A Sanctuary from Shadow

The Larkspur Curse #1

by Laura Irwin

She’s never felt like she’s enough. But to another world, she’s more than she’d have ever dreamed.

Amy Larkspur is an awkward, socially anxious college girl who loves romance novels, pop music, and ketchup on her steak fries. Despite her crippling childhood inferiority complex, she’s finally coming into her own. She’s a sophomore at the college of her choice, she has a fantastic gaggle of friends, and she’s on the cusp of a new relationship with the frat boy next door. But after she goes on a spring break trip with her friends and touches an enchanted, millennia’s old tree, hellfire is unleashed upon her life, and she learns nothing is as it seems.

When Amy discovers that her family bloodline has been cursed, and that she’s next up on the chopping block to die, she embarks upon a harrowing journey through a foreign land of suffering and oppression to save herself and her family. She encounters people she thought only existed in legends, including Pete, a rugged, rakish assassin, who she thinks was summoned by the curse to kill her.

But Pete has other plans.

Genres: Fantasy

450 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2023

About the author

Laura Irwin is a Philly girl who now lives in the wilds of central Pennsylvania with her ruggedly handsome husband and their gooey-fingered three-year-old son. She has a bachelor's degree in writing from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where she met said ruggedly handsome husband.

When she's not writing magical New Adult Fantasy Romance novels (or reading them), she enjoys daydreaming, baking, gaming, traveling to far away lands, and visiting historical places. She loves dogs, baby jowls, spring flowers, and her Roomba.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hefty book, but don’t let that scare you. It’s thoroughly entertaining, full of action, slow burn romance, political strife, an evil villain, and a strong, if awkward, FMC. The pages just flew by, I was so engrossed in the book.

This fantasy book is so well done. I loved the world building, you can envision the scenery as you’re reading it, it is so descriptive. The MC’s, Amy and Pete are written so well, as well as all the other supporting characters. The storyline was great, and I found myself reading as quickly as I could to see what would happen next.

I’m really looking forward to reading the next book to see how Amy and Pete’s story plays out. And how they take on the evil Gentian.

Great fantasy book if you’re looking for a chunky book that will satisfy your cravings for fantasy with a hint of romance and spice.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minor Spoilers
3rd act for the WIN!
I want to start off that going in that when this book was a Romantisy that it was a romance with fantasy. However, I now understand that it is a romantic fantasy with fantasy being the forefront with a subplot of romance. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it that simply means when I started this book, I expected something different and just had to change my mindset. The only reason I mention it is so no one else goes in expecting this to be a romance book with fantasy elements. I will also say the romance subplot is a slow burn so keep that in mind. Usually, slow burn isn't completely my jam but with all the fantasy elements and the chosen one element it made total sense for it to be that way and I actually liked that as it allowed her and the love interest to actually grow as individuals and to allow their feelings to grow organically.
I will say the first two parts while enjoyable were a little slow as they are on a journey so there are a few mishaps, but it is mostly about the growing of the characters, but the 3rd act is where it gets exciting, and I couldn't put it down. I even shed a few tears at one part (no joke). This is where you got the romance, a lot more action, laughs and emotional moments.
So, if you like fantasy chosen one books with fae characters, morally grey assassins a romance sub plot then this is the book for you.

This book is about a pop music, ketchup loving college student who is trying to live her life on her own terms even though there are members of her family that have loud opinions about how she should act and be. Basically, she is a normal everyday girl or so she thinks. While on girls' trip, she touches an old, enchanted tree which starts a chain of events that changes her life forever. People she loves end up hurt, secrets come to light, and she learns that everything and everyone she once knew are not who they say they are. She even learns that there is a whole realm out there and her role is that world will change her and it forever.

[Paige T · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great read. Kept me on the edge of my seat. It's definitely one of the better "fish out of water" stories I've read. I usually don't care for them, but I loved this one. Sure, I could be biased because I'm also a native Pennsylvanian and hearing "yinz" in a fantasy setting was just too fun for me. The tension building was great- the tension with Amy's situation and the romantic tension between her and Pete.

There was only a few things I didn't like- one, I didn't like how often Pete said Amy's nickname. It felt a little unnatural. Two, going along with that, I felt like certain words were overused. "Gulped" and "mouth twitched" are ones that come to mind. However, I'm pedantic so it's very possible that it's just a "me" issue.

All-in-all, I highly recomend it to those who like fantasy, fish-out-of-water stories, a little spice, and pretty cool fighting scenes.

[Brandy Harvill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

A superb beginning to the Larkspur Curse Series, A Sanctuary from Shadow does not disappoint. Full of curses, creatures, faeries, monsters, magic, and mystery.

All the characters are well written, the world building is spot on, loved the magical system/wide range of magical powers, and the storyline itself flowed well. While this book is on the heftier side, and the beginning may feel like it’s a little slow before getting to the meat of the story, all the worldbuilding is necessary and well done. Absolutely loved the main characters, Amy and Pete. Can’t wait for book two!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and is it a fantastic story! Great world building, enemies to lovers, and I absolutely love each of the characters personalities. You can really get a vibe from each one of the characters. If you have not pre ordered this book, I highly recommended you do!

[Kailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried out the audiobook version of this book and ended up having to DNF it. The narrator just wasn’t doing it for me. I will have to try the physical book at a later date.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for the overall storyline and world building and character dynamics, but the constant use of fake names for normal things (i.e. "Bugg" boots, "Kid Meets Life" tv show) was so distracting and kept throwing me out of the story completely.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to a fantasy series that I highly enjoyed. Will be looking for future books in this series.

I received a free copy via StoryOrigin and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Yvette Karns · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get swept up in this book. But once it picked up it was good. Thought it fell a little flat towards the end. Overall though it is a good Fantasy read. Different.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to be granted an ARC for this book, and I feel so fortunate I was selected! This was a fantastic story, and I'm looking forward to the second installment! Congrats on your Debut Novel!

Main Characters:
Amy: Thinks she’s a human, is actually the Fae Crowned Princess. She loves reading/literature, she’s a bit of a late
bloomer, very opinionated, and unknowledgeable about where she comes from.
Briar: Her intended, but also an ass. He thinks he’ll take over for Amy when she becomes Queen, because he doesn’t
think she can rule.
Pete: Harbinger, trying to deliver Amy to the King of Shadows. He’s a Revolutionary War soldier, meaning he’s a human
with magical powers. Very sad and traumatic past.

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fantasy, Fated Mates

Summary:
Amy comes home from school and is now “of age” to attend her first Beltane. She’s been dating Briar for a few weeks
when Beltane comes along. Briar acts completely sweet, and they consummate their relationship. Amy is feeling good,
except that the next night, the Bogeybats come and kill Amy’s father. The entire story spills out – Amy is the crowned
princess of the Fae, and needs to go into that realm and claim her throne. She and Briar head into the Fae realm, where
they are quickly separated. Pete kidnaps Amy and begins taking him to his master, Galantian, the Shadow Prince. Along
the way, they get on some hijinks, and many adventures – including a visit to a Goblin market, a Tavern to steal money
from a slaver, picking up some miners along the road that force them to pretend to be lovers. Eventually they realize they have feelings for each other, and Pete cannot take her to the Shadow Prince. Instead, he takes her to the actual Garden
of Eden, where Amy can learn about her fae powers, and where Pete has hidden all the people the shadow prince wants dead. She has (3) principal powers, and (2) secondary powers, making her a VERY powerful queen. Pete tries to sacrifice himself for Amy a few times, but eventually realizes he cannot live without her. The book ends with Amy leading the escaped fae and humans to the Spring Court, where she can become Queen.

Highlights:
- As an 80’s Baby, I LOVED all the pop culture references! Especially the music!
- Pete and Amy are really well written – they are clearly made for each other, and I can’t wait to see their relationship
expand!
- Amy is HILARIOUS! Laugh out loud hilarious! One example: “Olivia and I were both literature majors, but she preferred
chaste Regency novels by authors like Jane Austen, where the subject of sex was all but glossed over. I, on the other
hand, wanted to know what Mr. Darcy was packing in his trousers. My literary entertainment required spice. My real life
sadly lacked it.” DEAD.
- Supposedly Humans and Daanan Fae cannot conceive a child. I’m wondering if in the second book there will be an
accidental pregnancy, because Amy has been described as the body of a fae, but the soul of a human.
- 1.5/5 on the spice meter – it’s there, but not explicit. (Very sweetly written!)
- Great world building! Laura does a fabulous job with her descriptions!
- The only thing I didn’t like about the book was all the politics. It was all a bit much. I didn’t really want to read about
Obama and Trump as I was reading a book about Fae. I know it was necessary to Amy’s opinions, but it was just a bit too
much, and it was in the entire book. That’s is the only reason it’s getting 4/5 stars.

[Jessi McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an arc reader I always go in a little blindly. This book surprised me and was an absolute amazing read! I couldn’t put it down. I read it cooking, cleaning, relaxing! I had to finish it!

[madds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a daunting read, long plus small font on the physical copy but the story was intriguing and though it felt long in some parts I loved the dialogue and the book overall. I will definitely be reading book 2!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking, fast-paced, exciting and enchanting story. Will Amy succeed in freeing herself from the Harbingers, as well as her promised one? She must survive a series of confusing events to find herself and her way. I really need to know what happens next!

[Alba Dorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, catchy world building.
fantastic enemies to lovers, and I absolutely love each of the characters personalities