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The Scourge of Despair
After the explosive conclusion to Call of the Hero, Cyrus Davidon and company find themselves in direst cast adrift in the wider world, split from one another, and with nowhere to run. Alaric Garaunt is soon at the mercy of dangerous airship pirates while Vaste the troll is trapped in a city riven by civil war, elves and humans and each others' throats. Death waits at every turn, and no help is coming.
Meanwhile, Cyrus himself is split from his love, and trapped in the darkness with an old friend who might just turn out to be a new enemy. With time ticking down to the end of all that the Sanctuary crew have known, the only question is...will they save themselves and each other in time?
Meanwhile, Cyrus himself is split from his love, and trapped in the darkness with an old friend who might just turn out to be a new enemy. With time ticking down to the end of all that the Sanctuary crew have known, the only question is...will they save themselves and each other in time?
- GenresFantasy
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2022
170 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
176 books1,167 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 8, 2022
I was given an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This book was so worth the wait. Beautifully written. You could feel each character's dispair.... and that tiny spark of hope. I love how each character has to come full circle. Is Sanctuary gone? Has it been destroyed? Will Malpravus be defeated or ascend to one of the most gloriously hated Gods the land has ever witnessed? Of course, this book does end on a cliffhanger, and I really hope we can see the continuation of the story in the future. I'm a little sentimental about this series as this is the very first one I've read from Robert and while I love all of his books in other series this one is my absolute favorite! If you haven't read the previous books in the series, I highly encourage you too. You will not be disappointed.
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April 8, 2022High fantasy fans you have to read this
There aren't many series good enough for a re-read but this is one of them.
Epic high fantasy!
I love having the sanctuary guild back even after a thousand years.
I swear Vaste gets even funnier.
Anxiously awaiting the next book.
There aren't many series good enough for a re-read but this is one of them.
Epic high fantasy!
I love having the sanctuary guild back even after a thousand years.
I swear Vaste gets even funnier.
Anxiously awaiting the next book.
November 13, 2023
Old friends and enemies, new friends, lots of action, my only complaint about this book is the multiple POV’s - it switches from one person to another every short chapter. It works well but sometimes felt a little disjointed. Still a very good book
August 13, 2024
I finally did it. Took a few months of on and off for many reasons (mainly reading other book series) but I finished this book using both the kindle version for when I'm at work and the physical book for when I'm at home. It was a good read. Book had very good action. Our main characters weren't together. though with all buildups and yes this felt like a big filer for the next book, It has to have a big payoff such as unlikely allies helping our main heroes out at a critical point in book 12. Okay lets not jump ahead too much
I really enjoyed catching up on characters. I guess my main negative had to be with Alaric's POV and the pirates, like get to the point. I would have said the same thing about Vara's POV if we didn't get the reintroduction to the real Longwell!!!! Another negative was certain characters not believing Cyrus had return, come on Terian. Yay, Terian is back. So is Aisling. Loved the ending as some heroes will no doubt run into each other. onto book 12.
I really enjoyed catching up on characters. I guess my main negative had to be with Alaric's POV and the pirates, like get to the point. I would have said the same thing about Vara's POV if we didn't get the reintroduction to the real Longwell!!!! Another negative was certain characters not believing Cyrus had return, come on Terian. Yay, Terian is back. So is Aisling. Loved the ending as some heroes will no doubt run into each other. onto book 12.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2022
The title says it all. This book has a whole lot of the rotting tortured souls of the dead, known as the scourge, and a metric ton of despair. The layers of conflict are piled deep enough to bury the most dedicated heroes in a tomb of hopelessness. Although the darkness can seem unbearable at points, there are some subtle hints and a few chill-inducing surprises to keep you moving forward. And some of those surprises offer a glimmer of hope.
While still set in the steampunk style future, the Scourge of Despair has much of the same feel as the earlier books (up through Legend). Familiar friends, places, and references to past conquests and trials made me feel like I was sitting around reminiscing with old friends. Cannot wait for the next book. I have a feeling it is going to be epic.
If you have ever been a Sanctuary fan you will definitely not want to miss this one.
While still set in the steampunk style future, the Scourge of Despair has much of the same feel as the earlier books (up through Legend). Familiar friends, places, and references to past conquests and trials made me feel like I was sitting around reminiscing with old friends. Cannot wait for the next book. I have a feeling it is going to be epic.
If you have ever been a Sanctuary fan you will definitely not want to miss this one.
April 21, 2022
My favorite series!!!
I LOVE the Sanctuary series!!! I highly recommend reading this series of excellent books!!!!! These characters have dug deep into my soul and burrowed there, making homes for themselves. It does not matter how much time passes between books, they are always ready to come alive in a new story!!!
This book was different as our heroes were separated from one another, all facing difficulties on their own. They each meet allies, new and old. They are slowly finding their way in this new world where magic is not abundant and the scourge are seemingly everywhere. They also have to deal with Malpravus...a dangerous foe from days long past.
I LOVE the Sanctuary series!!! I highly recommend reading this series of excellent books!!!!! These characters have dug deep into my soul and burrowed there, making homes for themselves. It does not matter how much time passes between books, they are always ready to come alive in a new story!!!
This book was different as our heroes were separated from one another, all facing difficulties on their own. They each meet allies, new and old. They are slowly finding their way in this new world where magic is not abundant and the scourge are seemingly everywhere. They also have to deal with Malpravus...a dangerous foe from days long past.
April 6, 2022
The wait to return to the world of Sanctuary was worth every minute. We got to follow our old favorites (and added some new!) through another set of adventures full of twists and clever quips. The way we effortlessly get multiple story arcs that never feel separate or disjointed is excellent.
The character development of some of our new favorites allows for us to continue exploring the wider world of Sanctuary. The continued development of some old favorites keeps the story fresh and new. I couldn’t put this book down, and can not wait to see how this series pulls together going forward.
The character development of some of our new favorites allows for us to continue exploring the wider world of Sanctuary. The continued development of some old favorites keeps the story fresh and new. I couldn’t put this book down, and can not wait to see how this series pulls together going forward.
June 13, 2022
How can you NOT LOVE this series!!!
I love the books!! That simple. Excellent story, killer cliffhangers (literally sometimes), the way the first ones start off.. NOW, then go back in time.. just love it all, characters, settings, different worlds and the way that the different times are all tied together! Hope it never stops! Like your favorite rollercoaster, it never gets old! Everytime there's a new one..I start over at the beginning... Can't wait for Rage of the Ancients, so I can start over again!!
I love the books!! That simple. Excellent story, killer cliffhangers (literally sometimes), the way the first ones start off.. NOW, then go back in time.. just love it all, characters, settings, different worlds and the way that the different times are all tied together! Hope it never stops! Like your favorite rollercoaster, it never gets old! Everytime there's a new one..I start over at the beginning... Can't wait for Rage of the Ancients, so I can start over again!!
April 9, 2022
The Scourge of Despair – A Review
Mr. Robert J Crane is a master craftsman of blending several parts of the story seamlessly together dragging us the reader with him making us beg for more. In this installment each character we have come to know and love in the past are torn apart by an evil we thought gone forever, but now is back more powerful and devious than ever before. Some characters have evolved over the past 1,000 years seemingly to have made a 180 degree turn in friendship and empathy by trading good for evil.
What holds it all together is the story you must finish to discover what. Perhaps a teaser – a Society of Arms. Well done Mr. Crane. A wordsmith adding to our collective vocabulary with each chapter with the twist and turns we have come to expect. I’d love to see the map of this world again making it easier to follow along in our minds eye. Perhaps even bring back our friendly fire breathing dragon not just a mere mention.
Mr. Robert J Crane is a master craftsman of blending several parts of the story seamlessly together dragging us the reader with him making us beg for more. In this installment each character we have come to know and love in the past are torn apart by an evil we thought gone forever, but now is back more powerful and devious than ever before. Some characters have evolved over the past 1,000 years seemingly to have made a 180 degree turn in friendship and empathy by trading good for evil.
What holds it all together is the story you must finish to discover what. Perhaps a teaser – a Society of Arms. Well done Mr. Crane. A wordsmith adding to our collective vocabulary with each chapter with the twist and turns we have come to expect. I’d love to see the map of this world again making it easier to follow along in our minds eye. Perhaps even bring back our friendly fire breathing dragon not just a mere mention.
April 3, 2022
Amazing Book worth the wait
I have been waiting in anticipation for this book for so long and it was well worth the wait! I love the Sanctuary Series! I am sad to hear that after the next one it will be in hiatus due to it not being as successful as some of the other series.
I’m in for the long run if the full vision of the 20 book series comes about, thank you Robert and keep it going!
I have been waiting in anticipation for this book for so long and it was well worth the wait! I love the Sanctuary Series! I am sad to hear that after the next one it will be in hiatus due to it not being as successful as some of the other series.
I’m in for the long run if the full vision of the 20 book series comes about, thank you Robert and keep it going!
April 29, 2022
In love with Santuary!!
I am now and have been in love with the "Sanctuary Series" since book one. I love most of the books and series that you'll write but as a fan I have to say that I have been very disappointed to see book after book after book of "Girl in the box" and wait sometimes years for a new Santuary book. I realize you have bills to pay, can't fault you for that but please don't forget us die hards.
I am now and have been in love with the "Sanctuary Series" since book one. I love most of the books and series that you'll write but as a fan I have to say that I have been very disappointed to see book after book after book of "Girl in the box" and wait sometimes years for a new Santuary book. I realize you have bills to pay, can't fault you for that but please don't forget us die hards.
January 1, 2023
Excellent!
This has become my all time favorite series EVER! This is one of the most entertaining and ultimately satisfying reads I have ever had the pleasure to engage in! You should really start with the first in the series and work your way through, because if you really enjoy laughing out loud when you're the only person around, you will absolutely love this! Robert J. Crane has become one of my favorite authors, definitely!
This has become my all time favorite series EVER! This is one of the most entertaining and ultimately satisfying reads I have ever had the pleasure to engage in! You should really start with the first in the series and work your way through, because if you really enjoy laughing out loud when you're the only person around, you will absolutely love this! Robert J. Crane has become one of my favorite authors, definitely!
April 8, 2022
They are back! But not together
The Sanctuary crew is torn apart after the death of Reikenos and each have their own trial to face. Number one is to stay alive and save themselves while trying to warn of the return of the evil magic of Malpravus.
Oh, and the scourge is still out there just waiting. If all other ways to die just miss, they're happy to finish you off.
The Sanctuary crew is torn apart after the death of Reikenos and each have their own trial to face. Number one is to stay alive and save themselves while trying to warn of the return of the evil magic of Malpravus.
Oh, and the scourge is still out there just waiting. If all other ways to die just miss, they're happy to finish you off.
April 10, 2022
Imagine Crane as the conductor of an orchestra, where each musical section is one of the POVs in this story.
He brings the tune from a slow, almost ponderous beginning, building the tension and the hope to the anticipation of a mighty crescendo.
And then...
A mid concert break. Bring on the next act.
Masterful, as always.
He brings the tune from a slow, almost ponderous beginning, building the tension and the hope to the anticipation of a mighty crescendo.
And then...
A mid concert break. Bring on the next act.
Masterful, as always.
April 15, 2022
Worth the wait
Having waited over 2 years for this book. It took a little while to get going especially with 5 separate storyline's. There's plenty of action and suspense with a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter. The characters are finding out more about Arkaria and how it's changed. Definitely recommend this book and the whole series
Having waited over 2 years for this book. It took a little while to get going especially with 5 separate storyline's. There's plenty of action and suspense with a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter. The characters are finding out more about Arkaria and how it's changed. Definitely recommend this book and the whole series
April 19, 2022
2023 needs to hurry!
I recommend this series from teen to senior. From cover to cover I loved it, grimacing whenever I had to put it down. Once again Robert j. Crane has pulled it off, another wonderful work of brilliance! I will patiently be waiting for the next book in the Sanctuary series!
I recommend this series from teen to senior. From cover to cover I loved it, grimacing whenever I had to put it down. Once again Robert j. Crane has pulled it off, another wonderful work of brilliance! I will patiently be waiting for the next book in the Sanctuary series!
May 31, 2022
Permutations of the Same
What was a very good series has morphed into mediocrity. The same formula a thousand years later still only has so many permutations until it becomes jaded. Although written well it is stale. Having read this latest installment I have no curiosity towards the rest of the story. I hope Mr. Crane’s creative juices get a jolt of stimulation.
What was a very good series has morphed into mediocrity. The same formula a thousand years later still only has so many permutations until it becomes jaded. Although written well it is stale. Having read this latest installment I have no curiosity towards the rest of the story. I hope Mr. Crane’s creative juices get a jolt of stimulation.
September 25, 2022
Book 11 continues the trend
For the longtime fans such as myself, this book is definitely used for building the builder picture of plot, but it still has those moments that fill you with that hope as a reader when the despair in our heroes begins to fade in times of need and fills your heart with wonder.
Robert J. Crane has yet to let me down.
For the longtime fans such as myself, this book is definitely used for building the builder picture of plot, but it still has those moments that fill you with that hope as a reader when the despair in our heroes begins to fade in times of need and fills your heart with wonder.
Robert J. Crane has yet to let me down.
October 2, 2022
angst again
I usually read these in one day but I could only take so much at a time. I’m too invested in these characters so I morn their losses along the way. Now I have to wait a year or more for the next one…what am I going to do? Why go back to the new one in the Gitl in the box series l!
I usually read these in one day but I could only take so much at a time. I’m too invested in these characters so I morn their losses along the way. Now I have to wait a year or more for the next one…what am I going to do? Why go back to the new one in the Gitl in the box series l!
January 23, 2024
separately together
magic flickered. and then it was killed and Sanctuary's life passed, too. split by fate, the members of the guild are forced to fight an evil far greater than their lives.
the urgency of the characters' battles is magnificently written. as are the characters and their interactions. as always, you must continue this series
magic flickered. and then it was killed and Sanctuary's life passed, too. split by fate, the members of the guild are forced to fight an evil far greater than their lives.
the urgency of the characters' battles is magnificently written. as are the characters and their interactions. as always, you must continue this series
April 7, 2022
I need more :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and now I need more. It easily reminded me of places, people, and old storylines I had forgotten.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and now I need more. It easily reminded me of places, people, and old storylines I had forgotten.
April 9, 2022
Worth the long wait. Could not put the book down. For you who are thinking of starting reading The Sanctuary Series please do you will love it.
Book ends in a cliffhanger, and can’t wait for the next book.
Book ends in a cliffhanger, and can’t wait for the next book.
June 6, 2022
Sanctuary Rating
I have read all of the Sanctuary series and can hardly wait for the next book to come out. Please keep up this series. I have also read all the in and out of the box books but Sanctuary is my favorite.
I have read all of the Sanctuary series and can hardly wait for the next book to come out. Please keep up this series. I have also read all the in and out of the box books but Sanctuary is my favorite.
August 14, 2022
fantastic story building
Can’t wait for the next book in this series. I wasn’t sure where this was going on this latest story arc, but I’m more than glad that I stayed with it as it is building beautifully.
Can’t wait for the next book in this series. I wasn’t sure where this was going on this latest story arc, but I’m more than glad that I stayed with it as it is building beautifully.
April 6, 2022
I think this was a good read. Sad that the author is back burning this series.
April 15, 2022
Love Sanctuary!
Well worth the wait! Robert J Crane at his best. I am even more hooked than before!! Don't hesitate to get this title, folks.
Well worth the wait! Robert J Crane at his best. I am even more hooked than before!! Don't hesitate to get this title, folks.
April 30, 2022
Riveting
The Sanctuary adventure continues, with my favorite characters again facing overwhelming odds. The utter despair will keep you anxiously turning pages.
The Sanctuary adventure continues, with my favorite characters again facing overwhelming odds. The utter despair will keep you anxiously turning pages.
May 19, 2022
Love sanctuary!
I would recommend tis book to any who love fantasy. Any age. I love Robert Crane. I would keep reading if he could keep writing.
I would recommend tis book to any who love fantasy. Any age. I love Robert Crane. I would keep reading if he could keep writing.
March 23, 2023
Good read
This was a good book but the next book has not been
written yet should be some time this year
This was a good book but the next book has not been
written yet should be some time this year
April 23, 2023
Kept me interested
Liked the characters. Liked the drama and the little romance. Just liked how turnarounds written. Excited to read the next book
Liked the characters. Liked the drama and the little romance. Just liked how turnarounds written. Excited to read the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews