SanctumAuthor: Sarah Fine
Series: Guards of the Shadowlands #1
Published by: Skyscape
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
Format: eBook
Pages: 450
Source: Purchased
“My plan: Get into the city. Get Nadia. Find a way out. Simple.”
A week ago, seventeen-year-old Lela Santos’s best friend, Nadia, killed herself. Today, thanks to a farewell ritual gone awry, Lela is standing in paradise, looking upon a vast gated city in the distance—hell. No one willingly walks through the Suicide Gates, into a place smothered in darkness and infested with depraved creatures. But Lela isn’t just anyone—she’s determined to save her best friend’s soul, even if it means sacrificing her eternal afterlife.
As Lela struggles to find Nadia, she’s captured by the Guards, enormous, not-quite-human creatures that patrol the dark city’s endless streets. Their all-too-human leader, Malachi, is unlike them in every way except one: his deadly efficiency. When he meets Lela, Malachi forms his own plan: get her out of the city, even if it means she must leave Nadia behind. Malachi knows something Lela doesn’t—the dark city isn’t the worst place Lela could end up, and he will stop at nothing to keep her from that fate.
I finally did it! I’ve heard high praise for Sarah Fine’s books for years, but hadn’t read them. Hell, I even bought five of them, so I figured it was about time to get on the Fine train. I decided to read Sanctum first because I found the blurb intriguing. Okay, and because I was told it’s pretty dark. I love a good dark read, so that sealed the deal for me. Turns out I made the right choice.
The whole premise of Sanctum is really creative. Lela going to hell in order to save her friend who committed suicide … now that’s what you call friendship. There’s more to it though, and it gets fairly deep. Now, it is a little on the darker side because it’s dealing with suicide, but the author handled it really well.
Despite the subject matter, there’s actually quite a bit of action and excitement. Mostly thanks to the Mazikin. Talk about creepy! And the world-building is fantastic! However, would I ever want to visit the eerie Shadowlands? Hell freaking no!
I like the characters a lot, especially Lela. She’s been through her own hell, but has come out stronger. The girl is loyal and will not give up on Nadia. I love her toughness and vulnerability, and her willingness to do whatever it takes. A true fighter to the core.
Malachi and Ana are great secondary characters. Malachi is head of the Guard, and Ana is basically his right hand. They’re both badass, and I loved the three of them together. I wasn’t too sure about the budding romance between Lela and Malachi at first, but it didn’t take long for me to start rooting for them. At the same time, I had a pit in my stomach, because I was so anxious about how everything would turn out. I was extremely invested, that’s for sure.
Overall, Sanctum was a superb read, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I’d watched those girls shrink back as I walked down the hall. I’d heard them whispering about how I’d killed someone, which was totally untrue. I’d almost killed someone.
Cool I have this on audio. I love her UF series on audio.
YAAAAASSSS! I’m so glad you finally gave in and read her book, Christy. This is one of my all-time favorite series and I love how dark these books are. And the romance! So ship-worthy!
I can’t wait to see what you think of the rest of the books, but I’m so so excited you enjoyed it! 🙂
You’ve got to read her Of Metal and Wishes series once you finish this one! 😉
Ok – omg – how have I not heard of this? This sounds really amazing. And maybe I’m weird, but the title alone would have probably gotten me to buy it. I am so ON this. See Christy, you’re good for something.
Hahahah! You finally did it. 🙂 Sarah Fine is a wonderful story spinner. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
It’s about freaking time! So glad you finally took the plunge and read this one. It still remains on my favorite shelf!
Woo hoo! I think I held my breath while reading your review LOL! I was so worried you wouldn’t like it. I’m so relieved you did and want to read more!
This is one of my all time favorites actually, but oddly enough, I never finished the trilogy. There is apparently some romance drama in book 2 which I’m just not in the mood for. But I will read them eventually and I think Sarah is really awesome.
So glad you finally got to this! I LOVED it as well!
Sounds great! I enjoy dark reads too, so I’m pretty excited 😊
I think I snagged this when it went for free. Gawd! My Sarah Fine collection is growing! I need to read some of it soon, I always need a slice of awesome.
I still need to read something by Sarah Fine myself, but I DO want to check this one out. It sounds kind of perfect for me. I’m glad you really liked it!
I loved this one too, I thought the world building was epic. And just like you said, it’s really creative and the characters are fab! So why have I not read the sequel yet? *hangs head in shame* Too many great books, I need to make time for!
Sanctum sounds fantastic, Christy! I can’t imagine visiting hell, but I guess for someone I loved as much as Lela seems to love Nadia, it would be worth it. And I love that there is more to the story than meets the eyes at a first glance, too.
Great review!
YEAH CHRISTY!!!!! I was late to the Sarah Fine party as well, but better late than never, right? I completely understand now what the fuss was all about, I absolutely loved this series. I can’t wait to see what you think of the next 2 books!
I’ve only read one Sarah Fine and really enjoyed it, will definitely have to check out this series! This one sounds pretty action-packed! Glad to see you enjoyed it!!
This sounds like my kind of book too Christy, and have read Scan that she co wrote and really enjoyed her style of writing. I love the strong female friendship, touching on serious issues like suicide. Sounds like an odd inclusion though, so interested to see how she’s woven it in there. So glad you enjoyed this Christy, going to grab a copy now too. Brilliant review <3
I haven’t read anything by Sarah Fine yet. I have seen a ton of reviews though. This blurb does sound super interesting. I might have to add it to the never ending TBR – Great review!!
I’m like you. I haven’t read her yet, but so need to try the series. You have me curious of this one and I do think I’ll have to push this one up my wishlist.
I still have to read her too. I love dark reads so I might try this one.
Woot! I can’t wait to give this book a try. I have the same predicament as you, Christy… hearing so much of this author, I’ve been buying her books left and right but haven’t read a single one! I have this one which I bought from a deal a few months ago… and I’m so going to read it soon because of your review. Lela sounds like an amazing character, and Malachi even more so!
Sounds like a book with well-written characters! I’m quite curious about the Shadowlands!
I read a book she co-wrote and really enjoyed it! This sounds great too!
Haven’t tried this series yet, but my next arc is her 3d installment in her urban fantasy/ pnr romance series- Servants of Fate. Glad you enjoyed it!
Oooh… this sounds fun Christy! Going to hell to save your friend… so cool! I like the sound of this world and the characters.
Well dang that sounds…creeptastic, Christy! I’ve seen hers about but not tried any yet. Yay for your first being fab 🙂
Going into hell to save a friend? Talk about dedication. I really enjoy books that have like hell, heaven, angel demon themes. So I’m adding this one to my TBR. Nice review!
This is probably the first time I hear about this series but it sounds really good. I’ll keep my eye on it for when I really get into reading books like these 🙂
Glad you enjoyed this, I loved it too, need to read the final book!
ADDED it to my TBR!!!! I also added it to my Amazon wishlist so hopefully it drop price one of these days 🙂 $3.99 isn’t bad, though.
Fantastic review!!! I’m glad you finally read this so it’s on my radar now! I saw all the other great reviews and DAMN!!!