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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.