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Hidden Sanctuary #2

A House By Any Other Name

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Reality is a complicated multiverse of many species and rare magic. Diplomats are the official envoys and investigators who hold the Union of Worlds together.

Raisa never intended to be a diplomat. Like so many things in her life, it was her stepmother's idea.

Hector is an elf in disgrace. He chose his cyborged brother over his lying, abusive family. Elves revile augmented people. They leave such despicable technology to their ancient enemies, the goblins.

When a diplomatic mission strands the two elves on a goblin world they find themselves the target of a legendary killer. If they die, so will the emergent species they were sent to save.

***
A House By Any Other Name is a stand alone novel in the Hidden Sanctuary series. It includes characters from the Uncertain Sanctuar y trilogy. No previous knowledge of Reality is necessary to enjoy the adventure.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2024

206 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Jenny Schwartz

110 books573 followers
Australian science fiction and fantasy author.

Avid reader.

Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.

***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.


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5 stars
461 (65%)
4 stars
191 (27%)
3 stars
46 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Kate McMurry.
Author 1 book130 followers
September 26, 2025
Reread 9/25/25: I enjoyed this novel just as much the second time around.

Review from 11/11/24:

Fabulous sf-fantasy romance (romantasy) between two elves who are both lawyers

This story is set in the same universe as the Uncertain Sanctuary series. Each of the books in this offshoot series, Hidden Sanctuary, is a standalone novel with a separate set of lovers, but the lovers from the original trilogy show up in cameo appearances in each of these books.

The FMC, Raisa, is an elf who was orphaned as a young child and came to live with her father and stepmother. She is an attorney and is probably in her early 30s, though her age is not specified. The stepmother is a wonderful woman who lovingly enfolded Raisa into a nuclear family with many different step-siblings and half-siblings, and over the years it has expanded into a tightly knit, extended family, producing many nieces and nephews. Raisa's family live on a horse farm on an agricultural planet. Raisa adores everyone in her family, and everyone adores her. They are basically one of the most ideal families anyone could ever imagine. For that reason, she has never wished to leave the planet she was raised on, until an opportunity comes to use her lawyer skills in a special diplomatic mission involving protecting some newly discovered sentient beings on a moon, and her beloved stepmother and many of her siblings urge her to go. She later discovers that they not only believe it is professionally an excellent opportunity for her, but they are matchmaking. They are convinced that her partner for this mission is perfect for her.

Raisa's love interest, Hector, is also an elf. He isn't technically a co-equal MC, because the story is narrated entirely from Raisa's POV. However, we get to know him really well from his conversations with Raisa. He is a fellow diplomat on the same mission as Raisa. His age is not given, either, but he is presumably around the same age as Raisa. He is the brother of the MMC, Evander, from the initial trilogy of this sf-fantasy world. He is an important subcharacter in the third book of that trilogy.

Raisa and Hector are instantly attracted from the first moment they meet. It is not just a physical attraction, though they are both very goodlooking. Each is a highly ethical, compassionate, courageous individual, and they are extremely well suited in their values and goals in life. Hector, in particular, is an absolutely fabulous character. Though he is so virtuous that he seems almost flawless, he is not obnoxiously so.

Similar to the other books in the series, there is no sex onstage in this novel, not even any offstage sex. There are only a few kisses. In spite of that fact, romance fans will be happy to know that there is plenty of emotional and physical chemistry between Raisa and Hector.

I highly recommend reading the initial trilogy before experiencing this book, although it is not, technically, absolutely necessary, because the author concisely and clearly explains the sf-fantasy world of this series. I mainly recommend reading those books because every single book in this series is terrific.
Profile Image for Amanda.
159 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2024
Loved it

Absolutely love this world and I want to read more. Sentient houses is one of my favourite troupes, especially with all the sass included. I'm now at the point where I will buy any of Jenny's books 'sight unseen' and know I'll enjoy it. I recommend these stories to anyone who will listen. The combo of magic and sci fiction is just *kisses fingers*. My biggest complaint is that I want more. I really hope there will be more stories to read about these houses.
Profile Image for Al.
37 reviews1 follower
did-not-finish
November 8, 2024
Abandoned halfway through. Insta-love, boring characters I just can’t bring myself to care about. Was waiting for Kira to show up. I might take it up again and skim just to see if we get a reappearance.
423 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2024
Super good!

Love love all of the twists and turns of this one! So glad too that Hector got his happy ever after. I hope we see more of this couple and much more Noxie.
45 reviews
December 14, 2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️

The second of author Jenny Schwartz’ Hidden Sanctuary series, A House By Any Other Name is my favorite of the two novels.

Both tales take place in the fabulous Uncertain Sanctuary universe but only this story is directly related to the characters in that series. And that immediately gives A House By Any Other Name added depth and detail missing from Any House in a Storm.

This story is filled with engaging,intriguing characters, some of which we’ve met before. Like Hector who is the disgraced brother of Evander, cyborg Elf and partner to Sorcerer Kira (Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy).

But Schwartz has also created a great character in Raisa, who’s fully grounded in a wealth of other characters and rich in her own history. She’s a strong personality, certain of her own abilities and her goals.

The revelation of the fact she’s a sorcerer isn’t much of a surprise, but the real joy is her sentient house. As each is created by the sorcerer themselves, they spring from an emotional source of that sorcerer. Raisa’s house is totally unique and unexpected. A aspect of this story I didn’t expect and loved.

And it happily is part of a successful twist at the end of the story. Another element that just made this story even more special for me.

The plot and storylines are ones that keep one absolutely invested in the characters journey and outcome. The romance is slow and credible between these two intelligent powerful people.

I just wish Schwartz would have more than one story to explore their journey going forward. They are that interesting.

I’m highly recommending this story and the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy it’s related to.


Hidden Sanctuary series:
Any House in a Storm #1
A House By Any Other Name #2
2,874 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2025
a great story

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The second of author Jenny Schwartz’ Hidden Sanctuary series, A House By Any Other Name is my favorite of the two novels.

Both tales take place in the fabulous Uncertain Sanctuary universe but only this story is directly related to the characters in that series. And that immediately gives A House By Any Other Name added depth and detail missing from Any House in a Storm.

This story is filled with engaging,intriguing characters, some of which we’ve met before. Like Hector who is the disgraced brother of Evander, cyborg Elf and partner to Sorcerer Kira (Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy).

But Schwartz has also created a great character in Raisa, who’s fully grounded in a wealth of other characters and rich in her own history. She’s a strong personality, certain of her own abilities and her goals.

The revelation of the fact she’s a sorcerer isn’t much of a surprise, but the real joy is her sentient house. As each is created by the sorcerer themselves, they spring from an emotional source of that sorcerer. Raisa’s house is totally unique and unexpected. A aspect of this story I didn’t expect and loved.

And it happily is part of a successful twist at the end of the story. Another element that just made this story even more special for me.

The plot and storylines are ones that keep one absolutely invested in the characters journey and outcome. The romance is slow and credible between these two intelligent powerful people.

I just wish Schwartz would have more than one story to explore their journey going forward. They are that interesting.

I’m highly recommending this story and the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy it’s related to.


Hidden Sanctuary series:
Any House in a Storm #1
A House By Any Other Name #2
Profile Image for Megan » Hello Book Bird!.
476 reviews37 followers
June 27, 2024
"You can respect their rights as people without endorsing their actions."


Not sure why the cover on Goodreads definitely doesn't match the cover on Amazon (and it's BEAUTIFUL lemme tell you) but I am here for anything that Jenny Schwartz puts out, especially as it relates to her Houses. Because I am a huge fan of sentient houses.

Not that the book had a TON of her house...only in the latter quarter. But leading up to that was just mysterious enough and the reveal of the true nature of the qamas and Big and politics and everything was A+.

Also, I'm especially tickled with how the prior book bleeds over into this one (though you by no means need to have read it as Schwartz does a good job of providing context without info-dumping).

I can't wait for the next one to come out.

"Caring about someone’s well-being doesn’t equal desiring that their wishes come true."
988 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2024
3.75

This book was entertaining and interesting. It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed my time reading it. I think the author did a great job of world building and crafting an interesting plot. There were some weaknesses that could've been helped along with an editor and a proofreader. There were many times that things were too word-y or not quite written well, and it pulled me out of the story. I also think the conflict resolutions were a little underdeveloped as well.

I was surprised to realize that this sequel was a stand-alone. I went into the book fairly blind. I expected to continue with the previous characters from the previous book. Instead, we have fresh characters and fresh back-stories. These characters were more interesting to me, and I really liked their chemistry.

I enjoyed this book enough, that I'd be happy to re-read it one day, and it makes me interested in what else the author with publish.
Profile Image for Ursula Fricke.
150 reviews
June 22, 2024
A House By Any Other Name is a stand alone novel in the Hidden Sanctuary series. It includes characters from the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy. No previous knowledge of Reality is necessary to enjoy the adventure.

Technically true. But after 31% I paused the book to reread the complete Uncertain Sanctuary series. There were so many references to those that I felt more comfortable with a reread than with plodding on, trying to remember. And to be honest I think it's really important to understand the whole Zami family drama to better understand Hector.

And now, to make the whole five I'm going to reread Hidden Sanctuary 1 - Any House in a Storm. I love both series and can't wait for another installmet.
Profile Image for Eden.
2,233 reviews
August 20, 2025
2025. bk 108. A totally new character, world, and a declaration that we need to look at anything or one from a variety of perspectives before we judge them. When Raisa, a lawyer, is given an assignment off world, she is reluctant. Upon reaching a new world where she will be the advocate for a sentient body of individuals, she finds murder has taken place. At times it seems like there are only 3 people truly wishing to solve the mystery. She, her partner in Advocacy - the Adjudicator who will decide the future of the species, and the military contact. It takes revealing her true self to solve the mystery and reach a resolution - and along the way love blossoms.
14 reviews
January 27, 2026
The Best!

Yo! Jenny! I don't know if you read these KU reviews or not. I also can't really tell what order you've written the various series in. But the two books (so far?) in the Hidden Sanctuary series are my favorites of yours so far. The plotting is concise. The characters are intriguing. And at no time was I tempted, even for a second, to DNF either book 😋. Well done, that lass!
😍😎
Profile Image for Dr susan.
3,094 reviews51 followers
June 17, 2024
Awesome sci fantasy adventure with romance

The worldbuilding is fun, Noxie is awesome, and the story is great. Raisa is a wonderful narrator, and Hector is almost too good to be true. The supporting characters are likeable, and they all survive (not true in most sci fi/fantasy books). I look forward to the next Hidden Sanctuary book.
36 reviews
June 22, 2024
Great follow up, not really a sequel

New MC's but the same universe, same great plotting and character development. I liked how this story expanded on the social and political development of the overall universe and its background. Will look forward to the next book, pretty please with sugar on top?
255 reviews14 followers
July 19, 2024
Warm and wonderful SF Fantasy Romance

Technology, magic, incredible world building, great characters and relationships make this stand alone in the House seria a winner. The themes of family, found, blood, and chosen, and the open heartedness of it makes the book sing. What makes a person? What makes a monster? How do our choices shape and define us?
Profile Image for Gillian.
237 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2024
love this universe

And was over joyed to find another book set in it. Jenny Schwartz has become a comfort read for me. I go back and binge through her various series on a semi regular basis. They are fun books with great plots and characters and this was no exception. I had gone back to reread the house books and stumbled across this. Love found family, happy endings, and people who do the right thing even when no one is watching.
Profile Image for April.
35 reviews
January 15, 2025
This a favorite series of mine

I love Jenny Schwartz’s writing style, characters and all her books. However her sorcerer house books are my favorite I think, there are so many good series to pick from so it is hard to narrow it down. This one was fun and exciting, worth the read and as always leaving you wanting more!
149 reviews
February 7, 2025
I love all the House books!

I love ALL the House books! Even though I predicted in the beginning that the main female character was a sorcerer, it took too long to expose that in this book IMO, the story was phenomenal. I loved this House composition! PLEASE 🙏 don't stop writing in this world. (Maybe a male sorcerer next?)
16 reviews
June 16, 2024
Intrigue, explosions & family drama!

Never a dull moment! A fresh adventure with all the intrigue and none of the angst. A few friendly faces and a whole new twist on explosive politics. A great read.
110 reviews
June 17, 2024
Started a little slow, better as it goes

The story started a little slow and felt a bit bumpy with different words we don't know (yes, I know aliens use different words for things), but once we got to know the characters and got into the meat of it, it was quite delightful.
57 reviews
June 17, 2024
Unexpected

Jenny always surprises me. The twists and turns in her books keep me stuck reading from start to finish. I "found" her in 2019 and have read everything she's written. Keep up the amazing work, Jenny and Thank You!
727 reviews6 followers
June 24, 2024
I must say that I was confused as to what role Raisa was going to play, and then 2/3 of the way through the revelation was made. Nice.

The World Walking House novels are an excellent read and I would like to see more of Zelia and the Dark House of Doom
Profile Image for Amber B.
42 reviews
June 24, 2024
Love this world

I love all of these books! I'd love to read one where all of the Sorcerer's have an adventure together so we can see everyone at once and how all the fellas interact!
Profile Image for Leyns.
3,058 reviews
June 26, 2024
Kinda cute.

I liked the world building and the characters. The romance was a little cute.
There was a LOT of internal dialogue and explanations and discussions, which could drag a bit, but overall I did like the book.
I did prefer the previous book though.
375 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2024
lovely

I so enjoyed this book and indeed all the books set in this world. Hector was a little too perfect but I enjoyed the way the characters interacted and I found “big” interesting. I intend to read other books in the series.
Profile Image for Emilye.
1,552 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2024
… Is A House

HiddenSanctuary2

Very playful.

I am so glad to see Hector Zami again! And Raisa Luxton is a nice addition.

It helps that sorcerers have no identifiers of using magic. Only their house can “out” them. And if their house is hidden in plain sight…

Too much fun!
35 reviews
November 3, 2024
I love this two-part book series on houses and sorcerers, even if they’re stand

Alone books, their stories are engaging and they really keep your interest from first page to last love the characters highly
15 reviews
November 24, 2024
Absolutely delightful read

I love the author's imagination and ability to tie everything together into an engrossing read. This was an awesome companion for a cold, gray, winery weekend. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Schwarz's work.
1,106 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2025
So good

Jenny Schwartz is Sch an intelligent author and her books reflect her own questioning mind which is obviously continuously exploring new ideas and thinking through all sides of the ramifications if the idea were reality. Excellent
9 reviews
June 14, 2024
I love this series

This series is so unique. I love learning more about the characters. I'm happy Hector got his story told. Also, I love Noxie. She's awesome.
1,090 reviews
June 15, 2024
going

Another sorcerer emerges and gets her happy ever after. I liked this but wanted more magic and more time with the house.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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