile. Humans are bad, idiots most of them. The T'en are better, but only cos they do not kill humans, just each other. So yes in that aspect they are no better. But it's a fascinating society even with it's flaws. I would sure not like to be born into it. Men and women do not trust each other and the half bloods are just lessers.
A fascinating world as I said. A good thrilling story. I just wished for more of an ending.
September 8, 2012
As the final book of a trilogy, there's not much I specifically want to say. Generally though? I'm left as usual with the same problem I always am upon finishing one of Daniells' books - I WANT MORE! Fantastic series, gorgeous characters (when even the evil ones feel real and the good ones are necessarily completely on the straight and narrow), great action. I love the worldbuilding, and the writing is excellent. I now want to go back and read The Last T'En trilogy, which was the first Daniells' I read, a decade ago!
Oh, and THANK YOU publisher Solaris, for releasing this trilogy in short sequence - addicts like myself really do appreciate it!
Oh, and THANK YOU publisher Solaris, for releasing this trilogy in short sequence - addicts like myself really do appreciate it!
August 27, 2012
Due to the nature of this trilogy – it's closer to one big book divided in three parts, LoTR-style, than to three books in a continuous storyline – spoilers are inevitable, and while I strive to keep large spoilers to a minimum in my reviews, talking about Sanctuary will spoil some things for Exile and Besieged. So if you don't want to be spoiled at all, best close this review and start reading
Besieged
!
And so The Outcast Chronicles draws to a close with this final instalment, Sanctuary. And what a stunning finale it is. Unlike The Usurper , the third book in the King Rolen's Kin trilogy, Sanctuary was a very satisfying ending to the story told in The Outcast Chronicles. After being introduced to the T'Enatuath and the true-men in Besieged , following the preparations to leave in Exile , in Sanctuary we follow Imoshen and her people on their journey from Chalcedonia to Ivernia, the land of the Sagoras. As expected, this journey isn't without its difficulties, both due to in-fighting between the T'En and attacks on the fleet by pirates. In addition, we also see the resolution to the rebellion in Chalcedonia, where Sorne must help Jaraille protect her son's future throne. Covering an even shorter period than Exile before it, Sanctuary doesn't have any dull moments as civil war is fought, all-fathers and mothers unseated and replaced and finally sanctuary is reached, or is it?
In reality, this book contains two stories, that of Queen Jaraille and the rebellion and that of the T'En. While they overlap in some instances, mostly in Sorne making sure that his Mieren kin are relatively safe, they are pretty much separate beyond that. I liked this resolution to the Mieren story. It showed Jaraille dealing with the rebellion and Sorne leaving her in a relatively safe position to rule as regent, but in no way, shape, or form can we be sure that she'll remain in that position; the rebellion has been put down, but the war has been won, so to speak. We just don't get to see the rest of it, because Sorne is forced to leave due to winter arriving and having to leave or be killed. It leaves the reader with a sense of continuity—the narrative may have moved on, but the story continues. Jaraille has shown tremendous growth throughout the series and with Sanctuary has come into her own and there is a sense that only the tip of the iceberg has been uncovered on what she might achieve. Sorne leaves Chalcedonia under threat of death and is betrayed while travelling to join the T'En in exile. This betrayal does give him the chance to gain more stature as he fights to reach Ivernia and proves his worth to the T'En who only see his Malaunje blood.
The T'En side of the book is fantastic. It's no secret that the T'En culture and society are my favourite things about the trilogy and I loved looking in on different brother- and sisterhoods. The reader is shown the difference the all-father or mother's personality can have not just on life in their brother- or sisterhoods, but also for the T'En as a whole. Again there is lots of politicking and this time we see that it's not just the T'En, but their Malaunje as well. Through Aravelle we get a glance of what Malaunje life with the T'En is like and it isn't always pretty. Thus far we've only seen beloved devotees interacting with the T'En, but normal Malaunje are far from such an existence. Aravelle is a lovely character; she truly has to grow up in Sanctuary and make some heartbreaking choices. She's determined and tenacious and she doesn't let the life she's found herself thrown into break her spirit.
