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The Sanctuary #1

Sanctuary's Warlord

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A dystopian dark romance by International Bestselling Author Nikita Slater.

Only the strongest can survive in a hostile world ravaged by a disease that turns humans into primitives.

She is the Desert Wren, a rebel bent on providing safe passage to illegal refugees entering into her Sanctuary city. If she’s caught she’ll be executed, but the price is worth the privilege of doing what she knows is right. Except when she’s finally caught, the sentence isn’t death, it’s her freedom.

It’s the Warlord’s job to weed out the weak and sacrifice them for the good of the Sanctuary. Brutal and autocratic, he is the highest authority. The only threat to his dictatorship is a rebel faction rising up from the slums of his city. When he arrests a rebel leader, the Desert Wren, he sees his redemption. She will help him guide Sanctuary into the future. He just needs to convince his little captive that she’s better off with him than flying free.

What is the price of Sanctuary in a dying world and is it worth the sacrifice?


Sanctuary’s Warlord is the first book in a trilogy. Please watch for the second book in summer 2019. This book is a dark dystopian romance with sensitive subject matter that may offend some readers, please read at your own risk.

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Published June 1, 2019

329 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read

About the author

Nikita Slater

83 books967 followers
Nikita's social media:

Website: https://www.authornikitaslater.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/slaternikita/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18531...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaternikita/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nikit...

Nikita Slater is the USA Today Bestselling Author of action-packed suspenseful romance. She writes dark romance, mafia romance, MC romance, fantasy shifter romance, and post-apocalyptic dystopian romance. She lives on the beautiful Canadian prairies with her son, her awesome dog, and her partner. She has an unholy affinity for books, wine, pets and anything chocolate. Despite some of the darker themes in her books (which are pure fun and fantasy), Nikita is a staunch feminist and advocate of equal rights for all races, genders and non-gender specific persons. When she isn't writing, dreaming about writing or talking about writing, she helps others discover a love of reading and writing through literacy and social work.

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5 stars
251 (41%)
4 stars
178 (29%)
3 stars
110 (18%)
2 stars
40 (6%)
1 star
31 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha K.
141 reviews110 followers
June 12, 2019
Oh my goodness! Wow, wow, wow! I loved this book and it’s going in my top favorite collection because yes, it’s that good! I was expecting a totally different story with a harsher, abusive H because that’s typical of apocalyptic type stories. I was pleasantly surprised that didn’t happen. All of you who are searching for a non-abusive, jealous/possessive anti-hero, your search has ended.

H - An OTT j/p alpha and a non-abusive anti-H. He’s a Commander and the head of the city. His word is law. He’s huge, muscular, good looking and apparently very fit as he can carry the h up 20 flights of stairs with no problem. Everyone fears him but the h does not.
h - She’s a survivor. She’s tiny, smart, loyal, and kind hearted. Often, she has gone hungry because she gave her food rations to someone else. Her kindness has endeared her to the people of the resistance. They love her and are loyal to her. She has become their heart, the heart of the resistance. She’s not argumentative and not tstl.
First person POV with POV from H and h
Sex - delayed, open door
Triggers - I don’t think there are any but some might not like that the h was married when she meets the H. It was an arranged marriage that happened when she was 14. She’s separated from her husband. It had never been a “real” marriage though they had been intimate when she was around 22 for a few months. There was one dub-con scene between the H and h but it was pretty mild. The H and h were married at the time.
No ow but minor om issue in that the h was married when the H and h met.
No cheating.
NO ABUSE!
Cliffhanger ending - big time!
FYI - The focus of the book is primarily on the apocalyptic story with the romance being second but the romance is still a big part of the story. This isn’t insta-love. (Well, it might be with the H, lol.)

The premise of the story: This is an apocalyptic story with a zombie type disease. It’s set in the near future. Humanity is fighting for survival. It’s a bleak and dark existence where young girls are forced into marriage because they can have babies and older people are turned away from sanctuary cities because there aren’t enough resources. The harsh laws of this dictator type government has cost the h her grandparents. They weren’t given sanctuary and the h was. It was forced upon her as was her first marriage. Due to this, she fights against the oppression by trying to help refugees (who were turned away from the sanctuary city) sneak into the city illegally. She’s done it for years helping thousands at great risk to herself.

During this time, the H became obsessed with her. She somehow eluded his best men. He began to admire her and covet her even though he didn’t know what she looked like and thus the book began. Soon after, the two meet and the h only confirmed his beliefs about her so he decided to keep her for himself, lol.

