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Sanctum #3
The First Realm
Not yet published
Expected 8 Dec 26“It was another loss, another end, and I wasn’t sure how many more of those I could take.”
Still reeling from the general’s capture, Adrian is doing everything she can just to keep it together. As an entire civilization pins their hope on her and the strange power she’s only just learning to accept, Adrian navigates the complexities of a broken family, clashing bonds, and the enigma of healing.
Dante has made a new vow and, this one, he’s determined to keep. Adrian needs training if she’s going to save them all and, with the general gone, he’s the only one who can help. When old rivals start to pit them against each other once more, Dante will have to find a way to make her trust him again or die trying.
Gryfon knows he did the right thing. Whether or not the others understand, he can’t be sure. Now, as his captivity allows his tormentor, the Lord of the Geist, to reach new heights of depravity, the general will do anything to keep his secrets safe. And that includes the girl whose name he still whispers in his dreams.
Still reeling from the general’s capture, Adrian is doing everything she can just to keep it together. As an entire civilization pins their hope on her and the strange power she’s only just learning to accept, Adrian navigates the complexities of a broken family, clashing bonds, and the enigma of healing.
Dante has made a new vow and, this one, he’s determined to keep. Adrian needs training if she’s going to save them all and, with the general gone, he’s the only one who can help. When old rivals start to pit them against each other once more, Dante will have to find a way to make her trust him again or die trying.
Gryfon knows he did the right thing. Whether or not the others understand, he can’t be sure. Now, as his captivity allows his tormentor, the Lord of the Geist, to reach new heights of depravity, the general will do anything to keep his secrets safe. And that includes the girl whose name he still whispers in his dreams.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 8, 2026
About the author
A.N. Horton
15 books176 followersA. N. Horton is a two-time award-winning author living in Nashville, TN with her husband, children, and moderately chunky Corgi. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, baking more cookies than her family can eat, and plotting crimes against her characters. Best known for crafting characters that steal her readers’ hearts as much as they shatter them, A. N. Horton is a cross-genre writer focused mainly on fantasy and romance with her upcoming urban fantasy series, The Third Ring, and her soon to be released historical romance novel, A Promise Kept.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
WHO TURNED OFF THE LIGHTS? OH we got DARK in this one.
this had me screaming, my heart SHATTERING and often having to put the book down to take a deep breath
these characters are SO well written I love being back with them even if they’re going through fkin hell 😭
I had my sad violin out for SOMEONE then felt bad because they ARE trying 🙄 fine I did put it away but I kept it close cos SOMEONE was pmo again by the next chapter
Dear Adrian, I know you’re constantly put in impossible situations but please give the man who has given EVERYTHING for you a fkin break
as for Cosmo. he can just go 🖕 himself.
this had me screaming, my heart SHATTERING and often having to put the book down to take a deep breath
these characters are SO well written I love being back with them even if they’re going through fkin hell 😭
I had my sad violin out for SOMEONE then felt bad because they ARE trying 🙄 fine I did put it away but I kept it close cos SOMEONE was pmo again by the next chapter
Dear Adrian, I know you’re constantly put in impossible situations but please give the man who has given EVERYTHING for you a fkin break
as for Cosmo. he can just go 🖕 himself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really enjoyed this book! I loved getting multiple POVs throughout the book, as it gives us a better insight into all the characters and what’s going on around them.
I’ve definitely warmed more towards Dante in this book. I found myself enjoying his chapters and really liked seeing his relationship with Adrian develop. There’s still plenty of complicated feelings and history between them, and I’m enjoying seeing how things progress. I also loved getting more of Gryfon’s POV and seeing things from his side.
The pacing was good, with a nice mix of action, character development and quieter moments. The worldbuilding continues to be great too. I love learning more about the different realms, the magic and the mythology behind it all. There’s clearly so much more to this world, and I’m enjoying discovering it as the series goes on.
I’ve definitely warmed more towards Dante in this book. I found myself enjoying his chapters and really liked seeing his relationship with Adrian develop. There’s still plenty of complicated feelings and history between them, and I’m enjoying seeing how things progress. I also loved getting more of Gryfon’s POV and seeing things from his side.
The pacing was good, with a nice mix of action, character development and quieter moments. The worldbuilding continues to be great too. I love learning more about the different realms, the magic and the mythology behind it all. There’s clearly so much more to this world, and I’m enjoying discovering it as the series goes on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I tell you this series is so underrated it's a crime! I loved being back in this world and seeing the fall out from the Freeing. Adrian is trying to navigate a new normal and being reunited with not only her family but Dante who betrayed her. She is struggling whether she can trust him again even if maybe she understands his reasoning.
Dante is trying to build back trust with Adrian but is also aware that she may have feelings for Gryfon. He offers to train her power though. As much as I originally loved Dante, it is taking me a while to forgive him but I did empathise with him more this book.
Gryfon broke my heart throughout this. Each chapter had me on edge for him. I honestly just want him and Adrian to be happy together.
A.N. Horton's writing always has me on edge for the characters. I love seeing more and more of the expanded world and I'm even more intrigued by the Geist now. I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you so much for trusting me and letting me BETA read because I love this series so much .
Dante is trying to build back trust with Adrian but is also aware that she may have feelings for Gryfon. He offers to train her power though. As much as I originally loved Dante, it is taking me a while to forgive him but I did empathise with him more this book.
Gryfon broke my heart throughout this. Each chapter had me on edge for him. I honestly just want him and Adrian to be happy together.
A.N. Horton's writing always has me on edge for the characters. I love seeing more and more of the expanded world and I'm even more intrigued by the Geist now. I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you so much for trusting me and letting me BETA read because I love this series so much .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to A.N Horton for the ARC!!
Some minor/implied spoilers ahead
Adrian as a character feels so fresh and unique to me, not necessarily in her plot or circumstances, but in her maturity, growth, decision making, and way of thinking. At the end of the day I think that she is one of the most authentic FMCs I’ve read in a long time. Dante’s character arc through this whole series is another huge point of praise for me. Dante’s path highlights how breaking cycles of familial abuse are not as black and white as an outside observer might believe. Horton has painted a complex picture of what it might be like to be a part of this dynamic, to wrestle with weighing personal values against familial values, and what it might be like for one to have both sets of these values simultaneously confronted in multiple circumstances. Horton has crafted rich, complex relational dynamics between each of these characters, and continues to let them grow and boil over these books. The ending of the book, specifically the epilogue, made me audibly gasp.
This pacing of this book was a bit lukewarm for me, at the 50% mark it felt like we were still living in the aftermath of the events of book 2 rather than moving along with the plot of book 3 and the series as a whole. However, it REALLY picks up pretty shortly after this, and I quickly blew through the second half of the book.
I absolutely love the way that Horton set up this love triangle, and I think after this book I can firmly say that I’m team Gryfon. My heart broke for him through the entirely of this whole book, and I can’t wait to see how this whole dynamic between the 3 of them plays out in the next book.
This is one of the best series I’ve read, and overall I’m so blown away. There were some moments that I could predict based on Horton’s plot building and strong storytelling, but some twists that I did NOT see coming. Absolutely incredible work, another 5 stars from me.
Some minor/implied spoilers ahead
Adrian as a character feels so fresh and unique to me, not necessarily in her plot or circumstances, but in her maturity, growth, decision making, and way of thinking. At the end of the day I think that she is one of the most authentic FMCs I’ve read in a long time. Dante’s character arc through this whole series is another huge point of praise for me. Dante’s path highlights how breaking cycles of familial abuse are not as black and white as an outside observer might believe. Horton has painted a complex picture of what it might be like to be a part of this dynamic, to wrestle with weighing personal values against familial values, and what it might be like for one to have both sets of these values simultaneously confronted in multiple circumstances. Horton has crafted rich, complex relational dynamics between each of these characters, and continues to let them grow and boil over these books. The ending of the book, specifically the epilogue, made me audibly gasp.
This pacing of this book was a bit lukewarm for me, at the 50% mark it felt like we were still living in the aftermath of the events of book 2 rather than moving along with the plot of book 3 and the series as a whole. However, it REALLY picks up pretty shortly after this, and I quickly blew through the second half of the book.
I absolutely love the way that Horton set up this love triangle, and I think after this book I can firmly say that I’m team Gryfon. My heart broke for him through the entirely of this whole book, and I can’t wait to see how this whole dynamic between the 3 of them plays out in the next book.
This is one of the best series I’ve read, and overall I’m so blown away. There were some moments that I could predict based on Horton’s plot building and strong storytelling, but some twists that I did NOT see coming. Absolutely incredible work, another 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I freaking love this series. At this point, Sanctum might be hands down one of the best series I’ve read in a long time, and The First Realm has only made me more obsessed. The writing, the world, the characters—I am so invested in all of it.
Book three picks up right where we left off, with Gryfon captured and an alliance forming with the human king and Prince Leo. After freeing the sanctuary, everyone has to figure out what comes next and where they can actually be safe, with the world behind the wall looking like their best option. But finding somewhere to go doesn’t mean everyone suddenly knows where they belong. Watching these characters navigate their roles, relationships, and uncertain futures made me love them even more.
And then there’s Dante. Watching him try to work his way back into Adrian’s heart while showing, through his actions, that he has changed was one of my favorite parts. His role in training Adrian gives us more time with their complicated dynamic, and learning more about the soul bond—and the fact that their bond isn’t actually broken—made that storyline even harder to put down. There is so much between these two, and I loved getting to understand more of it.
A.N. Horton does a phenomenal job of weaving mystery and unanswered questions into beautiful character development. I’m constantly wondering what’s coming next, but I’m just as invested in the quieter moments between the characters. That balance is a huge part of why this series works so well for me. The world keeps expanding, the relationships keep evolving, and somehow I keep getting more attached.
This book was phenomenal. I couldn’t put it down, and now I desperately need book four. Do I wish I already had it in my hands? Absolutely. Am I going to be patient about waiting? Probably not.
Thank you, A.N., for the advance reader copy—and for writing a series I cannot get enough of.
Book three picks up right where we left off, with Gryfon captured and an alliance forming with the human king and Prince Leo. After freeing the sanctuary, everyone has to figure out what comes next and where they can actually be safe, with the world behind the wall looking like their best option. But finding somewhere to go doesn’t mean everyone suddenly knows where they belong. Watching these characters navigate their roles, relationships, and uncertain futures made me love them even more.
And then there’s Dante. Watching him try to work his way back into Adrian’s heart while showing, through his actions, that he has changed was one of my favorite parts. His role in training Adrian gives us more time with their complicated dynamic, and learning more about the soul bond—and the fact that their bond isn’t actually broken—made that storyline even harder to put down. There is so much between these two, and I loved getting to understand more of it.
A.N. Horton does a phenomenal job of weaving mystery and unanswered questions into beautiful character development. I’m constantly wondering what’s coming next, but I’m just as invested in the quieter moments between the characters. That balance is a huge part of why this series works so well for me. The world keeps expanding, the relationships keep evolving, and somehow I keep getting more attached.
This book was phenomenal. I couldn’t put it down, and now I desperately need book four. Do I wish I already had it in my hands? Absolutely. Am I going to be patient about waiting? Probably not.
Thank you, A.N., for the advance reader copy—and for writing a series I cannot get enough of.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First Realm is not an easy read. It does a deep into the psyche of the famed captain during his capture by the Geist, the now unmoored Adrian and how she deals with her newfound fame and savior status as well as a forced revisit with the trauma over Dante’s ultimate betrayal, and a surprisingly refreshing POV of said Betrayer. Question is now that the captain is unavailable to train the novice fighter who would fit the bill to train Adrian? Warning: the trials will be revisited, and we get a glimpse of its origins and purpose. All these characters are linked whether they like it or not and must come to terms with their misgivings before being considered formidable against the Geist. The choices and the actions made indeed have dire consequences. Fate as deemed by Ophelia the human matriarch necessary to fight the false gods. This is also where a discussion of the heretics takes place. More secrets are revealed as well as questions about motivation and loyalty and also the whereabouts of a certain missing relic and what happens if it falls into the wrong hands. Adrian and company now find themselves looking in front and behind, for trust must not to be given freely. There are spies everywhere, and treachery is afoot. First Realm does not end on the typical cliffhanger expected from AN Horton creation, but lots are revealed for Death comes for us all. This is a necessary exposition of what is to come for the epic battle to take place between humans and the supernaturally gifted. Make no mistake you will still need tissues and strong liquor to get you through this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THANK YOU A. N. HORTON FOR BLESSING ME WITH THIS E-ARC, my chest hurts from having stressy tension anxiety for the entire thing and I shall be sending you my medical bill for the heart attack I had in the fourth quarter there.
I was SCARED with this one after the way we left The Second Sanctum & The Last Trial and it turns out I was right to be because we got put through itttt.
This is book 3 in The Sanctum Series so I’m not gonna go into the plot because spoilery but I’ll just say that now I’m EVEN MORE SCARED OF THE NEXT ONE.
A. N. Horton is some kind of ethereal word goddess, she’s an indie author and her writing slaps harder than a lot of trad published books I’ve read. The woman excels at her craft, like even when it’s a training scene and not much else is happening, she manages to make me feel ALL kinds of tension. AND there’s no inner monologue fatigue either (except for ONE character’s POV but that’s by design and even then she’s nailed making me angry on purpose 💀)
THESE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON KU seriously if you’re into a dystopian fantasy romance kinda vibe with a class system and gods and magic and trials that are actually good and characters you will love and/or hate with your whole body PLEASE go check them out and SUPPORT INDIE ✌️
I was SCARED with this one after the way we left The Second Sanctum & The Last Trial and it turns out I was right to be because we got put through itttt.
This is book 3 in The Sanctum Series so I’m not gonna go into the plot because spoilery but I’ll just say that now I’m EVEN MORE SCARED OF THE NEXT ONE.
A. N. Horton is some kind of ethereal word goddess, she’s an indie author and her writing slaps harder than a lot of trad published books I’ve read. The woman excels at her craft, like even when it’s a training scene and not much else is happening, she manages to make me feel ALL kinds of tension. AND there’s no inner monologue fatigue either (except for ONE character’s POV but that’s by design and even then she’s nailed making me angry on purpose 💀)
THESE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON KU seriously if you’re into a dystopian fantasy romance kinda vibe with a class system and gods and magic and trials that are actually good and characters you will love and/or hate with your whole body PLEASE go check them out and SUPPORT INDIE ✌️
Review of advance copy received from Author
It took me a little while to settle into this book because I found myself trying to remember all the details from the first two books. Once I got back into the story, though, everything started coming back to me, and I was able to fully immerse myself in the plot again.
The story continues to build in a really interesting way, and I think the characters remain one of the strongest parts of the series. They’re well written, and I’m still very invested in seeing where their stories go.
For me, this installment felt a little slower than the first two books, but I think a big part of that was because I was so eagerly waiting for the romance to develop. I am very ready for that romance, and I found myself impatiently waiting for those moments throughout the book!
That said, the ending was really well done and sets things up beautifully for what I’m hoping will be an exciting fourth book. I’m definitely invested in this series and will be eagerly picking up the next installment!
The story continues to build in a really interesting way, and I think the characters remain one of the strongest parts of the series. They’re well written, and I’m still very invested in seeing where their stories go.
For me, this installment felt a little slower than the first two books, but I think a big part of that was because I was so eagerly waiting for the romance to develop. I am very ready for that romance, and I found myself impatiently waiting for those moments throughout the book!
That said, the ending was really well done and sets things up beautifully for what I’m hoping will be an exciting fourth book. I’m definitely invested in this series and will be eagerly picking up the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I continue to be blown away by A.N Horton's mind with every Sanctum book!
I've said it once and I'll say it again, what I love about these characters is that they're so well rounded. We have a huge cast of characters and yet we know all of their driving desires. Do I hate some of them? Absolutely 😂. But, aside from some unrevealed mysteries, I understand their motivations and it makes this story SO captivating.
On top of that, the world that we're living in is unlike any other that I've read before. There's deep world building and lore that evolves with every book that we get!
I'm on the edge of my seat to know what happens next!
Pick this book up if you're look for:
- soul bonds
- love triangle
- mind speak
- dragon riders (this world's version of)
- chosen one
- political games
I've said it once and I'll say it again, what I love about these characters is that they're so well rounded. We have a huge cast of characters and yet we know all of their driving desires. Do I hate some of them? Absolutely 😂. But, aside from some unrevealed mysteries, I understand their motivations and it makes this story SO captivating.
On top of that, the world that we're living in is unlike any other that I've read before. There's deep world building and lore that evolves with every book that we get!
I'm on the edge of my seat to know what happens next!
Pick this book up if you're look for:
- soul bonds
- love triangle
- mind speak
- dragon riders (this world's version of)
- chosen one
- political games
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from author
Overall, I enjoyed the book because I enjoy the overall story, however, this book felt a little like a classic case of middle-book-in-a-series syndrome. While the story definitely moved forward, it sometimes took the scenic route to get there, and I found myself wishing for a little more urgency and tension along the way. The reveals in the final quarter added some intrigue, even if they weren't entirely surprising to me. That said, the final 15% really caught my attention and has me feeling very excited about what's to come. The groundwork is there for an action-packed next installment, and the romantic dynamics between the FMC and MMCs look primed for plenty of angst, tension, and entertaining complications. I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold.
Overall, I enjoyed the book because I enjoy the overall story, however, this book felt a little like a classic case of middle-book-in-a-series syndrome. While the story definitely moved forward, it sometimes took the scenic route to get there, and I found myself wishing for a little more urgency and tension along the way. The reveals in the final quarter added some intrigue, even if they weren't entirely surprising to me. That said, the final 15% really caught my attention and has me feeling very excited about what's to come. The groundwork is there for an action-packed next installment, and the romantic dynamics between the FMC and MMCs look primed for plenty of angst, tension, and entertaining complications. I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Picking up right from the general’s capture, The First Realm dives straight into the brewing conflict between Verdunn, humans and The Geist. (Pro tip: make sure to read the bonus chapter on A.N. Horton’s website before starting!)
The story unfolds across two locations through three distinct character perspectives. There’s no shortage of action but what really stood out to me was the deeper look into the characters' psychology and internal struggles. You really feel their growing awareness of how much their choices shape their fate, especially Adrian. She clearly has some brutal decisions ahead and I’m on the edge of my seat to see where her path leads.
The worldbuilding just keeps expanding and I can't wait for Book 4! Fingers crossed we get a deeper look into the actual gods in the next installment 👀✨
The story unfolds across two locations through three distinct character perspectives. There’s no shortage of action but what really stood out to me was the deeper look into the characters' psychology and internal struggles. You really feel their growing awareness of how much their choices shape their fate, especially Adrian. She clearly has some brutal decisions ahead and I’m on the edge of my seat to see where her path leads.
The worldbuilding just keeps expanding and I can't wait for Book 4! Fingers crossed we get a deeper look into the actual gods in the next installment 👀✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG OMG OMG! This book was perfect. I laughed, I cried, I got angry at some of the characters. But overall I was enthralled from the prologue.
You don't want to miss this book so you can see what your favorite Fallen, Betrayer and general are up to!
You don't want to miss this book so you can see what your favorite Fallen, Betrayer and general are up to!
October 4, 2026
**thank you A.N. Horton for an ARC edition of this third installment!!**
This series is so unbelievably good. The characters are layered and the plot continues to build. Everything is so well thought out and executed. Easily becoming an S Tier series for me
This series is so unbelievably good. The characters are layered and the plot continues to build. Everything is so well thought out and executed. Easily becoming an S Tier series for me
October 20, 2026
I love this series. It’s like nothing I’ve read before. I do feel like this particular book was more world building than action. The last couple chapters really pick up in pace and action. I can’t wait for the next book to come out to see what happens next.
November 1, 2026
they NEED to be talking about my girl A. N. Horton more!!!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews