Review: Simple and Elegant Prose
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 12, 2013
A priest, less and yet far more than he appears, is an astonished witness to what he believes is a miracle when his church and village are ransacked. Who is the mystery man who brought the raiders to heel and destroyed the darkest among them? Is his appearance a sign from God, and what journey does his presence portend for the young priest?Kris Kramer's Sanctuary follows Daniel, a young priest with a secret who has taken up residence in the village of Rogwallow, Wessex. When a man who calls himself only Arkael appears from nowhere to defend the church - a sanctuary, or holy place - from vicious raiders, Daniel follows him in an attempt to learn the truth about his quest. What lies in store for Daniel, however, is a journey of self-discovery; his travels take him not only across the kingdoms of 9th century Britain, but also between the forces of good and evil, and help him discover the power that lies within him.Kramer's prose is simple and elegant, capturing the reader even as he weaves a dark story of war and magic. Daniel is a character of many conflicting thoughts and dynamic weaknesses, an archetype that will resonate with many readers beyond the specifics of the plot.Ninth-century Britain is not a very likely setting, even for historical fiction, but the uncertainty of the time and place lend themselves well to this fantasy work. Lovers of magic and difficult philosophical questions should line up with the historical fiction fans to enjoy Sanctuary and to eagerly await the next book in this planned trilogy.