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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.

A death in their midst has thrown the guild of Sanctuary into chaos. Added to the upheaval are the sudden disappearance of Sanctuary's old allies, The Daring, the resurgence of the Dark Elves in the war, and a mystery brought to Cyrus Davidon by an old friend. As the darkness rises in the land of Arkaria, Sanctuary must find a way through their struggles to unify, even as a battle between two pillars of the guild threatens to tear them asunder once and for all.

524 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2014

879 people are currently reading
591 people want to read

About the author

Robert J. Crane

176 books1,168 followers
Robert 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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5 stars
1,484 (64%)
4 stars
646 (28%)
3 stars
143 (6%)
2 stars
18 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Puri.
34 reviews
December 3, 2014
When you start the series you get the feeling it's the diary of a 15year old WoW fan. Resurrection, incredible healing powers, guild wars and dungeon raids, but the intensity this series got from book 2 onwards is unbelievable. This series deserves more recognition. I haven't read his other series yet, since I don't like books with a female lead very much, but this series must be his best.

Must read
Profile Image for Kennethkiffer.
42 reviews14 followers
December 5, 2014
Arghhh! Just finished. I'm not sure I'm very pleased with the author much right now for that ending. But that said, well done to Mr Crane, it takes a master storyteller to make us readers so invested in the characters that we really want to hope with them. We want them to be happy, then WE'LL be happy too. Great job. Riveting story, made me burst out laughing in quite a few places, and made me feel in more. Write and release the next one soon!!
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,036 reviews317 followers
September 18, 2025
This story took us right back into the swing of things, including the usual battles, angst and betrayal. We discover a little more about Alaric and venture into the depths of Seakaj Sovar, finally meeting the mysterious Sovereign.

The "twist" of who/ where was a little obvious but it really didn't spoil my enjoyment of this well written, fast paced and utterly consuming story.
1,302 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2023
Another great book with the characters and action that I enjoy.lots of battles, some soul searching and some surprises. Enjoyable
Profile Image for Shaun Carney.
Author 1 book
August 10, 2015
Not happy with the ending, but the author promises a happy ending (in Book 8 I guess). The problem with that is I WANT happy endings in fantasy books. Within a series, I want at least the promise of a possible happy ending in the future. If you don't read the author notes, you don't get that. If I want tragedy, I'll read history and non-fiction.

I also don't like to see harassers overlook the obvious. Knowing Malpravus was with the enemy, and knowing his proclivity to manipulate the dead, WHAT ELSE would the dark elves be requesting bodies for, especially when a dark God is at their helm?

I'm sure I'll read the rest when they come out. I'm hopeful they will be better than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jim Corbiere.
133 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2019
Finished reading " Master " by Robert J Crane. The 5th novel in the Sanctuary series. Once again a great read. Mr Crane knows how to write a compelling, addictive story.
The goddess of life has disappeared and Sanctuary has been hired to find her. The guild itself is in an upheaval due to their leader, Alaric, sacrificing himself to save
arkaria. Cyrus has been asked to run for the leadership and reluctantly agrees. There are more problems than the goddess of life being missing though. The dark elf nation has begun a campaign to take over Arkaria and have been fairly successful and now Sanctuary also has them as a problem. It seems to be an unbeatable force...which isn't helped by someone close betraying him!
302 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2021
I'd give it a 4.4. why?
Just when i think Cyrus can't do anything more heroic he goes and........ does that and wasn't satisfied and does.............that. Then he lets a rival come along for another fight. Then goes and gets in the face of another god. Though he gets help from another main character. My main complaint may finally be ending soon. As Cyrus and Vara game may finally come to a close and open a new chapter. Ouch for that reveal in the epilogue. Can't wait to continue to read what Cyrus and group does next.
Profile Image for Rex Reads &#x1f4da;&#x1f4d6;⚔️.
105 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2025
disbelief

Oh how these books keep growing the kingdom and the world building has just been amazing. Finally the two make amends and finally become one again. The ending of this book threw me for a loop. I have been devouring these books. I love how the author writes the dialogue between characters. The wittiness during battles and the fight scenes I can see very detail and feel enamored by it. People do not speak much of this series and it is a sleeper I tell you!! READ IT!!!
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2020
WHAT HAPPENED TO VARA???

This was the best one so far! I luv this series. I'll keep reading it as long as Mr. CRANE keeps writing them. The end of this one threw me for a loop. I can't wait to read the next one. As soon as I finish this review I'll start the next one, Warlord. Can't say much or I will have to tell spoilers and I won't do that, I hate when I read a review and find out they have given the ending away. Highly recommended for all.
97 reviews
January 29, 2025
Fully engaged!

I think I have now read all but one series from this author. How in the world he comes up with these things. All different, all fully imagined worlds within. Girl in the Box will always be my favorite but this is a great mystical land series.
I will now go to the next book and find out what happened to cause the revelation at the very end of this one. Enjoy, fellow readers!
3 reviews
October 21, 2017
Love this series

This is a lovely fantasy series. It draws you in and has everything I am looking for in a good fantasy novel. I am really enjoying these books. I find my self excited for the next page to see what happens. And I can never wait to find the next book in the series so I can keep reading.
I love these books!
Author 1 book
February 2, 2018
Written by a Master of his craft.

In order for this book to make sense you really must read the first four books. Only then will the last page of book five make sense of the first page of the book one. I have absolutely no doubt that books seven and eight will resolve the puzzles sprinkled in previous books, or hookems as my Mother used to term irresistible lures.
10 reviews
February 22, 2019
Still a good series

Still interesting and good read. Still enjoy the characters. May want to shout at the end....

But getting a bit tired of series. Only because I have binge read them back to back. May need a break n read something new before I return.

Debating reading the next, but I probably will
Profile Image for Sharon Phelps.
251 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2019
Fantastic. I felt like I was living the book and feeling their feelings. If you love gaming and adventure than this book has that but it also has emotion and love and death that you can feel and believe. I don't really have any favorite character as each one are so different and well rounded. I am enjoying getting to know each of them and their unique world and can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Sharon Phelps.
251 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2019
Fantastic. I felt like I was living the book and feeling their feelings. If you love gaming and adventure than this book has that but it also has emotion and love and death that you can feel and believe. I don't really have any favorite character as each one are so different and well rounded. I am enjoying getting to know each of them and their unique world and can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Connie Fogg-Bouchard.
507 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2020
dark and dead

Cyrus and Sanctuary are trying to aid wherever they can. some jobs cannot be fulfilled, others are thwarted. when it comes to war against the unknown leader of the destructive dark elves and their mercenaries, the army of Sanctuary and it's young general have much to learn
651 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2022
Number 5 in Robert J. Crane's Sanctuary series finds Cyrus Davidon picking up the reins as Sanctuary's Guildmaster and fighting the dark elf kingdom led by the God of Darkness.
Gods, humans, trolls, rock giants, gnomes, druids, this series has it all and way more battles than even the Lord of the Ring and Game of Thrones series.
Profile Image for Ron.
761 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2017
Another Great Read

Really enjoyed this installment plenty of action and surprises. Although there are times when Cyrus needs a good shake to stop him blundering into a mess. Plus Vara needs to stop taking herself so seriously.
Profile Image for Chris Warren.
15 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2022
Another good read

Well I really can't say anything else. This has been another fantastic book in the seemingly neverending awesomeness that is the sanctuary series. I hope this guy never quits because he's doing a masterful job with bringing each character to life.
1 review
November 6, 2023
great fantasy

Wonderful quick read. 3rd time reading this series through. One of my favorite series. Author does a great job of getting you emotionally invested in all characters quickly.
Profile Image for Elena Boughey.
26 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2024
What a great story

I really like this storyline. I especially like
the prolonged and epilogue where Cyrus is reading Varas diary. It just ties up the previous book and sets up the next one.
Profile Image for Cajun Black.
198 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2024
Better and better

Awesome adventure that will lead you to a rabbit hold of betrayal, love, forgiveness, and true friendship. It will keep you guessing what will happen next and who will die.
32 reviews
November 16, 2016
Completely enjoy

Not reviewing this series after this until the last books. I will read the all. That's how much I enjoy the series.
40 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2017
Wow

Simply an epic series. I will be sad when it comes to an end as I feel close to all the characters in the books. Cheers!
1 review
July 23, 2017
Great read.👍

Kept me guessing at what was going to happen next. I didn't want to put book down till I was done with the whole thing.
Profile Image for PapaTrain.
90 reviews
October 30, 2017
5 for five

So far I love this series, delicious baddies and wonderful heroes, fun times , danger fraught times and scratch your head what the shell just happened times.
Profile Image for Marty.
178 reviews
January 3, 2018
Angst resolved, new betrayals, saga of friend-enemy-friend resolves, good cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Michele Bogle.
19 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2018
I love this series

A series for all fantasy lovers. Great maps to. I am actually rereading this series , its like visiting old friends.
10 reviews
August 1, 2019
Gripping

I actually laughed out loud, covered my mouth in shock, and even shed a tear two. I am completely engrossed with Robert Crane's writing. Can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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