Sanctuary (Roman’s Chronicles Book 1)

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 1,041 ratings

Price: 4.99

Last update: 08-02-2024


About this item

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes a novella featuring Roman, our favorite Volhv wizard in the always intriguing, colorful, volatile Kate Daniels world.

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!

Top reviews from the United States

Jenn
5.0 out of 5 stars So excited to see what's next for Roman!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
I am a huge fan of Ilona Andrews! They are auto-buy authors for me. Whatever they write, I’m gonna read. The Kate Daniels series is one of my all-time favorite series. The world building is top notch and the way they weave all the storylines together is amazing. The side characters are always fleshed out and add a lot to the books. I was excited when I heard Roman was getting his own novella. He’s everyone’s favorite Black Volhv.

I loved grumpy Roman and his animal misfits! This was such a fun listen/read and I liked the new characters that were introduced to. I listened to the audiobook as well and it was so good! I loved the narrators voice and thought he did an amazing job of voicing Roman. The story was easy to follow and the audiobook helped a ton with figuring out how to pronounce certain names.

This is a book you will enjoy even if you’re new to the Kate Daniels world. I saw there will be a sequel so I can’t wait for more Roman!
Northwoman
5.0 out of 5 stars A new layer to the world created by my favorite author!
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from NetGalley, Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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!
Michelle M
5.0 out of 5 stars A very good novella, my only complaint is it was too short
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
This was an entertaining novella. It started with a action right away and did not let up throughout. I liked the black humor sprinkled throughout the story that balanced some of the brutal events which were occurring. The author introduced all the Roman related affiliated characters in a seamless manner and I enjoyed the relationships he had with these people and creatures. The very short snippet "Kind Regards" at the end was nice and showed that Finn has began his "job" for Morena. This was great read and I hope there will be more adventures with Roman, Finn and Andora.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it - read in one night, now I'm tired
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
I have never been disappointed in an Ilona Andrews book. This one is up to par! I was concerned having a minor character from the Kate Daniels world get a series, but I was wrong. Roman is interesting, and well developed. Lots of action, and humor all throughout the book. I am keen to see the continuation of the series.
Red-Haired Ash
4.0 out of 5 stars A great new spin-off!
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
4 stars - It was really good

Roman wants nothing more than to be left alone during the holiday, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard begging for sanctuary, he takes him in. Now mercenaries and priests are attacking his property trying to get the boy, but they don’t realize they are messing with the Black Volhv.

Roman has been a character that I have been interested in learning more about since he was introduced in the Kate Daniels series. He is the Black Volhv, serving Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death. In the Kate Daniels series we see Roman be a confident man who wields fascinating magic in the name of his God, but in this we see a different side of him. He isn’t all confident but instead struggling with the trauma of his past that reignites itself every holiday season. I like that we are finally getting to see more of Roman’s personality and backstory.

Roman fights to protect a kid and his dog from mercenaries and priests. The battle was fantastic because we got to see all different kinds of things that Roman can do and what these new priests can do as well. It was an action packed story with some great magical fights. Finn may be a kid but he was a cool character who fought back when he knew he would probably fail. His sister Androa was a badass and I really want to know more about her abilities and duties to the Gods now.

Overall, this was a great new spin-off series and I can’t wait to read more about Roman’s adventures, especially with all his cute sounding critters. Also I really hope we see more of Finn and his sister Andora in future books because they were cool side characters.

TW: death, gore; brief mention of past bullying;
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging.
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
Interesting to see into Romans life. The mythology was intriguing in how it was interpreted using artistic license. Readers get a crucial look into a part of Romans life including some great humor. Two new characters are introduced who hopefully stick around since this is labeled as book 1 and both have a lot of promise.
ERWARD
5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful story beautifully told.
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
This story, like all of Ilona Andrews work is a great read. The characters are complex. The plot is layered. It's an emotional journey wrapped in an action filled plot. And it's got cute ugly critters. Just read it.
cj
5.0 out of 5 stars Another stunner!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
They’ve done it again with Sanctuary, pulled me in from the start, and made me read straight through to the end. Love the descriptions and the banter and personal thoughts are often times hysterical. Another great read from this husband/wife that will have you eager to read more!

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