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Sanctify #0.5
The High Priestess
Marianna Zain is in trouble. The handsome stranger she just kissed? He’s a member of the most terrifying hate-group in the universe. Even after he takes her captive, Marianna can’t shake her initial instincts that he’s a man of worth…and her only chance at escaping death.
One of Sanctify’s most decorated lieutenants, Gerard Leoni thought he had everything figured out. But then he crosses paths with a Diviner, the most despised of the alien races, and is honor-bound to bring her in. One night with Marianna makes him question everything he knows.
As the day of her scheduled execution draws near, Marianna forms a plan. She’s going to seduce Gerard—a task that would be simpler if she weren’t being seduced as well. But Sanctify doesn’t take kindly to their people cavorting with aliens, and instead of finding a savior, Marianna may be dragging Gerard to his death alongside her…
One of Sanctify’s most decorated lieutenants, Gerard Leoni thought he had everything figured out. But then he crosses paths with a Diviner, the most despised of the alien races, and is honor-bound to bring her in. One night with Marianna makes him question everything he knows.
As the day of her scheduled execution draws near, Marianna forms a plan. She’s going to seduce Gerard—a task that would be simpler if she weren’t being seduced as well. But Sanctify doesn’t take kindly to their people cavorting with aliens, and instead of finding a savior, Marianna may be dragging Gerard to his death alongside her…
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Katee Robert
172 books36.7k followersKatee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 6, 2015
Damn. I expected this to be pure crap. But it wasn't. Sigh. It's Science Fiction ROMANCE, goddammit, it's supposed to be pure crap! But it wasn't. Sigh. The world is pretty cool, the characters aren't total nitwits, there's action, and the lovey dovey crap isn't even allergy-inducing. Scary. You know what's even scarier? This was so NOT bad I'm considering reading the rest of the series. What is happening to me? Please, someone, anyone, HELP!!
June 2, 2012
Futuristic, dark, and seductive I loved this story from beginning to end!
We start off with Gerard. Who is a soldier for the Sanctify. He's intense and dedicated. After being injured, he finds himself meeting Marianna and really feeling something for her. But, Marianna has a secret: she's a Diviner. One of the Sanctify's highest sought out "enemies". Now Gerard is forced to bring her in because it's his duty. But along the way there's seduction, hurt, and betrayal.
I love the world Katee created. The facts that there's so many species and so many planets she created just blew my mind! Plus this book is sexy as heck! Definitely a story to fall in love with! Main character wise, Marianna is so strong through everything she's thrown into. She definitely holds her own. Then there's Gerard. He's so tough, strong, and set on following orders. But, watching him change and crack just made me love him. And then there's Fisk! I loved him and his role in the story.
I really enjoyed this story and this world and I cannot wait to read Queen of Swords to see what more Katee has in store!!
We start off with Gerard. Who is a soldier for the Sanctify. He's intense and dedicated. After being injured, he finds himself meeting Marianna and really feeling something for her. But, Marianna has a secret: she's a Diviner. One of the Sanctify's highest sought out "enemies". Now Gerard is forced to bring her in because it's his duty. But along the way there's seduction, hurt, and betrayal.
I love the world Katee created. The facts that there's so many species and so many planets she created just blew my mind! Plus this book is sexy as heck! Definitely a story to fall in love with! Main character wise, Marianna is so strong through everything she's thrown into. She definitely holds her own. Then there's Gerard. He's so tough, strong, and set on following orders. But, watching him change and crack just made me love him. And then there's Fisk! I loved him and his role in the story.
I really enjoyed this story and this world and I cannot wait to read Queen of Swords to see what more Katee has in store!!
June 9, 2012
I hadn't read anything by Katee Robert but she's a friend's friend, a friend who's taste in books I trust, so I thought I'd give the sanctify prequel a bash. I really enjoyed it.
Dammit, you guys are so freaking needy with the reviews! Fine.
The characters of Marianna and Gerard (who's name I pronounced like Gerard Butler, not the American way since that sounds weird coming out of my mouth) are the ultimate enemies. Gerard has been raised to follow Sanctify beliefs, all aliens are bad and must be killed (in a very nasty way) and Marianna is the worst of all, she's a diviner, an abomination in the eyes of Sanctify. They meet in a bar and there's instant attraction, and then Gerard realises what she is and is bound to take her in. Only he doesn't want to, he wants to have smexy-sex with her (let's be honest, so do we :D ), Gerard's faith is rocked when he hears of proof of her powers and he must save her.
I liked the world that Robert has created and she writes some compelling characters. This is really just a prequel novella so it's very short, which makes it a very quick, fun read. Definitely worth a gander, it costs less than two quid.
Dammit, you guys are so freaking needy with the reviews! Fine.
The characters of Marianna and Gerard (who's name I pronounced like Gerard Butler, not the American way since that sounds weird coming out of my mouth) are the ultimate enemies. Gerard has been raised to follow Sanctify beliefs, all aliens are bad and must be killed (in a very nasty way) and Marianna is the worst of all, she's a diviner, an abomination in the eyes of Sanctify. They meet in a bar and there's instant attraction, and then Gerard realises what she is and is bound to take her in. Only he doesn't want to, he wants to have smexy-sex with her (let's be honest, so do we :D ), Gerard's faith is rocked when he hears of proof of her powers and he must save her.
I liked the world that Robert has created and she writes some compelling characters. This is really just a prequel novella so it's very short, which makes it a very quick, fun read. Definitely worth a gander, it costs less than two quid.
June 19, 2012
Wish it was longer and we got more about The Diviners, because I can't think using tarot is the only thing getting them killed. Even if Sanctify are a bunch of bigoted jerks.
And the teaser for Queen of Swords? Makes me excited!
Although it does make you think that QoS was written first as Gerard is different in that one in a way that's difficult to reconcile.
Also since, the series is named Sanctify and not Diviners, I can assume later books will involve other species' FUN!!
The world and the setup is strangely reminiscent of Kenyon's The League series.
And the teaser for Queen of Swords? Makes me excited!
Although it does make you think that QoS was written first as Gerard is different in that one in a way that's difficult to reconcile.
Also since, the series is named Sanctify and not Diviners, I can assume later books will involve other species' FUN!!
The world and the setup is strangely reminiscent of Kenyon's The League series.
Want to read
June 10, 2014I don't understand why the kindle price for this prequel novella is £7.36 when the rest of the series (which are full length books!) are only £3.79
I'd like to read this but no way am I paying that much for a novella!
UPDATE: 11th June
I just noticed that this has been reduced to 99p now - that's much more like it. Now I can buy it :o)
I'd like to read this but no way am I paying that much for a novella!
UPDATE: 11th June
I just noticed that this has been reduced to 99p now - that's much more like it. Now I can buy it :o)
May 10, 2018
Clever concept, and I appreciate world building is tricky at the best of times, never mind in a novella, but this all felt very abrupt. It would have been helpful to have Sanctify explored a little more - maybe it gets more fleshed out in book one? And I just couldn't get over the 'hero' happily sentencing the heroine to death, there are some things that really shouldn't be forgiven.
October 27, 2012
Oh how I loved the space world Katee has created here and the fractions present, along with a romance. Well done in a novella length. Now I want the full novel that's next in the Sanctify series!
**FULL REVIEW**
Gerard and his team are on a mission; assassinate a group of aliens who have affiliated themselves with those against the Sanctify. They are surprised when they think they accomplished their goal and Gerard is hurt. Not able to move fast enough he sends his crew back to the ship to get away without him, and he stumbles out to find aid at a Sanctify sympathetic bar. Marianna sees the injured man hobble through the door. Her skin crawls with the Lady's push to read the cards, which is punishable if a Diviner doesn't do so when called. This man feels like trouble to Marianna, which is what she avoids, yet she's drawn to meet him and the cards seem to confirm it. Marianna has to be careful as Diviners are tortured and killed by Sanctify, but the cards wouldn't send her into trouble...or would they? The cards, that the Lady guides, never lie.
This is the kind of romance reads I like. I know I'm reading romance yet there is action to keep me going. It feels the romance is worth it in with all the characters have to triumph. There is a little bit of bitter with the sweet, and I like that.
Right off Katee wastes no time, into the meat of the happenings with action. Katee knows her words are valuable in a novella and uses every one powerfully. We meet Gerard and set the mood for his station in the Sanctify, see a world and his current job, along with meeting others and learning bits of the Sanctify to make you curious, filled with suspense and action. All within the first chapter of ten pages.
In space sci fi reads I love that anything, one, place is possible. In this novella we are packed full of world and alien possibilities. We focus on what we have here, but you get the fill the universe can be rather large.
Gerard is of a group that believes anything not human, alien, can not be trusted. Sanctify is a group of humans run by a High Priest, who purifies the universe by killing aliens. They believe they are doing right. Marianna is of a race the Sanctify looks the worse upon, and the Lady seems to have guided her right into their clutches. Even thought every turn gets worse and worse for Marianna, the cards telling of the future give her glimpses of hope however Marianna finds herself and others she seduces to help her deeper in trouble waiting her death.
A man with a shred of doubt and a woman with a drop of hope and faith, even from different sides of the human spectrum, could make a difference and blossom a love.
We also have the first three chapters of the first novel, Queen of Swords, which is also now available. Which I WILL be getting.
**FULL REVIEW**
Gerard and his team are on a mission; assassinate a group of aliens who have affiliated themselves with those against the Sanctify. They are surprised when they think they accomplished their goal and Gerard is hurt. Not able to move fast enough he sends his crew back to the ship to get away without him, and he stumbles out to find aid at a Sanctify sympathetic bar. Marianna sees the injured man hobble through the door. Her skin crawls with the Lady's push to read the cards, which is punishable if a Diviner doesn't do so when called. This man feels like trouble to Marianna, which is what she avoids, yet she's drawn to meet him and the cards seem to confirm it. Marianna has to be careful as Diviners are tortured and killed by Sanctify, but the cards wouldn't send her into trouble...or would they? The cards, that the Lady guides, never lie.
This is the kind of romance reads I like. I know I'm reading romance yet there is action to keep me going. It feels the romance is worth it in with all the characters have to triumph. There is a little bit of bitter with the sweet, and I like that.
Right off Katee wastes no time, into the meat of the happenings with action. Katee knows her words are valuable in a novella and uses every one powerfully. We meet Gerard and set the mood for his station in the Sanctify, see a world and his current job, along with meeting others and learning bits of the Sanctify to make you curious, filled with suspense and action. All within the first chapter of ten pages.
In space sci fi reads I love that anything, one, place is possible. In this novella we are packed full of world and alien possibilities. We focus on what we have here, but you get the fill the universe can be rather large.
Gerard is of a group that believes anything not human, alien, can not be trusted. Sanctify is a group of humans run by a High Priest, who purifies the universe by killing aliens. They believe they are doing right. Marianna is of a race the Sanctify looks the worse upon, and the Lady seems to have guided her right into their clutches. Even thought every turn gets worse and worse for Marianna, the cards telling of the future give her glimpses of hope however Marianna finds herself and others she seduces to help her deeper in trouble waiting her death.
A man with a shred of doubt and a woman with a drop of hope and faith, even from different sides of the human spectrum, could make a difference and blossom a love.
We also have the first three chapters of the first novel, Queen of Swords, which is also now available. Which I WILL be getting.
February 20, 2013
I hadn't realized this novella was more of a set-up for a series, but it didn't feel short. The characters certainly didn't lack voice. It was easy to lose myself in this world in fact. It's not often I'm the first review so I generally leave summations to those more adept, but I guess I'll take a stab at it.
Gerard is entirely sure of his place in the religious tyranny called "Sanctify." Humans are the only right and pure race. After being wounded by aliens he'd been slaughtering on Sanctify's orders, Gerard runs into Marianna in a bar. Marianna is everything he should despise--a Diviner, an alien, but her disguise hides that from him until after he's begun to care for her. Instinctively, he takes her captive to take her back to the High Priest where she'll be purified... a pretty way of saying dismembered and burnt to a crisp. Her tarot readings, their attraction, and his growing doubt in what he's always believed create upheaval with following his perfect plan. Maybe it isn't so perfect after all. Saving a Diviner might cost him his life, but save his soul.
How's that? It stinks a little, huh? Oh well. The novella was good. The characters were brilliantly portrayed and distinctive from villain to hero... and even those who were a little of both. The world was well set-up. You wanted to despise Sanctify but at the same time we humans have a barbaric history of being zealots and a fear of those who are different so there was definitely a dose of realism to go with it. Initially, Gerard's somewhat blind devotion to Sanctify made his POV difficult to stomach, and I was much more comfortable being in Marianna's head, but both point of views were well done and very different. The voice in this novella was phenomenal. I'm planning on watching for the next installment to see if Sanctify gets taken down.
Gerard is entirely sure of his place in the religious tyranny called "Sanctify." Humans are the only right and pure race. After being wounded by aliens he'd been slaughtering on Sanctify's orders, Gerard runs into Marianna in a bar. Marianna is everything he should despise--a Diviner, an alien, but her disguise hides that from him until after he's begun to care for her. Instinctively, he takes her captive to take her back to the High Priest where she'll be purified... a pretty way of saying dismembered and burnt to a crisp. Her tarot readings, their attraction, and his growing doubt in what he's always believed create upheaval with following his perfect plan. Maybe it isn't so perfect after all. Saving a Diviner might cost him his life, but save his soul.
How's that? It stinks a little, huh? Oh well. The novella was good. The characters were brilliantly portrayed and distinctive from villain to hero... and even those who were a little of both. The world was well set-up. You wanted to despise Sanctify but at the same time we humans have a barbaric history of being zealots and a fear of those who are different so there was definitely a dose of realism to go with it. Initially, Gerard's somewhat blind devotion to Sanctify made his POV difficult to stomach, and I was much more comfortable being in Marianna's head, but both point of views were well done and very different. The voice in this novella was phenomenal. I'm planning on watching for the next installment to see if Sanctify gets taken down.
April 9, 2016
Originally posted on the blog: What the Cat Read
For a novella, I found the characters and plot very compelling. This is a fast paced read and the perfect place to start for anyone who hasn’t read Robert’s books, murr!
Marianna is a fun character. She’s strong, quick to question/argue, and never gives up without a fight. I also love the fact that she is a Diviner and reader of what is basically Tarot cards. Gerard is an interesting blend of protector, religious zealot, and fighter. When I first was introduced to him, I had doubts as to whether I would like him, but as the story progressed I couldn’t help but be drawn to him the way Marianna is drawn. The man is definitely hot, there’s no question there.
As far as plot goes, I enjoyed it. Sanctify reminds me of the Ori from Stargate SG-1, especially since they travel from planet to planet spreading their beliefs to one and all and killing those who choose not to follow. Likewise I found the use of Tarot cards as Marianna’s tool and her connection to the Lady to be fascinating. I wanted to learn more about her people’s history and their belief in the Lady. Unfortunately, given that this was a novella, there’s only so much Robert could share.
Which is the only complaint that I had towards the story. I wanted more! Robert does this fantastic job creating what is essentially a prequel to her book Queen of Swords, but leaves so much left unsaid that the events in the story feel rushed. I think that this deserves to be its own complete novel rather than a novella. There’s so much more that needs to be said regarding Marianna and Gerard! This brief glimpse into their lives/history just isn’t enough.
And with that having been said, let’s look at Robert’s first full novel in the Sanctify series, Queen of Swords.
For a novella, I found the characters and plot very compelling. This is a fast paced read and the perfect place to start for anyone who hasn’t read Robert’s books, murr!
Marianna is a fun character. She’s strong, quick to question/argue, and never gives up without a fight. I also love the fact that she is a Diviner and reader of what is basically Tarot cards. Gerard is an interesting blend of protector, religious zealot, and fighter. When I first was introduced to him, I had doubts as to whether I would like him, but as the story progressed I couldn’t help but be drawn to him the way Marianna is drawn. The man is definitely hot, there’s no question there.
As far as plot goes, I enjoyed it. Sanctify reminds me of the Ori from Stargate SG-1, especially since they travel from planet to planet spreading their beliefs to one and all and killing those who choose not to follow. Likewise I found the use of Tarot cards as Marianna’s tool and her connection to the Lady to be fascinating. I wanted to learn more about her people’s history and their belief in the Lady. Unfortunately, given that this was a novella, there’s only so much Robert could share.
Which is the only complaint that I had towards the story. I wanted more! Robert does this fantastic job creating what is essentially a prequel to her book Queen of Swords, but leaves so much left unsaid that the events in the story feel rushed. I think that this deserves to be its own complete novel rather than a novella. There’s so much more that needs to be said regarding Marianna and Gerard! This brief glimpse into their lives/history just isn’t enough.
And with that having been said, let’s look at Robert’s first full novel in the Sanctify series, Queen of Swords.
November 16, 2014
The best part of the book were the characters. I appreciate that they weren't physically the stock too attractive to be real. A universe populated by humans and varies aliens race terrorized by Sanctify, a group of fanatical humans bent on cleansing the aliens and their friends on religious grounds held promise.
The world building was the typical hodgepodge of half-baked ideas that tend to populate science fiction romance. Sure you've got the rapid space travel, but apparently no hair dye or colored contacts. This lack of basic beauty products means that our heroine Marianna is forced to live a life in danger because her distinctive eye and hair color mark her as a Diviner and hence enemy number one of Sanctify. Sanctify itself comes across as a tiny organization where the handful of members all know each other and the EVIL leader. It is impossible to imagine this bunch have the ability to terrorize an entire galaxy. Maybe a largish metropolitan area, but worlds as in more then one - I really think you need a bigger organization for that.
I had some problems with the way the romance was handled. The hero, Gerard captured and handed the heroine, Marianna over for certain painful execution and yet they are physically drawn together. I was expecting something a lot darker given that Marianna was trying to seduce Gerard with the hopes of getting him to save her and instead it was just the tired old enemies into lovers cause you are so darn hot trope.
Still I was entertained enough to check out what the author can do in a full size novel
The world building was the typical hodgepodge of half-baked ideas that tend to populate science fiction romance. Sure you've got the rapid space travel, but apparently no hair dye or colored contacts. This lack of basic beauty products means that our heroine Marianna is forced to live a life in danger because her distinctive eye and hair color mark her as a Diviner and hence enemy number one of Sanctify. Sanctify itself comes across as a tiny organization where the handful of members all know each other and the EVIL leader. It is impossible to imagine this bunch have the ability to terrorize an entire galaxy. Maybe a largish metropolitan area, but worlds as in more then one - I really think you need a bigger organization for that.
I had some problems with the way the romance was handled. The hero, Gerard captured and handed the heroine, Marianna over for certain painful execution and yet they are physically drawn together. I was expecting something a lot darker given that Marianna was trying to seduce Gerard with the hopes of getting him to save her and instead it was just the tired old enemies into lovers cause you are so darn hot trope.
Still I was entertained enough to check out what the author can do in a full size novel
March 3, 2016
Full Series Review posted at www.abkeuser.com
Even the initial hero who has problems that probably should be a deal-breaker is someone you want to see succeed. He is the likeable unlikeable hero. The FMC is not a fighter (a stark contrast from the other two FMCs) but there’s nothing inherently weak about her.
The inclusion of a tarot-based religion is absolutely spectacular. It gives the opportunity to make even the most irrational decisions plausible. I, personally, loved that for the possible twists and turns. It was a choice that could have made for a rather conflict-poor book, but the faith of the Diviner characters, the need for action, and the room for interpretation worked around that possibility and killed it as a plot device.
Even the initial hero who has problems that probably should be a deal-breaker is someone you want to see succeed. He is the likeable unlikeable hero. The FMC is not a fighter (a stark contrast from the other two FMCs) but there’s nothing inherently weak about her.
The inclusion of a tarot-based religion is absolutely spectacular. It gives the opportunity to make even the most irrational decisions plausible. I, personally, loved that for the possible twists and turns. It was a choice that could have made for a rather conflict-poor book, but the faith of the Diviner characters, the need for action, and the room for interpretation worked around that possibility and killed it as a plot device.
September 7, 2015
I liked the basic meaning of the book that is about racism on a huge scale and i also liked that the main character despite the fact that he grew up learning to hate aliens he still managed to get out of this bubble of false beliefs the moment that he found evidence that proof that his whole fanaticism was wrong.
February 25, 2016
This book felt like it was only half a book, it showed promise but it felt like it was just cut in half to achieve an arbitrary word count. The extremely overpriced cost for the other two books unfortunately totally put me off I will not be paying $10 for an ebook, pity as they look promising
September 18, 2014
Great novella, it really added something to the series, and yeah, can't wait to reread, and read, more!
September 11, 2016
I wanted more! lol
September 10, 2016
**3.5 stars**
August 13, 2014
This series has potential and since good scifi romance is practically impossible to find I will probably read the first full length novel in this series before I decide whether or not to go on.
June 29, 2012
Not at all bad just disappointingly short.
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May 2, 2015Unusual
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