Return to the world of Kate Daniels – or at least the outskirts of it – with the first book in Roman’s Chronicles, Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews. Full of Slavic mythology and magic, Roman’s first novella is an action-packed journey that brings lots of creatures along for the ride. This novella can definitely be read separate from the Kate Daniels books, but enhances that world/those books as well. 

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Roman just wanted three days of peace and quiet, a few days of rest from his duties as a priest for the dark god, Chernobog. It was the holiday season, after all. But when a teenage boy stumbles into his yard and claims sanctuary, a silent night is the last thing Roman is going to get. Armed with his magic, an unexpected ally, and a menagerie of Slavic mythological creatures, Roman is going to give a handful of new enemies a holiday they will never forget. 

While a fairly quick read, Sanctuary was jam-packed with action and bits of Slavic lore. I loved this little foray into a new set of stories from Ilona Andrews. Much like other series Andrews has done, Roman’s Chronicles can be read as a standalone series that happens to be set in the larger Kate Daniels world. If you’ve read the Kate Daniels books, there will be little easter eggs sprinkled throughout Sanctuary, but this novella is also a great introduction to Andrews’ magical world and would be a great way to ease into the magical dealings around Atlanta.

This story was a pretty quick read, but Andrews managed to pack a lot into this one. Readers get a great introduction to Roman himself, as well as his current situation with the Slavic God of Death and Destruction – and that’s just the beginning of the adventure. Once Finn unexpectedly falls into Roman’s hands, the action only ramps up and continues for most of the story. While Roman had Chernobog’s magic to borrow from, it’s hard to beat the help of an entire menagerie of creatures from Slavic myth. With the help of that many woodland creatures, Roman might as well be Atlanta’s version of Snow White. 

I loved this first novella in Roman’s Chronicles. Roman is a bit of a scrooge who just wants a few days to himself. Of course, he got the opposite of that, but it was an exciting journey full of magic, new friends, old gods, and some interesting new ways to defend your house. 

Sanctuary was a short read, but entertaining every step of the way. I loved venturing back into Kate Daniels’ world, even if Roman keeps to himself outside of Atlanta, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of Roman’s books dive deeper into – and enhance – the magical Kate Daniels world. 

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