Rating: 4.5⭐️

“Hang on. I stuffed all my feelings down like a proper man, and it takes some effort to bring them back up.”

Yes! It’s time for some more great Ilona Andrews writing team and diving back into the Kate Daniels universe with Sanctuary, a book about Roman, the Black Volhv, a reoccurring character from the main series. 

This is a holiday season story where Roman is “holed” up in his remote cabin, trying to ride out the season when it’s interrupted by a mysterious, badly hurt young man and his puppy asking for sanctuary.

This story turns out so differently than I expected, which I loved. The twists, the fact that I thought it was headed one way but the authors always had a totally unexpected path for the characters made this story deeply interesting and moving.

Roman’s character is explored in multiple ways in the story. His magical connections with his god and how his magic is fused with the creatures and structures around him is so believable and vivid. And much more interesting, Roman’s background is gone into greater detail .Roman’s complicated family dynamics and his relationship with his father are explained through important conversations and scenes with various characters. 

The mythology and gods that impact the story are fascinating and always make me want to research more into each culture and myths surrounding them. 

Sanctuary is a one of one series. I don’t expect any more. But I’m thrilled to have this one. 

It’s not really a standalone book but one that fits within a wider collection of stories, the Kate Daniels universe. That’s a fabulous place to start as well as one I highly recommend. 

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 1: Roman’s Chronicles 

Blurb 

It’s not easy serving Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it’s a fight to the death, but for him, it’s just another day in the neighborhood.

Includes a bonus short story and more!

Reading Order : Kate Daniels Universe series:

Kate Daniels Series 

MAGIC BITES 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC BURNS 

MAGIC STRIKES 

MAGIC MOURNS 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC DREAMS 

MAGIC SLAYS 

GUNMETAL MAGIC (Andrea and Raphael)

MAGIC GIFTS – comes with/ is part of Gunmetal book

MAGIC RISES 

MAGIC BREAKS 

MAGIC STEALS 

MAGIC SHIFTS 

MAGIC STARS (Julie and Derek)

MAGIC BINDS 

IRON AND MAGIC #1 (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper) a must before the finale 

MAGIC TRIUMPHS – OG finale

Kate Daniels World 

BLOOD HEIR (Julie and Derek)

Roman’s Chronicles SANCTUARY 

Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years MAGIC TIDES 

MAGIC CLAIMS 

UNTITLED IRON AND MAGIC (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper #2) -NRD

• Publication date: July 30, 2024
• Language: English
• File size: 4.7 MB
• Print length: 152 pages
• Book 1 of 1: Roman’s Chronicles