What do you think?
Rate this book
Dominion #1
Sanctuary
In 9th century Britain, chaos rules as kingdoms splinter, Vikings invade from all corners, and lives and fortunes are lost to those with the biggest sword and the smallest shreds of morality. When a young priest, Daniel, witnesses a lone warrior save his village from savage raiders, he believes he’s seen a miracle, and he follows the reclusive warrior on his mysterious trek across the island, hoping to find his own path in this brutal and unforgiving world.
Daniel’s journey takes him to places he’d long since left, forcing him to face his past, along with dour dwarves, canny druids, and an army of Viking warriors. When he meets a captive woman with strange abilities amongst the ruins of humanity's savage and unforgiving past, Daniel will face his true enemy, a powerful demon, who waits for his dominion over man to be complete.
Daniel’s journey takes him to places he’d long since left, forcing him to face his past, along with dour dwarves, canny druids, and an army of Viking warriors. When he meets a captive woman with strange abilities amongst the ruins of humanity's savage and unforgiving past, Daniel will face his true enemy, a powerful demon, who waits for his dominion over man to be complete.
- GenresFantasy
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
242 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 17, 2013
I loved it. Of course, I wrote it... Not sure why Goodreads lets me review my own book. :)
July 27, 2013
I received Sanctuary (Dominion, #1) as a Goodreads First Read book, and found it to be a compelling story about the struggle to maintain one's honor and virtue amid evil and cruelty.
The book is narrated in the form of a memoir, with the story revolving around Daniel, a young man who had studied to be a priest, but did not complete the process, resulting in doubts about both himself and his faith. When his town is attacked by Viking warriors, his life is saved by the arrival of Arkael, a lone warrior whom Daniel believes is sent by God to confront and destroy evil. Leaving the town to follow Arkael, Daniel finds himself inexorably drawn into events that are beyond his control, and which test his courage and strength in ways he could never have imagined.
Daniel's travels take him across England to his former home, where he encounters Ewen, a man described as having an illness. When Daniel tries to help him, he encounters a demonic force that he draws out of Ewen. His vision of a woman who was involved in Ewen's possession drives him to search for her, as he believes she will be the key to understanding God's plan for him. When he finds her, he becomes involved in an epic struggle between good and evil, in which he is an integral character.
Author Kris Kramer has given us a well-crafted story, populated with believable characters and narrated in rich detail. From the opening scene, I found his description of the Viking attack so vivid that I almost felt as though I could see, hear, and smell the scene. The various locations in the story seem to be well-researched and accurately described. We are provided with enough insights into all the characters that their actions and motives make sense; in Daniel's struggle to find the courage to continue his quest, readers will recognize their own doubts and fears about the decisions they must make in their own lives. In spite of the details, or perhaps because of them, the book is fast-paced: nearly every character, every detail moves the story to its conclusion. And, while there are still unanswered questions at the end of the book, the ending is satisfying and stands on its own.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the Dominion series!
The book is narrated in the form of a memoir, with the story revolving around Daniel, a young man who had studied to be a priest, but did not complete the process, resulting in doubts about both himself and his faith. When his town is attacked by Viking warriors, his life is saved by the arrival of Arkael, a lone warrior whom Daniel believes is sent by God to confront and destroy evil. Leaving the town to follow Arkael, Daniel finds himself inexorably drawn into events that are beyond his control, and which test his courage and strength in ways he could never have imagined.
Daniel's travels take him across England to his former home, where he encounters Ewen, a man described as having an illness. When Daniel tries to help him, he encounters a demonic force that he draws out of Ewen. His vision of a woman who was involved in Ewen's possession drives him to search for her, as he believes she will be the key to understanding God's plan for him. When he finds her, he becomes involved in an epic struggle between good and evil, in which he is an integral character.
Author Kris Kramer has given us a well-crafted story, populated with believable characters and narrated in rich detail. From the opening scene, I found his description of the Viking attack so vivid that I almost felt as though I could see, hear, and smell the scene. The various locations in the story seem to be well-researched and accurately described. We are provided with enough insights into all the characters that their actions and motives make sense; in Daniel's struggle to find the courage to continue his quest, readers will recognize their own doubts and fears about the decisions they must make in their own lives. In spite of the details, or perhaps because of them, the book is fast-paced: nearly every character, every detail moves the story to its conclusion. And, while there are still unanswered questions at the end of the book, the ending is satisfying and stands on its own.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the Dominion series!
