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Sanctuary
Sanctuary Tales
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.
The guild of Sanctuary is replete with an amazing cast of adventurers, wanderers and rogues. In their pasts linger secrets that define them and shape the course of their lives. For every one of them has a tale, each with something different to show - and even in the most honorable guild of Sanctuary, not everyone is exactly what they seem to be.
The guild of Sanctuary is replete with an amazing cast of adventurers, wanderers and rogues. In their pasts linger secrets that define them and shape the course of their lives. For every one of them has a tale, each with something different to show - and even in the most honorable guild of Sanctuary, not everyone is exactly what they seem to be.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2014
193 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
175 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 28, 2023
This was a nice collection of 6 short stories. It gives some background to some of the main characters, fills in the blanks, with a couple of surprises. A good quick read
August 7, 2017
Closing some gaps. Well done
I loved the gap closing stories laid out here. Not many authors bother to close any plot holes that was left in previous books I don't know why this didn't sell very well there's a lot of good catch-ups in here. A lot of getting to know other characters better because after all it's not just about Cyrus and Vara it's about all of them they were all important and all the books and I loved getting to know everyone of them with the exception of maybe aisling since you know she's not exactly my favorite.
I loved the gap closing stories laid out here. Not many authors bother to close any plot holes that was left in previous books I don't know why this didn't sell very well there's a lot of good catch-ups in here. A lot of getting to know other characters better because after all it's not just about Cyrus and Vara it's about all of them they were all important and all the books and I loved getting to know everyone of them with the exception of maybe aisling since you know she's not exactly my favorite.
April 22, 2021
This was a very quick read. The book should be read after book 4. This book revealed interesting tidbits about Cyrus and trolls. The best revelation comes at the end though. That will have ripple effects for a certain character. And that character already been through enough. Was this book perfect. No. some areas were boring. i honestly didn't care for the extended friends/family of the characters that were explored more. Also i may not explore future side adventures. unless they are very important to the whole series. Overall a decent read. Time to read book 5.
September 13, 2020
A good read
Sanctuary Tales is a good filler of events that took place at different times of the story line. I gave it a four star rating, not because I didn't like the book. It was because I wanted more of the same type of what's going on between books.
Robert J. Crane is a master story teller. If you like dungeons and Dragons, secrets, and a plot with in a plot, then you will love this series.
Sanctuary Tales is a good filler of events that took place at different times of the story line. I gave it a four star rating, not because I didn't like the book. It was because I wanted more of the same type of what's going on between books.
Robert J. Crane is a master story teller. If you like dungeons and Dragons, secrets, and a plot with in a plot, then you will love this series.
July 20, 2025
4.50 Stars the plot thickens!!
Well this side quest of the sanctuary series really gave this sorrows more crazy plots to go forward on. It went deeper into some of the characters who we knew so little about. These stories or tales gave more insight of how they slowly become a part of the main plot. Things are getting heated up!
Well this side quest of the sanctuary series really gave this sorrows more crazy plots to go forward on. It went deeper into some of the characters who we knew so little about. These stories or tales gave more insight of how they slowly become a part of the main plot. Things are getting heated up!
August 29, 2017
Short stories
Short stories to fill in little bits of several books. The most significant is the last story about Aisling. Definitely worth a read, should be read after crusader book 4 and then My Father's Shadow, which fits in before book 5.
Short stories to fill in little bits of several books. The most significant is the last story about Aisling. Definitely worth a read, should be read after crusader book 4 and then My Father's Shadow, which fits in before book 5.
March 18, 2019
Finished reading " Sanctuary Tales " by Robert J Crane. I enjoyed it and learned some stuff about some of the characters. It is a collection of short stories. I wouldn't recommend reading it unless you have read the first 4 book in the Sanctuary Series.
September 23, 2019
Science fiction/fantasy
Loved it! Gives you a new insight on some of less central characters that enriches the whole story. Especially the life story of the dark elf Asling. That answers so many questions. I loved all of the stories but that one the most.
Loved it! Gives you a new insight on some of less central characters that enriches the whole story. Especially the life story of the dark elf Asling. That answers so many questions. I loved all of the stories but that one the most.
February 26, 2020
What you never knew....
What lies behind the face of the members of Sacutuary? You can find out the secrets of them in this collection of short stories. Aisling Vara, Cyrus and others. Quick and easy read. Enjoy this look behind the eyes of Sactuary's best. Highly recommended.
What lies behind the face of the members of Sacutuary? You can find out the secrets of them in this collection of short stories. Aisling Vara, Cyrus and others. Quick and easy read. Enjoy this look behind the eyes of Sactuary's best. Highly recommended.
