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The Sanctuary
In a disintegrating and increasingly lawless Britain, a young man is travelling north.
Ben is a young painter from the crowded, turbulent city. For six months his fiancée Cara has been living on a remote island known as Sanctuary Rock, the property of millionaire philanthropist Sir John Pemberley. Now she has decided to break off their engagement, and stay there.
Ben resolves to travel to the island to win Cara back. But the journey there is a harsh and challenging one, and when he does arrive, a terrible shock awaits him.
As Ben begins to find his way around the island, he knows he must also work out - what has made Cara so determined to throw her old life away? And is Sanctuary Rock truly another Eden - or a prospect of hell?
By the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Day, this high-concept thriller will intrigue and haunt you as you too work to find out what secret is buried on the island.
Ben is a young painter from the crowded, turbulent city. For six months his fiancée Cara has been living on a remote island known as Sanctuary Rock, the property of millionaire philanthropist Sir John Pemberley. Now she has decided to break off their engagement, and stay there.
Ben resolves to travel to the island to win Cara back. But the journey there is a harsh and challenging one, and when he does arrive, a terrible shock awaits him.
As Ben begins to find his way around the island, he knows he must also work out - what has made Cara so determined to throw her old life away? And is Sanctuary Rock truly another Eden - or a prospect of hell?
By the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Day, this high-concept thriller will intrigue and haunt you as you too work to find out what secret is buried on the island.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2022
233 people are currently reading
6533 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Hunter Murray
17 books545 followersAndrew Hunter Murray is a writer from London. His first novel, The Last Day, is a high-concept thriller set in a world whose rotation has slowed to a halt. The Last Day will be published in the UK and USA in February 2020 by Penguin Random House.
For ten years, Andrew has been one of the writers and researchers behind the BBC show QI. He is one of the co-hosts of QI’s spin-off podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish, which since 2014 has released 250 episodes, been downloaded 200 million times, and toured the world. It has also spawned three books (The Book of the Year, The Book of the Year 2018 and The Book of the Year 2019), and a BBC2 series, No Such Thing As The News.
Andrew also writes jokes and journalism for Private Eye magazine, and hosts the Eye’s in-house podcast, Page 94. In his spare time he performs in the award-winning comedy show Austentatious, which plays in London’s West End and around the UK.
For ten years, Andrew has been one of the writers and researchers behind the BBC show QI. He is one of the co-hosts of QI’s spin-off podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish, which since 2014 has released 250 episodes, been downloaded 200 million times, and toured the world. It has also spawned three books (The Book of the Year, The Book of the Year 2018 and The Book of the Year 2019), and a BBC2 series, No Such Thing As The News.
Andrew also writes jokes and journalism for Private Eye magazine, and hosts the Eye’s in-house podcast, Page 94. In his spare time he performs in the award-winning comedy show Austentatious, which plays in London’s West End and around the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
October 7, 2022
Hmm, this one was ok, quite a slow burn and I liked the steady, understated writing style, it reminded me of the "cosy sci-fi" of John Wyndham and John Christopher, however I really wanted a bit more oomph from the ending. I think I was expecting more of a revelation, a sharp intake of breath moment, but for me it didn't really deliver on that score. It held my interest though - I'm up for anything that has the slightest whiff of a cult, or some sort of dystopian shenanigans - and I enjoyed it enough to look for more from Andrew Hunter Murray, 3.5 stars rounded down.
June 2, 2022
A speculative "cult" thriller from this author, hugely readable and descriptively excellent.
Am isolated island, a charismatic man with a plan and a lot of secrets is the narrative playing out on the page and it is both compelling and thought provoking
I'm a fan of this authors imaginative plotting and depth of character and would recommend to any fan of intelligent speculative fiction.
Am isolated island, a charismatic man with a plan and a lot of secrets is the narrative playing out on the page and it is both compelling and thought provoking
I'm a fan of this authors imaginative plotting and depth of character and would recommend to any fan of intelligent speculative fiction.
November 12, 2023
Unearth hidden truths and embark on an unforgettable journey…
Book Information
The Sanctuary by Andrew Hunter Murray is a 400-page mystery that was first published on May 26, 2022 and is due to be rereleased on January 23, 2024. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
In a turbulent, crumbling near-future, Ben, a city-dwelling artist, embarks on a challenging journey to Sanctuary Rock, a secluded island owned by the wealthy philanthropist, Sir John Pemberley. This journey is prompted by Ben's attempt to rekindle his engagement with Cara, who has chosen to make the island her permanent home. However, as he explores the island's enigmatic society, Ben uncovers unsettling truths about Sir John's purported utopia, leaving him to question whether Sanctuary Rock is the paradise it's claimed to be or a concealed realm of darkness.
My Thoughts
Andrew Hunter Murray's "The Sanctuary" is a versatile and thought-provoking novel that defies easy categorization, weaving an intricate narrative that delves into many themes. This character-driven story could be classified as a mystery, thriller, cult thriller, science fiction, and more. It touches on various thought-provoking subjects, such as capitalism, pollution, extinction, technology, religion, cults, and mortality.
While the book starts at a slower pace, it gradually transforms into an imaginative tale that kept me hooked. Initially, I was skeptical and was convinced this would be a three-star read at best. However, as the story progressed, it became increasingly engaging. I found myself constantly considering the mysteries within the novel and eagerly anticipating what would unfold next, even when I wasn't reading. As the book progresses, you are transported into a world where every word feels like a puzzle piece in a mesmerizing narrative mosaic.
As is common in dystopian fiction, "The Sanctuary" offers insightful commentary on our current society, encouraging readers to reflect on their own world by presenting an alternate reality that mirrors some of our own societal issues. The book's thought-provoking narrative invites readers to question the status quo and consider the potential consequences of our actions.
Andrew Hunter Murray's writing style is excellent, and his storytelling is skillfully executed. He excels in creating a vivid and immersive setting that draws readers into the world he has crafted.
While the book does feature twists and surprises, they are delivered in an understated manner, consistent with Murray's writing style. These moments are not bombastic or earth-shattering but rather subtle shifts that add clarity to the narrative and propel the story forward. The twists in 'The Sanctuary' are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, keeping you guessing until the very end.
Recommendation
"The Sanctuary" is a compelling and multifaceted novel that offers a slow but rewarding start, an intriguing plot, and a cast of well-developed characters. With its ability to explore a wide range of themes and thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society, this book is a thought-provoking and well-crafted read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of mystery, thriller, and science fiction. Recommended.
Rating
4 Enigmatic Stars
Book Information
The Sanctuary by Andrew Hunter Murray is a 400-page mystery that was first published on May 26, 2022 and is due to be rereleased on January 23, 2024. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
In a turbulent, crumbling near-future, Ben, a city-dwelling artist, embarks on a challenging journey to Sanctuary Rock, a secluded island owned by the wealthy philanthropist, Sir John Pemberley. This journey is prompted by Ben's attempt to rekindle his engagement with Cara, who has chosen to make the island her permanent home. However, as he explores the island's enigmatic society, Ben uncovers unsettling truths about Sir John's purported utopia, leaving him to question whether Sanctuary Rock is the paradise it's claimed to be or a concealed realm of darkness.
My Thoughts
Andrew Hunter Murray's "The Sanctuary" is a versatile and thought-provoking novel that defies easy categorization, weaving an intricate narrative that delves into many themes. This character-driven story could be classified as a mystery, thriller, cult thriller, science fiction, and more. It touches on various thought-provoking subjects, such as capitalism, pollution, extinction, technology, religion, cults, and mortality.
While the book starts at a slower pace, it gradually transforms into an imaginative tale that kept me hooked. Initially, I was skeptical and was convinced this would be a three-star read at best. However, as the story progressed, it became increasingly engaging. I found myself constantly considering the mysteries within the novel and eagerly anticipating what would unfold next, even when I wasn't reading. As the book progresses, you are transported into a world where every word feels like a puzzle piece in a mesmerizing narrative mosaic.
As is common in dystopian fiction, "The Sanctuary" offers insightful commentary on our current society, encouraging readers to reflect on their own world by presenting an alternate reality that mirrors some of our own societal issues. The book's thought-provoking narrative invites readers to question the status quo and consider the potential consequences of our actions.
Andrew Hunter Murray's writing style is excellent, and his storytelling is skillfully executed. He excels in creating a vivid and immersive setting that draws readers into the world he has crafted.
While the book does feature twists and surprises, they are delivered in an understated manner, consistent with Murray's writing style. These moments are not bombastic or earth-shattering but rather subtle shifts that add clarity to the narrative and propel the story forward. The twists in 'The Sanctuary' are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, keeping you guessing until the very end.
Recommendation
"The Sanctuary" is a compelling and multifaceted novel that offers a slow but rewarding start, an intriguing plot, and a cast of well-developed characters. With its ability to explore a wide range of themes and thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society, this book is a thought-provoking and well-crafted read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of mystery, thriller, and science fiction. Recommended.
Rating
4 Enigmatic Stars
January 17, 2024
Wow! That was quite a read (in the best way possible!), particularly the last 1/3 was insanely good. Murray is such a talented author that he made such a complex plot so smooth and easy to read. I truly felt like I was in it, and personally I find that difficult to find in a book.
This book is so unique and it’s obvious Andrew Murray had a phenomenal imagination.
In the beginning, Ben was so desperate to get to Sanctuary Rock Island; ‘I was going to get onto the island somehow, even if I had to swim.’
But…
Be careful what you wish for…“There’s no way back from paradise”
As the story unfolds it gets more and more intense, meanwhile we are drip fed key information about this new and crazy project.
Basically, they are working to develop a new model for a new and natural life. There are Villages and differs hex’s that supposedly allow people in the Villages to live a better life. However, Sir John is not happy with those he’s already got, he plans to bring everyone to Sanctuary Rock - unreasonable? He thinks not…
While the island seemed the perfect place to live there was definitely something creepy and surreal about Ben’s time on the island although at the beginning it was had to distinguish what exactly.
We learn more and more right until the very last sentence - I LOVE it when that happens!
In some ways you may call this story a slow burn and it was in every good way possible, however it was simultaneously an incredibly engrossing thriller.
Mind blown 🤯
Excellent 👏
Top class 😻
Highly recommend 📚
It has definitely left me wanting to read his debut novel ‘The last day’
This book is so unique and it’s obvious Andrew Murray had a phenomenal imagination.
In the beginning, Ben was so desperate to get to Sanctuary Rock Island; ‘I was going to get onto the island somehow, even if I had to swim.’
But…
Be careful what you wish for…“There’s no way back from paradise”
As the story unfolds it gets more and more intense, meanwhile we are drip fed key information about this new and crazy project.
Basically, they are working to develop a new model for a new and natural life. There are Villages and differs hex’s that supposedly allow people in the Villages to live a better life. However, Sir John is not happy with those he’s already got, he plans to bring everyone to Sanctuary Rock - unreasonable? He thinks not…
While the island seemed the perfect place to live there was definitely something creepy and surreal about Ben’s time on the island although at the beginning it was had to distinguish what exactly.
We learn more and more right until the very last sentence - I LOVE it when that happens!
In some ways you may call this story a slow burn and it was in every good way possible, however it was simultaneously an incredibly engrossing thriller.
Mind blown 🤯
Excellent 👏
Top class 😻
Highly recommend 📚
It has definitely left me wanting to read his debut novel ‘The last day’
June 13, 2022
I really wanted to like this but it's horribly overwritten and moves so slow. The lead character is one of the dullest characters I've ever read and the plot is an absolute snoozer. I woud've DNF'ed but since I paid for it I decided to skim through to the end. I regret that decision :-/
April 28, 2022
I enjoyed, “The Last Day,” by Andrew Hunter Murray and was pleased to read his latest. However, although I found this a thought provoking read, it was definitely a slow starter and I found it hard to engage with the central character, Ben.
This novel is set in a near dystopian future. Ben muses on the death of the last elephant and the old king, as he returns home. For both Ben and his fiancée, Cara, often work away from both their home and each other. This may be the future, but people are keen to return to the ways of the past, with Ben working as a portrait painter, while Cara works on Sanctuary Rock, an island owned by Sir John Pemberley. Meanwhile, only those who can’t afford to leave the cities live there, while the wealthy head for protected villages.
Ben is looking forward to meeting up with Cara, but she writes to say that she intends to stay on the island, he sets out to find her. We then follow his journey across a blighted land, as the book touches on environmental change, wealth being in the hands of the few, while the many work to service the needs of those in the villages. Ben’s desire to reunite with Cara is harder to understand as their relationship doesn’t seem particularly close or warm. Then, as the novel progresses and secrets are revealed, it was difficult to really know where the author wanted the plot to go.
Overall, this novel had strengths and weaknesses but, for me, it never really found its direction. It could be a good choice for a reading group as there are lots of themes to discuss but, as an individual read, I found it lacked cohesion and tried to incorporate too many themes, to the detriment of the plot. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
This novel is set in a near dystopian future. Ben muses on the death of the last elephant and the old king, as he returns home. For both Ben and his fiancée, Cara, often work away from both their home and each other. This may be the future, but people are keen to return to the ways of the past, with Ben working as a portrait painter, while Cara works on Sanctuary Rock, an island owned by Sir John Pemberley. Meanwhile, only those who can’t afford to leave the cities live there, while the wealthy head for protected villages.
Ben is looking forward to meeting up with Cara, but she writes to say that she intends to stay on the island, he sets out to find her. We then follow his journey across a blighted land, as the book touches on environmental change, wealth being in the hands of the few, while the many work to service the needs of those in the villages. Ben’s desire to reunite with Cara is harder to understand as their relationship doesn’t seem particularly close or warm. Then, as the novel progresses and secrets are revealed, it was difficult to really know where the author wanted the plot to go.
Overall, this novel had strengths and weaknesses but, for me, it never really found its direction. It could be a good choice for a reading group as there are lots of themes to discuss but, as an individual read, I found it lacked cohesion and tried to incorporate too many themes, to the detriment of the plot. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
September 27, 2023
Don't think Bianca was trying to seduce you hun but the confidence is admirable
May 27, 2022
Synopsis;
Ben is a young painter from the crowded, turbulent city. His fiancée Cara has been living on the remote island of Sanctuary Rock, the property of millionaire philanthropist Sir John Pemberley, and now she has decided to break off their engagement and stay there for good. Ben resolves to travel to the island to win Cara back. But the journey there is a harsh and challenging one, and when he does arrive, a terrible shock awaits him. As Ben begins to find his way around Pemberley's perfect island, he knows he must also discover - what has made Cara so determined to throw her old life away? And is Sanctuary Rock truly a second Eden, as the mysterious Sir John claims - or a prospect of hell?
Thoughts;
• I found this to be a slow read (but I enjoyed it none the less) up until Ben reaches the island, then it’s full steam ahead
• I was always expecting a shocking twist to the story but it never came (or it did but it missed it’s mark for me)
• The writing style was really good, and the story was well executed (if a little slow)
• It’s unclear to me why Ben wanted to get Cara as they didn’t see all that into each other
Would I recommend this one? To the right person who doesn’t mind slow pacing I would. Would I read books from this author in the future? I absolutely would. I hear The Last Day was absolutely cracking so I’ll probably give that a read soon. Overall I did find this to be an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Century publishing for sending me a proof in exchange for my honest review.
Ben is a young painter from the crowded, turbulent city. His fiancée Cara has been living on the remote island of Sanctuary Rock, the property of millionaire philanthropist Sir John Pemberley, and now she has decided to break off their engagement and stay there for good. Ben resolves to travel to the island to win Cara back. But the journey there is a harsh and challenging one, and when he does arrive, a terrible shock awaits him. As Ben begins to find his way around Pemberley's perfect island, he knows he must also discover - what has made Cara so determined to throw her old life away? And is Sanctuary Rock truly a second Eden, as the mysterious Sir John claims - or a prospect of hell?
Thoughts;
• I found this to be a slow read (but I enjoyed it none the less) up until Ben reaches the island, then it’s full steam ahead
• I was always expecting a shocking twist to the story but it never came (or it did but it missed it’s mark for me)
• The writing style was really good, and the story was well executed (if a little slow)
• It’s unclear to me why Ben wanted to get Cara as they didn’t see all that into each other
Would I recommend this one? To the right person who doesn’t mind slow pacing I would. Would I read books from this author in the future? I absolutely would. I hear The Last Day was absolutely cracking so I’ll probably give that a read soon. Overall I did find this to be an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Century publishing for sending me a proof in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2024
Utopia v Dystopia, featuring Portrait Artist of the Year and The Wicker Man.
The world is broken. Society is just mumbling and bumbling along waiting for the end. One man, with more money than sense and possibly a little bit musky, has a solution. A self sustaining island filled with the youth of tomorrow and a warehouse full of seeds and DNA. BUT, at what cost to everyone else!!!! duh duh duh!!!!
I did really enjoyed this, I loved the vagueness at the start of the book. I like not knowing when or where and then slowing piecing it all together. It's a bit cultish, there's something happening and you are never quite sure what, the build up is slow, and that works quite well. However, the reveal and the ending was a little messy, I wanted a bit more from it and the final scene was a little predictable.
Still, a decent addition the dystopia pile.
The world is broken. Society is just mumbling and bumbling along waiting for the end. One man, with more money than sense and possibly a little bit musky, has a solution. A self sustaining island filled with the youth of tomorrow and a warehouse full of seeds and DNA. BUT, at what cost to everyone else!!!! duh duh duh!!!!
I did really enjoyed this, I loved the vagueness at the start of the book. I like not knowing when or where and then slowing piecing it all together. It's a bit cultish, there's something happening and you are never quite sure what, the build up is slow, and that works quite well. However, the reveal and the ending was a little messy, I wanted a bit more from it and the final scene was a little predictable.
Still, a decent addition the dystopia pile.
January 17, 2024
It is not often that I read a book in one sitting, but I sat down with it yesterday afternoon and just couldn't stop so I finished it early evening.
There is a whole new world of ideas in this story - and not all of them are for the good of mankind. Mankind that has apparently suffered a tragedy, and is now even more than nowadays, divided in the 'haves' and 'havenots'.
Rich people live in Villages, safe and dry (literally, because they are all built on high ground because of the floodings), and are waited upon by a large staff. Staff members who are forced to live in small dwellings outside the Villages.
Somewhere in between live the people in Cities. Large, sprawling and poor cities.
At the top of this pyramid is the mysterious island where John Pemberly, owner of all Villages, built his own new world.
Ben is well aware of the shortcomings of this strange new society, but determined to find his own way - together with the love of his life. So as soon as he finds himself with a little income and time, he sets out to go and find her.
I really liked Ben, because he shows that it is still possible to speak your own mind and have your own ideas. For the rest, it appears if all people who are living on the island set aside their own personalities and do as John wants them to do.
O horror (for me at least) to have to live in one giant community where you cannot even choose your own food because it's prepared in communal kitchens and where everybody has to eat the same dishes. What surprised me a little is that they are all forced to eat vegan, there is alcohol on the island and even cigarettes.
Ben meets some interesting persons, beside John, and he eventually discovers that John may have a strange ulterior motive for everything he does.
The ending was not a really big surprise but it touched me.
Although the pace was a bit slow, I thought there was a lot going on. I liked it too that we didn't have to read about why and when exactly things went wrong with the world as we know it. I cannot imagine that would make the story better.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Blackstone publishing for this review copy.
There is a whole new world of ideas in this story - and not all of them are for the good of mankind. Mankind that has apparently suffered a tragedy, and is now even more than nowadays, divided in the 'haves' and 'havenots'.
Rich people live in Villages, safe and dry (literally, because they are all built on high ground because of the floodings), and are waited upon by a large staff. Staff members who are forced to live in small dwellings outside the Villages.
Somewhere in between live the people in Cities. Large, sprawling and poor cities.
At the top of this pyramid is the mysterious island where John Pemberly, owner of all Villages, built his own new world.
Ben is well aware of the shortcomings of this strange new society, but determined to find his own way - together with the love of his life. So as soon as he finds himself with a little income and time, he sets out to go and find her.
I really liked Ben, because he shows that it is still possible to speak your own mind and have your own ideas. For the rest, it appears if all people who are living on the island set aside their own personalities and do as John wants them to do.
O horror (for me at least) to have to live in one giant community where you cannot even choose your own food because it's prepared in communal kitchens and where everybody has to eat the same dishes. What surprised me a little is that they are all forced to eat vegan, there is alcohol on the island and even cigarettes.
Ben meets some interesting persons, beside John, and he eventually discovers that John may have a strange ulterior motive for everything he does.
The ending was not a really big surprise but it touched me.
Although the pace was a bit slow, I thought there was a lot going on. I liked it too that we didn't have to read about why and when exactly things went wrong with the world as we know it. I cannot imagine that would make the story better.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Blackstone publishing for this review copy.
October 6, 2023
Ben is a painter, he has been living with his fiancée Cara for ten years, she has recently been working for millionaire philanthropist John Pemberley at his remote island known as The Sanctuary. When Ben receives a letter from Cara saying she wants to stay on the island and is calling off their engagement Ben decides to travel to the island for answers.
The journey to the island is a harsh and challenging one and when he does arrive, Ben discovers that the community on the island is a secretive one and they do not welcome uninvited visitors.
Is Sanctuary Rock a second Eden or a prospect of hell.
This was an addictive read and I loved the dystopian twist, this is a new genre for me and I fully lost myself in this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The journey to the island is a harsh and challenging one and when he does arrive, Ben discovers that the community on the island is a secretive one and they do not welcome uninvited visitors.
Is Sanctuary Rock a second Eden or a prospect of hell.
This was an addictive read and I loved the dystopian twist, this is a new genre for me and I fully lost myself in this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
Noah’s Ark 2.0
At an unspecified point in the not too distant future, Ben is waiting for the return of his fiancée, Cara, who has been working away from home for some months. Just as she is due to arrive back, however, Ben receives a letter from her telling him she's not coming. She has decided to stay on the island where she has been working for a wealthy and mysterious billionaire called Pemberley. Ben can't accept that his relationship is over so decides to make his way to the island, known as the Sanctuary, and speak to Cara face to face. But he soon finds that the community on the island is a secretive one, and they don’t welcome self-invited visitors...
Murray does a very good job of creating his setting. Although it seems the book is set in the future, it's a future that is already very recognisable. Climate change has progressed, though not yet to the worst predictions, and extinctions are becoming more and more commonplace. Although it would appear that the society is well on the way to becoming fully dystopian, it hasn't yet. However, the divide between rich and poor has increased, again quite recognisably, with the ordinary people living in cramped conditions in the overcrowded cities, while the wealthy live in luxury in closed villages outside. Pemberley, Cara's employer, is the creator and owner of most of these villages, and while it's not totally clear, it seems this may be where his wealth comes from. The place is also not specified, but feels very like Britain, with Ben living in what seems like it's probably London, and the Sanctuary being set in the north, probably off the coast of Scotland. So there's a real feeling of familiarity about both time and place, but the differences are enough to produce a sensation of unease caused by the feeling that we’re heading there fast.
Unfortunately the plot doesn't really live up to the excellence of the setting. Pemberley is a cross between cult leader and the kind of billionaire that we are increasingly seeing in real life who use their ridiculous wealth to carry out extraordinary experiments, with no real democratic or governmental control over them. In Pemberley’s case, he has decided that if humanity is about to bring about its own extinction, he will use the Sanctuary as a kind of Noah's Ark, but one where he is the supreme and sole ruler and where the normal rules of morality and ethics don't necessarily apply. Both mad science and cultish leaders have been done many times in dystopian fiction, and I'm afraid Murray doesn't really bring anything original to it.
As with his previous book, The Last Day, I feel that Murray has come up with a good premise but hasn’t really developed a strong enough plot to go with it. Looking back at my review of that earlier book, I see that all my praise and criticisms are the same. His writing is of a very high standard and his characters are interesting, which were the main reasons that I continued through to the end. But I kept waiting for twists that didn't come and thrills that didn't happen, and in the end I’m afraid I felt that the ultimate reveal wasn't explosive enough to have justified the very lengthy lead up. I still think he has the potential to be an excellent SF/thriller writer if he learns to cut back a little on the description and scene-setting and boost the action element, so I’ll still be interested enough to look out for his next book. 3½ stars for me, so rounded up.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Random House Cornerstone via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
At an unspecified point in the not too distant future, Ben is waiting for the return of his fiancée, Cara, who has been working away from home for some months. Just as she is due to arrive back, however, Ben receives a letter from her telling him she's not coming. She has decided to stay on the island where she has been working for a wealthy and mysterious billionaire called Pemberley. Ben can't accept that his relationship is over so decides to make his way to the island, known as the Sanctuary, and speak to Cara face to face. But he soon finds that the community on the island is a secretive one, and they don’t welcome self-invited visitors...
Murray does a very good job of creating his setting. Although it seems the book is set in the future, it's a future that is already very recognisable. Climate change has progressed, though not yet to the worst predictions, and extinctions are becoming more and more commonplace. Although it would appear that the society is well on the way to becoming fully dystopian, it hasn't yet. However, the divide between rich and poor has increased, again quite recognisably, with the ordinary people living in cramped conditions in the overcrowded cities, while the wealthy live in luxury in closed villages outside. Pemberley, Cara's employer, is the creator and owner of most of these villages, and while it's not totally clear, it seems this may be where his wealth comes from. The place is also not specified, but feels very like Britain, with Ben living in what seems like it's probably London, and the Sanctuary being set in the north, probably off the coast of Scotland. So there's a real feeling of familiarity about both time and place, but the differences are enough to produce a sensation of unease caused by the feeling that we’re heading there fast.
Unfortunately the plot doesn't really live up to the excellence of the setting. Pemberley is a cross between cult leader and the kind of billionaire that we are increasingly seeing in real life who use their ridiculous wealth to carry out extraordinary experiments, with no real democratic or governmental control over them. In Pemberley’s case, he has decided that if humanity is about to bring about its own extinction, he will use the Sanctuary as a kind of Noah's Ark, but one where he is the supreme and sole ruler and where the normal rules of morality and ethics don't necessarily apply. Both mad science and cultish leaders have been done many times in dystopian fiction, and I'm afraid Murray doesn't really bring anything original to it.
As with his previous book, The Last Day, I feel that Murray has come up with a good premise but hasn’t really developed a strong enough plot to go with it. Looking back at my review of that earlier book, I see that all my praise and criticisms are the same. His writing is of a very high standard and his characters are interesting, which were the main reasons that I continued through to the end. But I kept waiting for twists that didn't come and thrills that didn't happen, and in the end I’m afraid I felt that the ultimate reveal wasn't explosive enough to have justified the very lengthy lead up. I still think he has the potential to be an excellent SF/thriller writer if he learns to cut back a little on the description and scene-setting and boost the action element, so I’ll still be interested enough to look out for his next book. 3½ stars for me, so rounded up.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Random House Cornerstone via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
May 26, 2022
Part way through the first act of this explicitly three-act SF novel, I was finding things distinctly depressing. (But there's better news to come.) The first person protagonist, a portrait artist named Ben, lives in a low-key dystopian future for a country that is never explicitly identified, though is fairly obviously England. Cities are in decay, the economy seems to be pretty much non-existent and the only places that are pleasant to live in are Villages (with a capital V) - walled communities where old rich people are waited on hand on foot by the young poor.
Andrew Hunter Murray has a very cool, detached, almost period writing style - combined with the dismal setting (it's never really explained how we get from where we are now to this miserable future) made the first act difficult to engage with - but the whole feel of the book changes with the second act when the action moves to a private island - the sanctuary of the book's title. This is an apparently utopian society, constructed by the billionaire behind the Villages. Ben manages to get to the island (half-killing himself in the process) to see his fiancée who works there - he expects to hate the place, but initially he finds it beguiling.
The key characters that Ben encounters on the island are surely derived from The Tempest. The Prospero figure is John Pemberley, the billionaire who set up the island, who is even described as a magician, and is accompanied by his daughter, Bianca (the Miranda figure, who only knows life on the island). He has two main supporters - an Ariel equivalent in the scientist Angela, and Caliban represented by the security chief Munro, who only really seems to be in the book to make sure that Caliban is represented as he has very little part to play in the plot. But Ben's growing relationship with John and Bianca, combined with a well-thought through utopian environment really elevates the interest - especially as cracks start emerge and as Ben tries to uncover John's background and what is really happening on the island and how this will change the world at large.
If there is an element of The Tempest here, it is inverted - rather than the shipwrecked sailors transforming Miranda's view of the world, ultimately the book is driven by the Prospero figure's plans - and the 'brave new world' here is the island itself, not the rest of the world. We travel with Ben mentally as he unravels the darker side of the utopia and how it is shaped by John's origin story. The two big denouements at the end of the final act are reasonably well flagged up in advance, so the reader may well be able to predict the ending, though there is at least one unpredictable twist.
All in all, despite a slightly underwhelming start, as soon as Ben reaches the island this book soars and it never loses impetus from then on. It's a thoughtful, impressive science fiction thriller.
Andrew Hunter Murray has a very cool, detached, almost period writing style - combined with the dismal setting (it's never really explained how we get from where we are now to this miserable future) made the first act difficult to engage with - but the whole feel of the book changes with the second act when the action moves to a private island - the sanctuary of the book's title. This is an apparently utopian society, constructed by the billionaire behind the Villages. Ben manages to get to the island (half-killing himself in the process) to see his fiancée who works there - he expects to hate the place, but initially he finds it beguiling.
The key characters that Ben encounters on the island are surely derived from The Tempest. The Prospero figure is John Pemberley, the billionaire who set up the island, who is even described as a magician, and is accompanied by his daughter, Bianca (the Miranda figure, who only knows life on the island). He has two main supporters - an Ariel equivalent in the scientist Angela, and Caliban represented by the security chief Munro, who only really seems to be in the book to make sure that Caliban is represented as he has very little part to play in the plot. But Ben's growing relationship with John and Bianca, combined with a well-thought through utopian environment really elevates the interest - especially as cracks start emerge and as Ben tries to uncover John's background and what is really happening on the island and how this will change the world at large.
If there is an element of The Tempest here, it is inverted - rather than the shipwrecked sailors transforming Miranda's view of the world, ultimately the book is driven by the Prospero figure's plans - and the 'brave new world' here is the island itself, not the rest of the world. We travel with Ben mentally as he unravels the darker side of the utopia and how it is shaped by John's origin story. The two big denouements at the end of the final act are reasonably well flagged up in advance, so the reader may well be able to predict the ending, though there is at least one unpredictable twist.
All in all, despite a slightly underwhelming start, as soon as Ben reaches the island this book soars and it never loses impetus from then on. It's a thoughtful, impressive science fiction thriller.
July 19, 2023
Hugely disappointing - a really slow burner and pretty rubbish plot twist.
It’s a decent enough plot but the delivery was poor, it’s some kind of dystopian future however nothing is explained - there’s just vague references throughout to the planet declining and animal extinction. This aspect of the book would have been more enjoyable if there was a proper explanation of what had happened and what is going on.
Lots of emphasis on the villages vs the city though I still don’t really understand why or what the purpose of the villages are. I get it’s a rich vs poor thing but it doesn’t really make sense.
You start the book knowing there’s something bad happening on the island which, I think, is the books downfall. The ending is very anti-climatic, I would have preferred a big show down at the end where all is revealed rather than the boring way in which it was.
It’s a decent enough plot but the delivery was poor, it’s some kind of dystopian future however nothing is explained - there’s just vague references throughout to the planet declining and animal extinction. This aspect of the book would have been more enjoyable if there was a proper explanation of what had happened and what is going on.
Lots of emphasis on the villages vs the city though I still don’t really understand why or what the purpose of the villages are. I get it’s a rich vs poor thing but it doesn’t really make sense.
You start the book knowing there’s something bad happening on the island which, I think, is the books downfall. The ending is very anti-climatic, I would have preferred a big show down at the end where all is revealed rather than the boring way in which it was.
June 12, 2024
A cult story, preparing for the future world to be self-existent and sufficient. Down to earth, good people getting sucked in accidentally, or purposely. The leader is your typical narcisstic, self loving, ideas of grandeur cult leader.
August 28, 2023
2.5 stars, but I can definitely see how it's a matter of preference (for the most part), so don't take my rating into account, if you're thinking to pick this up.
My biggest problem was that it didn't capture my attention, so I was mostly bored, which also meant that my attention was drifting (mostly listened to the audiobook - the author did a great job narrating it!). I didn't really like the main character either, and wasn't particularly interested in the mysterious island.
I felt there was very little mystery, really, but this is slightly spoilery, I suppose, so don't read on if you don't want any spoilers!
My biggest problem was that it didn't capture my attention, so I was mostly bored, which also meant that my attention was drifting (mostly listened to the audiobook - the author did a great job narrating it!). I didn't really like the main character either, and wasn't particularly interested in the mysterious island.
I felt there was very little mystery, really, but this is slightly spoilery, I suppose, so don't read on if you don't want any spoilers!
July 5, 2023
Cosy catastrophy
An enjoyable dystopian/eco-cult thriller that I felt ran out of steam a bit in the end. The first two thirds were great - the story is set in a black mirror-esque not so distant future where older, richer inhabitants lived in beautiful gated 'villages' served by poorer, younger service workers who live in settlements attached to (but not in) the villages. This setting and the general set up and story of a fiance who has decided not to return from a mysterious islans - were well set up and I was gripped, but the last third and the ending itself were a bit unsatisfying.
However, I did really enjoy aspects of it and would definteitely read another book by this author.
Incidentally, I heard the author on the 'moon under water' podcast talking about this book and a genre I had never head of before - the 'cosy catastrophe', of which day of the triffids is probably the archetype. It is where, basically, some sort of signficant catastrophe is underway, but there is no mass panic or murder and instead people are sort of being good sorts and holding it together whilst trying to overcome the situation. It's an interesting although somewhat elusive concept, and one I think I quite like, and I would say the sanctuary is an example of too. So if you like that kind of vibe, this might be for you, too.
An enjoyable dystopian/eco-cult thriller that I felt ran out of steam a bit in the end. The first two thirds were great - the story is set in a black mirror-esque not so distant future where older, richer inhabitants lived in beautiful gated 'villages' served by poorer, younger service workers who live in settlements attached to (but not in) the villages. This setting and the general set up and story of a fiance who has decided not to return from a mysterious islans - were well set up and I was gripped, but the last third and the ending itself were a bit unsatisfying.
However, I did really enjoy aspects of it and would definteitely read another book by this author.
Incidentally, I heard the author on the 'moon under water' podcast talking about this book and a genre I had never head of before - the 'cosy catastrophe', of which day of the triffids is probably the archetype. It is where, basically, some sort of signficant catastrophe is underway, but there is no mass panic or murder and instead people are sort of being good sorts and holding it together whilst trying to overcome the situation. It's an interesting although somewhat elusive concept, and one I think I quite like, and I would say the sanctuary is an example of too. So if you like that kind of vibe, this might be for you, too.
July 8, 2022
As is my wont, this is another hairdresser read. I need something to lose myself in, once the small talk has finished.
Set in a near future UKesque landscape, the last elephant has died (thanx, mankind), and the world is heading more towards the toilet than we believe it to be these days. Society is becoming layered - the wealthy live in secure villages (created by a billionaire developer) where everything is put on, then further out are their upper level helpers (teachers, doctors, professionals), then further still are the blue collar and unskilled workers, all dependent upont the village though.
Struggling artist Ben receives letters from his fiancée Cara, decreasing in their affection as time goes by. He decides to find her - she’s working for the aforementioned developer on his new project - an island, almost an ark, of things that have gone, and things that are yet to go. The last word in self-sufficiency. He gets there to find: she’s not there. As the time passes, Cara isn’t to be seen, and Ben, along with the billionaire’s daughter start to become suspicious about the almost cult-like atmosphere present on the island. Then: they start to dig…
Set in a near future UKesque landscape, the last elephant has died (thanx, mankind), and the world is heading more towards the toilet than we believe it to be these days. Society is becoming layered - the wealthy live in secure villages (created by a billionaire developer) where everything is put on, then further out are their upper level helpers (teachers, doctors, professionals), then further still are the blue collar and unskilled workers, all dependent upont the village though.
Struggling artist Ben receives letters from his fiancée Cara, decreasing in their affection as time goes by. He decides to find her - she’s working for the aforementioned developer on his new project - an island, almost an ark, of things that have gone, and things that are yet to go. The last word in self-sufficiency. He gets there to find: she’s not there. As the time passes, Cara isn’t to be seen, and Ben, along with the billionaire’s daughter start to become suspicious about the almost cult-like atmosphere present on the island. Then: they start to dig…
February 13, 2025
Ben is a painter in the busy city. His fiancée Cara has been living on a remote island called Sanctuary Rock for the last six months and has just ended the relationship by letter. As a result Ben decides to travel to the island to speak to Cara.
But the journey to this perfect land is a difficult one. The world has changed and suspicion is everywhere. When he arrives on the island there is much of the same. However Sir John Pemberley, owner of the island, is keen to show Ben how he and his people are working towards their own special utopia here, safe and protected from the world. Will Ben fall for the island’s charms or will he escape while he still can?
Told entirely in the first person from the viewpoint of Ben, I found The Sanctuary to be a chilling and eerie slow burn. The island is hugely atmospheric, it’s sentient and filled with malevolence - but in contrast it’s hard not to be won over with the charm and enthusiasm of Sir John and his plans for his own piece of paradise. He’s an intriguing character, often cold, but often charismatic and he brings a great sense of depth and tension to the story.
I part listened to this one and the narration was excellent, I often found myself completely enthralled. If you like a cult story then this is for you.
But the journey to this perfect land is a difficult one. The world has changed and suspicion is everywhere. When he arrives on the island there is much of the same. However Sir John Pemberley, owner of the island, is keen to show Ben how he and his people are working towards their own special utopia here, safe and protected from the world. Will Ben fall for the island’s charms or will he escape while he still can?
Told entirely in the first person from the viewpoint of Ben, I found The Sanctuary to be a chilling and eerie slow burn. The island is hugely atmospheric, it’s sentient and filled with malevolence - but in contrast it’s hard not to be won over with the charm and enthusiasm of Sir John and his plans for his own piece of paradise. He’s an intriguing character, often cold, but often charismatic and he brings a great sense of depth and tension to the story.
I part listened to this one and the narration was excellent, I often found myself completely enthralled. If you like a cult story then this is for you.
January 29, 2024
3.5 stars
The nitty-gritty: A man gets more than he bargained for when he decides to go after his fiancé in this strange, compelling but uneven sci-fi tale.
This was an odd one, folks. The tagline on the cover promises a sci-fi thriller, but “thriller” is not a word I would use to describe The Sanctuary. That’s not to say that I didn’t like it, because I did. This is a very slow burn story about a man who goes looking for his fiancé, which leads him to a secluded island where a cult leader figure is building a utopia for a select group of people. This is one of those books that grew on me the more I read, and despite some of the issues I had, I’m glad I stuck it out.
Ben Parr is a portrait artist and is engaged to a woman named Cara, but Cara took a short term assistant job on an island and has been gone for a few weeks. At first her letters home to Ben were chatty and enthusiastic. She loved her work and the man she was working for, and she believed his claims that the island would eventually be the perfect place to live. But her most recent letter was short and terse, declaring to Ben that she wasn't coming home, but staying on the island permanently.
Ben refuses to accept that, and so he sets out to find the hidden island and bring Cara back home. But the journey is treacherous and long. When Ben eventually arrives, he’s distraught to find out that Cara is no longer there. Instead, he’s treated as an interloper who doesn’t belong, but eventually Ben convinces John Pemberley, the island’s leader, to let him stay and wait for Cara to return. At first Ben is content to tour the island and marvel at John’s remarkable innovations and ideas, but little by little he begins to see the cracks. What exactly is John’s long term plan? What does the number 41 mean? And what’s going on with the rats? And even more importantly, where is Cara? Maybe Ben is better off not knowing…
This was a strange mash-up of Logan’s Run and The Island of Doctor Moreau, but it wasn’t really either of those stories. I loved the idea of a charismatic man who draws innocent people into his orbit with promises of a better life, and The Sanctuary does that pretty well, with its sinister undertones and creepy cult leader. My main issue with the plot was that when John’s “plan” is finally revealed—literally at the end—I was disappointed that we didn’t get more hints of it earlier in the story. It sort of came out of nowhere, and while I loved the idea, it was too little too late.
The entire story is told from Ben’s first person point of view, and he’s got a distinctly antiquated manner of speaking that made the entire story feel “old fashioned,” if that makes sense. I could see this as an old black-and-white movie from the thirties or forties, to be honest. The setting is an odd, futuristic UK where some kind of apocalyptic event has triggered the decline of humanity, and people use outdated technology like landline phones and write letters as a way to communicate. The other thing that felt very old fashioned was Ben’s attitude about Cara. The fact that he plans to “bring her back” from the island suggests a very sexist outlook that definitely didn’t sit well with me.
John Pemberley’s island isn’t on any map, and Ben’s journey to find it takes days. When he gets to the island, we learn that John has designed it in such a way as to make life easier and better. Buildings called “hexes” are built like beehives for efficiency. John has established seed vaults and has collected many varieties of plants and animals to protect them from going extinct. But everyone on the island seems to be under thirty. Where are the elderly? I loved some of these details, but I didn’t care for the way John was portrayed, to be honest. I sensed something ominous about him, but the mystery of what he was up to unfolded way too slowly and I started to lose interest at some point. Also, for a cult leader he just wasn’t evil enough for my taste. I was hoping for a darker, fast-paced story, but the sections where John and Ben have long, philosophical conversations about life stalled the pacing.
I also had some issues with Ben. Aside from his caveman attitude of dragging poor Cara home from her little adventure, he just wasn’t very bright. It’s clear from the beginning that there’s something unpleasant going on with John and his island, but Ben convinces himself that John really is trying to improve people's lives. And when he assures Ben that Cara “will be back any day now,” he continues to believe him, even when the reader is pretty sure something terrible has happened to Cara.
The answers come fast and furious in the last chapter, maybe too fast. I actually loved the ending and final reveal about what happened to Cara, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to bump this to a higher rating. Still, there was something compelling about The Sanctuary, and while it wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed the time I spent with it.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
The nitty-gritty: A man gets more than he bargained for when he decides to go after his fiancé in this strange, compelling but uneven sci-fi tale.
This was an odd one, folks. The tagline on the cover promises a sci-fi thriller, but “thriller” is not a word I would use to describe The Sanctuary. That’s not to say that I didn’t like it, because I did. This is a very slow burn story about a man who goes looking for his fiancé, which leads him to a secluded island where a cult leader figure is building a utopia for a select group of people. This is one of those books that grew on me the more I read, and despite some of the issues I had, I’m glad I stuck it out.
Ben Parr is a portrait artist and is engaged to a woman named Cara, but Cara took a short term assistant job on an island and has been gone for a few weeks. At first her letters home to Ben were chatty and enthusiastic. She loved her work and the man she was working for, and she believed his claims that the island would eventually be the perfect place to live. But her most recent letter was short and terse, declaring to Ben that she wasn't coming home, but staying on the island permanently.
Ben refuses to accept that, and so he sets out to find the hidden island and bring Cara back home. But the journey is treacherous and long. When Ben eventually arrives, he’s distraught to find out that Cara is no longer there. Instead, he’s treated as an interloper who doesn’t belong, but eventually Ben convinces John Pemberley, the island’s leader, to let him stay and wait for Cara to return. At first Ben is content to tour the island and marvel at John’s remarkable innovations and ideas, but little by little he begins to see the cracks. What exactly is John’s long term plan? What does the number 41 mean? And what’s going on with the rats? And even more importantly, where is Cara? Maybe Ben is better off not knowing…
This was a strange mash-up of Logan’s Run and The Island of Doctor Moreau, but it wasn’t really either of those stories. I loved the idea of a charismatic man who draws innocent people into his orbit with promises of a better life, and The Sanctuary does that pretty well, with its sinister undertones and creepy cult leader. My main issue with the plot was that when John’s “plan” is finally revealed—literally at the end—I was disappointed that we didn’t get more hints of it earlier in the story. It sort of came out of nowhere, and while I loved the idea, it was too little too late.
The entire story is told from Ben’s first person point of view, and he’s got a distinctly antiquated manner of speaking that made the entire story feel “old fashioned,” if that makes sense. I could see this as an old black-and-white movie from the thirties or forties, to be honest. The setting is an odd, futuristic UK where some kind of apocalyptic event has triggered the decline of humanity, and people use outdated technology like landline phones and write letters as a way to communicate. The other thing that felt very old fashioned was Ben’s attitude about Cara. The fact that he plans to “bring her back” from the island suggests a very sexist outlook that definitely didn’t sit well with me.
John Pemberley’s island isn’t on any map, and Ben’s journey to find it takes days. When he gets to the island, we learn that John has designed it in such a way as to make life easier and better. Buildings called “hexes” are built like beehives for efficiency. John has established seed vaults and has collected many varieties of plants and animals to protect them from going extinct. But everyone on the island seems to be under thirty. Where are the elderly? I loved some of these details, but I didn’t care for the way John was portrayed, to be honest. I sensed something ominous about him, but the mystery of what he was up to unfolded way too slowly and I started to lose interest at some point. Also, for a cult leader he just wasn’t evil enough for my taste. I was hoping for a darker, fast-paced story, but the sections where John and Ben have long, philosophical conversations about life stalled the pacing.
I also had some issues with Ben. Aside from his caveman attitude of dragging poor Cara home from her little adventure, he just wasn’t very bright. It’s clear from the beginning that there’s something unpleasant going on with John and his island, but Ben convinces himself that John really is trying to improve people's lives. And when he assures Ben that Cara “will be back any day now,” he continues to believe him, even when the reader is pretty sure something terrible has happened to Cara.
The answers come fast and furious in the last chapter, maybe too fast. I actually loved the ending and final reveal about what happened to Cara, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to bump this to a higher rating. Still, there was something compelling about The Sanctuary, and while it wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed the time I spent with it.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
June 13, 2023
I'm very up for a high-concept thriller. I guess this was high-concept but it didn't really fulfil the thriller aspect for me, I'm afraid.
Ben is a portrait painter, engaged to Cara (I think she is some form of executive assistant?). Work means they spend a lot of time apart in a near-ish future in a dystopian world. It's a world that's falling apart from exploitation by humans. The wealthy have partitioned themselves away in comfortable Villages, built by rich philanthropist, Sir John Pemberley. They hide from the misery of the less fortunate. At the start of the book, Ben is painting a commission for a rich family which doesn't go to plan. He returns home to the last in a series of increasingly cold and distant letters from Cara. She is away working on Sanctuary Rock for Sir John, who is building a utopian island paradise. The latest letter informs Ben that she does not intend to return home because her work for Sir John is too important.