“I want her and now, after spending time with her, I can’t let her go. She’s my perfect conscience.”

Diogo was the perfect anti-hero; he was fierce, powerful and totally ruthless yet caring and protective of the heroine.

“She must be protected at all costs. And she must never leave my side.”

I loved that he wanted to care for her and didn’t beat or abuse her!

“ “From now on you will not be allowed to go hungry again. At each meal you will eat until you’re full.” ”

“I only slide my fingers across her ribcage, mourning the bones that are clearly visible. I’ll spend a lifetime giving her everything she’s ever wanted for. Every day she will eat until she’s stuffed. Light candles and lanterns whenever she wants and use heated water.”

When others disrespected her he didn’t tolerate it.

“ “You will watch how you speak to my wife, Judge.” His voice is calm and cool, but the underlying steel is there.
“But…!” the Judge splutters.
“You will not be given another opportunity to speak respectfully. I’ll have your tongue removed if you continue.” ”

He was a jealous/possessive alpha and didn’t like other men around her.

“His gaze takes on a satisfied glint, though they still glitter hard obsidian at me. “If you ever think to flirt with any of my men then I will kill them, Taran. No questions, no second chances. You belong to me. I won’t share you. Understand?”
I nod helplessly in his grip.
“Say it,” he demands.
“I understand, Diogo.” ”

And finally, he loved her.

“ “I’ve fallen in love with you, Taran.” ”

I really, really loved this one soooo much! I loved the story that was told but the H was the true star. I rec this to everyone who loves apocalyptic stories with a jealous/possessive hero.

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you, Nikita Slater!***
Profile Image for ❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️.
1,088 reviews774 followers
November 8, 2023
Nov 7th, 2023- Reread- 4 stars

3 Stars

I enjoyed this enough for what it is, though I want more zombies🙃 I love how possessive the hero is too, but this was WAY too insta love for me. It was hard to take their relationship seriously with how fast their feelings evolved. I also felt like there was a lot of talk but no showing in regards to their actual character/personality. They're both supposed to be strong leaders but both seemed a little too weak for me, and hero wasn't as merciless as I thought he would be. Overall though, it was entertaining enough that i will be reading the second book.


Safety: Safe

Heroine was married right before the hero. The ex-husband is the main antagonist. She has sexually been with two other men apart from from her ex and the hero.

Hero wasn't a manh*e. Some details of his sex life before heroine.

No ow drama

Om drama- ex husband causes some drama

No cheating/sharing

Both only with each other after meeting
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,517 reviews1,592 followers
November 23, 2021



I absolutely adored this book I’ve been meaning to read it for a while as the blurb sounded so intriguing.
It's set in a dystopian future and the year is 2073 civilisation has been decimated by a virus turning those infected into primitives. These primitive humans are now basically mindless zombies, but we don't call them that it's not PC apparently.

In the wake of this devastation human sanctuaries have been established to keep the primitives out and our girl Taran is living in one of these built on the ashes of Tuscon.
These sanctuaries follow a dictatorship rule where only the strong survive.
On arrival here, Taran’s grandparents were turned away while she was forcibly married off to a stranger while still a teenager.
Now years later Taran operates as a leader of the rebellion smuggling refugees into the city.
She is the unknown face of the rebel movement and has been monikered the desert wren.

Commander Diogo Fuentes is the warlord in charge of the city over the years he has become obsessed and fascinated with the elusive rebel.
When she’s caught in his trap instead of the execution she anticipates she finds herself now under his command and with this the ability to change things from the inside and be the voice of conscience Diogo needs.

Taran also sees a different man than what she was expecting Diogo is nothing like she imagined and as the two grow closer she can’t help but care and fall for him but with opposite agendas, the road to happiness is paved with mistrust and misaligned goals and Taran is faced with impossible choices follow her heart or disregard her very core principles.

This was such an absorbing read and very well written. dystopian romance is a favourite genre of mine and this delivered on all fronts.
Together Diogo and Taran had so much chemistry and let’s talk about that explosive finale well it left me literally on the edge of my seat.
I’m definitely picking up the next book in this series I need to know what happens next.
This is book one of a trilogy and I’m excited to see where this goes next and how Diogo and Taran evolve as a couple. Recommend this 100% it was brilliant.

Untitled design

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,001 reviews798 followers
December 28, 2019
A lot of things I love in this book. I'm a fan of a well written apocalyptic series and Nikita Slater did a fantastic job in the Sanctuary's Warlord.