June 16, 2013
One of the first things I noticed about Sanctuary, as compared to a lot of indie books in addition to ones traditionally published, was the length. Sanctuary is well-constructed and balanced, and approximately 260 pages, which especially for its genre, I’ve found to be rather rare. Some readers want longer books in order to get their supposed “money’s worth”, but if there is too much information, which hinders the story the itself, I’ll take a shorter work that flows well over a longer book that too long lags in places, any day of the week. This one, for the most part, had a flowing pattern though in the way of descriptive passages, showing instead of simply telling and smoother connectives would have improved that for me.
I have a distinct clause in my review request guidelines these days, which was updated not because I do not privately read works that may have religious or spiritual themes of some kind, but for review purposes, authors whose works I have read in those genres and may disagree with some of those aspects have ironically and solely been those abusive in their response to the review. Life’s too short for that nonsense. So, this work was on the edge of the religious themed fiction, as the main character is a priest which influences much of the storyline and dialogue. For the time period, however, even if I found it tiresome at times, this was understandable and in character for Daniel. The location itself, ancient Wales, was of particular interest as due to personal curiosity and a familial attachment, I began studying about Cymru over two decades ago.
Daniel, the protagonist is believable and distinct, but for my personal tastes the Christian overtones and theme as a whole, would limited my return to this world and life. Santuary is a solid read, which lovers of ancient history may very well enjoy, and is descriptive, gripping, and filled with action and emotionally engaging characters and situations. Sanctuary is just one of the publications of The 4th Realm, a collective group of writers specializing in indie fiction and non-fiction.
Originally posted at interview/review site Flying With Red Haircrow http://flyingwithredhaircrow.wordpres...
I have a distinct clause in my review request guidelines these days, which was updated not because I do not privately read works that may have religious or spiritual themes of some kind, but for review purposes, authors whose works I have read in those genres and may disagree with some of those aspects have ironically and solely been those abusive in their response to the review. Life’s too short for that nonsense. So, this work was on the edge of the religious themed fiction, as the main character is a priest which influences much of the storyline and dialogue. For the time period, however, even if I found it tiresome at times, this was understandable and in character for Daniel. The location itself, ancient Wales, was of particular interest as due to personal curiosity and a familial attachment, I began studying about Cymru over two decades ago.
Daniel, the protagonist is believable and distinct, but for my personal tastes the Christian overtones and theme as a whole, would limited my return to this world and life. Santuary is a solid read, which lovers of ancient history may very well enjoy, and is descriptive, gripping, and filled with action and emotionally engaging characters and situations. Sanctuary is just one of the publications of The 4th Realm, a collective group of writers specializing in indie fiction and non-fiction.
Originally posted at interview/review site Flying With Red Haircrow http://flyingwithredhaircrow.wordpres...
May 3, 2015
This book is about good vs evil. I enjoyed it! The story is about Daniel's journey to find Arkael and his mission in life. This book has great vivid descriptions and makes you want to read more. I was intrigued by this book very much all the way until the end. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 2, 2019
I received this free novel in exchange for an honest review.
Sanctuary by Kris Kramer tells the story of Daniel, an Anglo living in early Medieval England (Wessex) who lived as a priest. He had run away from his learning in Rome, having questions the other priests couldn’t answer or didn’t want to hear. But when a raid destroyed his village, he found some of those answers in the man named Arkael. Or so he thought. Following this man of God, Daniel travelled across the different kingdoms to find God’s calling for his life. It would all come down to the war Arkael warned him of, the one between the angels and demons. And it would be up to Daniel to find God’s path for him in the war and where he could find his own sanctuary.
I’m often quite critical of historical fiction. I like to make sure the authors have done their research, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with Sanctuary. I didn’t fact-check everything, but honestly that’s the best praise I could give. Kramer completely immersed me into the story that I didn’t feel the need to check city names, or the other fine details I usually get caught up in with historical fiction. Despite having a Medieval Studies degree, I found myself enjoying the story for what it was which honestly surprised me. It was a nice reminder back to my university days learning about the Early Medieval period, although I am glad to be done with Old English.
What I found to be flaws at the beginning, ended up aiding in Daniel’s character development so they weren’t truly flaws at all. He was lost, empty, and perhaps a bit naive but after watching the destruction of his village, that only made sense. His determination to follow Arkael only further showed his faith in God and His plan for his life. Arkael had been sent as a sign, and Daniel had to find out what it all meant.
I’m glad that Daniel was able to find what he was looking for, and I think even though I wouldn’t necessarily consider this Christian fiction (but perhaps it is! It’s all in your definition) it has a very strong theme of faith. It’s Daniel’s quest to discover who he is, and how he fits into the world that is so very relatable to both believers and non-believers.
Although I found it a tiny bit slow to get into, I honestly really enjoyed reading Sanctuary and it was a nice change of pace from other historical fiction novels I’ve read. There aren’t many written in this time period, and although there was of course fighting and death, it wasn’t the main plot of the story which goes against much of what people think of this time period (the so-called “Dark Ages” as I shudder to type). I highly recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in the early Medieval period, the early church in Briton, or are simply on their own quest like Daniel. We are all a piece to the same puzzle, and in the end, like Daniel, it’s our hope we can discover where we fit and maybe in that moment we find our own peace, our sanctuary.
Sanctuary by Kris Kramer tells the story of Daniel, an Anglo living in early Medieval England (Wessex) who lived as a priest. He had run away from his learning in Rome, having questions the other priests couldn’t answer or didn’t want to hear. But when a raid destroyed his village, he found some of those answers in the man named Arkael. Or so he thought. Following this man of God, Daniel travelled across the different kingdoms to find God’s calling for his life. It would all come down to the war Arkael warned him of, the one between the angels and demons. And it would be up to Daniel to find God’s path for him in the war and where he could find his own sanctuary.
I’m often quite critical of historical fiction. I like to make sure the authors have done their research, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with Sanctuary. I didn’t fact-check everything, but honestly that’s the best praise I could give. Kramer completely immersed me into the story that I didn’t feel the need to check city names, or the other fine details I usually get caught up in with historical fiction. Despite having a Medieval Studies degree, I found myself enjoying the story for what it was which honestly surprised me. It was a nice reminder back to my university days learning about the Early Medieval period, although I am glad to be done with Old English.
What I found to be flaws at the beginning, ended up aiding in Daniel’s character development so they weren’t truly flaws at all. He was lost, empty, and perhaps a bit naive but after watching the destruction of his village, that only made sense. His determination to follow Arkael only further showed his faith in God and His plan for his life. Arkael had been sent as a sign, and Daniel had to find out what it all meant.
I’m glad that Daniel was able to find what he was looking for, and I think even though I wouldn’t necessarily consider this Christian fiction (but perhaps it is! It’s all in your definition) it has a very strong theme of faith. It’s Daniel’s quest to discover who he is, and how he fits into the world that is so very relatable to both believers and non-believers.
Although I found it a tiny bit slow to get into, I honestly really enjoyed reading Sanctuary and it was a nice change of pace from other historical fiction novels I’ve read. There aren’t many written in this time period, and although there was of course fighting and death, it wasn’t the main plot of the story which goes against much of what people think of this time period (the so-called “Dark Ages” as I shudder to type). I highly recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in the early Medieval period, the early church in Briton, or are simply on their own quest like Daniel. We are all a piece to the same puzzle, and in the end, like Daniel, it’s our hope we can discover where we fit and maybe in that moment we find our own peace, our sanctuary.
December 16, 2013
Sanctuary is a dark historical fantasy novel written by Kris Kramer and it is the first book of the Dominion series. Sanctuary takes place in 9th century Britain where chaos rules and Viking raids are commonplace. When the small village of Rogwallow is invaded by raiders, young Daniel (who is studying to be a priest) thinks he witnesses a miracle when a lone warrior called Arkael saves his village. Because of his reckless bravado, Daniel decides to leave Rogwallow and follow Arkael on a mysterious journey across the island, hoping to find his path in a brutal and unforgiving world, finding old friends and making new ones along the way, and making some enemies as well. Daniel's journey ultimately leads him to Avaline, a captive woman with strange abilities, who he must save. In order to save Avaline, Daniel must first face his true enemy, a powerful demon who is waiting for his dominion over man to be complete. During his journey, Daniel is forced to face his past and he realizes that his journey was all about trying to find his faith and learn the secrets of Heaven and Hell.
Up until reading Sanctuary, I had never read a dark historical fantasy novel. I just didn't think it was a genre of books that I would enjoy but when the author emailed me and asked me if I wanted to review it on my blog, something just wouldn't let me say no and I'm so glad that I didn't. Sanctuary had my attention from the very beginning. It is told from Daniel's point of view and it is written very well. I've truly learned a lot more words because of reading Sanctuary. Kris does a wonderful job at describing the characters and the backdrop. I felt like I was really getting a glimpse of what life was like in 9th century Britain, both the good and the bad parts. Now that I'm done reading Sanctuary, I'm very excited about the next book in this series, Vengeance, which is due out in 2014. I look forward to following Daniel on his next adventure. I'll definitely be reading more historical fantasy novels in the future.
Up until reading Sanctuary, I had never read a dark historical fantasy novel. I just didn't think it was a genre of books that I would enjoy but when the author emailed me and asked me if I wanted to review it on my blog, something just wouldn't let me say no and I'm so glad that I didn't. Sanctuary had my attention from the very beginning. It is told from Daniel's point of view and it is written very well. I've truly learned a lot more words because of reading Sanctuary. Kris does a wonderful job at describing the characters and the backdrop. I felt like I was really getting a glimpse of what life was like in 9th century Britain, both the good and the bad parts. Now that I'm done reading Sanctuary, I'm very excited about the next book in this series, Vengeance, which is due out in 2014. I look forward to following Daniel on his next adventure. I'll definitely be reading more historical fantasy novels in the future.
April 18, 2013
‘Sanctuary’ is Daniel’s recollections of his life and journeys in 9th century Britain. It all begins in a small village called Rogwallow, where the village was being raided. Daniel and a young bride-to-be were hiding out in the church when the raiders found them. A man, a warrior, found them and saved them from the raiders. In Daniel’s eyes, this man is a savior and God’s answer to Daniel’s prayers. Daniel sets off in the aftermath of the raid to follow this mysterious stranger and along the way finds his true calling. Yet there are many set against him on this journey and he has to harness his true strength in order to defeat a chilling and powerful evil…
In ‘Sanctuary’, the author has brought the characters to life with ease. Even though it’s told from Daniel’s point of view, you get to know the other characters through his eyes. Daniel, for the most part, is a shrewd judge of character, even though he longs to feel the hand of God and the warmth of God’s love upon him. I feel Daniel learned, as most of us do, there are a great many influences in this life but we must be the masters of our own destiny. It was interesting to see the development of Daniel’s relationships with the others around him and his discovery of his abilities. His humbleness and honesty also saved him from imminent death several times, even if his genuine curiosity may have aggravated some. He seemed like a good guy, though flawed. The story itself flowed very well and you could see the research the author did into this time period. There were definitely a few loose ends by the conclusion, but as this is the first book in a series it’s to be expected. ‘Sanctuary’ is really a touching story of the human condition and what we are all capable of depending on the circumstances.
Dominion Series: Sanctuary (1)
In ‘Sanctuary’, the author has brought the characters to life with ease. Even though it’s told from Daniel’s point of view, you get to know the other characters through his eyes. Daniel, for the most part, is a shrewd judge of character, even though he longs to feel the hand of God and the warmth of God’s love upon him. I feel Daniel learned, as most of us do, there are a great many influences in this life but we must be the masters of our own destiny. It was interesting to see the development of Daniel’s relationships with the others around him and his discovery of his abilities. His humbleness and honesty also saved him from imminent death several times, even if his genuine curiosity may have aggravated some. He seemed like a good guy, though flawed. The story itself flowed very well and you could see the research the author did into this time period. There were definitely a few loose ends by the conclusion, but as this is the first book in a series it’s to be expected. ‘Sanctuary’ is really a touching story of the human condition and what we are all capable of depending on the circumstances.
Dominion Series: Sanctuary (1)
May 8, 2013
In the time of terrifying viking invasions one man believes he witnesses a miracle from God. An amazing warrior, Arkael, turns up at the last moment, seemingly sent from God to answer Daniel's prayers. Daniel leaves all he knows behind to follow this man, believing that somehow he holds the answer to the questions that have made Daniel an undecided, 'weak' man. His journey takes him on a terrifying, unbelievable adventure that will test the very fabric of his faith and life. In his journeys he finds his purpose, he realizes the cost of friendship and he loses someone dear to him.
This is a brilliantly, skillfully written book that I could hardly put down. I finished reading it in two days and eagerly waiting to read the next one.
This author has the ability to really capture the readers' attention and hold it for the duration of the book. There are a few typos, but they did not detract from the mystery and epic fights between good and evil. The characters are relateable and the dialogue is smooth and natural.
Looking out for Book 2 of Dominion.
This is a brilliantly, skillfully written book that I could hardly put down. I finished reading it in two days and eagerly waiting to read the next one.
This author has the ability to really capture the readers' attention and hold it for the duration of the book. There are a few typos, but they did not detract from the mystery and epic fights between good and evil. The characters are relateable and the dialogue is smooth and natural.
Looking out for Book 2 of Dominion.
September 13, 2013
Eh.
There was nothing identifiably *wrong* with the book (other than one typo near the end), it just--didn't grab me. Maybe because it was a tad on the depressing side, maybe because I didn't like the main character all that much, maybe because I tend to be annoyed by Pure Evil villains, even justified ones--it seems like a perfectly serviceable book, it just didn't float my boat.
There was nothing identifiably *wrong* with the book (other than one typo near the end), it just--didn't grab me. Maybe because it was a tad on the depressing side, maybe because I didn't like the main character all that much, maybe because I tend to be annoyed by Pure Evil villains, even justified ones--it seems like a perfectly serviceable book, it just didn't float my boat.
September 29, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I felt that the characters were very well developed in the 260 pages. Can't wait for the next one!
Want to read
March 20, 2015smashwords
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews