Avenger: The Sanctuary Series, Vol. 2

I'm now through book 5 of the main series as well as the companion (dark elf) books, and so I want to provide some thoughts to someone who might be contemplating trying this series. The 1st book in the series won't give you much hope about the future of the series, but let me tell you that overall it's worth diving into and my review above really speaks to my feelings about the published series as a whole, not just this book. Part of the joy of this series is watching the author slowly become a significantly better and more confident writer.During the course of that growth the world, the characters, and my love for the series has also grown. It starts out like a typical early 00's MMORPG and grows in depth and subtly with each passing book. I urge you give this series a chance and I hope by book 3 you'll have grown to love it as much I as do.Book 1: Boring, predictable, mediocre fantasy novel. The first half is particularly bad. 2 of 5 starsBook 2: Slightly better. The world begins to expand a little in this novel and the characters become a little more 3 dimensional. 3 of 5 starsBook 3: The world opens up, the main characters begin to have a real voice, and you feel the actual stakes at play within this universe. Most importantly the author finds how to incorporate his trademark snark and sarcasm into these relationships. 4 of 5 starsBook 4: The series asks questions that involve real more complexity including dealing with death, responsibility for our actions, and the importance of trust in relationships. 4 of 5Book 4.5 Provides more color and complexity for one of the best characters in the series. 5 of 5Book 5: I'm hooked. Can't wait to see the path that this story finally takes us down. 5 of 5Book 5.5 More backstory, more complexity, just wonderful. This is basically Ender's Shadow to book 5's Enders Game. 5 of 5.

As a gamer (D&D) I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author obviously has a keen grasp of character development. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys any kind of role-playing games.

Highly enjoyed reading this! I have actually read the first two books on my kindle, but now I have decided to order the physical books as they are a keepsake in itself that I want to show off on my bookshelf.I love the characters, the twist and turns, and even the romance. I find it very difficult to put Robert's books down, and this is definitely no exception. Great sequel to a very interesting world.Cannot wait to start book 3 tonight which I have already received as a physical book!

I'm pleased with this series. I hope more will be written than the current 3. On to the last book.

Great read, love the trials and the battles they go through. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. Sort of like Harry Potter but with adults.

This book started out with an odd jump right into an almost cartoonish Dungeon crawl style but I stuck with it and am now into the third book. I have found myself really interested in the main character and am turning pages to see what happens to him.I am normally drawn to a much more developed world creation but somehow this just works. It's not for everybody but if you stick with it, you might really enjoy it. Oh, and lots and I mean lots of action!

I'm a big fan of sword and sorcery adventures, but lately there's a lot of dreck being self-published in this genre. It's a joy to find an author as talented as Robert J. Crane and a series as exciting as Sanctuary. I went through this book saying "Just one more chapter" until the sun was rising and my alarm was ringing. I considered calling in sick so that I could finish reading, but the example of Cyrus Davidon, the Sanctuary series protagonist, and duty prevailed. I went to work, then rushed home at the end of the day to once again immerse myself in the world of Arkaria.I gave the first book in the series a rave review, and this book is even better. I promised myself that I would write this review before starting the third book, but I couldn't do it. I picked up that book right away, and it is better still.In Avenger, Davidon is having nightmares about his friend's death at the hands of the Goblin King and Queen. At the same time, caravans crossing the plains near Sanctuary are being raided with all hands being mercilessly killed so there are no witnesses. Davidon and his guild mates are found investigating at a fresh kill and accused of being the marauders. They are banished from all major cities, separating them from families and holdings. Some members leave the guild to return to their homes, but despite their denouncement of Sanctuary, they are killed for breaking their exile. Sanctuary's plight looks most bleak when rival guild, Goliath, turns up to offer to pay the fines in exchange for taking over Sanctuary. Davidon and his mates turn down Goliath's offer. They continue to investigate the caravan attacks while planning an assault on the lower realms to raise capital and obtain magical weapons and armor.I won't spoil the end of the book for you. Read it for yourself, but plan to start on a Friday night so that you don't find yourself asleep at your desk when you should be working.

Bold fully engaging characters that you can grow attached to. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A book that is hard to put down because it’s so throughly engrossing.

Fabulous book!

These stories get better and better. I read the first and enjoyed it but the second was even more enjoyable. I am thoroughly into the fanstasy genre at the moment and this series of books is one of the best. His characters, especially Cyrus who is the lead character, gain in stature and breath with each novel. There is lots of majic but also a lot of character building so you get to know more about them with each book. If you are a lover of fantasy, especially one with lots of battles, you will love these books. Also it would seem the autjor improves with each book. You should also try his 'Girl in a Box series.

Really enjoy Robert J. Crane books so far and decided to try the Sanctuary series after readying "Out of the Box" series of his and must say my only disappointment is waiting for the newest to come out!

This book steps away from the series but fills in a space of time when one of Sanctuary left. A good read.

This the second book in the Sanctuary Series and continues the story of the Sanctuary Guild. It took me until about a 1/3 of the way through the book to really get into it but then the story pace really took off and I really enjoyed it.While the "Ghost" continues his mysterious ways and Vara and Cyrus dance the foxtrot of will they / won't they throughout the story I think Fortin ( a new character ) is really hilarious and he really added another depth to the expanding cast of book 2.Trouble visits the Sanctuary Guild in this book when they are blamed for crimes that they did not commit and they need to clear their name - the adventure begins.Lots of action, a bit of "almost" romance,lots of suspense and a mixed bag of creatures all working for the greater good -you will be hooked. A really good read.I am away now to start book 3- The Champion.