The story follows Petra Ondise, a determined young woman bound by the memory of her deceased brother, a loyal courier to the crown. As she delves into the enigmatic world of the House of Couriers, her quest for truth becomes entwined with destiny, and she discovers secrets that challenge her understanding of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Lewandowski’s prose is both evocative and immersive, painting vivid landscapes and intricate character dynamics. The backdrop of the royal city, with its rich lore and political machinations, draws readers into a world where every whisper carries weight and every shadow holds secrets. The Festival of the Late Harvest Moon serves as a powerful emotional and thematic anchor, providing a palpable sense of urgency and anticipation throughout the narrative.
Petra's journey from a humble maid to a pivotal figure within the House of Couriers is both inspirational and deeply human. As she uncovers the truth behind her brother's untimely death, her encounters with Third Shivalry Captain Rand Tsenturian shift the narrative into a realm of romantic tension and moral dilemmas. Rand, with his haunting dark red eyes and complex backstory, serves as both a protector and a catalyst for Petra’s transformation, embodying the enigmatic allure of forbidden love.
The themes of sacrifice and destiny are central to the novel, particularly as Petra and Rand navigate their evolving relationship amidst the constraints of their roles. The ancient garden hidden within the emperor’s palace symbolizes a sanctuary not just from the harsh realities of their world but from themselves as well. Here, the incantation that binds them captures the heart of the narrative—the allure of destiny drawing them together while simultaneously threatening to tear them apart.
Overall, I highly recommended read for fans of fantasy and romance alike. This book poses profound questions about loyalty and the sacrifices one must make for those they hold dear. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and an engaging blend of romance and adventure, Lewandowski's debut stands out as a remarkable entry in the fantasy genre.

A promising fantasy romance, it had all the markers of being a potentially good book. I was so bored the first couple chapters that I thumbed through the rest of the pages. This just wasn't the book for me.

Sanctuary swept me away to a world where Petra Ondise, driven by a vow to her late brother, rises from her humble beginnings to join the prestigious House of Couriers. As she tries to find out more about her brother’s mysterious death, she encounters the enigmatic Captain Rand Tsenturian and uncovers a web of secrets entwining them both. The romance and fantasy elements are skillfully woven together, creating a story full of intrigue and emotional depth. y with a compelling love story, making it an immersive and memorable read.

Ready for a fantasy romance that'll sweep you off your feet? ✨ Sanctuary is where magic and passion collide! Follow Petra as she leaves her mundane life behind to uncover the truth about her brother’s death and finds herself entangled with the mysterious Captain Rand Tsenturian. With secrets, ancient spells, and a romance that defies destiny, this book is a total page-turner. If you’re into epic love stories and fantasy adventures, this one’s for you! 💫📚❤️

I wanted to give this book a fair chance, but the reality was I couldn't get past the first chapter. I am sure this has an audience out there, but I am not it. The first chapter was such a turn off that I had no interest in reading the rest of the book.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover. The blurb sounded interesting so thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into the writing style. I am so used to reading books in first person, I really struggled that this wasn't. Also I know the first couple of chapters are scene setting, and the book is about Petra finding out what happened to her brother, but it felt like he was mentioned on every single page.
The premise of the book sounds really interesting, so I'm sure for some readers this is going to turn out to be a great book, it just wasn't for me.