I just love the big, scary heroes that everyone is afraid of except the heroine. Diogo controls with an iron fist and that includes his protection of Taran even though she should be his enemy.

I also really love a smart and cunning heroine. I don't want to see an immature heroine or one who makes really stupid decision. Taran was everything I could respect in a heroine.

The world building was very creative and explained in enough detail to really set the image in my head. This is the first in a series and does end on a cliffhanger. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series to see where the author will take these two.
Profile Image for Fre06 Begum.
1,260 reviews205 followers
June 14, 2019
Enjoyed this book. Taran was a truly nice h who had a really good heart. Diogo dare I say it? Well I liked him but I found him a bit too PC for a NS’s male lead. Don’t get me wrong I loved that he was so into Taran and that he obviously respected her as a person but I missed the truly deadly vibe that normally can be encountered with Nikita’s anti hero’s. Anyway that’s just my personal opinion. I will rate the series properly once it’s completed. Really looking forward to next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,394 reviews323 followers
October 29, 2019
4.5 stars

Sanctuary's Warlord was awesome, I loved it from beginning to end. Taryn is a rebel known as the Desert Wren who after years of disregarding the laws is finally captured by the Warlord Diogo. Taryn was great she's strong, smart and has a great heart. She doesn't believe in the laws of the Sanctuary and refuses to ignore those in desperate need of a safe place so she smuggles refugees into the Sanctuary which is against the law. Diogo is a hard and cold leader, he believes only the strong will survive and only allows young, healthy people into his Sanctuary. When he finally gets his hands on the Desert Wren he refuses to let her go. Diogo is OTT possessive, protective, dominant and refuses to take no for an answer and I loved him immediately. The chemistry between these two was awesome and I loved how they have completely different views but are willing to give a little. This book ends on a cliffhanger but the trilogy is complete.
Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,692 reviews634 followers
on-hold-maybe-finish-later
June 7, 2021
I had to stop at about 40% in...I just can't get past Diogo and his thought process.

I know...the synopsis warns the reader but normally things like this don't upset me as much as this world.

I think I just need a break and maybe I'll pick it back up and try to continue on.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
833 reviews220 followers
September 21, 2019
Yeah, 66% and I'm done. Almost DNF several times, but thought I'd perseveve, but the guys pretty much rapes the girl because he's angry and she's okay with the because she sort of liked it and then cuddles with him after.

No. Just no. This rapey dub con shit is not for me.

Too much insta love on the side of the guy, who is the epitome of uber possessive alpha and seems to think consent is somwthjng he doesn't need to have. Nothing sexy there, folks.

A female MC who we hear about how tough and bass ass she is, but it's all a bit tell rather than show.

Combination of alpha male douchery, a MC who just takes it and pretty much rape means it's a big hell no from me.

I know some people like that sort of thing in their leading makes, but it makes me feel all stabby!
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
Read
January 11, 2021

This snippet below is just a taste of why I couldn't stop reading this book.
🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸
She flinches as I reach for her, but I only slide my fingers across her ribcage, mourning the bones that are clearly visible. I’ll spend a lifetime giving her everything she’s ever wanted for. Every day she will eat until she’s stuffed.
🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹

This man was intense! So obsessed and so protective he almost crushes the heroine yet always pulls back.
Big time cliffhanger that I wasn't aware of.. Please write faster 😂
Profile Image for Mary S..
933 reviews10 followers
June 11, 2019
Wow wow wow!! This one is a bit different than what I have read from this author. But let me just say you will definitely don't what to miss out on Diogo and Taran journey it has it tough moments but also sweet and I even found funny moments. I'm so looking forward to next one with that ending it just left me so on edge to know what roads would Diogo And Taran take. Would Diogo cage his wren or will she fly? So many desperate and anxious moments to have with this one I just can't wait to find out.
Profile Image for Rain.
2,577 reviews21 followers
May 27, 2021
**4.5**
The world building was top notch, I could almost see Mad Max running around in this world. This is not a light, post-apocalyptic story, this is a graphic story of survival of the fittest. Young women are married off at 14 and men rule everything. There are zombie-like creatures in this story, with a new blood type N, for Neocrotitis-Primeval. They are called Primitives rather than zombies in this book.

It took me a long time to warm up to these two as a couple. The Warlord/Diogo is an overbearing jerk. He rules with an iron fist and takes whatever wants without asking.