November 12, 2017
Back Stories
Interesting addition to the series also adds the back stories of some of the main characters.
Filling in some of the blanks well worth the read
Interesting addition to the series also adds the back stories of some of the main characters.
Filling in some of the blanks well worth the read
June 11, 2020
Pretty good short stories that fill in some of the main and supporting characters.
February 9, 2021
Excellent
This book gave an excellent historical overview of some the more important characters, if not the central characters. Very well written.
This book gave an excellent historical overview of some the more important characters, if not the central characters. Very well written.
December 16, 2022
A handful of short stories that fill in background information on some of our friends at Sanctuary. Not required reading but enjoyable nonetheless.
July 11, 2024
Loved this book! It gave me a better understanding of some of the characters & a reader will feel more connected to them after reading it.
February 23, 2014
Sanctuary Tales consists of six short stories that are connected in some way to the Sanctuary Series. Defender, Avenger, Champion, Crusader and coming soon in 2014 Thy Father’s Shadow: A Sanctuary Novel and Master: The Sanctuary Series, Volume Five.
Familiar Face: Incredibly beautiful. This is a short tale that fits into the Sanctuary series Defender: The Sanctuary Series, Volume One. The main character Cyrus returns to his hometown for a short visit. During his short stay he realizes that his decision to join the Sanctuary and the events he has endured since have changed his life in ways he can’t even begin to fathom.The story gives a short insight into the series, which is an epic fantasy about a Guild of mercenaries that consists of men, elves, trolls, magick users and other beings of the fantastical variety.
Savages: This is a superb novella which is an add-on to the Sanctuary series Defender: The Sanctuary Series, Volume One and Avenger: The Sanctuary Series, Volume Two. It gives the reader a little more insight into the main character of Cyrus. In this book Cyrus is roped into a mission that will reap a vast fortune at the end. Unbeknownst to him the troll Vaste, who he hates with a passion, is along for the ride. The mission, the surprises they encounter and the unexpected danger they are confronted with, changes Cyrus and teaches him an important lesson.
I loved the close look at the relationship between the two men or troll and man. The banter between them is witty and the subtle message that Cyrus learns is one that we should all take on board. On a more jovial note if I ever want to insult a troll I shall call him an elf girl.
The Last Moments of Gezhvet: The last moments of Narstron, during the battle against the goblins. How very sad and disappointing, because I was hoping there might be a glimmer of hope. Instead the story left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Something Crane is known for is his ruthlessness when it comes to the fates of characters, especially ones the readers become attached to.
The Greenest Fields: Tells the back-story of Martaina Proelius, whilst simultaneously telling a story that takes place in the present, and I have to say it gives a lot of insight into her character. The reasons for her aloofness and her apparent icy disposition. The heartbreak she has had to endure and yet she still had to be strong and uphold the ways and myths of her ancient roots. The reality of her position and what she wishes and yet knows will never come to pass because of who she is.
A Princess of Sovar: The tale and discovery of Erith. As yet an unknown entity but I suspect she will become relevant in the next few books because she stems from the same place as another of our well-known Sanctuary characters. What exactly can they see in her and how will she play a role in what is to come, if indeed she does at all?
Thieving Ways: What? Really? You just had to go there and throw a huge devious spanner in the works. I knew it, I just knew something was dodgy. Aisling has always been snooty and difficult but this? The implications for Sanctuary are immense and devastating. The only redeemable fact was the essence of humanity that shines through in her reasoning. The why is important, but if she achieves her goal will the why matter at all in the grand scheme of things?
Thieving Ways is Crane’s way of leaving the reader with just enough information to satisfy their appetite and at the same time start them craving the next installment. It is what makes him such a good writer.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.
Familiar Face: Incredibly beautiful. This is a short tale that fits into the Sanctuary series Defender: The Sanctuary Series, Volume One. The main character Cyrus returns to his hometown for a short visit. During his short stay he realizes that his decision to join the Sanctuary and the events he has endured since have changed his life in ways he can’t even begin to fathom.The story gives a short insight into the series, which is an epic fantasy about a Guild of mercenaries that consists of men, elves, trolls, magick users and other beings of the fantastical variety.
Savages: This is a superb novella which is an add-on to the Sanctuary series Defender: The Sanctuary Series, Volume One and Avenger: The Sanctuary Series, Volume Two. It gives the reader a little more insight into the main character of Cyrus. In this book Cyrus is roped into a mission that will reap a vast fortune at the end. Unbeknownst to him the troll Vaste, who he hates with a passion, is along for the ride. The mission, the surprises they encounter and the unexpected danger they are confronted with, changes Cyrus and teaches him an important lesson.
I loved the close look at the relationship between the two men or troll and man. The banter between them is witty and the subtle message that Cyrus learns is one that we should all take on board. On a more jovial note if I ever want to insult a troll I shall call him an elf girl.
The Last Moments of Gezhvet: The last moments of Narstron, during the battle against the goblins. How very sad and disappointing, because I was hoping there might be a glimmer of hope. Instead the story left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Something Crane is known for is his ruthlessness when it comes to the fates of characters, especially ones the readers become attached to.
The Greenest Fields: Tells the back-story of Martaina Proelius, whilst simultaneously telling a story that takes place in the present, and I have to say it gives a lot of insight into her character. The reasons for her aloofness and her apparent icy disposition. The heartbreak she has had to endure and yet she still had to be strong and uphold the ways and myths of her ancient roots. The reality of her position and what she wishes and yet knows will never come to pass because of who she is.
A Princess of Sovar: The tale and discovery of Erith. As yet an unknown entity but I suspect she will become relevant in the next few books because she stems from the same place as another of our well-known Sanctuary characters. What exactly can they see in her and how will she play a role in what is to come, if indeed she does at all?
Thieving Ways: What? Really? You just had to go there and throw a huge devious spanner in the works. I knew it, I just knew something was dodgy. Aisling has always been snooty and difficult but this? The implications for Sanctuary are immense and devastating. The only redeemable fact was the essence of humanity that shines through in her reasoning. The why is important, but if she achieves her goal will the why matter at all in the grand scheme of things?
Thieving Ways is Crane’s way of leaving the reader with just enough information to satisfy their appetite and at the same time start them craving the next installment. It is what makes him such a good writer.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.
March 30, 2016
This is a book of short stories about different episodes in some characters lives. I was particulary struck with Martainers story. I learnt about her life with her father, how he taught her to hunt and brought her up to be the person she is. She was full of belief that she could marry into a higher level of society having a planter boyfriend. After her father tells her it will never happen she decides to front the question to discover her boyfriends true thoughts. It did not go down well with her to learn that her father was infact right. I loved how she made the boyfriend so frightened of her that as she threatened he will never speak her name or link himself to her again for fear she will come back and hunt him down. That was the beginning of the end for her really. The person she thought of as her brother has already abandoned camp. Martainer arrived back at camp to find guards there and her father dead on the ground. She deals with each guard then picks up her pack and leaves. It does not tell us the next part of her story so I am kind of guessing that she builds some sort of life before meeting Thad and the pair of them joining Sanctuary.
We also find out in this book how Aisling ended up being planted to spy on Cyrus. I have no empathy for her character having already read what she does to him. I kind of think she is getting what she deserves whilst having shown us her skills as a thief in this chapter. Aisling and three others decide to pull the 'job' of a life time. This was well written reminding me a little of the mission impossible movies. The description of their attempted get away is funny but you just know it is all going to go wrong ... and it does. I am looking forward to getting back into the main series now.
We also find out in this book how Aisling ended up being planted to spy on Cyrus. I have no empathy for her character having already read what she does to him. I kind of think she is getting what she deserves whilst having shown us her skills as a thief in this chapter. Aisling and three others decide to pull the 'job' of a life time. This was well written reminding me a little of the mission impossible movies. The description of their attempted get away is funny but you just know it is all going to go wrong ... and it does. I am looking forward to getting back into the main series now.
April 23, 2014
I just averaged out the ratings I gave each individual story. Miraculously spoiler-free blurbs:
Savages: What can I say? I LOVE Vaste. Love him. And I loved the development the two of them had in this little schtick. 4 stars.
A Familiar Face: TEARS. I had a guess as to where this one might have been going but I also hoped I was wrong. I wasn't and I cried. Literally. 5 stars.
The Last Moments of Gezhvet: Ehhh. This is the one I was most meh on, but it was still 3 stars. Idk, maybe it was just because I never really connected with Narstron that much, and the whole backstabby thing just felt like we saw it before, though there was more of a context this time? Idk. I still *liked* it though.
The Greenest Fields: Martaina is certainly interesting. This gives a lot of great information on her history and I always love seeing how douchey the elves can be to each other. 4 stars.
A Princess of Sovar: Erith is so interesting. I can't wait to see more of her fun stuff, and I loved the rivalry with the girl downstairs. 4 stars.
Thieving Ways: WAIT, WHAT?! Ugh, I hated this twist but I loved the story. I know, it seems totally at odds with each other. 5 stars; despite hating the shit that went down in it, I loved it regardless.
So anyway, yeah, 25 stars/30 possible = 4.1666666666, so there's your four stars. Can't wait for 4.5 and 5 now. And seriously, if you like the Sanctuary series and you haven't read these, GET OFF YOUR ASS. NOW. (It is serious enough business for caps lock abuse.)
Savages: What can I say? I LOVE Vaste. Love him. And I loved the development the two of them had in this little schtick. 4 stars.
A Familiar Face: TEARS. I had a guess as to where this one might have been going but I also hoped I was wrong. I wasn't and I cried. Literally. 5 stars.
The Last Moments of Gezhvet: Ehhh. This is the one I was most meh on, but it was still 3 stars. Idk, maybe it was just because I never really connected with Narstron that much, and the whole backstabby thing just felt like we saw it before, though there was more of a context this time? Idk. I still *liked* it though.
The Greenest Fields: Martaina is certainly interesting. This gives a lot of great information on her history and I always love seeing how douchey the elves can be to each other. 4 stars.
A Princess of Sovar: Erith is so interesting. I can't wait to see more of her fun stuff, and I loved the rivalry with the girl downstairs. 4 stars.
Thieving Ways: WAIT, WHAT?! Ugh, I hated this twist but I loved the story. I know, it seems totally at odds with each other. 5 stars; despite hating the shit that went down in it, I loved it regardless.
So anyway, yeah, 25 stars/30 possible = 4.1666666666, so there's your four stars. Can't wait for 4.5 and 5 now. And seriously, if you like the Sanctuary series and you haven't read these, GET OFF YOUR ASS. NOW. (It is serious enough business for caps lock abuse.)
August 25, 2014
Quite a good idea to give some stories about other characters in the story, I really enjoyed it! All about 3 to 4 stars except the last one, this was almost a 5 stars storie. Maybe because it has a direct connection to crusader and uh that end...!
When I finished reading I was absolutely startled, sitting with open mouth and only one thought in my mind "Oh my god... shit! How could she... what happened!"
I have to read "Master", I really HAVE TO!!!!!
When I finished reading I was absolutely startled, sitting with open mouth and only one thought in my mind "Oh my god... shit! How could she... what happened!"
I have to read "Master", I really HAVE TO!!!!!
March 5, 2014
I had already read the first two stories, having bought them as stand alone stories. however, given the teaser information from the author, I knew I would need to read the rest in order to be able to fully understand the future novels. without succumbing to spoilers, I will just say that although short, these stories are perfectly formed, touching and thoughtful additions to the main novels, which enhance the overriding narrative. I thoroughly recommend this to any fan of the series
November 22, 2016
Connects the dots
I always wondered what sub stories and back plots are left on the cutting room floor during editing. My guess is that these short stories were there, never written, in the authors mind when he created his cast of characters. It's rare for me to want to know more of why a character is who they are after a story, even rarer for me to read short stories.. but this was very entertaining
I always wondered what sub stories and back plots are left on the cutting room floor during editing. My guess is that these short stories were there, never written, in the authors mind when he created his cast of characters. It's rare for me to want to know more of why a character is who they are after a story, even rarer for me to read short stories.. but this was very entertaining
November 1, 2014
Great book
wow if you like the sanctuary series like me this one's great to top it off let's you in on some side stories that they hit at but never explain and you find out who it was at the end of crusader that Cyrus hooked up with ;)
wow if you like the sanctuary series like me this one's great to top it off let's you in on some side stories that they hit at but never explain and you find out who it was at the end of crusader that Cyrus hooked up with ;)
December 11, 2014
Love this!! Ive really enjoyed these little back stories. In fact i would ♡ more on martania proelius she has now become one of my favourite charaters in sanctuary when i never really considered her before :)
October 14, 2015
I feel a bit cheated by this book. It's very short, and is not up to the standard of the early books. I didn't really like any of the stories (perhaps you aren't meant to) and I don't really like what has become of the characters either. It wasn't *bad* but I am disappointed.
January 10, 2014
See my review on Barnes and Noble for this great book. Then buy it. Don't wait. Do it now.
December 19, 2019
ugh. a little over a week until Heretic comes out! Cannot wait!
May 11, 2016
Well done
These were some of the best fill in type stories I've read. Gives one the feeling of a goods short story and a history at the same time. Enjoyed it.
These were some of the best fill in type stories I've read. Gives one the feeling of a goods short story and a history at the same time. Enjoyed it.
Read
November 14, 2017Really good medieval fantasy book. Characters develop well and the plot moves at a good pace.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews