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Sanctuary
I used to think crushing student loans were rock bottom.
Then I delivered pizza to the wrong penthouse and fell into a world where immortals play deadly games with human lives.
Now I'm claimed by Alistair Thorne. Ancient, powerful, and dangerously seductive. His protection comes at a price: my freedom.
But something dark is awakening inside me, something that responds to his touch even as it rebels against his control.
The only light in my gilded prison is Rowan, the fierce woman assigned to guard me.
Our forbidden connection grows stronger each day, but so does the truth I'm uncovering: I'm the key to a supernatural war that's been brewing for centuries.
I must choose between Thorne's dark embrace and the monsters hunting me beyond his walls, unless I become the most dangerous monster of all.
Then I delivered pizza to the wrong penthouse and fell into a world where immortals play deadly games with human lives.
Now I'm claimed by Alistair Thorne. Ancient, powerful, and dangerously seductive. His protection comes at a price: my freedom.
But something dark is awakening inside me, something that responds to his touch even as it rebels against his control.
The only light in my gilded prison is Rowan, the fierce woman assigned to guard me.
Our forbidden connection grows stronger each day, but so does the truth I'm uncovering: I'm the key to a supernatural war that's been brewing for centuries.
I must choose between Thorne's dark embrace and the monsters hunting me beyond his walls, unless I become the most dangerous monster of all.
184 pages, ebook
First published September 30, 2025
10 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 19, 2025
What an interesting writing style! All those comparisons, allegory and metaphors are setting the stage for a mysterious, somewhat warped and unreal world, filled with strange characters and intriguing places.
Well written and original, there's a vivid imagination and a creative approach at work in this start to a series. The plot changes with each choice the FMC makes, taking her relentlessly into becoming more. There's a complexity to the plot and a throbbing feeling of expectation - a lot of potential waiting to evolve into a very interesting series.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well written and original, there's a vivid imagination and a creative approach at work in this start to a series. The plot changes with each choice the FMC makes, taking her relentlessly into becoming more. There's a complexity to the plot and a throbbing feeling of expectation - a lot of potential waiting to evolve into a very interesting series.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
This was my first book by this author, and while overall, the writing was well done (if a bit metaphorical), the character development, overall clarity of the plot and pacing was off and made it incredibly difficult to enjoy the book as a whole.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book synopsis starts off with "One delivery to the wrong penthouse changed everything. I showed up with a large pepperoni pizza and left with a life debt to Alistair Thorne," however, that's not *exactly* what happens (she leaves with a business card with a phone number, that she then decides to call because she's too curious not to, which then *leads* her to this secret society and location and her basically agreeing to do whatever they tell her to do.
We don't get a lot of background information on any of the characters, and because of that, I wasn't super invested in what happened to them. The FMC is in school (but we never find out what she's in school for, even though it's part of the reason the society seeks her out)...she suddenly has magical powers when she starts the various tests/trials that she's challenged to do after making that phone call, but it comes out of nowhere (and she doesn't question it) and could have been foreshadowed and built up earlier in the book.
The plot jumps around and advances without good pacing, and while the writing itself is descriptive and lovely to read, it doesn't really *say* much about what is actually going on. Characters will be in one room in one paragraph, and then suddenly in a completely different location in the next paragraph with no transitions in the text or page breaks to facilitate it. The FMC was on the ground one moment, and then against a wall the next, without any action happening in between. I think it could definitely use a good developmental editor and more world building/character background and contextual information to make it more enjoyable for the reader and make it make sense. Overall it felt very vague and almost dream like, which could work in small doses, but for an entire book? Ehhhh.
It wasn't a very long read, but other than knowing a few select details about the world, as a whole, the storyline itself and plot are too indistinct and unclear to be enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book synopsis starts off with "One delivery to the wrong penthouse changed everything. I showed up with a large pepperoni pizza and left with a life debt to Alistair Thorne," however, that's not *exactly* what happens (she leaves with a business card with a phone number, that she then decides to call because she's too curious not to, which then *leads* her to this secret society and location and her basically agreeing to do whatever they tell her to do.
We don't get a lot of background information on any of the characters, and because of that, I wasn't super invested in what happened to them. The FMC is in school (but we never find out what she's in school for, even though it's part of the reason the society seeks her out)...she suddenly has magical powers when she starts the various tests/trials that she's challenged to do after making that phone call, but it comes out of nowhere (and she doesn't question it) and could have been foreshadowed and built up earlier in the book.
The plot jumps around and advances without good pacing, and while the writing itself is descriptive and lovely to read, it doesn't really *say* much about what is actually going on. Characters will be in one room in one paragraph, and then suddenly in a completely different location in the next paragraph with no transitions in the text or page breaks to facilitate it. The FMC was on the ground one moment, and then against a wall the next, without any action happening in between. I think it could definitely use a good developmental editor and more world building/character background and contextual information to make it more enjoyable for the reader and make it make sense. Overall it felt very vague and almost dream like, which could work in small doses, but for an entire book? Ehhhh.
It wasn't a very long read, but other than knowing a few select details about the world, as a whole, the storyline itself and plot are too indistinct and unclear to be enjoyable.
September 27, 2025
Okay, it's not often a book hooks me right from the first page, but Sanctuary totally did. It's such an amazing debut from a new urban fantasy author, and I can't recommend it enough.
It's dark, super compelling, and I have a feeling this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
The writing is what really pulls you in. It's so immersive and detailed, making the world feel gritty but also magical. I read the first chapter a month ago, and I can still vividly picture Lena's rainy pizza delivery to that crazy, scary penthouse. Vaugh is amazing at creating an atmosphere you can almost taste and smell.
The main character, Lena Montgomery, is so relatable in how tired and beat down she is. You really feel for her as she gets sucked into this hidden world of magic and secrets. The plot moves at a great pace, with just the right mix of suspense and mystery to keep you turning the pages. I honestly couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
So, I'm not usually a big reader of spicy books, but it was handled so well. It never felt like it was just thrown in there for shock value. It was a real part of the story and Lena's journey to discovering her own power. The scenes felt raw and powerful and actually important to the plot, which I really appreciated.
This is such a great start to the series. If you're into dark fantasy with characters you won't forget and a story that completely sucks you in, you've got to read this. I'm already dying for the next book!
It's dark, super compelling, and I have a feeling this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
The writing is what really pulls you in. It's so immersive and detailed, making the world feel gritty but also magical. I read the first chapter a month ago, and I can still vividly picture Lena's rainy pizza delivery to that crazy, scary penthouse. Vaugh is amazing at creating an atmosphere you can almost taste and smell.
The main character, Lena Montgomery, is so relatable in how tired and beat down she is. You really feel for her as she gets sucked into this hidden world of magic and secrets. The plot moves at a great pace, with just the right mix of suspense and mystery to keep you turning the pages. I honestly couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
So, I'm not usually a big reader of spicy books, but it was handled so well. It never felt like it was just thrown in there for shock value. It was a real part of the story and Lena's journey to discovering her own power. The scenes felt raw and powerful and actually important to the plot, which I really appreciated.
This is such a great start to the series. If you're into dark fantasy with characters you won't forget and a story that completely sucks you in, you've got to read this. I'm already dying for the next book!
October 5, 2025
Sanctuary is a dark and atmospheric urban fantasy that immediately pulls you in. The story follows Lena Montgomery, a struggling student whose ordinary night spirals into something strange and dangerous after a mysterious encounter. From there, she is drawn into a world of secrets, power, and unsettlingly magnetic figures.
The writing is vivid and cinematic, full of sharp sensory details that make every scene come alive. Lena’s voice is both sarcastic and vulnerable, which makes her easy to root for. Secondary characters like Alistair and Rowan are equally compelling, full of charisma and mystery.
The pacing balances eerie slow-burn tension with bursts of intensity, and there is a strong gothic edge that adds to the atmosphere. Vaugh doesn’t shy away from sensuality or darker themes, which gives the story a unique flavor and sets it apart from more formulaic urban fantasy.
For me this feels like a solid 4.5, but I am rounding up because the writing, atmosphere, and promise of this series deserve the extra star. It is a gripping start to the Daughter of Darkness Chronicles, and I am excited to see where it goes next. Fans of V. E. Schwab, Leigh Bardugo, or early Anne Rice should definitely check it out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
The writing is vivid and cinematic, full of sharp sensory details that make every scene come alive. Lena’s voice is both sarcastic and vulnerable, which makes her easy to root for. Secondary characters like Alistair and Rowan are equally compelling, full of charisma and mystery.
The pacing balances eerie slow-burn tension with bursts of intensity, and there is a strong gothic edge that adds to the atmosphere. Vaugh doesn’t shy away from sensuality or darker themes, which gives the story a unique flavor and sets it apart from more formulaic urban fantasy.
For me this feels like a solid 4.5, but I am rounding up because the writing, atmosphere, and promise of this series deserve the extra star. It is a gripping start to the Daughter of Darkness Chronicles, and I am excited to see where it goes next. Fans of V. E. Schwab, Leigh Bardugo, or early Anne Rice should definitely check it out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
September 27, 2025
Sabrina S. Vaugh's novel is a slow-burn that builds into a compelling and emotional read. The story follows Lena, a struggling college student whose life takes an unexpected turn when a routine pizza delivery introduces her to Alstair, the intriguing male lead. From the start, there's a palpable sense of mystery surrounding their initial meeting, leaving readers to wonder about the hidden motives at play.
As the narrative unfolds, a second, parallel plot is woven in, adding layers of complexity to the main storyline. The introduction of Rowan, a side character, further deepens the plot and as you read on, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. By the final chapters, the emotional weight of the events becomes impossible to ignore. Vaugh masterfully builds a sense of urgency and raw emotion, allowing you to feel the pain and anger the characters are experiencing firsthand.
While the book concludes with a cliffhanger, it's a well-executed one that leaves you wanting more rather than feeling frustrated. It's clear that Sabrina S. Vaugh is an author with immense potential, and this book showcases her ability to craft a deeply engaging story. I eagerly anticipate her future work and am excited to see how her writing will evolve.
As the narrative unfolds, a second, parallel plot is woven in, adding layers of complexity to the main storyline. The introduction of Rowan, a side character, further deepens the plot and as you read on, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. By the final chapters, the emotional weight of the events becomes impossible to ignore. Vaugh masterfully builds a sense of urgency and raw emotion, allowing you to feel the pain and anger the characters are experiencing firsthand.
While the book concludes with a cliffhanger, it's a well-executed one that leaves you wanting more rather than feeling frustrated. It's clear that Sabrina S. Vaugh is an author with immense potential, and this book showcases her ability to craft a deeply engaging story. I eagerly anticipate her future work and am excited to see how her writing will evolve.
December 1, 2025
Lena Montgomery is a down-on-her-luck adolescent working a minimum wage job delivering Pizza when she meets a mysterious stranger named Alistar Thorne, who invites her to The Sanctuary, a secret fortress filled with colorful characters with unique abilities, namely a woman named Rowan, who develops a bond and close relationship with the main character.
I quite enjoyed this book, primarily for the writing quality over the plot itself. I was really impressed with the author's use of prose and imagery to describe Lena's thoughts and actions. This is a narrative told entirely in first person from Lena Montgomery's point of view, and the book benefits greatly from that. We don't get to know the side characters a whole lot, but we see the world through the eyes of Lena, and she offers a lot of great insight. The plot was a little vague at times, and the world-building is cryptic, but the prose and the personal journey of Lena kept me hooked.
The final fight between Rowan and Thorne vs Killian at the end was intense as hell. I really dug it. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that took me by surprise and is a bit jarring. Overall, I really respect the effort put into this book and will consider reading another.
I quite enjoyed this book, primarily for the writing quality over the plot itself. I was really impressed with the author's use of prose and imagery to describe Lena's thoughts and actions. This is a narrative told entirely in first person from Lena Montgomery's point of view, and the book benefits greatly from that. We don't get to know the side characters a whole lot, but we see the world through the eyes of Lena, and she offers a lot of great insight. The plot was a little vague at times, and the world-building is cryptic, but the prose and the personal journey of Lena kept me hooked.
The final fight between Rowan and Thorne vs Killian at the end was intense as hell. I really dug it. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that took me by surprise and is a bit jarring. Overall, I really respect the effort put into this book and will consider reading another.
September 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
🔥
The FMC is barely keeping her head above water when a pizza delivery turns into a $100 tip and a mysterious black card with a number to call. Out of options and a little too curious, she makes the call and suddenly she is thrown into a series of strange tests that land her in a world she never saw coming.
This book is very short for what it is trying to do. It is very character-driven and moves from one event to the next so quickly that I sometimes felt like I was scrambling to keep up. There are some really cool ideas, but with such a short page count it felt like the story was trying to do too much. I think a little more detail and slower pacing would have made it work better.
The ending leaves you hanging on a serious cliff and questioning who is good, who is bad, and just how morally grey everyone really is.
Overall, I thought the setup and concept were great, but it needed to be longer to let things develop more, or take a step back from the heavy plot being that it is such a short book. It was good, but not enough to keep me going with the series.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ FF romance
✅ Found Family
✅ Single POV (first person)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Cliff
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***
🌶🌶
🔥
The FMC is barely keeping her head above water when a pizza delivery turns into a $100 tip and a mysterious black card with a number to call. Out of options and a little too curious, she makes the call and suddenly she is thrown into a series of strange tests that land her in a world she never saw coming.
This book is very short for what it is trying to do. It is very character-driven and moves from one event to the next so quickly that I sometimes felt like I was scrambling to keep up. There are some really cool ideas, but with such a short page count it felt like the story was trying to do too much. I think a little more detail and slower pacing would have made it work better.
The ending leaves you hanging on a serious cliff and questioning who is good, who is bad, and just how morally grey everyone really is.
Overall, I thought the setup and concept were great, but it needed to be longer to let things develop more, or take a step back from the heavy plot being that it is such a short book. It was good, but not enough to keep me going with the series.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ FF romance
✅ Found Family
✅ Single POV (first person)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Cliff
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***
September 13, 2025
Great concept and I enjoyed the story, but the writing felt overblown. Every other sentence was an analogy and too dramatic. The sort of thing I would have eaten up when I was 20, but definitely immature. There were places that tried to be a romance but the only character you ever get to know is Lena, so the dynamic is not believable. And there are inconsistencies throughout the book, like Lena falling to the ground at the end of one paragraph, but then in the next paragraph it refers to her standing in shock.
This could be a good book if it went through more rounds of editing, taking out at least half the analogies and replacing them with actual content to develop the characters and move the story forward. The climax came out of the blue but then was over too fast. Finally, at the end it feels unfinished. And not in a cliffhanger, there’s another book coming sort of way, but more like it left off in the middle of a thought.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This could be a good book if it went through more rounds of editing, taking out at least half the analogies and replacing them with actual content to develop the characters and move the story forward. The climax came out of the blue but then was over too fast. Finally, at the end it feels unfinished. And not in a cliffhanger, there’s another book coming sort of way, but more like it left off in the middle of a thought.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2025
Sanctuary is a dark and intriguing urban fantasy that hooked me from the start. Lena has lived a lonely, hopeless life… until she stumbles into the world of Sanctuary, where power comes at the cost of freedom. Recruited by Thorne, an ancient and manipulative being, she soon discovers the dangerous truth—her greatest strength has been hiding inside her all along.
The world-building is vivid and atmospheric, pulling you straight into the eerie fortress where Thorne’s pawns live, train, and fight. It’s immersive, a little chilling, and full of secrets waiting to be unraveled.
Tropes include touch-her-and-die and a tender FF romance, which add depth and heart to the story’s darker edges. The characters are relatable, the plot is compelling, and the cliffhanger ending promises there’s more to come—I’m definitely along for the ride!
I received a free ARC of this book, and I’m so glad I did. My only wish? That it were longer, so I could spend more time with these characters and their world.
The world-building is vivid and atmospheric, pulling you straight into the eerie fortress where Thorne’s pawns live, train, and fight. It’s immersive, a little chilling, and full of secrets waiting to be unraveled.
Tropes include touch-her-and-die and a tender FF romance, which add depth and heart to the story’s darker edges. The characters are relatable, the plot is compelling, and the cliffhanger ending promises there’s more to come—I’m definitely along for the ride!
I received a free ARC of this book, and I’m so glad I did. My only wish? That it were longer, so I could spend more time with these characters and their world.
September 20, 2025
Hmmm….The mysterious and intriguing Sanctuary 🤔 I really enjoyed this story and the characters. The more mysterious the character, who seemed like they have a ton of secrets to hide, the better and more interesting and intriguing 🖤 I definitely had to know everything!! Lena is a pizza delivering college student, who struggles with paying her bills. One night, she delivers to a mysterious house, and receives a really big tip…..And a card with a mysterious symbol and phone number on it. After stewing on it, Lena decides to call the number. On the other end, is a mysterious and intriguing man named, Alistair Thorne. The kind of man who is hard to resist. He puts Lena through a series of tests, before she is permitted to enter the Sanctuary. A place where all of Lena’s problems just might have solutions…..But at what price?? This book was definitely a journey!! You discovered what was going on as Lena did. Truly an interesting story!!
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
October 2, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Sanctuary. What begins as a simple pizza delivery spirals into a descent far darker than student debt ever was. Drawn into a hidden world where immortals rule through power and deception, the narrator finds herself claimed by Alistair Thorne an ancient, dangerously seductive figure whose protection costs her freedom. Beneath his control, something primal awakens within her: a force both drawn to and resisting his touch.
Her only solace is Rowan, the fierce and enigmatic woman assigned to guard her. Their forbidden bond deepens even as secrets unravel, revealing a truth with far reaching consequences: she holds the key to a supernatural war centuries in the making.
Caught between Thorne’s intoxicating darkness and the terrors lurking beyond his domain, she faces a devastating choice. To survive, she must either surrender, fight, or embrace the very monster she fears becoming. 💛
Her only solace is Rowan, the fierce and enigmatic woman assigned to guard her. Their forbidden bond deepens even as secrets unravel, revealing a truth with far reaching consequences: she holds the key to a supernatural war centuries in the making.
Caught between Thorne’s intoxicating darkness and the terrors lurking beyond his domain, she faces a devastating choice. To survive, she must either surrender, fight, or embrace the very monster she fears becoming. 💛
October 6, 2025
I read this book and am making this review as a part of an ARC read.
I liked the general premise of this book, but I feel like it could’ve dove into a lot of the aspects or details more. I wish we learned more about how some people were gifted with powers (were they born with it? can some people develop them over time?), however it’s possible we learn more about that in the following books. I wish we were shown more about Lena’s past and her developing relationships not only with Rowan, but with everyone else in the Sanctuary as well. I was intrigued about learning everyone’s specific powers, but felt that the book lacked the depth that made me really want to connect with the characters. If you are looking for a book where it’s not too in depth or heavy, then this is definitely one for you! I will most likely read the next book in the series when it comes out to see if we learn more about the world and magic system.
I liked the general premise of this book, but I feel like it could’ve dove into a lot of the aspects or details more. I wish we learned more about how some people were gifted with powers (were they born with it? can some people develop them over time?), however it’s possible we learn more about that in the following books. I wish we were shown more about Lena’s past and her developing relationships not only with Rowan, but with everyone else in the Sanctuary as well. I was intrigued about learning everyone’s specific powers, but felt that the book lacked the depth that made me really want to connect with the characters. If you are looking for a book where it’s not too in depth or heavy, then this is definitely one for you! I will most likely read the next book in the series when it comes out to see if we learn more about the world and magic system.
December 3, 2025
Chapter one had me hooked from the very first line. The atmosphere is so vivid it feels like walking straight into a high-end nightmare, floor thirty-four, a matte-black door, and that unnerving sense of being watched. The writing is dark, elegant, and immersive in a way that makes every detail feel sharp enough to cut.
The introduction of the woman at the door is unforgettable, predatory beauty wrapped in silk and danger. The scent, the tension, the gold-lit apartment hiding laughter and secrets in the background… it all builds this perfect mix of intrigue and unease. I love how the author creates an entire mood with just a few details.
If chapter one is any indication, this story is going somewhere intense, seductive, and deeply unsettling, in the best way. I’m definitely in for the ride.
The introduction of the woman at the door is unforgettable, predatory beauty wrapped in silk and danger. The scent, the tension, the gold-lit apartment hiding laughter and secrets in the background… it all builds this perfect mix of intrigue and unease. I love how the author creates an entire mood with just a few details.
If chapter one is any indication, this story is going somewhere intense, seductive, and deeply unsettling, in the best way. I’m definitely in for the ride.
September 9, 2025
A very descriptive book. There isn't a lot of conversation or dialogue. But the detail the author goes into in describing everything is amazing! Slower paced with very little explanation of what all is happening. That is part of the build up though, you get glimpses and hints, but aren't sure of exactly what is going on until it happens.
The ending is abrupt and I'm not really sure of the direction book 2 would take. I see a bit of the lead for it, but I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger ending by any stretch.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The ending is abrupt and I'm not really sure of the direction book 2 would take. I see a bit of the lead for it, but I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger ending by any stretch.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2025
This was my first book from this Author. I really enjoyed her writing style and the way she approached world building. It pulled me in quickly and made the setting easy to picture. The plot started off strong and kept my interest, but then it shifted in a way that left me a bit confused and wanting more, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
Overall, it’s a solid pick if you’re looking for a quick, engaging read with intriguing twists. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book to see where the story goes.
Overall, it’s a solid pick if you’re looking for a quick, engaging read with intriguing twists. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book to see where the story goes.
September 25, 2025
I was hooked from the first chapter. Sanctuary is a fast-paced and immersive urban fantasy that pulls you right into the story.
The characters are the highlight here. Lena's journey from a regular person into something more is compelling, and the tension between her and the dark, morally grey Alistair Thorne is electric. Rowan is also a fantastic, loyal side character who I really enjoyed.
Just be warned, the book ends with a hook that will leave you desperate for the sequel. For me, it worked because I'm so invested and now I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2. A really strong and promising debut. 5 stars.
The characters are the highlight here. Lena's journey from a regular person into something more is compelling, and the tension between her and the dark, morally grey Alistair Thorne is electric. Rowan is also a fantastic, loyal side character who I really enjoyed.
Just be warned, the book ends with a hook that will leave you desperate for the sequel. For me, it worked because I'm so invested and now I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2. A really strong and promising debut. 5 stars.
September 20, 2025
Short paranormal read. I wouldn't say this is a romance book, but there is a relationship (FF) with the main character, Lena.
I felt the book was dragging on, or that certain parts were too wordy and overly descriptive of nothing really happening. There was a good overuse of the word OZONE that ended up driving me crazy, seeing it repeated in some chapters several lines away from the last time it was used.
There was not much to the plot, and I didn't really get what was going on in the story.
Lena had some character growth.
I felt the book was dragging on, or that certain parts were too wordy and overly descriptive of nothing really happening. There was a good overuse of the word OZONE that ended up driving me crazy, seeing it repeated in some chapters several lines away from the last time it was used.
There was not much to the plot, and I didn't really get what was going on in the story.
Lena had some character growth.
September 30, 2025
Sanctuary by Sabrina S. Vaugh
She was soaking wet when she reached the penthouse to deliver their pizza. There was a woman who answered the door, and behind her was a man. They handed her an envelope with one hundred dollars and a card with a phone number to call. I enjoyed the book, the journey to a better life for Lena. This is a very interesting story, and I highly recommend the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest opinion.
She was soaking wet when she reached the penthouse to deliver their pizza. There was a woman who answered the door, and behind her was a man. They handed her an envelope with one hundred dollars and a card with a phone number to call. I enjoyed the book, the journey to a better life for Lena. This is a very interesting story, and I highly recommend the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest opinion.
October 10, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sanctuary is one of those books taht grips you from the first chapter and doesn't let go. There are so many things happening, one after the other and there were times that it felt like too much, in a good way. I would like more details and like ''little breakes'' so i could actually realse what s going on.
For sure there was no time to feel bored, the story had me on my toes the whole time!
Looking forward for the second part!!
Sanctuary is one of those books taht grips you from the first chapter and doesn't let go. There are so many things happening, one after the other and there were times that it felt like too much, in a good way. I would like more details and like ''little breakes'' so i could actually realse what s going on.
For sure there was no time to feel bored, the story had me on my toes the whole time!
Looking forward for the second part!!
September 24, 2025
This book had promise but was over before it could really sink its fangs into me. I needed more character building, a clearer purpose, and a deeper understanding of the codex and its importance. With more depth into these areas I think the book has serious potential, and the magical aspect of the sanctuary itself had a unique twist that I found really interesting. This book had a lot of intrigue, I was just looking for more depth, especially for the characters.
September 20, 2025
This book a thrilling page-turner from start to finish. I just wish there was more of it! Hoping the sequel will be a longer. What truly pulled me in was the originality of this world. Instead of showing everything, the author creates a dense, unsettling atmosphere. I am already desperate for the next installment. To the author: thank you, and please keep them coming!
September 26, 2025
I read this as an eARC and my review is voluntary
Even after reading the blurb before agreeing to arc read this book I don’t know what to expect… BUT… I want expecting that (in a good way)
The main MMC is dark and mysterious.He doesn’t give much away and the FMC is weak and pathetic (initially😉)
This novella is well written I felt highly immersed in the story while reading. The story is fast paced . The world building is immense but not to complex that it’s unimaginable.
The cliffhanger ending ..heck yes to that. Happy that the daughter of darkness will be returning for more adventures.
Even after reading the blurb before agreeing to arc read this book I don’t know what to expect… BUT… I want expecting that (in a good way)
The main MMC is dark and mysterious.He doesn’t give much away and the FMC is weak and pathetic (initially😉)
This novella is well written I felt highly immersed in the story while reading. The story is fast paced . The world building is immense but not to complex that it’s unimaginable.
The cliffhanger ending ..heck yes to that. Happy that the daughter of darkness will be returning for more adventures.
October 2, 2025
This book is a whirlwind of intrigue, raw emotions and intensity. I received this as an advanced read and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book doesn’t lead you down the path, you know what will happen when it happens. It kept me on toes with the intrigue and depth of the plot. Great characters and great story that ends a cliffhanger!
November 19, 2025
Sabrina S. Vaughn's Sanctuary is like the ultimate guilty pleasure for those who love dark, moody romance with a dash of the forbidden - you know, the kind of stuff that's so bad it's good. This gothic fantasy novel has a romance that's like a bad habit - sparkly, intense, and deliciously dangerous - with a slow-burn dynamic between the heroine and the morally gray love interest, Thorne, because who doesn't love a bad boy? Vaughn's writing is like a spell, beautiful and deliberate, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that draws you in and refuses to let go.
Thank you Sabrina S. Vaugh for letting me be apart of your ARC team you didn’t disappoint
@sabrinasvaugh
Thank you Sabrina S. Vaugh for letting me be apart of your ARC team you didn’t disappoint
@sabrinasvaugh
September 5, 2025
This book is a very fast read. It has a great story line and I am very interested to continue with this series! The magic and angst and yearning are top notch!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 20, 2025
It turned out differently than I expected, but it was still a captivating and enjoyable read. The blend of magic, vampires, and otherworldly forces made it all the more fascinating.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2025
My rating is 2.75 just rounded up to 3
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would, it seemed a little all over the place especially as I went in blind! I would have dnf’d it but I had the second book as an arc so needed to get the full picture.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would, it seemed a little all over the place especially as I went in blind! I would have dnf’d it but I had the second book as an arc so needed to get the full picture.
October 11, 2025
ARC review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This was really good! It was a spicy and intense story! It had me with so many emotions and thoughts. Great read!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This was really good! It was a spicy and intense story! It had me with so many emotions and thoughts. Great read!
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