The struggle for the all-fatherhood in Kyredeon's brotherhood was incredible; the climax to this story arc left me completely breathless. Daniells manages to ramp up the tension to a Himalayan peak, before letting it subside to ready itself for another peak in the final chapters of the book. I found myself glued to the book until the final conclusion of this epic struggle. Daniells not only creates a Brotherhood triumvirate to be proud of, but also leaves the door open for some amazing interplay between Imoshen, Ardonyx and Tobazim. Everybody has secrets, but none more so than these three and their dance to keep these secrets from each other so as not lose each other's trust was intricate and fascinating. With the T'En in such close quarters, we also learn even more about the gifts – how they work, what they can achieve, and what forms they take – which was very cool.
While Sanctuary wraps up the story of this trilogy completely, there are hints that the story isn't done. I look forward to discovering whether there will be more, which I sincerely hope, as I've really fallen in love with the T'Enatuath and I'd love to be able to revisit them. Sanctuary is a fabulous round off to a great series, which has firmly planted Rowena Cory Daniells on my must-read list of authors. Of the two series by her which I've read so far, this is my favourite. It has politics, intrigue, heroics and love in all its guises splashed on its pages in a lovely smooth authorial voice. If you're looking for an engaging, rich world to lose yourself in, picking up The Outcast Chronicles is the way to go. Sanctuary will be published by Solaris on August 28 in the US and Canada and in the UK on September 13. Don't miss it!
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
And so The Outcast Chronicles draws to a close with this final instalment, Sanctuary. And what a stunning finale it is. Unlike The Usurper , the third book in the King Rolen's Kin trilogy, Sanctuary was a very satisfying ending to the story told in The Outcast Chronicles. After being introduced to the T'Enatuath and the true-men in Besieged , following the preparations to leave in Exile , in Sanctuary we follow Imoshen and her people on their journey from Chalcedonia to Ivernia, the land of the Sagoras. As expected, this journey isn't without its difficulties, both due to in-fighting between the T'En and attacks on the fleet by pirates. In addition, we also see the resolution to the rebellion in Chalcedonia, where Sorne must help Jaraille protect her son's future throne. Covering an even shorter period than Exile before it, Sanctuary doesn't have any dull moments as civil war is fought, all-fathers and mothers unseated and replaced and finally sanctuary is reached, or is it?
In reality, this book contains two stories, that of Queen Jaraille and the rebellion and that of the T'En. While they overlap in some instances, mostly in Sorne making sure that his Mieren kin are relatively safe, they are pretty much separate beyond that. I liked this resolution to the Mieren story. It showed Jaraille dealing with the rebellion and Sorne leaving her in a relatively safe position to rule as regent, but in no way, shape, or form can we be sure that she'll remain in that position; the rebellion has been put down, but the war has been won, so to speak. We just don't get to see the rest of it, because Sorne is forced to leave due to winter arriving and having to leave or be killed. It leaves the reader with a sense of continuity—the narrative may have moved on, but the story continues. Jaraille has shown tremendous growth throughout the series and with Sanctuary has come into her own and there is a sense that only the tip of the iceberg has been uncovered on what she might achieve. Sorne leaves Chalcedonia under threat of death and is betrayed while travelling to join the T'En in exile. This betrayal does give him the chance to gain more stature as he fights to reach Ivernia and proves his worth to the T'En who only see his Malaunje blood.
The T'En side of the book is fantastic. It's no secret that the T'En culture and society are my favourite things about the trilogy and I loved looking in on different brother- and sisterhoods. The reader is shown the difference the all-father or mother's personality can have not just on life in their brother- or sisterhoods, but also for the T'En as a whole. Again there is lots of politicking and this time we see that it's not just the T'En, but their Malaunje as well. Through Aravelle we get a glance of what Malaunje life with the T'En is like and it isn't always pretty. Thus far we've only seen beloved devotees interacting with the T'En, but normal Malaunje are far from such an existence. Aravelle is a lovely character; she truly has to grow up in Sanctuary and make some heartbreaking choices. She's determined and tenacious and she doesn't let the life she's found herself thrown into break her spirit.
The struggle for the all-fatherhood in Kyredeon's brotherhood was incredible; the climax to this story arc left me completely breathless. Daniells manages to ramp up the tension to a Himalayan peak, before letting it subside to ready itself for another peak in the final chapters of the book. I found myself glued to the book until the final conclusion of this epic struggle. Daniells not only creates a Brotherhood triumvirate to be proud of, but also leaves the door open for some amazing interplay between Imoshen, Ardonyx and Tobazim. Everybody has secrets, but none more so than these three and their dance to keep these secrets from each other so as not lose each other's trust was intricate and fascinating. With the T'En in such close quarters, we also learn even more about the gifts – how they work, what they can achieve, and what forms they take – which was very cool.
While Sanctuary wraps up the story of this trilogy completely, there are hints that the story isn't done. I look forward to discovering whether there will be more, which I sincerely hope, as I've really fallen in love with the T'Enatuath and I'd love to be able to revisit them. Sanctuary is a fabulous round off to a great series, which has firmly planted Rowena Cory Daniells on my must-read list of authors. Of the two series by her which I've read so far, this is my favourite. It has politics, intrigue, heroics and love in all its guises splashed on its pages in a lovely smooth authorial voice. If you're looking for an engaging, rich world to lose yourself in, picking up The Outcast Chronicles is the way to go. Sanctuary will be published by Solaris on August 28 in the US and Canada and in the UK on September 13. Don't miss it!
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
January 24, 2013
In the final installment of the trilogy the T'En and Malaunje begin their exile aboard less ships than they'd hoped. While Causare Imoshen tries to ensure her peoples safety the leaders of the brotherhoods play power games. Sorne must keep King Charald's aging madness hidden to avoid an uprising of disloyal barons and return a kidnapped queen.
I mentioned in earlier reviews of this series how many characters there are (and how wonderfully Daniells portrays them) but what I failed to mention is how she manages to interweave so many of the stories together. She did so in the earlier books but this books puts the predecessors to shame. She brings characters you haven't seen since book one and weaves them perfectly back into the story to ally with newer characters.
More gritty twists for everyone who loves dark fantasy, which is great for tension since you honestly never know who will actually die and who will survive. Daniells really had me worried more than once through this book. Sometimes she let the sap in me be happy, but not always.
The conclusion is satisfying, tying up most of the myriad plots, but I'll say no more so I don't ruin anything.
I recommend this book and its series to fans of dark fantasy and lovers of good action and politics in fantasy.
I mentioned in earlier reviews of this series how many characters there are (and how wonderfully Daniells portrays them) but what I failed to mention is how she manages to interweave so many of the stories together. She did so in the earlier books but this books puts the predecessors to shame. She brings characters you haven't seen since book one and weaves them perfectly back into the story to ally with newer characters.
More gritty twists for everyone who loves dark fantasy, which is great for tension since you honestly never know who will actually die and who will survive. Daniells really had me worried more than once through this book. Sometimes she let the sap in me be happy, but not always.
The conclusion is satisfying, tying up most of the myriad plots, but I'll say no more so I don't ruin anything.
I recommend this book and its series to fans of dark fantasy and lovers of good action and politics in fantasy.
December 9, 2013
In this final installment of Rowena Cory Daniells’ THE OUTCAST CHRONICLES, the focus shifts from the conflict between the humans (Mieren) and the elf-like T’en to the clash between the different factions of T’en as they float across the ocean toward the titular sanctuary. Fortunately, the sense of pacing and deeper characterization from Exile, the previous novel, remains intact here, and as the T’en and Malaunje always dominated the cast of this series, it’s tough to miss the Mieren once they vanish from the proceedings. It’s more of the same material that was quite enjoyable in the last book, although the overall resolution of various plot threads leaves a bit to be desired.
If Exile, the book which preceded Sanctuary, was about cultural conflict and upheaval and the book which preceded that, Besieged, was about stagnation, the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
If Exile, the book which preceded Sanctuary, was about cultural conflict and upheaval and the book which preceded that, Besieged, was about stagnation, the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
June 5, 2015
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first two, but it was still really good. I really connected with almost all of the characters, and the T'En, with their gender politics and gifts, were really fascinating to me.
November 24, 2012
290 years ago the peace accords were signed between the True-men (whom the T’En call Mieren) and the powerful and long-lived T’Enatuath (whom the humans call the Wyrd). The two races have co-existed in an uneasy peace since then. Sometimes half-bloods (whom the T’En call the Malaunje and the humans call the Wyrd) are born to two True-men parents. According to the accords, the True-men have to give up the half-blood infants to the T’En.
But king Charald has broken the accords. He attacked the T’En Celestial City and only the cunning of the T’En’s elected leader Imoshen allowed her to negotiate a treaty. According to the treaty, the T’En and Malaunje are allowed free passage to ships which will take them away forever. However, ambitious rebel baron Eskarnor attacked the T’En. Even though king Charald’s declining mental and physical health has been kept a secret, Eskarnor has learnt of it and is taking advantage of it. Now, he has kidnapped old king Charald’s young queen and raped her. Eskarnor intends to murder king Charald and marry the queen so that he will take the throne. However, Charald’s adviser Sorne is trying his best to unite the land against the usurper baron and get the queen back safely. Sorne was born a half-blood so most of the Mieren hate him, which that makes his task very difficult.
Meanwhile, after enduring several attacks the T’Entuath and the Malajaune have finally reached the ships which are supposed to take them to safety. They have a long journey ahead of them but before that they still need to wait for the last of their own people to reach the ships. They are sailing to a temporary safe harbor. In addition to the threat of the Mieren who are anxious to get their hands on the T’En’s rumored wealth, Imoshen has to deal with the suspicions and grumpy T’En leaders who are always looking to increase their own stature – at the cost of other T’En. Unfortunately, at these critical times, their ambitions and their lack of trust to each other could be the end of the whole race.
Kyredeon leads one of the biggest warrior brotherhoods but instead of leading with honor, he keeps the less powerful warriors in line with fear. Even some of his own men have started to think that he’s corrupted in his fear and hatred. Tobazim is a young warrior who has only recently joined Kyredeon’s brotherhood but already the leader has singled him out as a threat. Tobazim has a circle of supporters but most of them are young warriors who resent Kyredeon and Tobazim is afraid that Kyredeon will kill him and his supporters.
In the previous book, Exile, we were introduced to a family of two runaway Malaunjes. The greedy Mieren killed the parents and brought the children to the T’En. Now the six children are being torn away from each other because some of them are Malaunje and some are pure T’En, and in the T’En society the T’En don’t acknowledge their Malaunje kin. However, because the kids have grown together, it hard for them to follow this rule. The Malaunje girls are also now automatically servants according to the T’En society’s rules and proud Aravelle can barely stomach that.
The third book in the series is just as intense as the others, full of action, politics, and tragedy. People will have to do heartbreaking things to save their lives or the lives of others. The book also deals with child abuse.
Sanctuary doesn’t have as much out-right warfare as the previous book but the True-men, the Mieren, are just as greedy and ruthless as in the previous books. They will try their best to rape, kill, and rob every last T’En rather than let them sail away. Some of the T’En are also misusing their position and abuse the Malaunje they’re supposed to protect. Also, some the more powerful Malaunje abuse the other Malaunje. One of the themes of the book is how power and ambition corrupts people.
The T’En culture is as fascinating as ever with a lot of internal conflict and suspicions. Imoshen has to resort to outright trickery to get the various brotherhoods and sisterhoods to work together long enough to save their race. She’s also an idealist and tries to take small steps to change the culture which divides T’En women and men from each other from birth. However, many of the people she depends on are traditionalists who would be horrified with the changes she’s dreaming about.
The characters are mostly vivid and compelling, especially the T’En. Unfortunately, most of the Mieren are left almost as caricatures of hatred and greed. Imoshen was raised outside the T’En society and sometimes she has difficult time fitting in. She’s convinced that the T’En society is limiting both individuals and the whole race from growing to their full potential. But most of the T’En don’t want to change. The young warrior Tobazim is an exception to this; he wants his leader Kyredeon deposed and a safer life for everyone in the brotherhood. Tobazim’s gift is for seeing how buildings are put together and the weak spots in them. Now, he can use his gift for people as well. For most of the series, Sorne has been torn between his loyalty to the old ruthless king Charald and to the T’En. Now, he’s thinking of doing one last service to the Mieren before joining the T’En in their exile.
Sanctuary is an intense and satisfyingly conclusion to the series.
The author kindly sent me a review copy.
But king Charald has broken the accords. He attacked the T’En Celestial City and only the cunning of the T’En’s elected leader Imoshen allowed her to negotiate a treaty. According to the treaty, the T’En and Malaunje are allowed free passage to ships which will take them away forever. However, ambitious rebel baron Eskarnor attacked the T’En. Even though king Charald’s declining mental and physical health has been kept a secret, Eskarnor has learnt of it and is taking advantage of it. Now, he has kidnapped old king Charald’s young queen and raped her. Eskarnor intends to murder king Charald and marry the queen so that he will take the throne. However, Charald’s adviser Sorne is trying his best to unite the land against the usurper baron and get the queen back safely. Sorne was born a half-blood so most of the Mieren hate him, which that makes his task very difficult.
Meanwhile, after enduring several attacks the T’Entuath and the Malajaune have finally reached the ships which are supposed to take them to safety. They have a long journey ahead of them but before that they still need to wait for the last of their own people to reach the ships. They are sailing to a temporary safe harbor. In addition to the threat of the Mieren who are anxious to get their hands on the T’En’s rumored wealth, Imoshen has to deal with the suspicions and grumpy T’En leaders who are always looking to increase their own stature – at the cost of other T’En. Unfortunately, at these critical times, their ambitions and their lack of trust to each other could be the end of the whole race.
Kyredeon leads one of the biggest warrior brotherhoods but instead of leading with honor, he keeps the less powerful warriors in line with fear. Even some of his own men have started to think that he’s corrupted in his fear and hatred. Tobazim is a young warrior who has only recently joined Kyredeon’s brotherhood but already the leader has singled him out as a threat. Tobazim has a circle of supporters but most of them are young warriors who resent Kyredeon and Tobazim is afraid that Kyredeon will kill him and his supporters.
In the previous book, Exile, we were introduced to a family of two runaway Malaunjes. The greedy Mieren killed the parents and brought the children to the T’En. Now the six children are being torn away from each other because some of them are Malaunje and some are pure T’En, and in the T’En society the T’En don’t acknowledge their Malaunje kin. However, because the kids have grown together, it hard for them to follow this rule. The Malaunje girls are also now automatically servants according to the T’En society’s rules and proud Aravelle can barely stomach that.
The third book in the series is just as intense as the others, full of action, politics, and tragedy. People will have to do heartbreaking things to save their lives or the lives of others. The book also deals with child abuse.
Sanctuary doesn’t have as much out-right warfare as the previous book but the True-men, the Mieren, are just as greedy and ruthless as in the previous books. They will try their best to rape, kill, and rob every last T’En rather than let them sail away. Some of the T’En are also misusing their position and abuse the Malaunje they’re supposed to protect. Also, some the more powerful Malaunje abuse the other Malaunje. One of the themes of the book is how power and ambition corrupts people.
The T’En culture is as fascinating as ever with a lot of internal conflict and suspicions. Imoshen has to resort to outright trickery to get the various brotherhoods and sisterhoods to work together long enough to save their race. She’s also an idealist and tries to take small steps to change the culture which divides T’En women and men from each other from birth. However, many of the people she depends on are traditionalists who would be horrified with the changes she’s dreaming about.
The characters are mostly vivid and compelling, especially the T’En. Unfortunately, most of the Mieren are left almost as caricatures of hatred and greed. Imoshen was raised outside the T’En society and sometimes she has difficult time fitting in. She’s convinced that the T’En society is limiting both individuals and the whole race from growing to their full potential. But most of the T’En don’t want to change. The young warrior Tobazim is an exception to this; he wants his leader Kyredeon deposed and a safer life for everyone in the brotherhood. Tobazim’s gift is for seeing how buildings are put together and the weak spots in them. Now, he can use his gift for people as well. For most of the series, Sorne has been torn between his loyalty to the old ruthless king Charald and to the T’En. Now, he’s thinking of doing one last service to the Mieren before joining the T’En in their exile.
Sanctuary is an intense and satisfyingly conclusion to the series.
The author kindly sent me a review copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2018
I need more!!!
March 30, 2019
such an amazing book! I didn't want to finish it because I didn't want it to end.
Definitely one of my favorite series!!
Definitely one of my favorite series!!
October 4, 2019
The buildup is longish, or rather, the story is long, compared to that, the ending seems short.
Doesnt really feel like an ending of a series, more like the ending of a single book in a series.
Doesnt really feel like an ending of a series, more like the ending of a single book in a series.
May 22, 2022
unsatisfactory. none of the plot hit the spot. plus side i had no expectations and it always lead me to a place i didnt expect
November 6, 2012
Sanctuary is the third and final volume in Rowena Cory Daniells's Outcast Chronicles. I have previously reviewed the first two volumes,
Besieged
and
Exile
. I suggest reading those for a bit of background on the setting of the world if you are unfamiliar with it. A copy of this book was provided by the author for review purposes.
I jumped into Sanctuary immediately after finishing Exile. Unlike Exile, I'm not sure that Sanctuary works as a potential starting point into the series. The story picks up immediately where Exile left off and, although there are some reminders of earlier events, it builds a lot more on the events of the previous book. Needless to say, this review will contain spoilers for the first two books in the series.
I was a bit worried that the ending would be a little up in the air as the King Rolen's Kin trilogy was. Luckily, this was not the case. There's definitely room for sequels — and I hope Daniells decides to write more books with these characters — but all the pertinent plot lines are nicely tied up.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sanctuary and the Outcast Chronicles as a whole. I highly recommend them to fantasy fans, particularly those that might want something a little different to the medieval gender politics commonly found in fantasy.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
I jumped into Sanctuary immediately after finishing Exile. Unlike Exile, I'm not sure that Sanctuary works as a potential starting point into the series. The story picks up immediately where Exile left off and, although there are some reminders of earlier events, it builds a lot more on the events of the previous book. Needless to say, this review will contain spoilers for the first two books in the series.
I was a bit worried that the ending would be a little up in the air as the King Rolen's Kin trilogy was. Luckily, this was not the case. There's definitely room for sequels — and I hope Daniells decides to write more books with these characters — but all the pertinent plot lines are nicely tied up.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sanctuary and the Outcast Chronicles as a whole. I highly recommend them to fantasy fans, particularly those that might want something a little different to the medieval gender politics commonly found in fantasy.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
March 28, 2016
Ever since the King Rolen's Kin series I've liked Daniells writing. Her style is just easy to read, fun, and make you want to keep reading even when the book gets slow (which rarely happens anyway). The way she writes just draws you into the books and keeps the pages turning. I find that harder and harder to find the more books I read. So of course I ate these books up...
However I knew there would be trouble when I was at the 500 page mark and nothing was really wrapping up in any sort of conclusion to the vast plots she introduced. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which made me flip back to the front of the book to double check there wasn't a 4th in the series like there had been with King Rolen's Kin. But no, the Outcast Chronicles remains a trilogy. Then the Epilogue was less than a page long and I was left.... unsatisfied.
Don't get me wrong, done right the drop off point of a novel leaving the reader going "WHAT NEXT!?" can be an awesome ending. I still think of the ending of Druid's Sword (Sara Douglass) to this day even though I read it.... ages ago it seems. But the difference was this ending was in relation to a subplot almost, the ending to Sanctuary left plots that had been introduced and discussed the entire series unanswered and without.... anything.
It left me feeling like the wind had been sucked out of my sails and I was just floating in the middle of the sea with no land in sight. See what I did there? But really.... I was so unsatisfied with it.... where's the last book? Cause I need a last book....
I'm going to pick up the next series about the T'En and even the "Last T'En" series for the prequel and epilogue to these books and hope they give me some answer, although the Last T'En less so, I just really like Daniells' writing.
I just....
That ending....
It sucked man....
It just sucked.
However I knew there would be trouble when I was at the 500 page mark and nothing was really wrapping up in any sort of conclusion to the vast plots she introduced. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which made me flip back to the front of the book to double check there wasn't a 4th in the series like there had been with King Rolen's Kin. But no, the Outcast Chronicles remains a trilogy. Then the Epilogue was less than a page long and I was left.... unsatisfied.
Don't get me wrong, done right the drop off point of a novel leaving the reader going "WHAT NEXT!?" can be an awesome ending. I still think of the ending of Druid's Sword (Sara Douglass) to this day even though I read it.... ages ago it seems. But the difference was this ending was in relation to a subplot almost, the ending to Sanctuary left plots that had been introduced and discussed the entire series unanswered and without.... anything.
It left me feeling like the wind had been sucked out of my sails and I was just floating in the middle of the sea with no land in sight. See what I did there? But really.... I was so unsatisfied with it.... where's the last book? Cause I need a last book....
I'm going to pick up the next series about the T'En and even the "Last T'En" series for the prequel and epilogue to these books and hope they give me some answer, although the Last T'En less so, I just really like Daniells' writing.
I just....
That ending....
It sucked man....
It just sucked.
October 21, 2012
This is the final novel in 'The Outcast Chronicles' and has the monumental task of wrapping up so many threads set out in the two predecessors that I did have worries that nothing would possibly finish what had already been set into place, luckily my worries were pointless. Daniells has delivered a stunning climax to the exile of the T'En race and all of the plotting, double crossing and back handed politics come to a head perfectly. Not a single loose end is left and each character sees the consequence of choices made as far back as in the beginning of the first novel in what has become one of my favourite trilogy’s I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Daniells skills at building character and giving the reader a sense of emotional attachment to their lives in genuinely exceptional. Her ability to fit so much detail and action into one novel while leaving it so simple to follow and completely engrossing also are second to none.
With a world so rich in culture, character and history the future potential for tales of the T'Enatuath is limitless and although this adventure has came to a perfect conclusion there are hints at so much more to come. Personally, I can't wait. Simply brilliant.
Daniells skills at building character and giving the reader a sense of emotional attachment to their lives in genuinely exceptional. Her ability to fit so much detail and action into one novel while leaving it so simple to follow and completely engrossing also are second to none.
With a world so rich in culture, character and history the future potential for tales of the T'Enatuath is limitless and although this adventure has came to a perfect conclusion there are hints at so much more to come. Personally, I can't wait. Simply brilliant.
October 12, 2016
Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm hoping there will be more from this series eventually.
A real gut-puncher at times with the fraught intra-societal tensions risking everything for its characters and their people. With exodus being the central theme, you really feel the mad scramble towards the promise of safer havens and the risks involved in these journeys.
Again, amazingly complex characters with an amazingly detailed setting. Every character has to really think their way out of each situation, rather than simply fight their way through it. Every avenue feels believable and understandable and in this book, as with the current series, it never feels like the characters get miraculous short cuts. Even a somewhat miraculous escape from danger will have very grounded lead ups and nothing is without consequences.
Could not recommend this series more. I love it. I really wish it was easier to get hold of a copy in libraries and the like as I would probably end up buying it for all my friends to read just so I could talk with them about it.
A real gut-puncher at times with the fraught intra-societal tensions risking everything for its characters and their people. With exodus being the central theme, you really feel the mad scramble towards the promise of safer havens and the risks involved in these journeys.
Again, amazingly complex characters with an amazingly detailed setting. Every character has to really think their way out of each situation, rather than simply fight their way through it. Every avenue feels believable and understandable and in this book, as with the current series, it never feels like the characters get miraculous short cuts. Even a somewhat miraculous escape from danger will have very grounded lead ups and nothing is without consequences.
Could not recommend this series more. I love it. I really wish it was easier to get hold of a copy in libraries and the like as I would probably end up buying it for all my friends to read just so I could talk with them about it.
February 19, 2013
c2012: FWFTB: Wyrds, tensions, ships, betrayed, assassin. I wasn't feeling the love with this book. It can't be the end as there are too many loose ends - or perhaps I just wasn't reading carefully enough. Some strange POVs as some of them did not seem to be that important to the overall plot etc. The disturbing relationships continue as well as the aggro between the male and female characters. I don't know..I feel kind of unfulfilled with this one. It just sort of taled off for me. Pity, really. No blurb on the back of the book referring to this particular book - just to her earlier series - King Rolen's Kin. Recommended to those of the normal crew that have read the first 2 just because the story is still appealing. FCN: Tobazim, King Charald, Ronnyn, Imoshen, Graelen. " Shafts of dawn sunlight gilded the segmented sails so that they gleamed like dragonfly wings.
November 6, 2015
This is the best book in the series so far. And I really hope it's not finished. It can't be right?
While I struggled in book 1 and partly book 2 to keep up with all the characters and intrigues I didn't have this problem with book three. Here, everything falls into place. I admire how the author managed to keep all these different story lines, weaved them together, so that everything makes sense.
There is hardly a moment where the story looses it's pace.
The only thing I could criticize are the titles. Besieged, Exile, Sanctuary, in every book they tell you what the outcome is, but not what happens in the book. If you read them, you know what I mean. It's not bad, I just felt a bit disappointed when I realised again, that they will only reach their sanctuary at the very end :) I'd like to know, what happens THERE!
While I struggled in book 1 and partly book 2 to keep up with all the characters and intrigues I didn't have this problem with book three. Here, everything falls into place. I admire how the author managed to keep all these different story lines, weaved them together, so that everything makes sense.
There is hardly a moment where the story looses it's pace.
The only thing I could criticize are the titles. Besieged, Exile, Sanctuary, in every book they tell you what the outcome is, but not what happens in the book. If you read them, you know what I mean. It's not bad, I just felt a bit disappointed when I realised again, that they will only reach their sanctuary at the very end :) I'd like to know, what happens THERE!
March 9, 2020
loved the book, felt like it ended too soon but thankfully there's a sequel, but from what i've read its set much furthur in the future than this story, means not the same lead characters that i fell in love with, but i m still gonna read em, this book was an absolute blast
November 21, 2015
I had never heard of Rowena Cory Daniells before spotting this book at Barnes & Noble. It sounded interesting, so I bought it. I ended up zipping through the entire trilogy because the storyline was that enticing. The world, the different races, the characters, and the plot are all fascinating. The magic and the culture were very well thought out and were just as compelling as the storyline. I wanted more, more, more the entire time I was reading, and even though these are not short books, I was disappointed that there were only three books in the series.
October 20, 2016
WOW! This book is AMAZING! One day, I was about a third of the way through; the next day, I had 60 pages left. I could not put it down.
Rowena Daniells creates such a vivid culture and dynamic characters, building their lives and stature brick by brick. Some triumph; others fall.
The climax of this story had me shaking as I raced through the pages, the clang of swords and the tang of gifts in the air.
Will there be another one in this time line?? The ending left me hoping for more. Luckily I have The Fall of Fair Isle waiting on my nightstand.
Rowena Daniells creates such a vivid culture and dynamic characters, building their lives and stature brick by brick. Some triumph; others fall.
The climax of this story had me shaking as I raced through the pages, the clang of swords and the tang of gifts in the air.
Will there be another one in this time line?? The ending left me hoping for more. Luckily I have The Fall of Fair Isle waiting on my nightstand.
April 5, 2014
it was a wonderful book. The battle scenes kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down because I needed to see what would happen next.
But it's only three stars because there are more than a few loose ends that weren't tied up. If the series is meant to continue and this is just a cliffhanger, it would have been nice to see a small excerpt from the next book.
But it's only three stars because there are more than a few loose ends that weren't tied up. If the series is meant to continue and this is just a cliffhanger, it would have been nice to see a small excerpt from the next book.
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September 19, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
April 9, 2023
A good third book with a very open ending leaving a way open for a follow up book or series. The peoples are safe at the end of the book with a lot of changes coming. Even though our story mainly follows the T'en, We followed True-Men till about half of the book. I am also pretty curious about what will happen with them as with our T'en in the future of this world.
September 25, 2013
Fan-freaking-tastic!!! I'm dying, because the next book isn't available! Danielle's is a wordsmith and adept at intriguing adventure. Page turning, sleepless nights invoking, awesomeness!
Can't wait for more!
DMD
Can't wait for more!
DMD
September 18, 2013
Like others, I didn't like the way it just ended. I'm hoping it was left unfinished to cede into a new series that details how everyone settled in together. We have Sornes vision to deal with as well.
October 8, 2013
Amazing series, I sincerely hope that there will be another book but, so far, I can't find anything out.
I hope this isn't the end but, we shall see. I very much recommend these books and the T'en trilogy that feature their world some years later (I haven't read them yet but plan to).
I hope this isn't the end but, we shall see. I very much recommend these books and the T'en trilogy that feature their world some years later (I haven't read them yet but plan to).
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