Divine Sanctuary

Divine Trilogy #3

by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

There's no place like home…

In the Divine trilogy finale, the heat is tripled when CFBI Agent Jasi McLellan must rescue Emily, the ghost girl that haunts her dreams; expose her own mother's killer; and uncover a murderer that preys on the weak at Sanctuary, a controversial cult nestled in the woods near Mission, BC.

Something insidious lurks behind the safe haven of Sanctuary's wrought iron gates. Led by the charismatic Father Jeremiah, the cult's idyllic lifestyle seems perfect on the outside. But a lethal hunter is on the prowl, and in a carefully executed game of cat and mouse, the body count rises.

Along with Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko, Psychometric Empath Ben Roberts and Special Consultant Brandon Walsh, Jasi follows three trails of clues that lead to one terrifying conclusion: home is not always the safest place on earth.

Genres: Thriller, Fantasy, Paranormal, Cult Classics

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2014

About the author

http://www.cherylktardif.com
http://www.whalesongbook.com
http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com

Contact Cheryl: cherylktardif at shaw.ca

I am an avid reader and an international bestselling suspense author. My novels are often cross-genre works that fall into the categories of suspense, mystery or thriller.

My books have been compared to works by Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Sue Monk Kidd, J.D. Robb, Kay Hooper, James Patterson, Dan Brown, and Michael Crichton.

I am always asked that one question: "Cheryl, what do you do?"

My reply: "I kill people off for a living." ;) CKT

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first two books in the Divine trilogy, I am thrilled to be reading this, the third and final book. It is also with sorrow at leaving behind the characters that Cheryl Kaye Tardif has given us. This book can be read as a standalone but reading the first two will enhance the experience.

The Prologue takes us into the past of Jasmine or Jasi as she prefers, the main character, as a recurring dream, vision or could it be a ghost, always featuring the same girl but this girl ages with time. First seen in Jasi's closet as an abused child, now she appears anywhere, anytime.

Jasi is a member of the PSI branch of the CFBI. This special branch is comprised almost entirely of agents who have psychic abilities of various types. In Jasi's case, she is a Pyro-Psychic, able to feel what a pyromaniac feels as he kills by fire, her skills brought to the fore when she smells smoke. Thus, she has to approach a suspect fire after breathing pure oxygen to keep from contaminating what she is smelling. Her team works as a tightly-knit group, each with their own abilities...except Brandon who is an arson expert and brings his own set of skills to the table.

A heart-wrenching call from a friend sends the team out in search of a missing woman, a well-known reporter who has been out of touch for five days. She had been investigating a story about missing women, and had gone incognito into the 'Sanctuary.' The premise of the Sanctuary is to rescue the homeless and downtrodden, but does it? It seems very much like a cult. The leader appears to sincerely believe what he is doing is helping people. But does he? Is he really the sincere person he seems to be?

Jasi's group has free reign to search the grounds, in fact she and Brandon are even given the use of a cottage in the compound. Granted, many of the women act afraid to talk to them or else flatly refuse to, but the team has no trouble talking to most of them and they can't really find anything. The story revolves around trying to find a foothold to learn about so many missing women who may or may not have been at Sanctuary.

But secrets may be buried deeper than anyone imagines, even the members of Sanctuary. A horrific murder has taken place within the compound, supposedly the result of accident, but Jasi has seen something different, another in the group, Natassia who is a Victim Empath and 'sees' what the victim's last sight was agrees with Jasi. The body in the walk-in furnace, was it really an accident? The shattered bones discovered, are they really from bears hunting other animals?

I love the author's way with expression, description, and energy in her books and this is no exception. These people come alive. Through the PSI group's interaction with their special gifts the search moves outside, their psi-impressions have shown horrible and terrifying deeds very quickly a mind-blowing chase is on. The pace picks up to excruciating time-crunching as the horror of what is really happening begins to be realized.

With all the horror and life-threatening sport going on, with all the sorrow around, there is some good to come out of it all, almost missed but fortunately there is an overwhelmingly stubborn ghost in connection with the also stubborn Jasi, and the end of the trilogy is surprising and satisfying. I cried.

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems like I have been waiting FOREVER for Divine Sanctuary to come out. Let me say it now, it was well worth the wait. With so many twist and turns, this final entry in the Divine trilogy will keep you on the edge of your set guessing until the very end.

Let’s start I am not a big mystery fan. However, I do like a good PNR story. It doesn’t have to have to be a vamp kind, humans that are ‘different’ will do me just as well. So knowing that this is a PNR mystery what is about this book and series that drew me in? I like Ms. Tardif writing style. She spins a good tale and creates characters that I can find myself interested in. Our MCs, Jasi and Brandon, I have been following along and just love. Jasi is tough and smart but not completely infallible. Brandon is a nice balance to her a both a work and relationship partner. As they work together on this case I found myself not only interested on what they were investigated but as well as how their relationship progress. The secondary characters of Ben and Natassia were great as usual, but it was Natassia’s interactions with ‘Jay’ that had me cracking up and wishing for more. As for Father Jeremiah and all his cult followers, I definitely did NOT drink the Kool-Aid. I knew one of them had to be the killer especially with their stepford wive/ blind minion following but the actually one. Yup didn’t see it coming. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

So on to the mystery. Did I see the whodunit coming? Absolutely not! I was guessing the whole time but all the reveals definitely had me out in left field wondering how did I not see that come?! For you the reader, I suggest trying not to guess the who/what/how and just enjoy the story. Because even if you do figure it out, there will be a few strange twists that will have you scratching your head wonder how did I miss that.

I got to mention the cover. When I first saw it I was curious to its meaning. The gates almost resemble something you would find at a cemetery. Mix it with the title I was thinking…some sort of religious aspect (?) I was missing. Now that I finished the book I look once again at the cover and the gates. Oh yeah I get it now. Am I going to explain? Not without giving a spoiler so you will need to read the book for yourself. But I do suggest once you finish Divine Sanctuary to go back and look at the cover. It definitely will give you a new perspective on what it means.

So this is the finally book in the Divine Trilogy. I know because it’s in the Message from the Author. I’m not exactly disappointed. Ms. Tardif did a great job finishing out all the linger issues I had. Now while this book can be read as a stand-alone there are a few lines running through the whole series that won’t make sense unless you read all three titles. This is definitely a must read series for anyone who is a fan of the author as well as anyone who likes PNR mysteries.

I received this book from the author for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.

Stars– 5

[Mareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Located deep in the woods of Mission, BC, behind wrought-iron gates, is the secluded compound known as Sanctuary. For many lost souls, Sanctuary represents a safe haven of acceptance and understanding for those who consider themselves rejected by society. Led by the charismatic Father Jeremiah, the inhabitants of Sanctuary willingly shun the outside world to follow his teachings and live a seemingly idyllic lifestyle.

However, something insidious lurks behind the controversial cult's insulated existence. A lethal hunter is on the prowl, and his prey is the weak who call Sanctuary their home. When a newspaper reporter suddenly disappears while investigating Sanctuary, her frantic friend turns to CFBI Agent and Pyro-Psychic, Jasmine McLellan and the Canadian FBI's top-secret team of psychic investigators for their help.

In this stunning finale of the Divine Trilogy, the suspense and heat is tripled when Jasi McLellan finds herself caught in the middle of three separate mysteries: finding and rescuing Emily, the little ghost girl who haunts her dreams; identifying her own mother's killer; and uncovering a murderer who is intent on playing a carefully orchestrated game of cat and mouse - one that guarantees the most casualties.

So, along with the other extremely talented members of her team: Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko, Psychometric Empath Ben Roberts and Special Consultant Brandon Walsh, Jasi pursues three divergent trails of clues that lead her to one terrifying but inescapable conclusion: home is not always the safest place on earth.

Before I say anything else, I must say that I just acquired Divine Intervention by Cheryl Kaye Tardif in July of 2014. I haven't had the chance to read the first book in this trilogy yet, and despite the warning at the beginning of the story that states this trilogy should be read in order, I read Divine Sanctuary first. Now that I've gotten that admission off my chest, may I just say how much I loved this book!

In my opinion, the characters were so well-developed; the story was intriguing and well-written. I have always enjoyed reading mysteries that have paranormal aspects to them, and while this is the first book by Cheryl Kaye Tardif that I've ever read, I'm absolutely sure that it won't be my last. I give this book an A! and will certainly keep my eyes open for more books by Ms. Tardif.

[A.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great setup. A group of investigators who work for an organization called Divine Ops are also agents for the Canadian FBI. The four members of Divine Ops have psychic gifts which manifest differently in each one. They solve crimes by using these gifts along with their training and instincts. This is the third book in the Divine Trilogy; however, it is a good stand-alone story.

Jasmine, or Jasi, is called by a friend who hasn’t heard from another female friend in days. She asks Jasi to help her find the woman who was a reporter investigating Sanctuary, a place deep in the woods of British Columbia. The head of Sanctuary, a quasi-religious leader who likes to be called Father Jeremiah, controls his people with an iron hand. The reporter had infiltrated his little sect to investigate several missing persons who were last seen climbing into the cult’s white van. After her friend’s call, Jasi finds out that a the headless body of a woman has been found in the incinerator at Sanctuary and she fears the worst. She and her team are dispatched to begin an investigation.

I found the characters were well-developed and the story maintained an interesting pace throughout. I liked Ms. Tardif’s writing style and will check out the other books in the series.

[Solon Hosophos · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final book of the Trilogy Cheryl weaves a wonderful finale for the Team around Jasi. Her ghostly friend puts some timely pressure on her, the human mind proofs that no memory is ever lost - but may be buried deeply and that human preconception may lead to false presumptions that can end deadly.
There are some very clever twists weaved in this tapestry around a cult reminding me of the Manson Family. The characters are painted in deep colours and the relationships of the first two books get more depth again.
The beauty of this book is that it ends without any red herrings but still has the potential to see a fourth instalment some day.
I loved this book and I didn't want it to end, so I read it three times already, and it surely will remain one of my most read books ever.

[Michelle Campbell-Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, great topic, superb storyteller.

I'm not usually a fan of paranormal books (apart from really tame ones like the Twilight series!) but this had me hooked from its description on Amazon. Its futuristic setting and CSI-type world is a fantastic idea - just waiting to be turned into a film or TV series.

It isn't remotely scary - which is something that usually puts me off paranormal books. Instead the very specific psychic abilities of the investigators are put to use solving crimes.
The plot is engaging and the characters excellent. Enough to make me buy the first in the trilogy before I even completed this book!

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this trilogy and it's a shame the author's packed the series in at the three stories. It was all tied up nicely in this one, with proper resolutions and endings but still, I've really liked these characters and it's a shame there will be no more adventures with them. My favourite of the three was the middle one. In places, this one came across as a little more suitable for the YA audience and it put me off a bit. It wasn't like that all the way through or I'd have packed it in but some passages and dialogue here and there I found a little irritating.
There were quite a lot of words missing in sentences (and with e-books it is always "little" words) like to/a/in/he and too many missed speechmarks, too, along with one set added where there WAS no dialogue.
I appreciate at the beginning the author listed names of previous competition winners and their having picked names for characters killed off but to do it before we read it was a bit dumb.....it would've been better placed at the end so it didn't tip us off !! I've not heard the expression ebonic before.....it's stated that it's the PC way of saying black these days.....though that changes like the weather, if you ask me !! One line, "....one likes to pretend he's Arrow" lost me altogether, I've no idea what it meant at all. I also hate this American English way of speaking, "Do you know who all is involved ?"......it always sounds quite backward to me when people talk like this !!
I'll keep an eye on this author to see what she comes up with next......you never know, maybe this bunch will be resurrected at some point.

[Kathleen Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the third of Cheryl’s Divine Series, Divine Sanctuary. All three were tremendous reads and Divine Sanctuary the best. Her thriller about the CFBI with Jason (a psychic detective) and hr team investigate the disappearance and possible murder of a journalist who goes uncover to investigate a cult. So much more happens in the story and the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. Excellent writing and story! I think she rates more highly than James Patterson. Great read - so great I am going to read all 3 again.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd of a 3-book series by this marvellous author. I have read all her books to date and recommend this thriller series too. The three main characters have special powers enabling them to assist in their special police department, kept secret from others. I found I got used to their "powers" and followed each of the separate stories with growing interest. The backgrounds of each of them evolves as it goes along ,too. I don't want to give any spoilers but if you like thrillers with a hint of the psychic, these are for you.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divine Sanctuary is the third and final book in the Divine trilogy, but if you're unfamiliar with the series and author (like I was), it will work as a standalone. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has created a very interesting setting here, one where PSIs--Psychic Skills Investigators--are used covertly to solve crimes, and we learn enough about it here to jump right into the drama and excitement of their world.

Jasmine McLellan, a Pyro-Psychic (she uses the scent of a fire set by an arsonist to get into his or her mind at the time of the crime) is the main investigator in the book. She has one central crime to solve, centering on the disappearance of a reporter while looking into missing persons at a creepy cult compound. At the same time, visions of a girl who has haunted Jasi since her childhood are given new urgency--is the girl actually real? Is it possible she might still be alive? If so, can Jasi save her within the three day deadline the latest incantation of the vision tells her about? Finally, the decades-old murder of Jasi's mother, which Jasi witnessed but has suppressed most of her memories of, might have a breakthrough. Each is important to Jasi, and each deserves her attention. Can she somehow manage to find answers to them all?

Ms. Tardif did a nice job of weaving all the various suspense plots together. There's a lot of twists and turns--many that I absolutely did not see coming--that keep the reader engaged. (Apparently I made lots of noises of the "Aha!" and "Oh..." variety that annoyed my teenaged daughter, who was also in the room while I was reading much of it. Whatever. She has her own room if my reading bothers her that much.) I am happy to say that I did refrain from yelling at the characters toward the end when I figured out what they were supposed to be looking for before they did--just barely refrained, it's true, but still I should be given credit for it. ;) They finally figured it out, and just in time. Thank goodness!

The romances of the book have all already been established (definitely an argument for going back and reading the first two series books, just in case you needed one!) so romance definitely takes a backseat to the solving of crimes and the twists in those plot threads. They do add a nice flavor, though, and there's definitely something to be said for books based on established couples. For readers of the series, there is a very satisfying relationship development at the end for two of the characters. :)

Altogether this was a highly satisfying, suspenseful read. Things felt a teeny bit rushed at the end, but it did not at all detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I'll definitely be reading more from this author in the future--I really enjoyed her style of writing.

(However, can I just say how unfair it is that Brandon managed to get out of a night at The Phantom of the Opera? I certainly hope Jasi finally gets her night out sometime after the book's end--she deserves it! I mean, it's Phantom!)

Rating: 4 stars/ B+

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tifferz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this book and I have to say I owe her big time!! ;) First off, I am a huge PNR fan and ill read almost anything with the paranormal in it. I was skeptical at first because of the cult element and I didn't want to end up drinking the Kool aid. Because it seemed that everyone was all to happy to offer up the water.

This book has it all mystery, suspense, psychic abilities, arson, polygamy, betrayal, wierd obssession and not much on the romance which I found refreshing. a lot of the times the romance in books can kill a good book but this had just enough love to show that the characters had depth.

I like all the main characters Jasi, Brandon, Ben and Natassia. The world of PSI agents and their abilities is different from anything I have read and i loved it. i liked jasi for her strength and intelligence and taking no prisoners when it comes to right and wrong. I think my fave though is Natassia and I hope to read her story someday. She's sassy and in your face and funny.

I normally could always find out what will happen at the end of the book ot who had done this. I was blown away when it revealed who was behind it all. there is so much going on it feels like the case is a few weeks long when it is really only a few days.

It is an awesome read if you like paranormal reads with a good dose of mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end!

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divine Sanctuary, book three in the DivineTrilogy.

This is the first book that I have read by Cheryl Kaye Tardif and I have to say it was a pleasure to read this book.
To be fair I was given a copy of this book for the purposes of giving an honest review of this book.

Well honestly it was amazing, the fact it was a mystery with not much actual sex in the book was fantabulous.
To see the relationships take a backseat as it were to the twists and turns in the novel. The obvious is not so obvious and at times I was screaming at Cheryl to hurry it along and then at other times I was hiding behind my hand waiting for the scary intriguing part to finish. At the same time loving every minute of it.

I will be going back to the first 2 books to sink better into the early beginnings of some beautiful characters.

A definite strong 4.5 stars.

[Arlene Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So jasmine is being haunted by a ghost in here dreams. She does not know what is wrong with the girl. She just know she needs to rescue her. Then there is the problem of all the missing women. They are suspected to have joined this cult called the Sanctuary. The cult leader though let's them stay and talk to whoever and look wherever. Are Jasi and her team going to be able to figure out what's going on?
This was the third and final book in the series. I didn't read the first two but was able to follow along. I am plannig on going back and reading the trilogy from the beginning. Anyway it was an amazing story. The author writes in a way that keeps you enthralled and wanting more. There is so much suspense but the ending was worth it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Deb Julienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start...wasn't sure what to expect, I loved the cover, loved the blurb, but you never know what you're going to get...this was a fabulous treat. I loved the characters, setting, descriptions, and story. I'm bummed that I read book 3 first, so I'll be grabbing Book I and II then re-reading III, and won't mind one little bit...can't wait...and I LOVED THE END!

[Jason Stuckless · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, the final instalment of the Divine Trilogy, literally kept me up at night. Super plot twists that just get darker and darker. Featuring the characters, all well developed from the last two novels, I was extremely sorry to see this finish. Perhaps Jasi and friends will pop up again? A must read, the entire series, for those that like a little paranormal mystery.

[Michelle Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait for this book to come out... as always I wasn't disappointed at all.... cheryl books are always great value and keep you in the book for HOURS .. I can never put them down and end up up all night ...... great book well written .... Hope there will be more some day x

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Trilogy

From the first book in the series, to the last, it is a great story. I had to read them all, couldn't wait to see what happened next. Each book kept you wonder what will happen next, how will it end

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine Sanctuary

This is the third and final book in the series and all three earned five stars. Fast paced with vivid descriptions keep me on the edge of my seat. My only regret is it came to an end. Well worth the time to read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this trilogy. I wish it didn't have to end!

[MsDawn Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW... what surprises in the final book in the trilogy! I can't recommend this series and this author enough.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent end to the trilogy. Not as good as Kay Hooper's Bishop's Files but not bad.

[Peggy Lozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This book is an excellent read. The trilogy is well written and gets better with each book. With the last book the there is an ending that leaves everything in order.