The Desert Wren/Taran is tiny in stature but incredibly strong as a rebel.
I was born to cause dissent where I see injustice flourishing.
She’s a bit like the Robin Hood of the Sanctuary. What she doesn’t realize that her ideals actually match Diogo’s. As a rebel, she has snuck too many people into the Sanctuary, and now it can’t sustain food and water for everyone.

Keeping the Sanctuary viable has always been a delicate balance and Diogo knows this. He’s not necessarily cruel, but he has to be very much a warlord to keep the residents of the Sanctuary alive. He is patient with Taran and deeply cares for her.
"There is no circumstance where I will allow you to die." I grip her arm and haul her against me, sprawling her on top of my chest. I hold her in place, kissing her nose as she tips her face up to me.

“Nothing?” She asks.

“Nothing,” I confirm, “If something were to happen to you I would destroy what’s left of this miserable planet and follow you into death. Not even the devil himself could prevent me from spending an eternity at your side.”
Diogo is a huge, frightening warlord that becomes a complete sweetheart around Taran. She is his reminder that not everything in the world is so dark.

Warning, there is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,835 reviews365 followers
June 12, 2021
Nikita Slater writes alpha males like I love them. Set in a dystopian world, only some have survived the disease that spread like wild fire through the human population. Sanctuaries have been set up and are run by leaders who are ruthless and cruel to match the world in which they live now. Taran, the Desert Wren, sees the politics of her Sanctuary city differently than the Warlord Diogo Fuentes does. Under his nose, she provides safe passage for refugees into their city and Diogo has been trying to catch her for what feels like forever.

When Taran is finally caught she knows execution is imminent but to her surprise Diogo claims her as his. With a rising rebellion, an unwilling captive and a world falling apart, Diogo plans to make Taran see that she is safer and happier with him than in the ravaged world they now reside in.

Taran is a strong heroine that fights back without reservation and Diogo is a domineering and possessive hero. I loved the two of them together and their chemistry was off the charts. The world was well thought out and the romance (while bumpy) was deliciously dirty. This does end on a cliffhanger but the rest of the books in this series is currently out. If you like dystopian romance novels with a fierce heroine and a hero you might not love at first, then dive in!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
January 31, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/31/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for SansaReads.
618 reviews50 followers
June 25, 2019

I loved this dystopian hot release from Nikita Slater. I Don’t read this genre much but I definitely will read much more from now on because of this. I really enjoyed reading Taran and Diogo’s characterization was extremely well done. I loved the contrast and their highs and lows throughout the story. It definitely was not predictable and a definite page turner fo me. I need the next one soon!This was definitely a different than usual book from this author and I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I had anticipated.


Profile Image for Elena Ayvazova-Pomakova.
57 reviews
June 12, 2019
Incredible love story that kept me on my toes till the very end ( literally I stayed up all night untill I finished it) and now I can't wait to see how the story continues... What will happen with the Desert Wren and the Warlord next? Nikita Slater again you nail it with the story and the characters. All I know is that I can't wait for the rest.
Profile Image for Kathy.
61 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I like a good end of the world story with a side of romance. I'm super excited for the next installment!
613 reviews11 followers
June 11, 2019
A futuristic, fast-paced, page-turner. 5+Stars....
Who doesn't love a Warlord. The name alone sends your imagination all over the place for an alpha, rugged, strong, good-looking male. And you won't be wrong, Diogo Fuentes, is the Warlord of a Sanctuary city that is standing against the Primitives. Basically, the world has all but been destroyed by a disease that ravaged humanity. It's what's left of humans against those that contacted the flesh-eating bacteria. Primitives attack anything in their path. Diogo is holding a city strong against the Primitives, thus the title Warlord. Taran, a rebel in the city, fights to help smuggle humans into the city so they can survive. Diogo has finally captured the elusive Taran better known as the Desert Wren. I loved how this story evolved. It's a love story, with intrigue, horrors, death, and so much more. It is completely different from what I usually read and I am so glad I did read it. I have never read anything I did not like from Nikita Slater and this just proves that she is a brilliant author. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,138 reviews51 followers
June 13, 2019
5 AMAZING WELL DESERVED STARS!!!
You know I am always looking for something new and different to read. Well I must say Nikita Slayer definitely pulled it off with this book. Now this is not a genre I read, and this is the first book of its kind I have ever read. I never would have thought an apocalyptic story would have pulled me in like this one did.
It has everything going for it from the beginning. We get a hero who is not only an alpha to the bone, and gives a whole new meaning to the word possessive. We get suspense, adventure, and a love story that could possibly melt your kindle with the sweetness and hotness that the two main characters share. Our heroine is a strong, beautiful, sweet, loyal, and tends to put others above herself.
Now for the ending.... What can I say oh I know OMFG!!!!! I know I knew it was going to end in a cliffhanger, but damn! I can not wait for the next installment in This series.
Profile Image for Jasmin Quinn.
Author 39 books180 followers
June 13, 2019
I blew my way through Sanctuary's Warlord (The Sanctuary's Series Book #1) in one sitting, because it was impossible to put down. Such strong storytelling and character development. So well-written, and the cliff hanger ending - un-ffing-believable. I'm not a fan of dystopian or cliffhangers, but I'm a fan of Nikita Slater and I'll read anything of hers. I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and took the time to read this book.

Sanctuary's Warlord is first and foremost a romance, beautifully developed I might add. The dystopian element adds gravity and depth to the relationship between Taran and the Warlord. Slater did a fantastic job of world-building taking current issues and reimagining their outcomes in the future. There's so much more story to tell and I can't wait for books 2 and 3.

Congratulations Nikita! A brilliant book.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,526 reviews78 followers
June 12, 2019
WOW Amazing!

OMG that was a fantastic futuristic roller coaster ride! This story is packed full with so much suspense, action and amazing sizzling moments. I could not put this book down. Every chapter kept me enraptured and on the edge of my seat. I yelled and I cursed towards the end. I even wanted to throw my kindle at the wall. This story made me feel so much love, hate and loathing for the main characters. I love Diogo’s fierceness and Taran’s passion and loyalty. Combined they are a force to be reckoned with. And that ending was an amazing cliffhanger! I literally yelled OH NO!

Fantastic writing and amazing world building. Each and every character was perfectly written. I can’t wait to read the next book.

This is one series you don’t want to miss. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Maria Recinos.
115 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2020
So.. this book has been in my TBR list for so long and now that I couldn't find anything to read, I decide to give it a try, especially because the trilogy is now complete and my verdict is.... COMPLETE AND TOTALLY LOVED IT. A strong bossy alpha male that I want for myself, strong chemistry and a dark setting what else could I ask for. It took me almost 8 days to finish the serie, damn you COVID! I don't have too much time right now and the few free moments I had I read and read and read this incredible story. If you have a dark heart like me you need to read these books you will not regret it. 5- I want Diogo-stars
Profile Image for Kelly Williams.
1,205 reviews26 followers
June 13, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Holy moly this book was amazing. I have nothing negative to say it was so engaging. I read it cover to
Cover. This book was a totally different genre than I’m used to but and extremely good story. Nikita’s ability to write these characters as good as she does is pure talent. Taran and Diogo - the ups and downs. I also like that we see a more humanizing side to Diogo then the Sanctuary does. This book was so so so good!! The ending ugh it killed me but at least we knew there was a cliffhanger.

10 stars this book was amazing!!!!
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,900 reviews58 followers
March 3, 2021
I love apocalyptic/dystopian settings and though most of this one is pretty standard the hero’s possessiveness and protectiveness stepped it up, since those are things I especially love to read. It ends on a cliffhanger so I’m happy I’m finding them late and don’t have to wait to find out what happens next.
3.75 ⭐️
239 reviews
June 14, 2019
Taran is an idealistic passionate heroine who cleverly works around the rules of Sanctuary. Diogo is a brutal authoritarian Warlord who is harsh with everyone except Taran. The storyline is good without being to far from the realm of possibility. Do I have any idea how this total opposites couple can possibly work out? No but this storyline has captured my attention so I will be eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. I recommend this one!
Profile Image for Lorrie.
2,263 reviews28 followers
June 1, 2021
3.5 stars. So I came across this one in my updates feed and it sounded really interesting. I enjoyed it, but I had a bit of trouble connecting with Diogo and Taran. That may be because of the world they live in, which is more survival-based than romance-based. Also, I was hoping for a little more interaction with the primatives. Having said that though, I love a good zombie book and I'm looking forward to the other books in this series. Quite the cliffie btw.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
June 11, 2019
This fabulous book had everything. Action, adventure, sexiness, laughs, danger and even romance.
Profile Image for Natalia.
1,178 reviews94 followers
August 6, 2019
2.5

Couldn't connect with the H and h insta attraction!
Profile Image for Kate The Great.
379 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2025
MMC is a rapist. His POV chapters are insane, creepy, and rapey. The world building is flat. Just overall a big no.
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