Champion

Sanctuary #3

by Robert J. Crane

The world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary.

As the war heats up in Arkaria, Vara is forced to flee after an ancient order of skilled assassins infiltrates Sanctuary and targets her. Cyrus Davidon accompanies her home to the elven city of Termina and the two of them become embroiled in a mystery that will shake the very foundations of the Elven Kingdom – and Arkaria.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dragons, Epic Fantasy

395 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2012

About the author

Robert 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.

Reviews

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the war heats up in Arkaria, Vara is forced to flee after an ancient order of skilled assassins infiltrates Sanctuary and targets her. Cyrus Davidon accompanies her home to the elven city of Termina and the two of them become embroiled in a mystery that will shake the very foundations of the Elven Kingdom – and Arkaria.

[The Jolly Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Με κάθε βιβλίο αυτή η σειρά καλυτερεύει. Αν είχατε διαβάσει την κριτική μου για το πρώτο βιβλίο τότε ξέρετε πόσο χαμηλές προσδοκίες είχα για αυτή τη σειρά.

Έχοντας πλέον διαβάσει τα 3 πρώτα βιβλία, μπορώ να πώ οτι αξίζει τον κόπο να διαβάσεις το πρώτο βιβλίο με όλα του τα μειονεκτήματα και ατέλειες προκειμένου να φτάσεις στο 3ο που γίνονται τόσα πολλά!

Οι χαρακτήρες έχουν πλέον ένα παρελθόν, διαφορετικές προσωπικότητες και οι σχέσεις τους αναδιαμορφώνονται συνεχώς.
Ο τρόπος γραφής έχει βελτιωθεί απίστευτα και οι διάλογοι είναι καταπληκτικά δομημένοι. Γέλασα παραπάνω απο 10 φορές με τον αυτοσαρκασμό και τα σεξουαλικά υπονοούμενα που πέταγαν ο ένας στον άλλον.
Οι μάχες είναι τόσο πιο τέλειες!!! Ειδικά η μια στο τέλος με αποστόμωσε.

Θα συνεχίσω σίγουρα τη σειρά και σκέφτομαι μάλιστα κάποια μέρα στο πολυ μακρινό μέλλον να τα αγοράσω σε φυσικά βιβλία. Ναι εγώ, που έλεγα οτι μάλλον θα είναι βλακειούλες.

Είναι βέβαια κάπως ακριβά (ειδικά τα φυσικά βιβλία) απ' οτι είδα καί ειναι άλλα 7 βιβλία μέχρι στιγμής οπότε θα ήταν καλό όταν αρχίσετε τη σειρά να το λάβετε υπόψη. Ανυπομονώ να διαβάσω το επόμενο =D

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for myself

Assassins are trying to kill The Last Hope and The Old One - Vara and Curatio.

After Niamh is killed by an assassin inside Sanctuary, Vara decides to leave but Cyrus isn't going to leave her on her own. They travel around war torn Akaria, avoiding the dark elf invaders. Interference from Alaric means the pair end up in Termina, where Vara's parents live.

Vara and Cyrus help hold back the dark elves that attack Termina, allowing the citizenry to escape. Vara's mum is killed by an assassin as they stage a retreat. Vara is injured by the assassin but Cyrus manages to escape Termina with her. On the road to Pharesia they come across the High Priestess of the Goddess the Elves worship. They journey to Pharesia and the high priestess helps nurse Vara back to health. Vara gets to spend some time with her ailing father, he dies and Vara goes into a deep depression.

At the end of the book Vara rejects Cyrus's affections and he leaves to help defend Longwell's kingdom in Lukessia. We also discover that Cyrus killed Terian's father during the siege of Termina.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books keep getting better, they have lots of action, interesting characters and story. Despite negative reviews this is a good series.

[Sean Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the series so far. Each book is an improvement over what has gone before and I'm glad. The hack and slash adventures were okay, but a storyline and plot have made it much better.
I've discovered that there are several more books in the series, which I don't own, but I'm seriously considering adding them one at a time to at least find out what happens with Cyrus and Vara, and the campaign off in a different land. Then there's the question about Terian and his reaction to the death of his father.
I guess I'll have to wait to find out.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! Having just discovered this series and read the first three, I will be searching out the next ones in the series. Once again we follow along with the heroes, and see more of their flaws and what drives them forward. The darkest of the series, that I have read so far, but written in such a way that you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Very reminiscent of The Legend of Drizzt series by RA Salvatore, in the depth of characters , details and their world. Definitely worth a read.

[Moosa Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit too dramatic but a good follow on as the story continues with the relationship of the 2 main characters.

[Dan Lunghofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third book in the series. I picked up all three as one bundle, and I've chosen to write my reviews separately.

This book continues the story of Cyrus Davidon and the members of Sanctuary. Where the first book in the series felt like someone writing out his MMORPG experience, this book finally delivers with a solid plot, good character development, and rich background of the world we've been in for a while. The two main characters - Cyrus and Vara - continue their verbal sparring and interpersonal war early on, but finally let their guards down. Right up until the end of this book, at least, when...well...Vara rips Cyrus' heart out, chews it up, spits it out and goes back for seconds. Once you read it you'll know what I mean.

I did have a little issue with the battle against the God of Death, and the mission against the Hand of Fear was anti-climactic.

Other than that, this book was fairly well-written. The author is finally coming into his own with this book, and I look forward to continuing the series.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes i gave this book a 5/5.
Even though at one point i thought is the end of me reading this book series. The plot for this book was great. Cyrus just keeps evolving as a great General. The ending battle was shocking as i read it. I kept thinking to myself they aren't gonna you know......... are they? And yes they DID! The middle battle was insanely heroic. I guess my only complaint is the ongoing drama between Cyrus and Vara. Though for the first time in the book series i finally understand one point of the Journal reading of a certain character. It made sense this time around. Though we'll see where that leads. I'm hooked on the series. i will take a break until i jump back into the series. The Next book is 800 pages so yeah. Gonna gather myself before i tackle that and the 5th book, i bought them together and if i continue to like the series after those two books i will probably buy the rest. Though we'll see after the next two. Overall the best book of the series so far. Can't wait to read what happens next.

[Rex Reads 📚📖⚔️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All books got 4.75 stars

I had the three book box set but if I do not break the books down by each it does not count them as three. Making me do this the hard way.

This book left me wanting more and more. I will have to read book 0 for it fills the gaps apparently.

Well after almost 1300 pages of reading I can say this series was amazing 3 book start. This gave me the feel of lord of the rings, Elden ring if you have played and wheel of time. From wars, guild halls with honor to thieves making other arrangements. The story had so many turns and twist with other side plots. Easy to follow and the characters are developed to build and grow as the story grows. Does have some romance with very detailed parts so maybe not for younger children. The battle scenes are amazing and had me on the edge of my seat. I kept reading every time I opened the kindle app to read. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.

[H. T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better. I thoroughly enjoyed this third installment in the Sanctuary Series. The character development continues and the intricacies of the world building have progressed well beyond what I found rather lacking in the first installment in this series. The hopeless romantic in me had hoped that Cyrus and Vara’s relationship had worked out. Alas, Vara made her decision. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Joanne Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fairly fun read. Part of what made it a bit less enjoyable for me was that as an MMO player, all the books in this series read a bit like someone novelizing a World of Warcraft raid. That left me feeling torn between humor over the similarities to my own adventures in MMO raiding, and frustration/annoyance over the same similarities because it made for very redundant reading. The story premises were decent and I did get a kick out of the books, but overall they were "ok, not great".

[Dennis Plante · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Little Slow

First why have Elves live for5000 years and no technology advances, makes no sense. Author seems to make stuff up all of a sudden that does not flow smoothly with the story. (Spoiler) Assassins going after Guild members then Cyrus finds out where they are but only one is left and he hangs himself.. give me a break.
For the most part this book is slow like the previous offerings, but still worth reae.

[Connie Fogg-Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

by very definition is

Vara is in grave danger from assassins. they have struck at the heart of what Cyrus holds dear and now it seems that the best way to save her is to take her home. the one place where she is revered above all others and known by all. heck of a place to hide. heck of a plan.

[Chris Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Well this has definitely been an adventure so far. I really do appreciate the humor that the author depicted in some scenes & I also the story that he tells. I really just like the story & how it's playing out. If you take nothing else from this review take from it that I think it's worth your time.

[Ronnae Stately · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third book about Cyrus Davidon we find him helping a fellow guild mate with preserving her life. But its not just any guild mate its the one he has fallen in love with and hopes to have a chance with her. But things go awry as usual and we leave the series with an unknown certainty and a lot of hoopla.

[Brian J. Crawford,Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to the next one

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of this genre, however the authors whit and storytelling is excellent. Great characters, great intrigue, great battles and great love all make for a wonderful story. I'm going to read the whole series.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyrus and his comrades battle the for Sanctuary and surrounding regions, but at a cost he does not see coming. To many spoilers. His sacrifice makes him acceptable to his people, but at a price. This one is hard to put down, and will make you cry.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful reading
A very will written fantastic sci-fi thriller novel with interesting characters. The story goes on as the main characters grow and lead the war to save their world. I would commend this series to any sci-fi reader. Enjoy reading 2021

[S DV · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, my favorite of the series. Will admit that the first book took a while to get me hooked, but the 2nd one was better, and now after this one I'm all in. Can't wait to see what else is going to happen. Am really starting to like Cyrus' character. Very fun read.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. I like Silas and several of the other characters very much. Action and explanatory dialogue are well balanced. Pacing and story line advance at a mostly steady pace that is not too fast and not too slow. Fantasy fans will enjoy this series for sure.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, I got hooked on this series & bought book 4 as soon as I finished the 1-3 box set

[Jim Corbiere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading " Champion " by Robert J. Crane. It was great. The Sanctuary series keeps getting better. I have really been enjoying the series.

[James Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting to warm to this series. It's still very D&D like but there are some story lines developing

[MARIE-CLAIRE DEBONVILLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Never saw that one coming Vara not ending with the General Lots of suspense Kept me rooted to the story

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic tale. Many threads combining to weave a tapestry of an unfathomable world.

[Jennie-Lee~abookishwonderer~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[james w craddock Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Robert Crane does not disappoint. I find myself hooked on the Sanctuary series

[Jason Gische · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I think this was the best of the series. Characters are growing, the story is advancing.