Sanctum

Guards of the Shadowlands, Book 1

By: Sarah Fine

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

A week ago, 17-year-old Lela Santos’ 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.

©2012 Sarah Fine (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Interesting premise

Audiobook narration was great. Interesting premise for the story. There were times that I became so irritated with selfishness and poor choices of the main female character that I thought about stopping, but decided to see it through to the end. I will continue the series. One of the most interesting things is that many of the actions that propel the story forward are the thoughts put to action that go through many people’s heads when a loved one takes their life. You may want to skip this book if this subject is too close to home.

Just not my cup of tea

Would you try another book from Sarah Fine and/or Amy McFadden?

I dont think so, I didnt even make it pass chapter one. Its a very young book with stereotypical characters. You got the foster punk kid and the spoiled beautiful rich girl.

What was most disappointing about Sarah Fine’s story?

I didn't make it very far, the narrators voice gritted me wrong, and the story was already too young for my taste. I though high school based wasnt bad but right away drug deals and stereotypes turned me off.

What didn’t you like about Amy McFadden’s performance?

I didnt, its all whinny and high pitched to me. Which i guess is ok for the story and high school themed book but it was just too much for me.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I didnt make it pass chapter one, doesnt mean if it wasnt a movie I wouldnt try it. Mainly because most books made into movies are pretty different.

Any additional comments?

Its not my cup of tea but others really liked it

AN AMAZINGLY AWESOME RIDE!!

I listen to so many books so I don't usually write reviews unless the book is really good or really bad and this one is one of the really really good ones that is always a challenge to find.

The book is completely unique from the first sentence to the last. The book is the entire fantasy package in one, yes even some romance, but not "chick flick" romance. The entire book does not revolve around it, and all though the characters are 18ish the author wrote them to be much more mature, which spares the reader of watching that irritating development of puppy love that happens in a lot of books.

I won't ruin the book for anyone but the author's way to bring up the existence of the suicide gates and the way that certain afterlife works, with even having bad guys and a need for The Guard is so much fun and is truly great reading or listening. I am jealous and yet so very glad for authors like Sarah Fine for being able to imagine stories with characters and worlds like in this book.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of fantasy books, I can't wait to start the next book in the series!

Interesting concept

I like the story and the meaning very much
Getting a little tired of the headstrong young heroine type. She has more depth than Bella of twilight fame, though.

Food for the imagination!

Very different take on a place frequently wondered about. Good story, I loved the innocence of Layla and Malachi. Very refreshing.

Very Unexpected! !!

I found this book on Amazon. it was one that wad available on Kindle Unlimited and had the audiobook available for free so I thought I'd try it. At first I thought it was kind of morbid and depressing. Then it grabbed me but I couldn't figure out where it was going and how could this be a series? ? Well, it didn't go anywhere I expected and I couldn't get the next book fast enough. It's impossible to give a forty description of this story so just give it try and I think tool like it.

Fun series

I really enjoyes the fantasy series. It is a nice escape. The first book is definitely my favorite though

Loved it!

I loved this book. I listen to audio books on the Kindle app on my phone while I am at work and I have to say Sanctum is one of my favorites. I will definitely end up listening to it again!

unique take on the afterlife

I am new to audible but I really enjoyed this story. the characters and the plot are well thought out.

Entertaining

Sanctum is a unique story or rather the setting is somewhat unique as for the majority of the book the characters are in Hell. In the reality of this book all those who kill themselves go to Hell. Our heroine, Lela, has led a rough life. Finally as she nears the end of high school she finds a decent home and a true friend, Nadia. When Nadia kills herself Lela heads into The Lake Of Eternal Fire to try and rescue her...I will stop here to avoid spoilers.

This is a well written and entertaining story, even if an odd interpretation of Hell. It kept my attention though I wouldn't call it a page turner. There are lots of interesting insights and analogies hidden throughout. The narrator did a good job too. Good clear voice and kept the characters voices distinct.