Reviews

"The Sanctuary" by Andrew Hunter Murray presents a fascinating premise in a world besieged by environmental catastrophe. The author's skilful world-building and intricate attention to detail create an immersive setting that captivates the imagination. The ecological themes are thought-provoking, offering a timely reflection on our current global challenges.

However, while the concept is intriguing, the execution at times feels weighed down by an abundance of descriptive passages, slowing the pacing and detracting from the overall momentum of the narrative. The characters, though varied, might lack the depth needed to truly engage readers on an emotional level, making it challenging to fully invest in their journeys.

Despite these drawbacks, "The Sanctuary" remains a commendable read for those interested in speculative fiction that delves into environmental issues, but it might not fully satisfy readers seeking a more balanced blend of intricate world-building and character development.

metika's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

aroberts1997's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

gregalexander3's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ailsareads's review against another edition

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3.0

I have a tendency to go into books blind if I know I like the author or I’m intrigued enough by the cover. That was the case here - I knew Andrew Hunter Murray both from his work as a comedian and QI researcher but also his previous novel, The Last Day, set on a dystopian Earth that has stopped spinning. I was hoping for something else dystopian, creepy, scary and maybe with something interesting to say about the human condition. This definitely seems to fit the brief - at an unspecified point in time an unspecified country a lot like the UK is suffering from a lack of births, climate change and other maladies not entirely explained, and the very wealthy are now living in idyllic and definitely not culty Villages, founded by a mysterious and also definitely not culty man called John Pemberley. Our protagonist Ben is on the hunt for his fiancée Cara who has gone to work for this mysterious billionaire on “the island” and not come home. The island is so obviously incredibly sinister that it’s almost laughable that Ben would think it was actually some kind of utopia. It was an enjoyable read but I was also so frustrated at Ben the whole time!

ebonya's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

abbi_rose's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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