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Sanctuary #8
Legend
“Are you ready to go home?” Over the course of eight years, Cyrus Davidon has become the greatest warrior in Arkaria. He has fought and beaten armies, dragons, monsters and gods. He's been elected to lead the greatest guild in the land – Sanctuary – and watched that guild fall at the hands of his enemies. For the God of War, Bellarum, has aims beyond the understanding of mortals, and the deity is moving his dark hand across the lands that Cyrus has pledged to defend. In order to stop him, Cyrus will have to fight with everything he has, every friend he has made, every ally that remains to him, and only one question will linger... ...Who will survive?
704 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2016
719 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
185 books1,172 followersRobert 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 12, 2016
I thought that the last book was a monster. This one dwarves it (no pun intended), weighing in at a meaty 761 kindle pages, according to Amazon.
I didn't know what to expect. I fully expected Crane to do justice to the conclusion of the series, but I didn't know just HOW he would do that. And the answer is, with great style and the clever use of a dual POV, told in alternate third and first person narrative voices. The result is very effective.
What I found most impressive however, is the way that the dangling threads from the previous volumes have been pulled together and tied up. Those niggling questions? Answered. Revelations, which you may not even have known were hiding in the shadows.
Robert Crane is an accomplished author. Book 1 was released in 2011. I first came across this series in 2013. And I'm picky about my fantasy fiction. As a younger reader, I was exposed to the worlds created by Eddings, C S Lewis, Pratchett, and Tolkien. I know what I like. I know what I expect. This series delivers. Boy, does it deliver.
The connection with these characters and the investment in their destinies is one you don’t often get. I recall feeling it particularly with The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Harry Potter series. The sense of loss when a character dies. The satisfaction when the hero prevails. The very real sense that you know these characters; that you will miss them when they're gone.
I have read a great many books that I have given 5 stars. This though? It’s really up there with what I would consider to be one of my very favourite books. A fabulous climax to the series, with a little something to pique the readers' interest for the future...
I didn't know what to expect. I fully expected Crane to do justice to the conclusion of the series, but I didn't know just HOW he would do that. And the answer is, with great style and the clever use of a dual POV, told in alternate third and first person narrative voices. The result is very effective.
What I found most impressive however, is the way that the dangling threads from the previous volumes have been pulled together and tied up. Those niggling questions? Answered. Revelations, which you may not even have known were hiding in the shadows.
Robert Crane is an accomplished author. Book 1 was released in 2011. I first came across this series in 2013. And I'm picky about my fantasy fiction. As a younger reader, I was exposed to the worlds created by Eddings, C S Lewis, Pratchett, and Tolkien. I know what I like. I know what I expect. This series delivers. Boy, does it deliver.
The connection with these characters and the investment in their destinies is one you don’t often get. I recall feeling it particularly with The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Harry Potter series. The sense of loss when a character dies. The satisfaction when the hero prevails. The very real sense that you know these characters; that you will miss them when they're gone.
I have read a great many books that I have given 5 stars. This though? It’s really up there with what I would consider to be one of my very favourite books. A fabulous climax to the series, with a little something to pique the readers' interest for the future...
September 26, 2016
A lot of times you follow a series and fear the end, because you have invested so much emotion in it that you sometimes get disappointed by how things are tied up. In this case there were many possible pitfalls: how will the MC's loss be resolved? Will there be a deus ex machina? Will everything somehow magically go back to the wonderful times? As much as we the readers want a perfect, happy ending, that kind of thing would come off as a bit of a cop-out... but not having a happy ending would at the same time be very heartbreaking and be a poor reward for those who have followed the story from the beginning. Everyone wants a happy ending.
I am happy to say that there was no deus ex in this case, and the ending was VERY satisfying. It was a mature ending, but at the same time wonderful and rewarding for long time fans. Towards the last few chapters I found myself feeling wistful, if a bit teary, knowing that I'd be saying goodbye to the characters i have been rooting for for so long... but it's a good type of goodbye. You know they are going to be okay. You know the world is all right and good and sunny. You are okay to put down the book with a smile. Great job to Mr Crane for getting us invested in the characters. We laughed (a lot), we cried, we smiled.
In the beginning I was a bit disinterested with the Alaric storyline, was like "Why is this here! Give me more Cyrus!" and was tempted to breeze through those chapters - but thankfully I did not. The payoff for that storyline is incredible. You will see the whole world from a different point of view - it's very much a mindf*ck, and ties up with the main storyline in an incredible way. You will also find yourself wanting to go back a few chapters to check references, even looking through previous books now that you've had a bit more "insider information".
For those who have not yet picked up this series, please do so, and start from the beginning. Pick up the "in-between" novels as well. I look forward to future tales, but leave this one with great satisfaction of a story well spun and told by the author.
I am happy to say that there was no deus ex in this case, and the ending was VERY satisfying. It was a mature ending, but at the same time wonderful and rewarding for long time fans. Towards the last few chapters I found myself feeling wistful, if a bit teary, knowing that I'd be saying goodbye to the characters i have been rooting for for so long... but it's a good type of goodbye. You know they are going to be okay. You know the world is all right and good and sunny. You are okay to put down the book with a smile. Great job to Mr Crane for getting us invested in the characters. We laughed (a lot), we cried, we smiled.
In the beginning I was a bit disinterested with the Alaric storyline, was like "Why is this here! Give me more Cyrus!" and was tempted to breeze through those chapters - but thankfully I did not. The payoff for that storyline is incredible. You will see the whole world from a different point of view - it's very much a mindf*ck, and ties up with the main storyline in an incredible way. You will also find yourself wanting to go back a few chapters to check references, even looking through previous books now that you've had a bit more "insider information".
For those who have not yet picked up this series, please do so, and start from the beginning. Pick up the "in-between" novels as well. I look forward to future tales, but leave this one with great satisfaction of a story well spun and told by the author.
September 15, 2016
Just ... wow! So many pieces coming together to paint a truly epic picture, it SO made me want to promptly read the whole series again with new understanding.
Amazing Legend, makes you Hope for Sanctuary...
Amazing Legend, makes you Hope for Sanctuary...
September 30, 2016
This is certainly the best epic fantasy series written to date.
Man, Robert J. Crane, why you such a genius?
Man, Robert J. Crane, why you such a genius?
June 16, 2025
Although this is not the last book of the Sanctuary series, it could easily have served as a great finale. This book's split points of view are Cyrus and Alaric, and between them they bring to light a lot of the long-running mysteries of the Sanctuary Series. Alaric's story is mostly about his own origins, while Cyrus' is a continuation of events in the present day. Without wanting to spoil too much, I will simply say that I found the various reveals to be very satisfying no matter whose story they were made in.
In terms of characterisation, I particularly enjoyed the fleshing out of the previously very enigmatic Alaric. Even though you know, as a reader, where he ends up, reading the journey of his arc did not feel like a waste of time because of how well it was told. Cyrus remains the relatively straightforward hero that he has been throughout the series, but he also showed considerable development in the nuances of what motivates him.
This last book has seen some of the best worldbuilding of the series, or that could simply be because of the sheer amount of information that is dumped onto the reader about the world and how it has been shaped through Alaric's story. Again, without wanting to spoil too much, it was most interesting to me to see how the gods that have been mentioned up to now came into existence. The first mention of their names was a real landmark moment for me.
Overall, I found this very entertaining, as I have found all of the rest of the series. While officially it is billed as being able to be read without taking in the rest of the series, I feel that I must disagree as I think that if this is where you start the Sanctuary series, then you are spoiling so much for yourself for the earlier books. If you haven't read books one to seven before this, then I strongly recommend starting with Defender.
In terms of characterisation, I particularly enjoyed the fleshing out of the previously very enigmatic Alaric. Even though you know, as a reader, where he ends up, reading the journey of his arc did not feel like a waste of time because of how well it was told. Cyrus remains the relatively straightforward hero that he has been throughout the series, but he also showed considerable development in the nuances of what motivates him.
This last book has seen some of the best worldbuilding of the series, or that could simply be because of the sheer amount of information that is dumped onto the reader about the world and how it has been shaped through Alaric's story. Again, without wanting to spoil too much, it was most interesting to me to see how the gods that have been mentioned up to now came into existence. The first mention of their names was a real landmark moment for me.
Overall, I found this very entertaining, as I have found all of the rest of the series. While officially it is billed as being able to be read without taking in the rest of the series, I feel that I must disagree as I think that if this is where you start the Sanctuary series, then you are spoiling so much for yourself for the earlier books. If you haven't read books one to seven before this, then I strongly recommend starting with Defender.
June 27, 2021
What can I really say? This is one of the best book series I've ever read. Has one of the best main character's ever in Cyrus Davidon. His journey is amazing and hard. Every book in this series had an awesome journey/ final battle climax. Book series had amazing supporting characters in Vaste, Alaric, Terian, Curatio, Longwell, Vara, J'anda, Ryin and later on Calene, Zarnn, Scuddar, Quinneria and others. What they fought included Dragon, goblins, dark elves, Scourges, Trolls, Dragons, Titans, Men like themselves and finally GODS! Like every great series death is hiding in the shadows and a few do die. Though as readers know from reading this book. Are they really dead?
For the final book:
it was slow early on. it did went back and forth. At some points it was annoying as both sides were getting great and stopped and then continued again. Was it worth it? YES, we get origin information for key characters that will have parts during Cyrus side of the story. Curatio's was very interesting. Terian's was also interesting. Bellarum's was too, he didn't always go by that name. Loved how Cyrus came up with plans to defeat the gods. The Final showdown with Bellarum isn't a disappointment. Its what came after that bummed me out. Though the book ends on a high note. SPOILER ALERT: journey ain't over. Though like with every book. I ask myself what more can they do? What new threats can awaken or come challenge them like they haven't encountered before? What new characters will be introduced. I will continue the series but will take a long break before starting the next few books as books 9,10 are out and 11 coming out this year and book 12 next year according to his website. I'm hooked on this series. Hope the next books are all good reads too. Definitely a must read series.
For the final book:
it was slow early on. it did went back and forth. At some points it was annoying as both sides were getting great and stopped and then continued again. Was it worth it? YES, we get origin information for key characters that will have parts during Cyrus side of the story. Curatio's was very interesting. Terian's was also interesting. Bellarum's was too, he didn't always go by that name. Loved how Cyrus came up with plans to defeat the gods. The Final showdown with Bellarum isn't a disappointment. Its what came after that bummed me out. Though the book ends on a high note. SPOILER ALERT: journey ain't over. Though like with every book. I ask myself what more can they do? What new threats can awaken or come challenge them like they haven't encountered before? What new characters will be introduced. I will continue the series but will take a long break before starting the next few books as books 9,10 are out and 11 coming out this year and book 12 next year according to his website. I'm hooked on this series. Hope the next books are all good reads too. Definitely a must read series.
March 19, 2020
This can't be the end!!
They have to live again so I know what happened up Alaric's baby and that Cyrus is with Vara again. I rarely cry over a book not matter how much I luv it. But this is an exception, when Vara died I cried. I never lose track of the fact that it's a book and will end at some point. But this time I lost sight of that and them and their world became real to me. I feel like part of my family is moving away and I'll never see them again. They need to live again so I can find out what happened to Alaric's baby and know Cyrus and Vara are together and happy and that small group are still together and still having fun and going on adventures. Then I can move one to another one of his series. Don't ever stop writing and I promise I'll never stop reading.
They have to live again so I know what happened up Alaric's baby and that Cyrus is with Vara again. I rarely cry over a book not matter how much I luv it. But this is an exception, when Vara died I cried. I never lose track of the fact that it's a book and will end at some point. But this time I lost sight of that and them and their world became real to me. I feel like part of my family is moving away and I'll never see them again. They need to live again so I can find out what happened to Alaric's baby and know Cyrus and Vara are together and happy and that small group are still together and still having fun and going on adventures. Then I can move one to another one of his series. Don't ever stop writing and I promise I'll never stop reading.
May 17, 2025
soooo good!
I honestly didn't think this series could get any better, then I read Legend.
I love how it finally tells the history of Sanctuary. I love how it connected so many pieces of the story, all coming together cohesively. I'm eager to start the next book, and I hope the story continues to engross me. I have to admit that the series could have easily ended with book 8. I'm not sure if that's what the author intended when he finished. But I'm still excited for the next book
I honestly didn't think this series could get any better, then I read Legend.
I love how it finally tells the history of Sanctuary. I love how it connected so many pieces of the story, all coming together cohesively. I'm eager to start the next book, and I hope the story continues to engross me. I have to admit that the series could have easily ended with book 8. I'm not sure if that's what the author intended when he finished. But I'm still excited for the next book
December 28, 2017
Best series I have read in years
The last Sanctuary book, wow. Amazing, epic, sad, lonely, revealing and what a read. Answers lots of questions except what happened to Aislyn & Cyru's baby! But there is more to follow in another series. So I will keep reading when this is out. This was a great read and I am sad it's over. Could do with another proof read and some editing, but the editing mistakes don't spoil the read.
The last Sanctuary book, wow. Amazing, epic, sad, lonely, revealing and what a read. Answers lots of questions except what happened to Aislyn & Cyru's baby! But there is more to follow in another series. So I will keep reading when this is out. This was a great read and I am sad it's over. Could do with another proof read and some editing, but the editing mistakes don't spoil the read.
March 2, 2019
Amazing!
I have to say that Robert J Crane is, by far, my favorite author! I have enjoyed the series immensely so far and this book is amazing in so many ways. I loved the way he told Alaric's story from his beginning and answered so many questions I, and I'm sure so many others, have had throughout the series. I worried about how it might end but Robert didn't disappoint. Thank you for such an amazing series!
I have to say that Robert J Crane is, by far, my favorite author! I have enjoyed the series immensely so far and this book is amazing in so many ways. I loved the way he told Alaric's story from his beginning and answered so many questions I, and I'm sure so many others, have had throughout the series. I worried about how it might end but Robert didn't disappoint. Thank you for such an amazing series!
December 5, 2018
OMG
Words are a blessing. It's communication of untold wealth. This series is full of riches It brings forth magic; rich in humanity, adventure, spell binding. This land is harsh yet it is ripe with love, warmth, wry humour. Men and women striving to improve humanity in questing for a life better lived. I consistently rated this series with 5 stars.my two regrets were I could only give it 5 stars and the story had to end.
Words are a blessing. It's communication of untold wealth. This series is full of riches It brings forth magic; rich in humanity, adventure, spell binding. This land is harsh yet it is ripe with love, warmth, wry humour. Men and women striving to improve humanity in questing for a life better lived. I consistently rated this series with 5 stars.my two regrets were I could only give it 5 stars and the story had to end.
August 11, 2020
Bringing all the volumes together, questions and mysteries answered, this was by far the best book in the series! The origins of Alaric, Bellarum and Curatio explained in great detail was superb. Cyrus' goodbyes in the last chapters were redundant but all else was fabulous reading. Bravo! A happy ending and the promise of more adventures to come. Recommended to anyone who likes battle and magic tales.
December 24, 2017
Worthy Final Installment
All the questions from the series have know been answered what happened to the ancients and how the gods came into existence. Alaric's and Curatio's back story as well this book spans 10000 years of Arkarias history. Amazing story full of action with many twists and turns and plenty of battles for Cyrus Davidon
All the questions from the series have know been answered what happened to the ancients and how the gods came into existence. Alaric's and Curatio's back story as well this book spans 10000 years of Arkarias history. Amazing story full of action with many twists and turns and plenty of battles for Cyrus Davidon
June 13, 2017
Exceptional
It just reminded me of my old days playing World of Warcraft, but the books where better than the most amazing things I did in that game.
Perfect I could almost feel Cyrus pain and love .
It just reminded me of my old days playing World of Warcraft, but the books where better than the most amazing things I did in that game.
Perfect I could almost feel Cyrus pain and love .
July 19, 2017
Gripping storytelling
I found myself picking up the book thinking i would read a couple chapters. That rarely happened. 5to10 chapters later i would put it down but be ever so anxious to start reading again.
I found myself picking up the book thinking i would read a couple chapters. That rarely happened. 5to10 chapters later i would put it down but be ever so anxious to start reading again.
January 29, 2018
Wow!
Amazing work, looking forward to reading more of your series on Sanctuary. Thank you for hours of reading into the night, not wanting to put down the books. Absolutely love all of them. My only question, does Cyrus ever find out about his son?
Amazing work, looking forward to reading more of your series on Sanctuary. Thank you for hours of reading into the night, not wanting to put down the books. Absolutely love all of them. My only question, does Cyrus ever find out about his son?
February 7, 2018
So this part of the series ends.
If you have read the previous seven books of the series you can relax and enjoy this last book and all those questions you have built due to the many clues temptingly scattered will be answered. Enjoy.
If you have read the previous seven books of the series you can relax and enjoy this last book and all those questions you have built due to the many clues temptingly scattered will be answered. Enjoy.
August 23, 2019
Great finale
Tied up many loose ends. Answered questions connected thoughts from earlier books. May have to go reread the series again to pick up the thread
Glad i stayed the course and finished the series. Good read!
Tied up many loose ends. Answered questions connected thoughts from earlier books. May have to go reread the series again to pick up the thread
Glad i stayed the course and finished the series. Good read!
November 4, 2019
Science fiction/fantasy
If this series ended with this book I would have been happy but evidently their is more to tell. I just felt like all the loose ends were tied up with this one. So onwards and upwards to the next great story.
If this series ended with this book I would have been happy but evidently their is more to tell. I just felt like all the loose ends were tied up with this one. So onwards and upwards to the next great story.
September 9, 2020
where gods go to die
Cyrus finds no hope in life but he does have a purpose. he and his band of misfits will end the gods. and then they will end Bellsarus. after that, life could go anywhere.
Cyrus finds no hope in life but he does have a purpose. he and his band of misfits will end the gods. and then they will end Bellsarus. after that, life could go anywhere.
January 7, 2021
Revalations
Finally, the puzzle pieces are fitted together and the story is revealed....I cant imagine what there could be in book 9, but I love this story so much and I cant wait to find out!
Finally, the puzzle pieces are fitted together and the story is revealed....I cant imagine what there could be in book 9, but I love this story so much and I cant wait to find out!
April 20, 2023
I think this was my favorite of the series so far. I'm impressed that the author was able to make such a coherent "ending" to the main storyline, and at the same time filled in some very interesting history of the world he has built.
October 9, 2023
Wow
The sanctuary series rates with the greatest of story tellers in the mould of Raymond e fiest and the great David Hummel a rare story tellers of exceptional talent
Recommended to all fantasy book readers
The sanctuary series rates with the greatest of story tellers in the mould of Raymond e fiest and the great David Hummel a rare story tellers of exceptional talent
Recommended to all fantasy book readers
November 10, 2023
Although I really enjoyed this book I did have a problem with it. Every other chapter was about Aleric and his past - the information made perfect sense when you got further into the book but I feel it would have been better as a separate book between Heretic and Legend. It just made the reading a bit disjointed for me. The ending was quite a surprise
December 18, 2023
I knew it!
I didn't know how he was going to do it, he surprised me, but I knew Cars had to come back somehow. It was just too much to feel like Cyrus' luck was really that bad that he lost everything. I thought I was at the end of the story, but now here we go again!
I didn't know how he was going to do it, he surprised me, but I knew Cars had to come back somehow. It was just too much to feel like Cyrus' luck was really that bad that he lost everything. I thought I was at the end of the story, but now here we go again!
July 11, 2024
A Legend of a series......
Adventure and magic. Love and chivalry. Gods and War. In this harrowing tale you will be submerged into a world with all of these and much more. Enjoy a great read!
Adventure and magic. Love and chivalry. Gods and War. In this harrowing tale you will be submerged into a world with all of these and much more. Enjoy a great read!
May 27, 2017
It's a proper book
Long and engaging and I love the troll humour. Really enjoyed the journey and looking forward to the next one.
Long and engaging and I love the troll humour. Really enjoyed the journey and looking forward to the next one.
May 28, 2017
loved this series. absolutely gutted it's over. cannot wait for the the ashes series and the ones to follow. everyone needs the sanctuary series in their library.
June 25, 2017
Loved this series.
An excellent read from start to finish, can't wait to read the next series which I'm about to do right now.
An excellent read from start to finish, can't wait to read the next series which I'm about to do right now.
July 13, 2017
Fantastic series. Can't wait for the new ones to come out ☺
What a wonderful series to read. I just wanted to dive right in and be there with them. Looking forward to new series.
What a wonderful series to read. I just wanted to dive right in and be there with them. Looking forward to new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews