Review copy was received from NetGalley, Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews Series: Roman's Chronicles #1, Kate Daniels #15.5
Published by NYLA on July 30, 2024
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 152
Format: eARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Purchased
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It’s not easy serving the 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.
I always love a new book by Ilona Andrews and am honored to get to read and review, Sanctuary. The story further develops a character in the Kate Daniels world. Roman is part of the Slavic mythology serving Chernobog. As a dark god, you would think he would be evil. But dark and light are just the two sides to the world, keeping a balance, not actually good and evil.
Roman is trying to help keep things in balance, and also works to protect humans and more vulnerable creatures. We find him right before Winter Solstice when he is supposed to have a vacation. But Chernobog has him busy to try to appease his wife, Morena. Roman’s family also has some expectations. That’s before a child comes to him and says “Sanctuary.”
There is much to enjoy here and the layers of stories which make a shorter book even more interesting. First, there’s the boy and why he is on the run with his dog. Next, the unusual dissonance between Chernobog and Morena. Most importantly, there is the development of Roman so we know him better and his personal growth as he handles these issues.
As usual, the wordcraft and pacing, along with character development are stellar. I enjoyed reading so much. The subtle undertone of humor is precious. The Slavic themes are interesting to me and their role in this world. I look forward to more of Roman’s story!
About Ilona Andrews
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I’m so glad Roman’s getting his own stories and we can get to know him better. He is a fun side character in Kate Daniels’ series.
I agree. It brings out another type of mythology so that’s fun too.
I can’t wait to read this one. I’m behind on a few of the shorter stories that have come out lately but do want to catch up. I’ve had my eyes on this one.
I love everything Ilona Andrews!
This sounds so good and I love a good spin off series. I fully intend on trying Iona Andrews next year if I don’t manage to do so this year. I don’t think I’ve ever read a bad review on her books.
Katherine, I hope you do get to read their books. They are my favorite authors. Kate Daniels is where I started. If you like romance more than UF you might try the Hidden Legacy series which is seriously amazing, action packed and funny.
I’m so excited to read this or listen. I just have to decided which format. ^_^
Love the Kate Daniels world. Thanks for the reveiw.
Thanks Angela. I don’t think you can go wrong with either version!
I loved this one, too! I hope we get more stories and hopefully a romance. Seemed to be one brewing.
I agree Rachel. I love everything Ilona Andrews.
This sounds good. I’ve been wanting to read this author for a while.
Well Naida, it’s my favorite author and I highly recommend all their books. Pick a genre and run, don’t walk to read their books. Generally when I get one of their ARCs there is screaming and then I sit down and read it, putting off everything else.
Someday I shall be caught up!
I wish you luck Carole. I have series I am trying to catch up and even though I love the books I have made other commitments to fulfill first.
I really miss this genre, especially the Kate Daniels series. Maybe in 2025. Great review, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. My 2025 Read-along is Ilona Andrews. The Edge (4 books PNR) and then 6 books Innkeeper Chronicles ( kind of scifi UF?) Maybe you could do them or one of them.
This was such a fun story. I hope they have time to write more about Roman.
yes, I love learning about more characters in the world. High on my list would be Luther Dillon. He’s fascinating.