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Sanctuary
Astrae is dying. Burdened by earthquakes and erupting volcanoes it is just a matter of time before the planet blows itself apart. This is no quick apocalypse it has been brewing for millennia. The Astraens, searching for a new habitable planet thought they had found what they were seeking two thousand years ago. It was abandoned due to their winged appearance seeing them unacceptably elevated to Godlike status by the indigenous population. Now, with time running out they are back hoping that the war torn blue planet will afford them the sanctuary they desperately need.
At first accepted by a depleted human race, the Astraens see their initial welcome turn to hostility when a disease they unwittingly bring to Earth begins to kill thousands of the native humans.
Anael, a captain of the Seraphic guard could be the only hope of achieving a lasting peace between the two species but first he must win the trust of a band of mercenaries led by Jack. No easy task given that his first encounter with the group almost led to Mercedes shooting him.
At first accepted by a depleted human race, the Astraens see their initial welcome turn to hostility when a disease they unwittingly bring to Earth begins to kill thousands of the native humans.
Anael, a captain of the Seraphic guard could be the only hope of achieving a lasting peace between the two species but first he must win the trust of a band of mercenaries led by Jack. No easy task given that his first encounter with the group almost led to Mercedes shooting him.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2017
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Maureen Turner
17 books13 followersAlthough born in Birmingham in the Midlands I have lived in Gloucestershire for the past thirty years. I applied for redundancy following 25 years as a teaching assistant in a rural Gloucestershire school. I had already started writing my debut novel First Breath before finishing work and completed the writing in 2012. The book was published in August 2012. Since then I have penned a further three novels and a collection of short stories. All have been published as e books and most as traditional books as well. Two of the e books were later re-published as one traditional novel. All my novels are in the fantasy romance genre. My collection of short stories are multiple genre. My writing has been influenced by many authors from H.G. Wells to Laini Taylor. As well as fantasy romance I enjoy reading Historical, sci fi and contemporary books.
My books are: First Breath...
Malchediel-Warrior Angel...
Amy-Nephilim Freedom Fighter...
Do Androids Dream?...
Purgatory...
Wings Unfurled.
I am 45,000 words into my latest book as yet untitled.
My books are: First Breath...
Malchediel-Warrior Angel...
Amy-Nephilim Freedom Fighter...
Do Androids Dream?...
Purgatory...
Wings Unfurled.
I am 45,000 words into my latest book as yet untitled.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 13, 2019
Sanctuary is the first part of a two-part story, most of which is set on an apocalyptic Earth following a devastating WW3. I found it an exciting and well-paced book, told through multiple viewpoints which is effective in enabling readers to understand the main characters and the reasons why they act the way they do.
The Prologue, set 2000 years earlier than the rest of the book, readily drew me in as it presented the background to the quest of the Astraens – the highly civilized and technologically advanced species of winged aliens the humans call ‘Angels’. Due to continuous earthquakes and volcanic activity, the Astraen’s home planet, Astrae, is slowly dying, and a number of motherships have been sent out to seek a suitable planet for the Astraens to colonise. One mothership finds that conditions on Planet Earth are ideal but, on this occasion, after trying to integrate with the humans for two years, it proves impossible.
Over the next 2,000 years, Astraens continue their search until eventually, one mothership makes contact with Earth again. Initially all seems well and the humans dealing with the ravaged, post-war, earth readily accept the superior knowledge and skills of the incomers. But an unexpected outbreak of a deadly fever soon changes things and the two groups find themselves bitter enemies, locked in a race to kill or be killed.
I really enjoyed this book, despite claiming for years that sci-fi was not for me. The author has crafted a vivid and imaginative tale, which moves along at a good pace and keeps readers wanting to know how things will eventually turn out. The characters come alive as some strive for unity and understanding between the two species, while others are determined that extermination of ‘the enemy’ is the only way forward. The touch of romance is heart-warming, as well as becoming a key feature along the road to acceptance and understanding between the two species.
The story ends on a tense note, which left me wanting to dive straight into Book 2.
The Prologue, set 2000 years earlier than the rest of the book, readily drew me in as it presented the background to the quest of the Astraens – the highly civilized and technologically advanced species of winged aliens the humans call ‘Angels’. Due to continuous earthquakes and volcanic activity, the Astraen’s home planet, Astrae, is slowly dying, and a number of motherships have been sent out to seek a suitable planet for the Astraens to colonise. One mothership finds that conditions on Planet Earth are ideal but, on this occasion, after trying to integrate with the humans for two years, it proves impossible.
Over the next 2,000 years, Astraens continue their search until eventually, one mothership makes contact with Earth again. Initially all seems well and the humans dealing with the ravaged, post-war, earth readily accept the superior knowledge and skills of the incomers. But an unexpected outbreak of a deadly fever soon changes things and the two groups find themselves bitter enemies, locked in a race to kill or be killed.
I really enjoyed this book, despite claiming for years that sci-fi was not for me. The author has crafted a vivid and imaginative tale, which moves along at a good pace and keeps readers wanting to know how things will eventually turn out. The characters come alive as some strive for unity and understanding between the two species, while others are determined that extermination of ‘the enemy’ is the only way forward. The touch of romance is heart-warming, as well as becoming a key feature along the road to acceptance and understanding between the two species.
The story ends on a tense note, which left me wanting to dive straight into Book 2.
Displaying 1 of 1 review