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The Sanctuary #1
Grave
Pregnant and running for her life, Nora flees for the sanctuary known as Morala, an all-female asylum. Instead, she finds herself on Kilton, a sanctuary for criminals running from their sentencing. Now Nora must adapt to her new home, and do so quickly before her baby arrives and deal the ever-present reality that if she's found, her fate could be worse than what she ran away from.
Grave, an ex-gladiator who fled captivity many years ago, built the sanctuary known as Kilton along with two others. Feared by all and unable to control his demons, Grave finds himself growing further away from civilization. Despite his self-isolation, anyone seeking asylum must be granted access by Grave, and when he steps out into a storm to greet their newest arrival, instead of the usual hardened criminal, he is surprised to see a purple-haired pixie at his gates.
Not knowing what Nora runs from, Grave grants her the asylum she seeks, but something about this pixie is different from anyone he has ever met. When he discovers the secret Nora hides behind her clothes, will Grave push her away like he has everyone else, or will he fight her battles and his own to find happiness?
Grave, an ex-gladiator who fled captivity many years ago, built the sanctuary known as Kilton along with two others. Feared by all and unable to control his demons, Grave finds himself growing further away from civilization. Despite his self-isolation, anyone seeking asylum must be granted access by Grave, and when he steps out into a storm to greet their newest arrival, instead of the usual hardened criminal, he is surprised to see a purple-haired pixie at his gates.
Not knowing what Nora runs from, Grave grants her the asylum she seeks, but something about this pixie is different from anyone he has ever met. When he discovers the secret Nora hides behind her clothes, will Grave push her away like he has everyone else, or will he fight her battles and his own to find happiness?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2019
29 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
L.H. Whitlock
12 books20 followersLyndsay began her writing adventure when she moved to Colorado with her husband. She has always loved stories and has been an avid reader for most of her life. Her fascination with science and astronomy started in school and only grew as the years went on. Most of her inspiration comes from day to day interactions as well as movies, game’s and articles. When not writing, Lyndsay is playing with her two dogs, Skip and Peaches, or running and kick boxing at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 10, 2020
One of this author's best! The world-building is impressive, and the characters multi-dimensional. I loved both of the back-stories of the main characters, and I truly enjoyed Grave and Nora's journey.
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August 25, 2019DNF at 12% -- the premise was interesting but the writing is sophomoric :(
February 17, 2021
This book is a really engaging, heartwarming read! You can’t help but fall in love with every single one of the characters. Nora is brave and feisty. Grave is broken but good hearted. And the supporting characters are kind, thoughtful friends. There is a strong sense of community in Grave, strengthened by the expert world building. I also appreciated that the romance scenes were just enough, but not too much. Highly recommended!
September 6, 2020
I loved the storyline, the characters. I hope there will be more to this series!
August 15, 2020
Nora, the little purple-haired pixie runs for her life, hoping to reach an all-female asylum. Instead, she finds herself in Kilton, a sanctuary for criminals who run away from sentencing. There, she meets the leader and founder Grave who is wild and keeps in self-isolation. However, everyone wishing to enter Kilton has to be approved by Grave and when he faces Nora, things are definitely not going according to plan.
This is the first book of the Sanctuary two-part series by L.H. Whitlock and the first I read by this author. Getting my mind into a scifi-fantasy world wasn’t half as difficult as I thought, reading a book that is usually not my preferred genre but I had wanted to expand my horizons and Ms Whitlock made it more than easy for me to do so.
The storyline is strong and enthralling, it is easy to follow the plot and exciting to meet all the characters. I quickly identified with Nora and Grave definitely made my heart beat faster! This series captivates and draws you in so that you find yourself transported to a different world altogether and leaving mundane reality far behind. I really enjoyed reading this book and the following books by the author (which I’ve all read before starting to write the reviews in order for me to have a better grasp on the stories as well as the author’s style, which is something I like to do often when I find I like a book by a newly discovered author).
This one has definitely taught me that fantasy scifi doesn’t have to be depressing in the least. There is a happily ever after in this which I so love!
This is the first book of the Sanctuary two-part series by L.H. Whitlock and the first I read by this author. Getting my mind into a scifi-fantasy world wasn’t half as difficult as I thought, reading a book that is usually not my preferred genre but I had wanted to expand my horizons and Ms Whitlock made it more than easy for me to do so.
The storyline is strong and enthralling, it is easy to follow the plot and exciting to meet all the characters. I quickly identified with Nora and Grave definitely made my heart beat faster! This series captivates and draws you in so that you find yourself transported to a different world altogether and leaving mundane reality far behind. I really enjoyed reading this book and the following books by the author (which I’ve all read before starting to write the reviews in order for me to have a better grasp on the stories as well as the author’s style, which is something I like to do often when I find I like a book by a newly discovered author).
This one has definitely taught me that fantasy scifi doesn’t have to be depressing in the least. There is a happily ever after in this which I so love!
June 24, 2019
Who doesn't like a flawed character? And a flawed main character done this well is hard to find!
Whitlock brings us to a whole new universe in this new series with real-world challenges and characters you won't quickly forget, or ones you'll want to. From villainous power hungry creeps to unlikely heroes and heroines, Grave is one you'll not put down easily.
I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say I'll be watching for the release of Book 2 of the Sanctuary Series!
