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Son of the Sanctumite: A Dark Fantasy of Sword and Sorcery

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When Kerra plunges her son into the river, she sets him on a path of blood and suffering. Taking his first steps, will he emerge the same person?Kerra is the notorious matriarch of the valley known as Sanctum, a merciless leader of warriors known as the Ember Jackals, and a new mother. Since her initiation, all she’s known is a ravenous bloodlust. Now, her priority is the wellbeing of her son, Asher. Can she preserve their bond in the wake of her bloody history? Or will love turn to ire, as Asher learns the truth of the world and what it means to be an Ember Jackal?

Maya is the lowly Sanctumite charged with the honor of caring for Asher, but she harbors a dangerous under cover of night, she regularly journeys into the forbidden lands beyond the veil. Her ultimate goal is to escape, but how can she hope to succeed with an Ember Jackal in her care? Can she trust Asher to protect her? Or will sentiment be her downfall?

Asher is a young boy caught unaware in a cruel world. For Kerra, he must struggle in combat, uphold the ancient traditions of his lineage and bear the sorrow the bring. For Maya, he must share his knowledge, guard her secrets, and undermine the laws of the valley. But what does Asher want for himself? And how can he reconcile the startling revelations he discovers?

Son of the Sanctumite is a character-driven, coming-of-age dark fantasy adventure perfect for readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding, layered characters with clashing motivations, and lively stories that delve into complex themes.

Order your copy now and join Asher on his journey through Sanctum and the secret that lies beneath it!

326 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2024

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8 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Dom Tilke.
2 reviews
March 31, 2025
I’m not much of a fantasy reader, but Son of the Sanctumite captured and maintained my interest! The storyline was great and I could always picture in my mind how the book described the setting. I got a little lost with the connection between characters and the bloodlines, but all in all I enjoyed it. The ending left me in suspense and now I’m just waiting for the second one to drop!
Profile Image for Robin Ginther-Venneri.
1,026 reviews81 followers
September 13, 2024
When Kerra throws her son into the river, she unknowingly sets him on a path of pain and violence. As Asher grows, will he remain the same person? 🌊🗡️

Set during a break in the holy war known as the Crown Cull, the story begins with the birth of Asher, a new member of the Tullin clan. His life is filled with battles ⚔️, strained relationships, and shocking discoveries. Will he be able to protect those he loves without losing himself? 💔

Kerra is the fierce leader of the Ember Jackals and a new mother. 🐺👶 Known for her ruthless nature, she now faces the challenge of balancing her violent past with raising Asher. Can she keep their bond strong, or will her past push them apart as Asher learns the truth about being an Ember Jackal?

Maya, a servant in Sanctum, is tasked with caring for Asher, but she has a dangerous secret. 🌙 She dreams of escaping Sanctum and sneaks out at night to explore forbidden lands. Can she trust Asher to keep her secret, or will her feelings for him jeopardize everything? 🏃‍♀️

Asher grows up in a harsh world, torn between upholding family traditions and finding his own way. For Maya, he must protect her secrets, while challenging the rules of the valley. But what does Asher truly want for himself? Can he handle the hard truths he’s about to uncover? 🤔

Son of the Sanctumite is a dark, coming-of-age fantasy that blends action with deep world-building and emotional struggles. Perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy. 📚✨

Robin’s Review
I really enjoyed this book! The story and characters kept me hooked from start to finish. 📖✨ As a fan of coming-of-age stories, this one feels like the beginning of something great. 🌟

This book has the young adult feel I was looking for, and Icarus Kote’s writing made it a fun read. I’m excited to see what comes next! 🚀

Son of the Sanctumite is a dark fantasy packed with magic, battles, and adventure. ⚔️🌌 It’s hard to put down and a great escape into a new world. 🌍

The characters are well-written, and the world feels real. I highly recommend it! 👍

#DarkFantasy #ComingOfAge #SwordAndSorcery #EpicJourney #FantasyLovers #BookRecommendation #MustReadFantasy #MagicAndAction
3 reviews
June 11, 2024
"Son of the Sanctumite" is a captivating read that never feels exhausting. Brimming with magic, intense fights, and thrilling adventure, it maintains your attention from start to finish. It's an excellent escape into a new world, offering a perfect reprieve from everyday life.

I found myself deeply connecting with Asher, whose quiet and sensitive nature mirrors my own. The book is exceptionally well-written, featuring complex and diverse characters, along with rich worldbuilding. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
1 review
March 9, 2025
over all solid story line with good dichotomy between characters. i have recommended this book to a few friends i would say it is worth a shot if you want a nice spoon full of dark fantasy
22 reviews
July 22, 2025
Very good book. It's a little wordy at the beginning, but it definitely pulls you in. I can't wait for the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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