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Rage of the Ancients
Twelve years. Twelve books. A dozen side stories. And it all comes down to this...
Cyrus Davidon and his company of Sanctuary are at an end. Split from each other, facing their greatest adversary, cut off from the powers of magic that reigned in days past - the situation is most dire.
Yet hope still lives while they remain alive. And alive they are, though barely, and hounded to the ends of the earth by enemies old and new.
Only a small amount of time remains before the enemy strikes the final blow, and Cyrus must gather his friends, and find away to beat this unstoppable evil...
...Or else the world itself will come to an end.
Cyrus Davidon and his company of Sanctuary are at an end. Split from each other, facing their greatest adversary, cut off from the powers of magic that reigned in days past - the situation is most dire.
Yet hope still lives while they remain alive. And alive they are, though barely, and hounded to the ends of the earth by enemies old and new.
Only a small amount of time remains before the enemy strikes the final blow, and Cyrus must gather his friends, and find away to beat this unstoppable evil...
...Or else the world itself will come to an end.
- GenresFantasy
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2023
160 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
191 books1,169 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 33 reviews
November 15, 2023
I’m reading this book wondering how Cyrus and friends (new and old) are going to solve the massive problem facing them, tense reading. But it works well. I am unhappy that this is the end of the series, it was one I thoroughly enjoyed
September 3, 2024
A finale that is very satisfying. Read it both physical copy and digital.
Glad the author did all the reunions in the early few chapters. The main characters journey's to find a way to defeat Malpravus was very good. Vaste's journey was my favorite. What he got to experience was pretty cool. Seeing the dead and interacting with them. Even met Cyrus's dad and later got him to rest in peace. Longwell's arc kind of disappointed me but understandably. He made it up at the end. I liked the collective effort at the end where all the main characters we were following Alaric, Vaste, Shirri, Vara, Cyrus defeated Malpravus. There was more help though Curatio returned!!! Gave great advice in the ether. Ehrgraz the dragon returns from earlier books. Terian chops the head off of Malpravus. Everyone at the end played a huge part in finally defeated the great evil. If I had to say one negative it was Baynvym got pushed to being a normal character. Heck even Edouard got more to do.
Overall, sad to finish the series. It was a great one. That others should read. I will definitely reread the entire series in the future.
Glad the author did all the reunions in the early few chapters. The main characters journey's to find a way to defeat Malpravus was very good. Vaste's journey was my favorite. What he got to experience was pretty cool. Seeing the dead and interacting with them. Even met Cyrus's dad and later got him to rest in peace. Longwell's arc kind of disappointed me but understandably. He made it up at the end. I liked the collective effort at the end where all the main characters we were following Alaric, Vaste, Shirri, Vara, Cyrus defeated Malpravus. There was more help though Curatio returned!!! Gave great advice in the ether. Ehrgraz the dragon returns from earlier books. Terian chops the head off of Malpravus. Everyone at the end played a huge part in finally defeated the great evil. If I had to say one negative it was Baynvym got pushed to being a normal character. Heck even Edouard got more to do.
Overall, sad to finish the series. It was a great one. That others should read. I will definitely reread the entire series in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
Loved!
I really loved this whole series. The characters are written well. There are plenty of descriptions without being drawn out. The differences between the cultures and the landscape are incredible.
This series has had me enthralled since I started it. I am sad to see it possibly end. Yet this has been a fine way to wrap everything up. This read definitely took turns I didn't anticipate and had me zoned out of reality trying to read as fast as possible because I had to know what was happening next.
9/10 and I only say that because there is always room for improvement even if I think it's perfect how it is.
I really loved this whole series. The characters are written well. There are plenty of descriptions without being drawn out. The differences between the cultures and the landscape are incredible.
This series has had me enthralled since I started it. I am sad to see it possibly end. Yet this has been a fine way to wrap everything up. This read definitely took turns I didn't anticipate and had me zoned out of reality trying to read as fast as possible because I had to know what was happening next.
9/10 and I only say that because there is always room for improvement even if I think it's perfect how it is.
June 18, 2023
A Great Finale
As a fan of Robert J Crane's universes, this has to be in a class of it's own. Cyrus and faithful band each making several appearances with their own distinct flavor and pazzazz. When Cyrus is facing his most challenging foe, when he has no answers or plan, his friends one and all are there for him to assist when needed, even when all hope appears to be lost, unexpected help from old and new friends and former enemies arrived in the nick of time. A well earned 5 star rating and as with all of his books, I still hope to see this saga translated to the big screen.
As a fan of Robert J Crane's universes, this has to be in a class of it's own. Cyrus and faithful band each making several appearances with their own distinct flavor and pazzazz. When Cyrus is facing his most challenging foe, when he has no answers or plan, his friends one and all are there for him to assist when needed, even when all hope appears to be lost, unexpected help from old and new friends and former enemies arrived in the nick of time. A well earned 5 star rating and as with all of his books, I still hope to see this saga translated to the big screen.
May 18, 2023
It's been well over a week since I've finished this book and I'm not sure I have the words to describe how much I enjoyed it. There were so many story lines that needed to be wrapped up to have this feel complete, and not a single one was left out. Cyrus and the whole crew were given the conclusion to the series they deserved. It was fast paced, funny, heart wrenching, and poignant. I can not recommend this entire series enough, especially with such a satisfying conclusion.
May 27, 2023
A series as vast(e) as this deserves a worthy finale. This book is that ending.
It is a sweeping, glorious epic of a tome. With hints of LOTR, it draws the series to a close with everything I could expect or hope for, and then some.
Even a certain troll's most beloved body part gets treated with appropriate reverence. Well. Mostly.
And at the last, when the sun set, I didn't shed a tear. It was allergies, that's all.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
It is a sweeping, glorious epic of a tome. With hints of LOTR, it draws the series to a close with everything I could expect or hope for, and then some.
Even a certain troll's most beloved body part gets treated with appropriate reverence. Well. Mostly.
And at the last, when the sun set, I didn't shed a tear. It was allergies, that's all.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 6, 2023
The End??? I hope not!!!
The Sanctuary Series is my favorite book series. I recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks. Some read them all, others, just the first three (or one). I love the characters!!!!! They make these books come alive. The storytelling and world building are wonderous, but it's the characters for me. So, whether we get more of the main Sanctuary group, or we get to meet new characters in the Sanctuary world - I am open to all!!!!!
The Sanctuary Series is my favorite book series. I recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks. Some read them all, others, just the first three (or one). I love the characters!!!!! They make these books come alive. The storytelling and world building are wonderous, but it's the characters for me. So, whether we get more of the main Sanctuary group, or we get to meet new characters in the Sanctuary world - I am open to all!!!!!
July 14, 2023
The end of one of the best
Book 12, the end of one of the best book series I have ever read. Robert J. Crane is s storytelling genus. I hope to see more from the Sanctuary bunch. And see how they have been doing after their last rebirth. As all off his books I have read, as many stories he has brought to life I could read his books as fast as I could get my hands on them. Thank you Robert J. Crane for your ability to capture my imagination.
Book 12, the end of one of the best book series I have ever read. Robert J. Crane is s storytelling genus. I hope to see more from the Sanctuary bunch. And see how they have been doing after their last rebirth. As all off his books I have read, as many stories he has brought to life I could read his books as fast as I could get my hands on them. Thank you Robert J. Crane for your ability to capture my imagination.
September 2, 2024
The sanctuary series by Robert J Crane
I started reading this series years ago to my husband. We both enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately I know all good things come to an end, but I will miss these characters and their wonderful stories. I will miss the humor and the excitement and the dread and all the other emotions that these books stir up. Thank you, Robert J Crane for this wonderful series. May you continue to write with such excellence.
I started reading this series years ago to my husband. We both enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately I know all good things come to an end, but I will miss these characters and their wonderful stories. I will miss the humor and the excitement and the dread and all the other emotions that these books stir up. Thank you, Robert J Crane for this wonderful series. May you continue to write with such excellence.
June 3, 2023
Excellent
Not normally one to write a review but i had to for this one. Couldn't have asked for a better ending to a series of book that i have read multiple times and will probably read multiple times again. Really enjoyed see some familiar names reappear when i least expected it and i think we got the ending we all hoped for
Not normally one to write a review but i had to for this one. Couldn't have asked for a better ending to a series of book that i have read multiple times and will probably read multiple times again. Really enjoyed see some familiar names reappear when i least expected it and i think we got the ending we all hoped for
June 3, 2023
The Finale...
The finale, bringing everything full circle and reuniting lost friends. No spoilers here except to say the General doesn't win the battle, he leads those who will even when all seems impossible, when there is no plan, no strategy, just hope...
If we never see Sanctuary in new stories, the final book brings everything to a satisfying conclusion.
The finale, bringing everything full circle and reuniting lost friends. No spoilers here except to say the General doesn't win the battle, he leads those who will even when all seems impossible, when there is no plan, no strategy, just hope...
If we never see Sanctuary in new stories, the final book brings everything to a satisfying conclusion.
June 12, 2023
Great Final Story
Totally brilliant I love the characters and the storytelling. I've missed Vaste and his bad jokes and was really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed full of action and adventure with several different story lines it keeps the tension flowing. With a full throttle ending. Definitely recommend this book and the whole series
Totally brilliant I love the characters and the storytelling. I've missed Vaste and his bad jokes and was really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed full of action and adventure with several different story lines it keeps the tension flowing. With a full throttle ending. Definitely recommend this book and the whole series
June 18, 2023
RjC outdid himself on wrapping up this series. I loved every single page. I tried to make it last longer than a day, but I was compelled to finish it. After 12 books, these characters feel like friends. Some of them finished their arcs of growing into their potential. It's bittersweet that this is the end of Sanctuary, but the series was a great adventure. Fantastic author.
February 16, 2024
Magnificent ending. Magnificent reading!
I have personally followed this series from the beginning, and never has it let me down in world building, characters, action or plot lines. It has become the hallmark of which I judge other works like this. So magnificent, and author Crane, I thank and salute you.
I have personally followed this series from the beginning, and never has it let me down in world building, characters, action or plot lines. It has become the hallmark of which I judge other works like this. So magnificent, and author Crane, I thank and salute you.
February 26, 2024
A Tale that keeps living
Very few books keep my attention for long, let alone one that is 12 books and keeps me wanting more. Not only the story, but you get so invested in the characters. You feel sorrow when they do. You get excited for the accomplishment they achieve and so wrapped up in the life its sad to see the adventure come to an end. This is a series that does that.
Very few books keep my attention for long, let alone one that is 12 books and keeps me wanting more. Not only the story, but you get so invested in the characters. You feel sorrow when they do. You get excited for the accomplishment they achieve and so wrapped up in the life its sad to see the adventure come to an end. This is a series that does that.
March 13, 2024
Fitting
Well, to say that this book was anything less than amazing really wouldn't be doing justice. There were some parts that I felt weren't fleshed out as well as they could have been, but overall another amazingly great story from Robert J. Crane. Thanks for all the great stories.
Well, to say that this book was anything less than amazing really wouldn't be doing justice. There were some parts that I felt weren't fleshed out as well as they could have been, but overall another amazingly great story from Robert J. Crane. Thanks for all the great stories.
March 28, 2025
It's a good ending...
This author is one of my favorites. I think there is only one other story line that i have yet to read. And this series are REAL books! Most over 400 pages! That's a lot of story to get into. Huzzah! 12 books and I devoured them in no time. When it's good, I can't stop reading till the end. Enjoy fellow readers......
This author is one of my favorites. I think there is only one other story line that i have yet to read. And this series are REAL books! Most over 400 pages! That's a lot of story to get into. Huzzah! 12 books and I devoured them in no time. When it's good, I can't stop reading till the end. Enjoy fellow readers......
April 10, 2025
It’s sad coming to the end of this book, knowing it’s the conclusion of a series that took me the better part of a decade to read. Nonetheless, Crane did an outstanding job finishing the story of the heroes of Arkaria. The conclusion felt earned — epic, emotional, and true to everything that came before it.
May 12, 2025
Literally Cheering Out Loud
What an amazing series. Sorry to see it end and yet it was so satisfying. The first book was a little hard to get into - so much world-building to do. But I was hooked from that first book. Didnt read anything else til the series concluded. So yourself a favor...read it. Now.
What an amazing series. Sorry to see it end and yet it was so satisfying. The first book was a little hard to get into - so much world-building to do. But I was hooked from that first book. Didnt read anything else til the series concluded. So yourself a favor...read it. Now.
July 3, 2023
Even better than expected
It's great that the author added to this series. I had nearly given up hope. It was refreshingly better and more thorough than I would have thought. Good job!
It's great that the author added to this series. I had nearly given up hope. It was refreshingly better and more thorough than I would have thought. Good job!
July 10, 2023
Solid second finale to a thoroughly enjoyable series.
I never felt like the author was just mailing it in over the course of the Sanctuary saga. Every book has its own story and purpose. All solid reads.
I never felt like the author was just mailing it in over the course of the Sanctuary saga. Every book has its own story and purpose. All solid reads.
July 19, 2024
Over powering adventure
Talk about nail biting, on the edge, awesome adventure . Everything about each character and their willingness to stay strong and stay committed to each other was wonderful. It was such an amazing and honorable happy ending.
Talk about nail biting, on the edge, awesome adventure . Everything about each character and their willingness to stay strong and stay committed to each other was wonderful. It was such an amazing and honorable happy ending.
August 16, 2024
Liked it,the homy inclusion comments did jar a bit.
A rousing roundabout epic yarn ,with all the alluring appeal of a sheepskin coat on a winter's day. To go out to a snow ball fight with family and friends.
A rousing roundabout epic yarn ,with all the alluring appeal of a sheepskin coat on a winter's day. To go out to a snow ball fight with family and friends.
November 24, 2025
Worth the read
The ending is worth reading the set. Yes it's not like the original series..but its still good and it kept me interested. If you read all the other books but stopped before this last set, go ahead and read them. You will enjoy them.
The ending is worth reading the set. Yes it's not like the original series..but its still good and it kept me interested. If you read all the other books but stopped before this last set, go ahead and read them. You will enjoy them.
November 24, 2025
What a story
Loved this book and who it involved all of the characters, and how everyone had something to contribute.
A few good twists in the tale which made it even more enjoyable.
Loved this book and who it involved all of the characters, and how everyone had something to contribute.
A few good twists in the tale which made it even more enjoyable.
June 13, 2023
Home run
One heck of a writer/ story teller. Couldn’t wait for book 12 and I was not disappointed
Well done Mr. Crane well done .
One heck of a writer/ story teller. Couldn’t wait for book 12 and I was not disappointed
Well done Mr. Crane well done .
July 26, 2023
A final
I have read all of it and I'm happy with the way it worked. The way it finished is a good one
I have read all of it and I'm happy with the way it worked. The way it finished is a good one
October 17, 2023
Sanctuary
A wonderful end to the series. It ties up all storylines and gives us a fitting ending to the story.
A wonderful end to the series. It ties up all storylines and gives us a fitting ending to the story.
December 2, 2023
Fantastic Series
Lots of action. Fast moving and well written. It's amazing. Crane is a master story teller. strongly recommend this this book.
Lots of action. Fast moving and well written. It's amazing. Crane is a master story teller. strongly recommend this this book.
March 10, 2024
I'm sad it's over.
I will miss the characters that have become a part if me. There have been surprises and heartache but one of the best series I have read in a long time.
I will miss the characters that have become a part if me. There have been surprises and heartache but one of the best series I have read in a long time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews