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The Last Sanctuary
No Safe Haven
A stand-alone story in The Last Sanctuary world
Run to save your life—or stay and fight for what's yours...
Isolated at her family's wildlife refuge in northern Georgia, Raven longs to escape. Instead, she spends her days shoveling manure for bears and wolves—until her father contracts the deadly Hydra virus.
Desperate to help him, Raven journeys into town to get medicine, only to discover the outside world is collapsing into chaos. There are no police, no laws, and no hospitals. No one is coming to help.
The wildlife refuge she once resented now offers sanctuary—plenty of food, shelter, and the safety of electrified fences. Using the skills her father taught her, Raven knows how to survive.
But the threat is just beginning. The electrified fences may be failing. Even worse, a dangerous gang tracks Raven back to the refuge. And they'll stop at nothing to take what she has...
Raven can run. Or she can stand her ground, risking everything to defend the animals—and her home.
Run to save your life—or stay and fight for what's yours...
Isolated at her family's wildlife refuge in northern Georgia, Raven longs to escape. Instead, she spends her days shoveling manure for bears and wolves—until her father contracts the deadly Hydra virus.
Desperate to help him, Raven journeys into town to get medicine, only to discover the outside world is collapsing into chaos. There are no police, no laws, and no hospitals. No one is coming to help.
The wildlife refuge she once resented now offers sanctuary—plenty of food, shelter, and the safety of electrified fences. Using the skills her father taught her, Raven knows how to survive.
But the threat is just beginning. The electrified fences may be failing. Even worse, a dangerous gang tracks Raven back to the refuge. And they'll stop at nothing to take what she has...
Raven can run. Or she can stand her ground, risking everything to defend the animals—and her home.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2018
1312 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 7, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ STARS.... 📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
☀︎ 𝖭𝖮 𝖲𝖠𝖥𝖤 𝖧𝖠𝖵𝖤𝖭 ☀︎ Is a full length stand-alone story in (The Last Sanctuary World) by Kyla Stone. Raven (18 years old) Her real name is Emiko but no one has called her that in many years.
As everyone around them succumbed to the deadly Hydra virus, (an engineered virus released by terrorists) Raven and her father were the last two standing at her family's wildlife refuge in northern Georgia. Until her father also fell ill. To save him Raven risks everything to go to town for much needed medicine. It's there at the pharmacy she encounters (The Headhunters) a deadly motorcycle gang. Thinking this was the last time she would ever set eyes on them, it doesn't occur to her to check behind her to see if she's being followed back to the Wild Life Sanctuary.
Danger is on her doorstep. Within the blink of an eye that night as they infiltrate her only home she's ever known things turn deadly quickly. One girl against an army of bikers. One girl who will risk everything to save the animals relying on her.
My biggest weakness in life are animals, if they are hurt, die, get killed, I kind of steer clear of books and movies if I can help it where they are concerned. I can’t even watch the nature channel. People getting hurt or killed I can handle, animals it’s a big nope.
So this book hit those triggers where it hurt. Defenceless animals die in this, tears were shed, my heart broke.
No reviews on my list mentioned what I would encounter within this book…But through that pain I fell in love with the big brave beast which saved her life.
I’m looking forward to jumping into the next book in this series..
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
☀︎ 𝖭𝖮 𝖲𝖠𝖥𝖤 𝖧𝖠𝖵𝖤𝖭 ☀︎ Is a full length stand-alone story in (The Last Sanctuary World) by Kyla Stone. Raven (18 years old) Her real name is Emiko but no one has called her that in many years.
As everyone around them succumbed to the deadly Hydra virus, (an engineered virus released by terrorists) Raven and her father were the last two standing at her family's wildlife refuge in northern Georgia. Until her father also fell ill. To save him Raven risks everything to go to town for much needed medicine. It's there at the pharmacy she encounters (The Headhunters) a deadly motorcycle gang. Thinking this was the last time she would ever set eyes on them, it doesn't occur to her to check behind her to see if she's being followed back to the Wild Life Sanctuary.
Danger is on her doorstep. Within the blink of an eye that night as they infiltrate her only home she's ever known things turn deadly quickly. One girl against an army of bikers. One girl who will risk everything to save the animals relying on her.
My biggest weakness in life are animals, if they are hurt, die, get killed, I kind of steer clear of books and movies if I can help it where they are concerned. I can’t even watch the nature channel. People getting hurt or killed I can handle, animals it’s a big nope.
So this book hit those triggers where it hurt. Defenceless animals die in this, tears were shed, my heart broke.
No reviews on my list mentioned what I would encounter within this book…But through that pain I fell in love with the big brave beast which saved her life.
I’m looking forward to jumping into the next book in this series..
January 26, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on August 22, 2018 (currently $3.99 at Amazon and available in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.38 with 107 ratings and 27 reviews
I always pick my Thrifty Thursday books on a variety of criteria. I look to find something in the genre I am wanting and the overall ratings. Sometimes, I try to find one to fit a reading challenge. This time of year, I am working to read all the new release ones since they count for the New Release Challenge.
No Safe Haven is the story of a very new adult in a world where things have gone very badly. Raven is rather immature but is well trained in her own isolated world to survive. The story is jam packed with action as the world heads from bad to worse. A few times, it doesn't seem realistic she could survive when she has a bit of TSTL actions.
Overall, I really enjoyed Raven's emotional process of coming to terms with the hard reality of survival. She has to place a value on different lives, including her own. I love her skills with outdoor survival, and her affinity with animals.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on August 22, 2018 (currently $3.99 at Amazon and available in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.38 with 107 ratings and 27 reviews
I always pick my Thrifty Thursday books on a variety of criteria. I look to find something in the genre I am wanting and the overall ratings. Sometimes, I try to find one to fit a reading challenge. This time of year, I am working to read all the new release ones since they count for the New Release Challenge.
No Safe Haven is the story of a very new adult in a world where things have gone very badly. Raven is rather immature but is well trained in her own isolated world to survive. The story is jam packed with action as the world heads from bad to worse. A few times, it doesn't seem realistic she could survive when she has a bit of TSTL actions.
Overall, I really enjoyed Raven's emotional process of coming to terms with the hard reality of survival. She has to place a value on different lives, including her own. I love her skills with outdoor survival, and her affinity with animals.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don't include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
May 29, 2020
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/no-safe-hav...
While set in the same universe as the author’s Lost Sanctuary series, it seems to operate as a standalone entity. I must admit, this was a story that crept up on me. I’m usually quite strict about how much I read in a sitting, but confess that this was one where “Just one more chapter” happened on a number of occasions. Seeing the entirety of Lost Sanctuary on sale for 99 cents, the day I write this review, became a no-brainer purchase, regardless of whether or not it qualifies for the site. Now, I just have to find the time to read it!
While set in the same universe as the author’s Lost Sanctuary series, it seems to operate as a standalone entity. I must admit, this was a story that crept up on me. I’m usually quite strict about how much I read in a sitting, but confess that this was one where “Just one more chapter” happened on a number of occasions. Seeing the entirety of Lost Sanctuary on sale for 99 cents, the day I write this review, became a no-brainer purchase, regardless of whether or not it qualifies for the site. Now, I just have to find the time to read it!
September 13, 2025
Kyla Stone is my new favourite author I do believe. I devoured this book - as a freebie having signed up to the author's newsletter, I can forgive the numerous errors - they didn't spoil my enjoyment in any way. roll on the next one 😍
January 15, 2019
I love this book but it seems there is no second book but a first book in the same universe.
But I loved this character and her love of the animals in the private zoo she and her father lived on after her mother left. I loved her intimacy with the animals, especially the wolves. I want another book with this character!
But I loved this character and her love of the animals in the private zoo she and her father lived on after her mother left. I loved her intimacy with the animals, especially the wolves. I want another book with this character!
September 27, 2018
Every post-apoc story needs a villain, and Stone delivered on that--there's a whole gang of them and they are horrid (mostly). Given that this story takes place at an animal sanctuary, I was really interested to see how the plot would unfold and where it would lead. Overall, it's pretty fast paced, which I appreciated, and I was glad when Ravin finally left the sanctuary. It felt like it was time. I'm unclear how this story plays into the series - it's not a novella, nor is it a numbered book in the series, but it does takes place between books one and two. I guess I'll have to continue with book one now to find out :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
This one hits a little too close to home right now. Normally I like reading about how the world falls about, but instead of fiction it seems like this might be a glimpse into our future and right now during covid times and I just can't handle that. So despite liking Raven and wanting to find out what happens to her, this one isn't for me.
November 14, 2025
Why is this young girl staying? Yes the animals. But you have already freed them. And now a 18 year old will be taking on adult male bikers. Are you kidding me? Yes. It’s fiction. But this is ridiculous. I would rather read about her hiking to the cabin and surviving the trip than more interactions with the bikers. Ugh. And he knew her name (p301) and then all of a sudden he doesn’t?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2018
Safe Haven - a review by Rosemary Kenny
18 year old Raven has lived at her family's Georgia wildlife sanctuary all her life, growing to know about, care for and love the animals under her care - unlike her mother, who couldn't cope with her husband's preference for wolves and bears over his wife and daughter, and left years earlier.
Comes the Apocalypse, a deadly bio-terrorist viral infection released on the US, millions are dead or dying and the few survivors like Rachel (who's immune), fight a constant battle for survival without food, water, medical supplies or internet/other communications, with rioting, looting and lawlessness in the towns and cities across the continent.
When is Raven left alone? Who attacks the sanctuary? Where has Raven seen these men before?
What are they seeking- and what happens when they see Rachel?
How does Rachel seek to stop the human predators from murdering the animals?
When does Rachel return to the sanctuary and what happens when she's captured?
There's no sweet HEA ending for Raven, which makes the amazing Kyla Stone's No Safe Haven all the more realistic, despite the book's slightly unfinished, (no epilogue) ending and clear indications from the earlier parts, that it is better to read The Last Sanctuary series in sequence.
I liked Raven's range of emotions which were realistic and appropriate for the scene and helped develop her character exponentially as she is forced to mature into adulthood by her losses (her parents in different ways) and her relationships with both the animals and humans (eg Damien) against a post-apocalyptic background that thankfully didn't include the practically de rigeur zombies!
The only tiny little negative niggle is that not knowing the series beforehand makes a few scenes less engaging than they might otherwise have been - it's not a complete standalone story and I'm not sure where it fits in the series, so maybe a tip-off to that effect in the blurb would be good.
Also I'd like to have a bit more background about why her Mom left and where she may have gone/be now, since clearly Raven's thinking of those things and feeling guilty.
Nevertheless, a fantastic tale of overcoming the odds, 'what if...?' story for the 21st century.
Get your copy and seriously consider buying the whole series, then share the love for Kyla Stone.
18 year old Raven has lived at her family's Georgia wildlife sanctuary all her life, growing to know about, care for and love the animals under her care - unlike her mother, who couldn't cope with her husband's preference for wolves and bears over his wife and daughter, and left years earlier.
Comes the Apocalypse, a deadly bio-terrorist viral infection released on the US, millions are dead or dying and the few survivors like Rachel (who's immune), fight a constant battle for survival without food, water, medical supplies or internet/other communications, with rioting, looting and lawlessness in the towns and cities across the continent.
When is Raven left alone? Who attacks the sanctuary? Where has Raven seen these men before?
What are they seeking- and what happens when they see Rachel?
How does Rachel seek to stop the human predators from murdering the animals?
When does Rachel return to the sanctuary and what happens when she's captured?
There's no sweet HEA ending for Raven, which makes the amazing Kyla Stone's No Safe Haven all the more realistic, despite the book's slightly unfinished, (no epilogue) ending and clear indications from the earlier parts, that it is better to read The Last Sanctuary series in sequence.
I liked Raven's range of emotions which were realistic and appropriate for the scene and helped develop her character exponentially as she is forced to mature into adulthood by her losses (her parents in different ways) and her relationships with both the animals and humans (eg Damien) against a post-apocalyptic background that thankfully didn't include the practically de rigeur zombies!
The only tiny little negative niggle is that not knowing the series beforehand makes a few scenes less engaging than they might otherwise have been - it's not a complete standalone story and I'm not sure where it fits in the series, so maybe a tip-off to that effect in the blurb would be good.
Also I'd like to have a bit more background about why her Mom left and where she may have gone/be now, since clearly Raven's thinking of those things and feeling guilty.
Nevertheless, a fantastic tale of overcoming the odds, 'what if...?' story for the 21st century.
Get your copy and seriously consider buying the whole series, then share the love for Kyla Stone.
March 28, 2020
Mizz Kyla Does It Again--And No One Does It Better
I give up, I give in, I admit Kyla Stone is the undisputed Queen of the apocalypse. I bow down and prostrate myself as a confirmed Stoner of the first order. Great main character, pulse pounding action and plenty of heart. Can't hardly wait for the next one.
I give up, I give in, I admit Kyla Stone is the undisputed Queen of the apocalypse. I bow down and prostrate myself as a confirmed Stoner of the first order. Great main character, pulse pounding action and plenty of heart. Can't hardly wait for the next one.
August 26, 2018
This book is much closer to four stars, but in the end, there were too many times when the main character wimped out, or made a decision, but didn't completely follow through.
What worked for me was the unique setting. The animal sanctuary was a fantastic setting, and I was completely hooked! I loved the animals, the relationship Raven had with them, but oh, I hated that terrible things happen to them. That was hard to take, but I knew that would be a part of the book when I got it. But half the reason so much tragedy happened was because Raven never managed to follow through with everything she could have done. She never managed to go full Rambo, and that became very frustrating for me.
Yeah, I know she's a teenager, but damn. Too many things happened that she could have prevented. And yet... I still liked Raven, and I felt badly about the many tough choices she had to make.
I also like that many of the characters were very well done. Not everyone is evil, yet if you stand by and watch evil happen around you without trying to stop it, what does that make you? That's a pretty big question that was well handled in the book.
Overall, a good book, but harrowing in places. It says a lot that I was rooting for Raven all the way to the last page.
What worked for me was the unique setting. The animal sanctuary was a fantastic setting, and I was completely hooked! I loved the animals, the relationship Raven had with them, but oh, I hated that terrible things happen to them. That was hard to take, but I knew that would be a part of the book when I got it. But half the reason so much tragedy happened was because Raven never managed to follow through with everything she could have done. She never managed to go full Rambo, and that became very frustrating for me.
Yeah, I know she's a teenager, but damn. Too many things happened that she could have prevented. And yet... I still liked Raven, and I felt badly about the many tough choices she had to make.
I also like that many of the characters were very well done. Not everyone is evil, yet if you stand by and watch evil happen around you without trying to stop it, what does that make you? That's a pretty big question that was well handled in the book.
Overall, a good book, but harrowing in places. It says a lot that I was rooting for Raven all the way to the last page.
December 9, 2018
I hadn't realised this fitted into a series when I started it, but it makes a good stand-alone book, albeit lacking in detail about the origins of the virus which are presumably covered in book 1 (I will have to read this next!)
The book has a very narrow focus on an 18-year old girl and the isolated wildlife refuge which is her home and her responsibility once her colleagues and father succumb to the virus. The bonds between Raven and the animals are very well described and it seems like the author has done a lot of research into animal (especially predator and pack animal) behaviour. The reserve comes under threat from a gang of nasty bikers (how did they survive as a group?) and she has to literally fight for survival.
I found the book to be a little too emotional - constant descriptions of how Raven felt about anything and everything - but perhaps that's simply because I'm not a young adult. There was also quite a lot of death, blood and gore although I wouldn't call it gratuitous.
The book has a very narrow focus on an 18-year old girl and the isolated wildlife refuge which is her home and her responsibility once her colleagues and father succumb to the virus. The bonds between Raven and the animals are very well described and it seems like the author has done a lot of research into animal (especially predator and pack animal) behaviour. The reserve comes under threat from a gang of nasty bikers (how did they survive as a group?) and she has to literally fight for survival.
I found the book to be a little too emotional - constant descriptions of how Raven felt about anything and everything - but perhaps that's simply because I'm not a young adult. There was also quite a lot of death, blood and gore although I wouldn't call it gratuitous.
August 13, 2018
HOLY HALITOSIS TIGGER!!!
Oh man. Guys are you ready? Talk about shooting first, ask questions later. Another thrilling, spine tingling read from Kyla. An action packed, fast paced, heart pounding, frightening read that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. The characters are well developed and believable. Their personalities are strong, unique with qualities and traits that play off one another. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a picture with all the suspense and danger riding their heels. In a kill or be killed world you trust no one. Have no friends, watch everything around you without seeming to be taking in anything at all. As Kyla continually kept throwing up road blocks, detours and even raging lunatics. Yep! That's definitely a few twists and unpredictable as it comes. Keep on keeping on. Kyla did an incredible job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Kyla, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Oh man. Guys are you ready? Talk about shooting first, ask questions later. Another thrilling, spine tingling read from Kyla. An action packed, fast paced, heart pounding, frightening read that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. The characters are well developed and believable. Their personalities are strong, unique with qualities and traits that play off one another. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a picture with all the suspense and danger riding their heels. In a kill or be killed world you trust no one. Have no friends, watch everything around you without seeming to be taking in anything at all. As Kyla continually kept throwing up road blocks, detours and even raging lunatics. Yep! That's definitely a few twists and unpredictable as it comes. Keep on keeping on. Kyla did an incredible job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Kyla, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
October 10, 2018
A good stand alone read, but an author who has researched animal behaviours well.
Brings good conflict into the story by using Raven's unusual parents and environments to make her mindful of how the animals and people around her react.
This became a real page Turner as soon as the true situation was revealed following her visit to town.
I hope to find things tho return too this series tho follow how everything progresses. There is growth in Raven s character & in her understanding of her parents. An excellent read for YA who are animal lovers& rebellious towards parental influence.
Thanks Voracious readers for a copy of this book in return for a review good or bad.
I would class this as YA dystopian but recommend also tho parents of rebellious teens. The book highlights the need for reassurance,. Love, and voicing of that love constantly.
Brings good conflict into the story by using Raven's unusual parents and environments to make her mindful of how the animals and people around her react.
This became a real page Turner as soon as the true situation was revealed following her visit to town.
I hope to find things tho return too this series tho follow how everything progresses. There is growth in Raven s character & in her understanding of her parents. An excellent read for YA who are animal lovers& rebellious towards parental influence.
Thanks Voracious readers for a copy of this book in return for a review good or bad.
I would class this as YA dystopian but recommend also tho parents of rebellious teens. The book highlights the need for reassurance,. Love, and voicing of that love constantly.
October 17, 2018
This was an enjoyable read and a great book for a YA audience.
I loved that the story is set in such unique surroundings, whilst still pulling in all the troubles of a world falling apart due to an incurable virus.
The main character is very believable and well developed, as are the supporting characters.
The plot is solid, the pace steady and the violence and gore factor is dialled low enough for young teens to easily manage.
All in all a good stand alone book that is the back story of a character from the Last Sanctuary series.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
I loved that the story is set in such unique surroundings, whilst still pulling in all the troubles of a world falling apart due to an incurable virus.
The main character is very believable and well developed, as are the supporting characters.
The plot is solid, the pace steady and the violence and gore factor is dialled low enough for young teens to easily manage.
All in all a good stand alone book that is the back story of a character from the Last Sanctuary series.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
October 22, 2018
This was a magnificent nightmare! Some of the language is so beautiful that I had to stop and read it over just to savor it. Other parts were so stressful, terrifying, and gory that I wanted to read them between my fingers. Kyla Stone perfectly paints the horror of a post-apocalyptic world with a zombie flavor. And >added bonus< she teaches you about the animals at her fictitious wildlife refuge so convincingly that I kept wondering if she had grown up on a refuge herself. I'm really looking forward to reading everything she has written. :)
October 11, 2018
I really liked the unique setting of this book, in a somewhat remote large animal sanctuary. Raven has a lot of conflicts, not surprising considering her upbringing. Many of the sanctuary animals were characters themselves and it was distressing when they suffered. Raven makes a lot of mistakes, but she is a very young woman and in such a drastic survival situation, I would have been very surprised had she made no mistakes. I do hope there are additional books to find out what happens.
August 30, 2018
Good story. Very easy read. May check next in series.
Interesting story of Raven, a zookeeper's daughter and her struggle to survive in an apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly disease. Enjoyable, easy reading. Not perfect, but a very good ending that beckons you to read more of series. Happy Reading!!!!
Tim
Interesting story of Raven, a zookeeper's daughter and her struggle to survive in an apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly disease. Enjoyable, easy reading. Not perfect, but a very good ending that beckons you to read more of series. Happy Reading!!!!
Tim
December 13, 2018
it was good read.
Ravens character was strong some what. She had weaknesses like staying to close to the zoo after that gang showed up. She should of ran as far away as she could but understand why she went back to help the animals. I'm hoping to read more about raven. I only seen different books that are part of this series maybe she's part of them as well maybe.
Ravens character was strong some what. She had weaknesses like staying to close to the zoo after that gang showed up. She should of ran as far away as she could but understand why she went back to help the animals. I'm hoping to read more about raven. I only seen different books that are part of this series maybe she's part of them as well maybe.
July 9, 2019
Raven finds herself alone on the wildlife park that she ran with her father. The hydra virus is taking over and so are a group of men she comes to fear. She has to put all her fear aside to try and survive. This story is very different to what I normally read but I found myself reading faster with each page to find out what happened.
A great story!!
A great story!!
August 29, 2018
Liked it
Good story, well written with interesting characters in a difficult situation & bad guys who are not all bad. I enjoyed reading this story & will definitely continue to read other books written by this author
Good story, well written with interesting characters in a difficult situation & bad guys who are not all bad. I enjoyed reading this story & will definitely continue to read other books written by this author
September 19, 2018
Nowhere was safe.
Raven, only child of her fractured parents, lived in a wildlife preserve. The virus claimed most of the world; Raven was immune. Then the two-legged animals came.
A bloody YA story ends in a cliffhanger.
Raven, only child of her fractured parents, lived in a wildlife preserve. The virus claimed most of the world; Raven was immune. Then the two-legged animals came.
A bloody YA story ends in a cliffhanger.
January 6, 2019
I enjoyed this book but hate when they end on the what will happen next...stay tuned.....my. attention span isn't the greatest. All in all a great storyline of a young girl trying to find a sense of relief for a father who has contracted a deadly virus.
January 14, 2019
A politically correct prepper fantasy.
January 23, 2019
Great story
I enjoyed this short novel. The story was fresh and engaging. The setting felt real as did the characters. I would recommend this book.
I enjoyed this short novel. The story was fresh and engaging. The setting felt real as did the characters. I would recommend this book.
January 25, 2020
3.5 stars. I have NOT read "The Last Sanctuary" series ... just the slightest feeling that this was part of world in which I hadn't read about yet. Looking at the first book in that series, it is described as being set in a "near future". That's something that was not super obvious here. There is no date given, and for the most part, things are pretty standard ... but then there are the "futuristic" sci-fi gadgets and other modern mentions (like the genetically engineered animals), so it does become apparent that this is set in a "near future" not light-years ahead, but with some advancements. I wonder if this "futuristic" world plays a bigger part in the series as a whole (it wouldn't have been necessary for this installment really).
I borrowed this on Kindle Unlimited. After trying out a few other books and just not having them click with me, I was glad to finally find one that DID catch my interest and made me want to continue. I did have some minor complaints ... like having "Her mother always said he’d never been the same after he came back from the war." said on one page, then the next page "Her mother claimed he was never the same, after." I remembered, I didn't need the repetition. "The wolves had made her pack. They’d made her family" also came up a number of times.
I'm not sure how I feel about "premonition" writing ... "If Raven had known how the day would end, she would have done several things very differently." That's not even foreshadowing, that's outright telling the reader things are going to go badly. Raven missed the obvious (if an infected wolf bites a human, he's infected ... if something eats said human, then ... ) not at ALL surprised at what happened later on.
One man picks up one of the mod-wolves to carry it back to camp. The wolf that weighs well over 200 pounds (as stated earlier). While the author does indicate that this isn't easy for him ... I had to ask my sons "so how much can you lift when you are weightlifting?" I guess it's not out of the question, but it did make me stop and wonder (silly questioning things like this with all the other things going on). I also wondered about just how quickly the animals were skinned and their pelts were being worn. My understanding of the process is that it would take a while for them to be worked, dried, stretched ... etc. But then again, this is "slightly futuristic" and maybe these guys happened to have animal skin stuff on hand. Hmmmmm.
I did like the read. It kept my interest and kept me coming back. I got through it quite quickly. It was a little disturbing, sometimes violence against animals can be even harder to imagine than violence against humans (especially if said humans are "bad" guys). Raven didn't make some of the best decisions... but that was not necessarily unrealistic unfortunately.
I may check out the series ... it is available on Kindle Unlimited. If it was available in audio I'd definitely check it out (I can get through more audio, multi-tasking, than with dedicated reading time).
I borrowed this on Kindle Unlimited. After trying out a few other books and just not having them click with me, I was glad to finally find one that DID catch my interest and made me want to continue. I did have some minor complaints ... like having "Her mother always said he’d never been the same after he came back from the war." said on one page, then the next page "Her mother claimed he was never the same, after." I remembered, I didn't need the repetition. "The wolves had made her pack. They’d made her family" also came up a number of times.
I'm not sure how I feel about "premonition" writing ... "If Raven had known how the day would end, she would have done several things very differently." That's not even foreshadowing, that's outright telling the reader things are going to go badly. Raven missed the obvious (if an infected wolf bites a human, he's infected ... if something eats said human, then ... ) not at ALL surprised at what happened later on.
One man picks up one of the mod-wolves to carry it back to camp. The wolf that weighs well over 200 pounds (as stated earlier). While the author does indicate that this isn't easy for him ... I had to ask my sons "so how much can you lift when you are weightlifting?" I guess it's not out of the question, but it did make me stop and wonder (silly questioning things like this with all the other things going on). I also wondered about just how quickly the animals were skinned and their pelts were being worn. My understanding of the process is that it would take a while for them to be worked, dried, stretched ... etc. But then again, this is "slightly futuristic" and maybe these guys happened to have animal skin stuff on hand. Hmmmmm.
I did like the read. It kept my interest and kept me coming back. I got through it quite quickly. It was a little disturbing, sometimes violence against animals can be even harder to imagine than violence against humans (especially if said humans are "bad" guys). Raven didn't make some of the best decisions... but that was not necessarily unrealistic unfortunately.
I may check out the series ... it is available on Kindle Unlimited. If it was available in audio I'd definitely check it out (I can get through more audio, multi-tasking, than with dedicated reading time).
March 4, 2022
Gotta say, Kyla Stone's fast becoming a favorite of mine when it comes to these apocalyptic/dystopian stories. Good thing she loves the genre herself, because otherwise I don't think they'd be as fun and harrowing as they are. Her love for these types of stories really shows in these books, and I love that she doesn't do anything too extreme, yet too tame either. It's always a happy medium. After devouring her Edge of Collapse series and LOVING it, I'm voracious for more of her work. Enter No Safe Haven.
I knew this book was connected to The Last Sanctuary series, though I didn't know of its specific placement. I likely would have figured it out in time, but certain circumstances that will take too long to explain dictated that I start here. Not too bad a start, honestly. Except now that I've learned its chronological placement in the series (between books 1 and 2), I had to venture into this new story without knowing the details of the deadly event (viral outbreak) that took place to get here. No matter. I certainly wasn't lost, and it actually makes me look forward to book one even MORE now, since that will sorta feel like a prequel.
Anyway, this was a super solid read for me. It grabbed my attention right away, had a fantastic pace, and plenty of the wonderful writing style I've come to love from Kyla Stone. This was actually a pretty unique story too, given its location primarily occurring in an animal sanctuary called "Haven." By default, this makes several of the animals supporting characters in the story as well. I definitely became fond of Raven almost instantly, an 18-year-old girl who was JUST on the verge of running away from the sanctuary until something devastating happens that compels her to stay and fight instead. As her circumstances become more dire, Raven learns more about herself and what is or isn't important to her. She shows tremendous growth in this book, and that made her extremely appealing to read.
There were plenty of thrills and horrors throughout, and heartbreaking moments too, which of course was tough to read. But this IS the end of the world, after all. It can't all be peaches and cream and rainbows and butterflies. The pace is quick and continuous, barely any moments to slow down. If I had to complain about anything, it's that I found it a bit too much a stretch to have Raven in these dire situations for extremely lengthy periods of time without having her feel the effects of it. I'm talking, hunger, thirst, hygiene, and even.... dare I say? Simple bowel movements. I know it seems stupid to say (and I'm not suggesting I want super details on this stuff), but I thought it lacked realism. Even just a simple mention of her discomfort from not being able to accommodate her most basic human needs would have been sufficient.
Anyway, I very much enjoyed myself, and look forward to the remainder of this series.
I knew this book was connected to The Last Sanctuary series, though I didn't know of its specific placement. I likely would have figured it out in time, but certain circumstances that will take too long to explain dictated that I start here. Not too bad a start, honestly. Except now that I've learned its chronological placement in the series (between books 1 and 2), I had to venture into this new story without knowing the details of the deadly event (viral outbreak) that took place to get here. No matter. I certainly wasn't lost, and it actually makes me look forward to book one even MORE now, since that will sorta feel like a prequel.
Anyway, this was a super solid read for me. It grabbed my attention right away, had a fantastic pace, and plenty of the wonderful writing style I've come to love from Kyla Stone. This was actually a pretty unique story too, given its location primarily occurring in an animal sanctuary called "Haven." By default, this makes several of the animals supporting characters in the story as well. I definitely became fond of Raven almost instantly, an 18-year-old girl who was JUST on the verge of running away from the sanctuary until something devastating happens that compels her to stay and fight instead. As her circumstances become more dire, Raven learns more about herself and what is or isn't important to her. She shows tremendous growth in this book, and that made her extremely appealing to read.
There were plenty of thrills and horrors throughout, and heartbreaking moments too, which of course was tough to read. But this IS the end of the world, after all. It can't all be peaches and cream and rainbows and butterflies. The pace is quick and continuous, barely any moments to slow down. If I had to complain about anything, it's that I found it a bit too much a stretch to have Raven in these dire situations for extremely lengthy periods of time without having her feel the effects of it. I'm talking, hunger, thirst, hygiene, and even.... dare I say? Simple bowel movements. I know it seems stupid to say (and I'm not suggesting I want super details on this stuff), but I thought it lacked realism. Even just a simple mention of her discomfort from not being able to accommodate her most basic human needs would have been sufficient.
Anyway, I very much enjoyed myself, and look forward to the remainder of this series.
August 30, 2020
Backstory full of action with tigers, bear and wolves!
After reading The Last Sanctuary series I was curious about Raven, as I’m sure most readers are if they read the series.
As an animal lover I was instantly interested by Ravens backstory and the fact she had a wolf as a companion.
We find out about the zoo her family owned - so many magnificent animals introduced and beautifully written, Kyla really glorified these animals and a beautiful job she did.
We also learn about Ravens strained relationships with her parents - I would have liked to learn more about Raven searching for her mother and finding the Settlement.
The white wolf pelt Cerberus wore in TLS series finally makes sense as to why Raven despised him.
I teared up a lot when reading this, especially when the animals were being barbarically murdered for their pelts - it is important to the story but it really hit me (animal lover). I was absolutely distraught when Luna died, I knew it was coming but I wasn’t expecting it to happen the way it did. Poor Shadow lost his mate but found a companionship in Raven.
If you loved The Last Sanctuary series then this is a must read - the action doesn’t disappoint and Ravens character development is so wonderfully written. 100% would recommend apocalyptic readers to read this book and accompanying series if you haven’t already!
However on a side note, if animal deaths are too distressing for you (I have a friend who refused to read/watch/hear anything about animals being hurt or dying) then I would advise you to avoid this book for that specific reason.
After reading The Last Sanctuary series I was curious about Raven, as I’m sure most readers are if they read the series.
As an animal lover I was instantly interested by Ravens backstory and the fact she had a wolf as a companion.
We find out about the zoo her family owned - so many magnificent animals introduced and beautifully written, Kyla really glorified these animals and a beautiful job she did.
We also learn about Ravens strained relationships with her parents - I would have liked to learn more about Raven searching for her mother and finding the Settlement.
The white wolf pelt Cerberus wore in TLS series finally makes sense as to why Raven despised him.
I teared up a lot when reading this, especially when the animals were being barbarically murdered for their pelts - it is important to the story but it really hit me (animal lover). I was absolutely distraught when Luna died, I knew it was coming but I wasn’t expecting it to happen the way it did. Poor Shadow lost his mate but found a companionship in Raven.
If you loved The Last Sanctuary series then this is a must read - the action doesn’t disappoint and Ravens character development is so wonderfully written. 100% would recommend apocalyptic readers to read this book and accompanying series if you haven’t already!
However on a side note, if animal deaths are too distressing for you (I have a friend who refused to read/watch/hear anything about animals being hurt or dying) then I would advise you to avoid this book for that specific reason.
September 27, 2018
No Safe Haven is a dystopian book that takes place in The Last Sanctuary universe. I had not read any others in this universe and can safely say that this is a standalone book. This is Raven's story of survival in a world that is dealing with the aftermath of a bioterrorism threat in the form of the Hydra virus for which there is no cure. The book opens up with Raven and her father going about their day trying to care for the animals in the wildlife sanctuary that they own. Their staff is rapidly dwindling, becoming susceptible to the illness that is wreaking havoc on the world. Eventually, her father gets sick and in a desperate move to help him, she inadvertently draws the attention of a dangerous gang. Needless to say, this brings repercussions. As a result, readers should be advised that there are some violent, gory scenes. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the bond between Raven and the animals she cares for. What I got being a reader is that this bond forming was driven by her complicated past with her mother who left when she was young and lack of an emotional relationship with her father. Not sure if this was the intention of the author, but it was how I connected the dots in my head. I liked the story and the pace ad would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
November 24, 2018
Loved this book. The first few chapters which introduce you to this post-apocalyptic dystopian world are the slowest, and Raven's narration draws you in.
I wanted to be her. Even though she faced unspeakable horrors, I often imagined myself on a wildlife preserve when I was growing up. It would have been so fun to hang out with a tiger and know a pack of wolves by name.
I'm usually not a fan of unloving parents and desertion that leaves a child second-guessing their lovability. I think Stone does a decent job explaining the parents so we see that while Raven is a casualty of their poor choices, she wasn't truly unloved. And in the end, she finds her own "family."
Although this is YA, it deals with some violent themes with tons of violent images. Sure, this is the HUNGER GAMES generation of readers, but I wouldn't let anyone under a mature 13YO read this. And, I'd strongly suggest parents reading it too so they can discuss the harrowing scenes and carnage with their children.
The premise of this book delivered an excellent payoff. I picked up the series hoping to get more of Raven, but she has no point of view narration in either of the two books (LAST SANCTUARY #2 and #3) I've read. Sad day. Still, this novel stands alone but you'll get a clearer picture of what's happening in the wider world, what caused the virus and who these intruders are from those books.
I wanted to be her. Even though she faced unspeakable horrors, I often imagined myself on a wildlife preserve when I was growing up. It would have been so fun to hang out with a tiger and know a pack of wolves by name.
I'm usually not a fan of unloving parents and desertion that leaves a child second-guessing their lovability. I think Stone does a decent job explaining the parents so we see that while Raven is a casualty of their poor choices, she wasn't truly unloved. And in the end, she finds her own "family."
Although this is YA, it deals with some violent themes with tons of violent images. Sure, this is the HUNGER GAMES generation of readers, but I wouldn't let anyone under a mature 13YO read this. And, I'd strongly suggest parents reading it too so they can discuss the harrowing scenes and carnage with their children.
The premise of this book delivered an excellent payoff. I picked up the series hoping to get more of Raven, but she has no point of view narration in either of the two books (LAST SANCTUARY #2 and #3) I've read. Sad day. Still, this novel stands alone but you'll get a clearer picture of what's happening in the wider world, what caused the virus and who these intruders are from those books.
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