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Sanctuary: Book Two of the Affliction Trilogy
Some monsters don’t devour, they annihilate.
All Quinn Ellery wanted was to save the ones she loves from the Affliction. But after a failed attempt to leave their virus-riddled continent, it seems impossible. The only hope she has left is to piece together the clues left by a group known as the Sanctuary and pray they lead to a better life in Stern.
But it won’t be easy. Quinn, River, and the four men they now call friends must travel through dangerous regions where Zs are not their biggest threat. With ammunition and food supplies running low, she questions if they can make it to safety in one piece, or will she be forced to watch everyone, including the man she loves, be ripped apart.
Or maybe she has it all wrong, and it won’t be the journey that is their demise but the destination.
All Quinn Ellery wanted was to save the ones she loves from the Affliction. But after a failed attempt to leave their virus-riddled continent, it seems impossible. The only hope she has left is to piece together the clues left by a group known as the Sanctuary and pray they lead to a better life in Stern.
But it won’t be easy. Quinn, River, and the four men they now call friends must travel through dangerous regions where Zs are not their biggest threat. With ammunition and food supplies running low, she questions if they can make it to safety in one piece, or will she be forced to watch everyone, including the man she loves, be ripped apart.
Or maybe she has it all wrong, and it won’t be the journey that is their demise but the destination.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
59 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Crystal J. Johnson
24 books197 followersCrystal J. Johnson lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, son, and a multitude of rescued animals. She is the author of the Affliction Trilogy, a winner of the 2019 Fiction Awards on Wattpad. Currently, she is working on a new adult fantasy, The Crown Trilogy.
Crystal is a Wattpad Creator and Editor's Choice Author, with over a million reads on the publishing platform.
Along with Felicity Vaughn, she is one half of the writing duo and YouTube personalities, Crystal and Felicity. Their newest novel SPELLBOUND is available wherever books are sold.
You can read all of Crystal's solo books on WATTPAD.
Crystal is a Wattpad Creator and Editor's Choice Author, with over a million reads on the publishing platform.
Along with Felicity Vaughn, she is one half of the writing duo and YouTube personalities, Crystal and Felicity. Their newest novel SPELLBOUND is available wherever books are sold.
You can read all of Crystal's solo books on WATTPAD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 30, 2024
ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: ARC e-Book
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: High
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: Medium
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Resolved
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: The pacing for this story was perfection! It was easy to read, and action packed every second of the way. And the spice! 10/10 loved the writing so much.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “You're a pain in my ass, but I wholeheartedly love you.”
&
“This place may not have reason to fear Zs, but I have reason to fear these people.”
&
“This is how it should be every morning. You beneath me and the taste of you on my tongue.”
&
“It would be better to be a slave to the Affliction than bound by the small-mindedness of men.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣: Chapters 7 & 8 & 25
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Quinn: My girl! She is so relatable and boy does she go through it in this book! She is so strong she doesn’t even know it. I love being inside her mind.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: Crystal really spiced it up in this book! From the story taking off to another level and the ROMANCE?! Everything about this book was perfect for me. The book had such strong character development for Quinn because of what she’s goes through in this book. My girl is resilient to say the least! 💪🏼 I found this story gripping and the world-building immersive. The themes of survival, love, and hope are central to the story, making it a compelling read for fans of dystopian fiction.
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: High
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: Medium
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Resolved
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: The pacing for this story was perfection! It was easy to read, and action packed every second of the way. And the spice! 10/10 loved the writing so much.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “You're a pain in my ass, but I wholeheartedly love you.”
&
“This place may not have reason to fear Zs, but I have reason to fear these people.”
&
“This is how it should be every morning. You beneath me and the taste of you on my tongue.”
&
“It would be better to be a slave to the Affliction than bound by the small-mindedness of men.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣: Chapters 7 & 8 & 25
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Quinn: My girl! She is so relatable and boy does she go through it in this book! She is so strong she doesn’t even know it. I love being inside her mind.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: Crystal really spiced it up in this book! From the story taking off to another level and the ROMANCE?! Everything about this book was perfect for me. The book had such strong character development for Quinn because of what she’s goes through in this book. My girl is resilient to say the least! 💪🏼 I found this story gripping and the world-building immersive. The themes of survival, love, and hope are central to the story, making it a compelling read for fans of dystopian fiction.
January 19, 2025
i loved this book tbh
August 17, 2024
If you see someone just laying in the middle of the road, that would be me...I am just trying to process the ending...
Take all my stars, Crystal! You deserve all of them.
I can not get enough of this world!
The spice was spicing, and the adrenaline was kicked in from chapter one.
There was some twisting in there that I didn't see coming, and it gave me some visceral feelings.
Well. Done.
Is it too early to ask for book three?! Asking for a friend?!
Take all my stars, Crystal! You deserve all of them.
I can not get enough of this world!
The spice was spicing, and the adrenaline was kicked in from chapter one.
There was some twisting in there that I didn't see coming, and it gave me some visceral feelings.
Well. Done.
Is it too early to ask for book three?! Asking for a friend?!
September 16, 2024
I think this is my favorite! And so ready for book 3.
More spice and more character growth.
Again when I started this series I was nor a big syfi reader but I love the writing style.. it keeps you on your toes. The relationship that has developed between all of them is so good!
More spice and more character growth.
Again when I started this series I was nor a big syfi reader but I love the writing style.. it keeps you on your toes. The relationship that has developed between all of them is so good!
June 20, 2025
Wow!!! What a great next installment of the series! So much happens in this book! I was thoroughly engrossed! Twists i didnt see coming, i love that! Onto the next!
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars
Book 2 delivered even fewer zombies than the first. 🧟♀️❌ There was one decent zombie scene near the end, but honestly, the way battle scenes are written in this series leaves a lot to be desired. If you try to picture the action strictly from the author’s words... good luck. It just doesn’t flow clearly.
The crew sets out on their big quest for Sanctuary, but gets kidnapped by the Kingdom of Morhaven, which gave off major medieval LARP vibes. 🏰⚔️ Fortunately, they escape, but if you’re here for zombies… you’re gonna get dystopia instead. Which is fine, unless, like me, you were promised zombie chaos and not a Renaissance fair gone wrong.
I’ll give credit: there was a plot twist I did not see coming. 👀 And Ryland? Fell even harder for him this round. The whole found-family group is great… except Quinn. Oh, Quinn. She’s still the human equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. 🎶🛑 Always acting like she knows best, insisting she’s sacrificing everything for the group, while really just steamrolling everyone to get her way. At this point, even the zombies deserve better.
I’ll continue with Book 3 since it’s the finale and I feel invested at this point. But if I’m honest? This series hasn’t given me that edge-of-my-seat, can’t-put-it-down feeling I want from my zombie/dystopian reads.
Book 2 delivered even fewer zombies than the first. 🧟♀️❌ There was one decent zombie scene near the end, but honestly, the way battle scenes are written in this series leaves a lot to be desired. If you try to picture the action strictly from the author’s words... good luck. It just doesn’t flow clearly.
The crew sets out on their big quest for Sanctuary, but gets kidnapped by the Kingdom of Morhaven, which gave off major medieval LARP vibes. 🏰⚔️ Fortunately, they escape, but if you’re here for zombies… you’re gonna get dystopia instead. Which is fine, unless, like me, you were promised zombie chaos and not a Renaissance fair gone wrong.
I’ll give credit: there was a plot twist I did not see coming. 👀 And Ryland? Fell even harder for him this round. The whole found-family group is great… except Quinn. Oh, Quinn. She’s still the human equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. 🎶🛑 Always acting like she knows best, insisting she’s sacrificing everything for the group, while really just steamrolling everyone to get her way. At this point, even the zombies deserve better.
I’ll continue with Book 3 since it’s the finale and I feel invested at this point. But if I’m honest? This series hasn’t given me that edge-of-my-seat, can’t-put-it-down feeling I want from my zombie/dystopian reads.
July 30, 2025
This book made me feel an array of emotions. It made me laugh, cry, and filled me with dread in most parts of this book. I did guess one plot twist that happens about halfway through the book but I still got chills when I read it.
In this book we definitely deal with more horrible people than in the first. I love the aspect of that because it makes sense in an apocalypse that people would be one of the biggest dangers, not just the infected. Also the ending was perfect and so in character for Quinn.
My Favorite Quotes:
"My entire world was on the verge of shifting, turning upside down. He is like the sun, feeding me with light and life. If he were gone, I would be empty. So fucking empty."
"When I was lost in total darkness, I collided with a supernova. You're a breathtaking burst of color in my universe. Even in the middle of utter annihilation, it's your pure requited love I live for, Quinnten Ellery."
"My dreams were rewritten to include you"
"The two of us have come so far. In the beginning, we were adamantly opposed to opening our hearts to another person, fearful of having more people to care about and potentially lose. We fought so hard to hold steadfast, and yet, love overcame. We overcame."
In this book we definitely deal with more horrible people than in the first. I love the aspect of that because it makes sense in an apocalypse that people would be one of the biggest dangers, not just the infected. Also the ending was perfect and so in character for Quinn.
My Favorite Quotes:
"My entire world was on the verge of shifting, turning upside down. He is like the sun, feeding me with light and life. If he were gone, I would be empty. So fucking empty."
"When I was lost in total darkness, I collided with a supernova. You're a breathtaking burst of color in my universe. Even in the middle of utter annihilation, it's your pure requited love I live for, Quinnten Ellery."
"My dreams were rewritten to include you"
"The two of us have come so far. In the beginning, we were adamantly opposed to opening our hearts to another person, fearful of having more people to care about and potentially lose. We fought so hard to hold steadfast, and yet, love overcame. We overcame."
February 24, 2025
Dreaded starting this one, walked away pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it a LOT more than the first book. I finished it in one day while it took me a few days to trudge through the other book (I’m typically a fast reader).
That being said, there were a few scenes that were questionable and still made me go “are you serious, Quinn? You can’t be this dumb.” I also wish there was more character development or emphasis on the side cast. It felt like a lot of the smut detracted from the development of those other characters and I would have preferred more development over more (really meaningless and basic) smut. Vanilla isn’t bad persay, but the way it’s written after the first 2 impactful smut scenes have left much to be desired
Although most things were resolved at the end of the book (sort of?), I wish some side characters didn’t feel like mere plot devices. I suppose that they may appear im book 3, but we didn’t get an overall resolution to either community they encountered - not a true, satisfying one at least. I won’t judge too harshly though as there’s still 1 more book I have yet to read.
That being said, there were a few scenes that were questionable and still made me go “are you serious, Quinn? You can’t be this dumb.” I also wish there was more character development or emphasis on the side cast. It felt like a lot of the smut detracted from the development of those other characters and I would have preferred more development over more (really meaningless and basic) smut. Vanilla isn’t bad persay, but the way it’s written after the first 2 impactful smut scenes have left much to be desired
Although most things were resolved at the end of the book (sort of?), I wish some side characters didn’t feel like mere plot devices. I suppose that they may appear im book 3, but we didn’t get an overall resolution to either community they encountered - not a true, satisfying one at least. I won’t judge too harshly though as there’s still 1 more book I have yet to read.
August 25, 2024
So, book 1 was one of my favorite books I’ve ever read, and I've read a lot. Even though the book is set in a world where chaos reigns, I felt at home and comfortable with these characters. I didn’t know if book 2 would live up to book 1.
It was a close call, Sanctuary is full of bumps and plot twists, some I didn’t see coming, which was great! I smiled, I cried, I got really anxious at times. But this trilogy has my heart in so many ways.
Crystal wrote these characters beautifully, like a good author does, she makes you care fiercely for these fictional people. The love, the bonds, the never-ending hurdles they go through, make you want what they have (and they have zombies in their world... who would want that ?!).
So, I would definitely advise you to read these books. If you like smut & love stories, mixed with World War Z / The walking dead vibes, you can’t go wrong. And even if you don’t, give them a chance.
I’m a scaredy cat when it comes to gore, horror or thrillers, but I loved being a part of this universe for a small moment in time.
It was a close call, Sanctuary is full of bumps and plot twists, some I didn’t see coming, which was great! I smiled, I cried, I got really anxious at times. But this trilogy has my heart in so many ways.
Crystal wrote these characters beautifully, like a good author does, she makes you care fiercely for these fictional people. The love, the bonds, the never-ending hurdles they go through, make you want what they have (and they have zombies in their world... who would want that ?!).
So, I would definitely advise you to read these books. If you like smut & love stories, mixed with World War Z / The walking dead vibes, you can’t go wrong. And even if you don’t, give them a chance.
I’m a scaredy cat when it comes to gore, horror or thrillers, but I loved being a part of this universe for a small moment in time.
February 3, 2025
Sanctuary is book 2 of the Affliction Trilogy. Book 2 continues Quinn and her friends' journey to safety through a zombie apocalypse. When they all couldn't cross the border to safety, the group looks for the hidden "sanctuary" instead. However, they run into some problems on their way, and the sanctuary is not what it appears to be. I'm really enjoying this series because it's a good mix of romance, sci-fi, and adventure. Quinn, River, Ryland, Noah, Wes, and Aiden have a special bond after everything they have been through and I've enjoyed watching their relationships grow. Book 3 promises to have a completely different vibe after the final events of this book, so the storyline should stay fresh. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes next. This whole series has been 5 stars!
August 23, 2024
✨Arc Reader ✨
5 ⭐️ 2.5 - 3 🌶️
I love a book that can make me feel all the emotions all at once. And this book DEFINITELY does that. At one point, I was crying over the heartbreak but genuinely in AWE at how beautiful of a moment it was. This book kept me captivated by the story and made me WANT to finish it. I laughed, I cried, I was ANGRY, I was hot and bothered. It had everything. It made me feel alive, like I was there experiencing everything with them.
Ryland Shaw is the perfect combination of touch her & die mixed with cinnamon roll boyfriend. Quinn is a bada$$ FMC who learns to be more vulnerable.
This book series has changed my mind & opened my eyes to other genres I might’ve never considered before. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
5 ⭐️ 2.5 - 3 🌶️
I love a book that can make me feel all the emotions all at once. And this book DEFINITELY does that. At one point, I was crying over the heartbreak but genuinely in AWE at how beautiful of a moment it was. This book kept me captivated by the story and made me WANT to finish it. I laughed, I cried, I was ANGRY, I was hot and bothered. It had everything. It made me feel alive, like I was there experiencing everything with them.
Ryland Shaw is the perfect combination of touch her & die mixed with cinnamon roll boyfriend. Quinn is a bada$$ FMC who learns to be more vulnerable.
This book series has changed my mind & opened my eyes to other genres I might’ve never considered before. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
August 2, 2024
This was an intense ride of emotions and I really didn’t think I would love it as much as Affliction- however I just might love it more! Quinn and Ryland grew so much this book, the whole crew goes on a wild ride of an adventure seeking refuge and I laughed, cried, stressed and cheered! Just action packed goodness and I can’t wait for the day these characters know peace because Crystal put them through it. Any fan of the walking dead will love this series and this book, it’s a zombie apocalypse romance gem 💎
October 29, 2024
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Should be a movie, seriously. After rereading my first review on Affliction, I realized how much deeper this book went into plot and character development and it was so awesome! I got so much closer to the characters and the overall state of Stern and the rest of the world - all that to say the spice and the plot truly skyrocketed. Easy to read but captivating all the same. Also some insane curve balls (ummm Morhaven, WHAT?!) but some predictability throughout as well created a nice balance. Yeah so I’m pumped up for book 3 in about 2 weeks eeek!
November 28, 2024
After reading Affliction, I was already balls deep in this infected world and ready to fight the Zs myself for these characters, so this second book had big boots to fill. But any anxiety about that soon dissipated as Quinn, River, Ryland, Noah, Aiden, and Wes began their mission to find the Sanctuary.
Descriptive, flowing writing set the pace as the group's effort was paid off along this book's journey. Twists I'd not expected and shocks were revealed as the band of friends' strength was tested time and again. Like its predecessor, this is a compelling read!
August 13, 2024
I had the pleasure of ARC reading this book.
This took me on so many rides.
A ride on the edge, there were so many times I was put on edge and hoping for good things to happen.
A ride of sadness from certain parts of the book.
The ride of love, passion and laughter there were a few times I cracked up it was just amazing.
But despite all that (in a good way) it was fantastic and I highly recommend reading this book I loved it in everyway!
This took me on so many rides.
A ride on the edge, there were so many times I was put on edge and hoping for good things to happen.
A ride of sadness from certain parts of the book.
The ride of love, passion and laughter there were a few times I cracked up it was just amazing.
But despite all that (in a good way) it was fantastic and I highly recommend reading this book I loved it in everyway!
August 14, 2024
Absolutely captivating story AGAIN of love and life during a zombie apocalypse. Crystal killed it with Sanctury and I gobbled this sucker up!
Oh and can’t forget… she brought it with the spice. These two did not hold back at all and I was here for it.
So many parts in the book had my mouth dropping, tears in my eyes, heart palpitations, and full on laughing. Such an amazing story telling here and a wonderfully done book! Yall have to read it!!
Oh and can’t forget… she brought it with the spice. These two did not hold back at all and I was here for it.
So many parts in the book had my mouth dropping, tears in my eyes, heart palpitations, and full on laughing. Such an amazing story telling here and a wonderfully done book! Yall have to read it!!
October 30, 2024
I swear this book was so niche, it was exactly something that I would’ve written for myself. I loved Affliction, but i loved Sanctuary even more. There’s still the suspense, the drama, the twists and turns. It almost reminded me of The Last of Us, where this story focused more on how the affliction changed the people, their motives and their values. Definitely will be reading again and cannot wait for Insurrection!
April 9, 2025
Oh wow! I honestly was not expecting to be surprised by the plot this much. I thought it would be just getting to the Sanctuary, but the multiple roadbumps along the way got me nervous! I was terrified for all of them and I was prepping myself to lose someone from the group. The author makes it so gripping and scary that this book had me in a chokehold. I love the development between Ryland and Quinn and knowing their emotional devotion to each other is so strong, it makes me happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
This book moved much slower for me than the first book did, but there was a lot packed in here. Usually the most scary creatures in any zombie book/movie are the humans and not the zombies--and this one was no exception. Fans of the Walking Dead will enjoy this one...it felt very Governor-esque (IYKYK). My favorite parts of this were towards the end where the survival aspects were key and the ending made me want to pick up the next one to see how it all ends. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
April 10, 2021
The characters have so much depth to them, but Quinn is such a brilliantly written character. Easily the strongest female character I’ve ever come across. The Sanctuary was just as brilliant as I remembered it to be, and I’m so excited to read the third book. I am once again left in awe by the author
August 30, 2024
Wow wow wow!
I was literally in suspense the whole time. There was so much that happened and I’m still processing it all honestly. But fantastic work! 😅
Sounds like there’s definitely more to untangle with president Spencer! Honestly that guy was crazy af.
Ugh Ry and Quinn 🥹 not gonna lie I cried at least once.
I was literally in suspense the whole time. There was so much that happened and I’m still processing it all honestly. But fantastic work! 😅
Sounds like there’s definitely more to untangle with president Spencer! Honestly that guy was crazy af.
Ugh Ry and Quinn 🥹 not gonna lie I cried at least once.
September 30, 2024
Crystal had me hooked with this story. I love Ryland and Quinn so much. I’m already so ready for book 3. Sanctuary was one heck of a ride too. The spice, the intense moments in the sanctuary, the relationship with other characters I won’t say cause it is a spoiler. But let me just say if you haven’t read this series. Do it. Highly recommend.
February 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Lost 1/2 star for me bc the whole medieval world felt very weird and random to me. Maybe it’ll come up in the third book, but I thought it was oddly placed and unnecessary here. Overall I really enjoyed this book! I will for sure be reading the third book!! I can’t wait to find out what happens to them.
Lost 1/2 star for me bc the whole medieval world felt very weird and random to me. Maybe it’ll come up in the third book, but I thought it was oddly placed and unnecessary here. Overall I really enjoyed this book! I will for sure be reading the third book!! I can’t wait to find out what happens to them.
November 2, 2025
Devoured this entire series in one day. I absolutely loved it. Its definitely a slow burn but I dont mind that. I think thats what makes it a great series for me, its not focused on the "spice" you get more of a authentic growing of a couple who are trying their best in a zombie apocalypse world. The friendships and love this group have is great. My only issue is the series ended 😭
August 16, 2024
I was able to read ARC of this book. I joyed it so much the ups and downs all the drama. I actually liked this one a little bit more than Affliction, but both very good books. I didn't know if I was going to be into a zombie apocalypse book but I was.
February 18, 2025
Great Read!
Fabulous Book with a fantastic villain you want to punch right in the face! This series def gives you the Walking Dead vibes with romance and found family! Can’t wait to read the final installment!
Fabulous Book with a fantastic villain you want to punch right in the face! This series def gives you the Walking Dead vibes with romance and found family! Can’t wait to read the final installment!
July 28, 2024
RTC.
My fav of this trilogy.
Easy 5 stars!
My fav of this trilogy.
Easy 5 stars!
August 9, 2024
So I loved Affliction, but I am sorta obsessed with Sanctuary. Read both please in order and now I am ready for book 3!
November 13, 2024
I'm so lucky that I read this so close to book 3 coming out but oh my gosh I'm actually gnawing at the bars of my enclosure waiting for this one. This series is changing me fundamentally and I'm not complaining about it!!
January 3, 2025
QUINN AND RYLAND!!!!!! Finally. Wink wink. Read this series ASAP. You’ll be so happy you did.
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