The book is split into 3 parts. The first deals with Ben moping about his relationship with Cara, then his journey to Sanctuary Rock. He hopes to convince her to return with him to the mainland and get married. The second part deals with Sanctuary Rock itself, Ben's suspicions, and integration into the community there. The third counts down to a deadline event and builds up the tension as Ben tries to uncover more about the mysterious and charismatic Sir John.
So I found much of the book a pretty slow burner. There are plenty of themes to think about. Environment, ecology, conservation, consumption, the power of a charismatic leader, cult behaviour. Sanctuary Rock does sound idyllic. But the pace was too slow for me and I found Ben frustrating. Considering his main motivation in reaching the island in the first place (Cara), his behaviour didn't fit (trying not to do spoilers here!). Also, the behaviour of Sir John, considering there is a relative stranger suddenly in his midst, didn't ring true for me either. Yes, the pace certainly cranks up in the final third, alongside plot exposition from some characters. But it went a bit strangely James Bond for me and felt too little, too late (same could be said of Ben's character). Also a plot twist that made me eyeroll.
And the ending? I wasn't sure if that meant to be ambiguous or imagined. If it's literal, then it doesn't make any sense to me in light of how characters behave in the rest of the book. Maybe that's the issue with a high-concept thriller. I concentrated too much on concept and didn't engage with the characters.
Interesting ideas and much to reflect on in the light of current news - cost of living, climate change, and a younger generation that could be one of the first to be less well off than their parents. But overall, this was still very much a so-so read for me. I didn't feel enough for the characters and was distracted by the feasibility of the plot points. I have to say I'm not sure I would read another by this author based on The Sanctuary.
Ben is a portrait painter, engaged to Cara (I think she is some form of executive assistant?). Work means they spend a lot of time apart in a near-ish future in a dystopian world. It's a world that's falling apart from exploitation by humans. The wealthy have partitioned themselves away in comfortable Villages, built by rich philanthropist, Sir John Pemberley. They hide from the misery of the less fortunate. At the start of the book, Ben is painting a commission for a rich family which doesn't go to plan. He returns home to the last in a series of increasingly cold and distant letters from Cara. She is away working on Sanctuary Rock for Sir John, who is building a utopian island paradise. The latest letter informs Ben that she does not intend to return home because her work for Sir John is too important.
The book is split into 3 parts. The first deals with Ben moping about his relationship with Cara, then his journey to Sanctuary Rock. He hopes to convince her to return with him to the mainland and get married. The second part deals with Sanctuary Rock itself, Ben's suspicions, and integration into the community there. The third counts down to a deadline event and builds up the tension as Ben tries to uncover more about the mysterious and charismatic Sir John.
So I found much of the book a pretty slow burner. There are plenty of themes to think about. Environment, ecology, conservation, consumption, the power of a charismatic leader, cult behaviour. Sanctuary Rock does sound idyllic. But the pace was too slow for me and I found Ben frustrating. Considering his main motivation in reaching the island in the first place (Cara), his behaviour didn't fit (trying not to do spoilers here!). Also, the behaviour of Sir John, considering there is a relative stranger suddenly in his midst, didn't ring true for me either. Yes, the pace certainly cranks up in the final third, alongside plot exposition from some characters. But it went a bit strangely James Bond for me and felt too little, too late (same could be said of Ben's character). Also a plot twist that made me eyeroll.
And the ending? I wasn't sure if that meant to be ambiguous or imagined. If it's literal, then it doesn't make any sense to me in light of how characters behave in the rest of the book. Maybe that's the issue with a high-concept thriller. I concentrated too much on concept and didn't engage with the characters.
Interesting ideas and much to reflect on in the light of current news - cost of living, climate change, and a younger generation that could be one of the first to be less well off than their parents. But overall, this was still very much a so-so read for me. I didn't feel enough for the characters and was distracted by the feasibility of the plot points. I have to say I'm not sure I would read another by this author based on The Sanctuary.
June 26, 2023
No shade, but this was better than I expected! I read it on a whim because it was mentioned on No Such Thing as a Fish, and really, I thought it was good!
Mind, my main criticism stems from the Richard Osman pull quote on the cover, which calls this a "thriller." This set up a certain expectation about content and especially pacing, which is where the novel let me down. Without that quote, there would have been no expectation and no confusion. But listen, that aside, I see what Murray is trying to do, the questions he's asking his reader to consider, and I respect it.
This would be a good book for a high schooler's English paper. I mean that as praise. lol
Mind, my main criticism stems from the Richard Osman pull quote on the cover, which calls this a "thriller." This set up a certain expectation about content and especially pacing, which is where the novel let me down. Without that quote, there would have been no expectation and no confusion. But listen, that aside, I see what Murray is trying to do, the questions he's asking his reader to consider, and I respect it.
This would be a good book for a high schooler's English paper. I mean that as praise. lol
October 19, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Slow moving but held my attention at times. I was not too keen on the ending
Slow moving but held my attention at times. I was not too keen on the ending
September 29, 2023
This was an ok read at times I felt like if I’d put it down I wouldn’t pick it up again but I stuck with it and on reflection 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️s is a better rating my advice is reader be ware if you want to read this
January 24, 2023
Haunting
July 18, 2022
AHM's first book was THE book that got me back into reading fiction after pretty much only reading non-fiction since I was a teenager. I loved this one even more than the first. You know how they say that when you fall in love, all the cheesy cliches about love suddenly make sense? I suddenly understood what people meant when they say things like "I couldn't put it down", "a page-turner", "I stayed up too late reading chapter after chapter". I will very rarely stay up past 9:30, and even then, begrudgingly. I stayed up until midnight two nights in a row reading this. MIDNIGHT. I don't even know who I am anymore. The story unravels in a way that was completely engaging from page one to the very last page. The twist ending blew my mind and was so satisfying. At this point I am just champing at the bit for my husband to read it next so we can talk about it. I hope AHM keeps writing books because they are *chef's kiss* perfection.
February 11, 2024
This book kept me gripped throughout. I desperately wanted to know what was going on at the Island and even though the ending left a lot to be desired, I did enjoy the journey. I also really wish we'd got a chance to hear Cara's side of things. There were a lot of unanswered questions.
I liked it so much, I've got another book by this author lined up to read next.
I liked it so much, I've got another book by this author lined up to read next.
March 20, 2022
Very different to what I expected. The novel I found to be of a very slow pace without proper consistency for myself.
October 23, 2022
Slow to get into, and then painfully predictable once it did get interesting. Love AHM on NSTAAF but not a fan of his writing style.
June 5, 2024
Not what I was expecting at all. A slow burn for sure but the big reveal was far too far fetched for me. I wasn't sure if this could even be classed as a thriller. It had cult elements and dystopian elements too, leaving me confused.
A decent read though. Just not what I expect from thrillers.
A decent read though. Just not what I expect from thrillers.
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