Whitlock brings us to a whole new universe in this new series with real-world challenges and characters you won't quickly forget, or ones you'll want to. From villainous power hungry creeps to unlikely heroes and heroines, Grave is one you'll not put down easily.
I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say I'll be watching for the release of Book 2 of the Sanctuary Series!
May 20, 2020
Nora escapes her planet to avoid being killed by her husband the king. She is the 27th wife. Nora seeks sanctuary at an all women's refuge but ends up on the wrong planet. Now living in a home filled with thieves and wanted men. She instantly connects to Grave one of the founders of the sanctuary and the most feared of its citizens.
July 16, 2019
Awesome start to a new series
I laughed I cried and loved the characters. Can’t wait for the next book. Hope it won’t be a long wait!
I laughed I cried and loved the characters. Can’t wait for the next book. Hope it won’t be a long wait!
December 5, 2019
Well balanced
Good read. Hope to read of more characters from Kilton. Especially Li-ta and Deon. Wish this was longer or continued on about the changes made.
Good read. Hope to read of more characters from Kilton. Especially Li-ta and Deon. Wish this was longer or continued on about the changes made.
August 5, 2021
I don't think I could love Grave and Nora more. She was so right to run far and fast from her maniac husband. This book has many lessons. Don't judge someone by looks. Grave is not perfectly normal, nor will he ever be. But he isnt a monster, he wont just hurt anyone. When you've spent most of your life fighting to survive its not easy to turn off. Like any trauma it takes time and never fully goes away. But before Nora no one took the time to understand him. She is sweet and kind and he is protective and strong. Together they are exactly what one another needs. Not just to make a good couple but to become the best versions of themselves and I loved their romance! Another thing to learn from. Power corrupts, even in religion. This story shows that while religion itself is not bad the people in charge can easily corrupt it to become so. And that so often is the case with organized religion. Those in power lose themselves to the power.
My only complaint is what happens next!?! I want to continue their story. The kingdom, Nora, Grave, the baby. What happens next? This one should be its own series.
My only complaint is what happens next!?! I want to continue their story. The kingdom, Nora, Grave, the baby. What happens next? This one should be its own series.
December 17, 2020
I like it
Whitlock always manages to show political motivations and their effect on the everyday person. This time we have a sanctuary for mostly criminals and anyone else on the run, but there are still rules. Nora is an innocent thrown into a political maelstrom but manages to escape to save her baby only to find herself in the wrong sanctuary. Grave is not a criminal but his years as a slave and gladiator gave him a hair trigger reaction and very skittish about being around people. Nora treats him just like a normal person and likes him which intrigues and scares him at the same time. This is their story and I really like it.
Whitlock always manages to show political motivations and their effect on the everyday person. This time we have a sanctuary for mostly criminals and anyone else on the run, but there are still rules. Nora is an innocent thrown into a political maelstrom but manages to escape to save her baby only to find herself in the wrong sanctuary. Grave is not a criminal but his years as a slave and gladiator gave him a hair trigger reaction and very skittish about being around people. Nora treats him just like a normal person and likes him which intrigues and scares him at the same time. This is their story and I really like it.
October 21, 2021
Great Book!!
I loved every bit of the book. I got drawn into it right from the start when Nora fled Yunnika, and meeting Grave the hero. His strength, just marvelous. The twists and Introduction of new characters all made sense. No matter how strong one is, love can penetrate their heart and that's Exactly what Nora did!
I want to know what will happen to Rikar. This is a series I'll follow right to the end. I have to know where and how it will end. Nicely written!
I loved every bit of the book. I got drawn into it right from the start when Nora fled Yunnika, and meeting Grave the hero. His strength, just marvelous. The twists and Introduction of new characters all made sense. No matter how strong one is, love can penetrate their heart and that's Exactly what Nora did!
I want to know what will happen to Rikar. This is a series I'll follow right to the end. I have to know where and how it will end. Nicely written!
December 29, 2021
I like this world. It is an intriguing blend of familiarity and fantastical. Nora is a survivor and watching as she learns how to navigate this new world is fascinating as she is equal parts clever and naive. Grave is the kind of hero that makes your heart ache for him and with wanting him to get his shot at happiness so badly but fearing that he never will. Nicely wrapped up at the end.
January 12, 2021
This story has something for everyone: science-fiction, romance, adventure, lust, action of all kinds. Who doesn't love a misunderstood outcast like Grave? He and Nora and their eventual triumph over Hayme provide a great, fun-to-read story.
July 9, 2020
I don’t see any trigger warning in the blurb but she’s a rape victim and yes there’s flashbacks and taunts. Not my cuppa
2.5/5
2.5/5
June 16, 2021
Love how the story grew, and how the characters grew closer.
February 17, 2021
Who doesn't like a flawed character? And a flawed main character done this well is hard to find!
Whitlock brings us to a whole new universe in this new series with real-world challenges and characters you won't quickly forget, or ones you'll want to. From villainous power-hungry creeps to unlikely heroes and heroines, Grave is one you'll not put down easily.
I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say I'll be watching for the release of Book 2 of the Sanctuary Series!
Whitlock brings us to a whole new universe in this new series with real-world challenges and characters you won't quickly forget, or ones you'll want to. From villainous power-hungry creeps to unlikely heroes and heroines, Grave is one you'll not put down easily.
I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say I'll be watching for the release of Book 2 of the Sanctuary Series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews