Sanctum by Luna Kaye was an enjoyable paranormal romantasy. While I enjoyed certain aspects of the setting and characters, it didn't leave as strong an impact as expected.

This is an engaging urban fantasy filled with supernatural battles, mythology, and unexpected alliances. Lily’s journey from an unsuspecting mortal to the key figure in a celestial war kept me hooked. I loved her strength, vulnerability, and ability to unite people, especially the reluctant duo of archangel Michael and archdemon Asmodeus. The world-building was immersive without overwhelming, and the twists kept me guessing. While the pacing felt rushed, the character dynamics made up for it. With action, romance, and mythological depth, this book is for any fantasy lovers.

This romantic fantasy was just an utter surprise and a total joy to read! Demons, mortals and angels are wittily combined is written quite masterfully! The idea of a love triangle will make a lot of people shy away, but this love triad just really works. Making you question the love between Asmodeus/Lily and Michael/Lily is both tragic but leaves me in hopeful anticipation! In fact, all the characters are just amazingly complex, and the vivid world building is delightfully done! It is really hard to decide who to go, for team Asmodeus or team Michael, because both are just marvelous! Asmodeus might be all demon and plays on his baser primal instincts, which I loved his demon side. While angelic Michael just stunned me! I’ve always pictured Michael as being a virgin and would not have desire or lust for a female, but it’s enjoyable to read that he is knocked off that holy pedestal by a human. Lily has a tough choice and most of the time I wanted all three to live together. The open ending begs the question of who will finally get to claim Lily and what will happen to the rest of the group too. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series, but while I wait I will just read this again and again. I have to congratulate Ms. Luna Kaye on a fantastic book that everyone will love!

3⭐ 3🌶️

This book had so much potential and while I did really enjoy aspects of it, it overall fell a little flat for me and left me a little disappointed. The angels and demons plot line had me hooked in the beginning but the pacing felt a little off to me and the middle completely dragged. That being said, while I felt like it was longer than necessary, I did want more world building and explanations behind some of the major places and people that were influencing the plot. It was like we were skimming the surface the entire time and while it had the potential to be a true knockout, we just never got there.

I did really enjoy our characters and their unique personalities were well developed. Lily’s character arc was a total hit for me and I enjoyed watching her interact with those around her. However, I felt no emotional connection between her and her love interests and while the spice itself was well written, it felt disjointed from the overall plot and I felt nothing for their romantic relationships–it was like they were total strangers and while fate and destiny do play a major role here, I wanted a little more heartstrings too. I also was dreaming of a little sword crossing (hello, archdemon x archangel angst is OFF THE CHARTS) so maybe that was a contributing factor to my letdown and overall, my apathy for the romance could purely be a me issue–I am really here for the heartache, tension, and emotional turmoil.

The end of the book definitely did pick up around 70-75% and I enjoyed this part a lot more, anxiously awaiting to see if Lily was able to fulfill the prophecy and what resolution would come from this epic journey. Overall, I feel like there is so much potential here in the Sanctum world and I’m curious to see how this story may continue with our side characters in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Kayne Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

“When we aren’t whole, we instinctively seek what we are missing.”

This book is urban paranormal why choose romance perfection! I love the twists and turns, the hidden secrets and lies, the romantic and platonic relationships…everything!

Lily, the FMC, is strong and independent and so, so loveable. And never, ever would I be able to choose between her two MMCs, so I’m thrilled she didn’t have to, either! The spice was delicious and paired so well with an addictive plot. It was a struggle reading this during report card writing season, because I did NOT want to put it down! And once it was over, all I wanted was more.

Definitely check this book out if you’re a fan of: romantasy, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, why choose, super hot spice, angels, demons, and epic battles. You won’t regret it!

3.5 stars rounded up

Sanctum by Luna Kayne offers an intriguing blend of low fantasy and why choose romance, centered around Lily, a human woman on a quest for self-discovery, familial ties, and her destined role in a vast universe including heaven and hell.

The dynamic between Lily and her two love interests is a highlight, showcasing delightful banter, acceptance, and a touch of spice. The concept of a love triangle involving an archdemon and an archangel adds a captivating twist to the romantic plot.

While the premise is compelling, the story's pacing felt a bit sluggish at times, particularly in the beginning, which made it challenging to stay engaged. Additionally, the multitude of plot elements sometimes led to confusion, as not every aspect received the depth it deserved. Despite these issues, the central theme of prophecy and its implications for Lily's journey was genuinely fascinating.

As a fan of Greek mythology, I enjoyed these aspects of the story a lot. Overall, Sanctum is a solid read with a unique premise, but it could benefit a lot if there plot structure was just a touch more cohesive.

What initially drew me to this book was its intriguing premise—angels and demons, heaven and hell, and a mortal caught in the balance. The pacing in the first few chapters was excellent, instantly captivating me and urging me to keep reading. The trials for their soul's desire were a clever and engaging plot device, and the "why choose" romance was well-executed, adding depth to the story's emotional stakes. If you're a fan of paranormal romance or high-stakes fantasy, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try!

An enthralling blend of mystery and supernatural elements, 'Sanctum' keeps you guessing while offering deep emotional connections. The pacing is fantastic, and the plot twists will leave you wanting more.

This captivating epic fantasy will enchant readers who love stories filled with adventure, romance, and supernatural intrigue. It delves into themes of self-discovery and forbidden love, exploring the eternal battle between good and evil. The protagonist's journey to find their place in a world steeped in ancient prophecies and divine destinies will resonate with those who enjoy tales of personal growth and the struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. With a richly imagined world, complex characters, and a plot that twists and turns, this book will keep readers spellbound until the very end. Fans of epic sagas, star-crossed lovers, and the enduring power of hope will find this an unforgettable and deeply satisfying read.

📖 Sanctum
🧚🏻‍♀️Luna Kayne
📚 Primordial Lands #1

Sanctum is the first book in a new urban paranormal fantasy romance series with epic supernatural adventure.

Tropes :
🪽 Multiple POVs
😈 Why Choose Romantasy
🪽 Angels and Demons
😈 Fierce FMC
🪽 Morally Grey MMCs
😈 Enemies-to-lovers
🪽 Spiceeee
😈 Fantastical Creatures
🪽 Found Family
😈 Prophecy

Wow !! What an journey!!!

I went into this book blind , I didn't read the blurb , I didn't know what the tropes were and let me tell you it was the MOST AMAZING SURPRISE! I loved each and every part of the book sooo much 💜💜💜💜

It's been too long since I read a book with angels and demons and this book delivered the story incredibly!!!

The MCs were wonderful and their chemistry and romance was 🤌🏻🤌🏻
And the spice was DELICIOUS!!!

The plot , the world building, the pacing , every single thing was PERFECTION!!!

And even the side characters as well as the fantastical animals were absolutely lovable !!!

The ending will gonna make you sigh with happiness and satisfaction, with the prophecy fulfilled, all the while leaving you wanting more 🥰

I really hope there are more books to this series, I will absolutely devour them all !!

Thank you so much Luna Kayne, Kayne Publishing and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this masterpiece.

I enjoyed the plot of this book and the spin on the Garden of Eden and angels/demons. I felt as though the first few chapters were slow and a little hard to get through, but once you are past those chapters it starts to pick up. I will say I don’t think the plot fully picked up for me until about 75% in. That last quarter really gripped me and I wish I had more of that feeling throughout the whole book, but the plot was still very engaging throughout the book.
I think the best part of this book was the banter between Lily, our human fmc, and her archangel and archdemon mmcs. There’s a little bit of a love triangle vibe going on at the beginning just because, you know, archdemon and archangel don’t exactly mix well. They eventually find their way through their hardships and help Lily reach her destiny together.
This was a good low fantasy why choose romance with a unique plot!

I enjoyed the start of this book. It drew me into the story well and I wanted to find out more about Asmodeus and Lily and how they were connected. Unfortunately the story began to lose me as it unfolded. Some of the sex references and spice felt really forced and unnatural- they didn't add to the plot of the story for me and I found them a little frustrating. I also found some of the choices of the characters very questionable and they didnt make much sense to me. I didn't finish the book and stopped at about 60% of the way through.

I am absolutely speechless after finishing this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would in a heart beat. This honestly has been one of my favorite reads ever and I will never stop recommending it!

The way you set everything up was absolutely perfection. The wording building, backstory, events happening was all written in a way that I felt like I was a part of it. It wasn't like the information was just all given at once. It was laid out in a way that as you read it was all explained so beautifully and I understood it all. I really connect with all of the characters. Lily was of course my favorite. She is the bravest and most loving FMC. Then you have the men. Asmodeus and Michael both had a lot they had to overcome and learn during this journey and man did they! Honorable mention Slade because he is the best and always puts a smile on my face. I loved reading how the characters all grew and had so many breakthroughs that they didn't think they would ever have. I loved how detailed all of the connections between the characters were. You know when someone was even in the slightest warming up to another and it was honestly so sweet to read those small moments.

You absolutely out did yourself with this one. Can't wait to read what else you do! Thank you so much Net Galley and Luna Kayne for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! ❤️

SANCTUM is the first instalment in Luna Kayne’s contemporary, adult, PRIMORDIAL LANDS erotic, mythological, urban paranormal fantasy menage romance series. This is twenty-six year old, Lily, archdemon Asmodeus aka Jett, and archangel Michael.

Told from three first person perspectives (Lily, Asmodeus and Michael) SANCTUM focuses on twenty-six year old Lily, a young woman whose parents were murdered twenty years earlier, a young woman who is much than she could have ever imagined. At six years of age, Lily’s spirit left the human world in the wake of her parent’s death, and she found herself under the protection of the Prince of Demons, Asmodeus aka Jett. Upon returning to the Earth realm, Lily would grow up in the foster care system, meeting her best friend and mentor Finley along the way. Fast forward to present day, a field party ends with the arrival of hellhounds and demons, with only Finley and Lily surviving to see another day. Calling out for help, Lily invokes the name of Jett, the man who saved her years before, one of the men with whom Lily will fall in love. As Jett (Asmodeus), Lily, Finley, and Asmodeus’ demon friends Ragnar, Slade and Bowie go in search of the truth, the Archangel Michael comes into play, as he becomes part of Lily’s entourage, taking hold in her heart.

The world building focuses on the uniting of the three worlds: Celestial Lands, The Underworld and Earth; the preparations for war, and the discovery of the living heart of God. Metaphors, teachings, preachings and Christian spirituality all wrapped up in a story of power and control, life and death, and the ultimate hunger for domination.

There is a large ensemble cast of otherworldly and celestial secondary and supporting characters: Soul hunters, hellhounds, The Fates aka Moirai, Synergies, Underworld demons Ragnar, Slade, Bowie: Death; Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Uriel; Lily’s best friend and guide Finley-not every one will survive.

SANCTUM is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and anarchy, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is detailed, enchanting and complex; the romances are seductive and fated; the characters are determined, desperate, dynamic and powerful. SANCTUM ends on a happily ever after-for now.


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I wanted to love this so much. I’m not really sure why I didn’t. The characters OK the story was good. I just couldn’t get into it. It honestly felt like a chore I had to do. So DNF it. I definitely think other people would like this. It’s just not for me.

3.75/5

thank you to netgalley and luna kayne for setting me up with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

this book was a why choose romantasy between our fmc character lily, an archangel, and an archdemon. the author uses biblical and greek mythos as a basis for the storyline but also adds in her own twists which i whole heartedly enjoyed. i really love anything having to do with mythology, and then when you throw some spicy romance in there, it makes for a thoroughly entertaining journey.

this was a super unique take on angels vs. demons and i felt like the plot line was nothing like i have ever read before. the stakes were very high and you could feel the intensity amongst the characters as they realize how dire the situation they find themselves in actually is. they were continually challenged and tested in order to get where they needed to be to fulfill the prophecy and i loved that there was always a lot of action. while i found some parts quite predictable, there were a few unexpected reveals that made it hard for me to put this book down. all i can hope for is to read a book that keeps me engaged, and outside of some initial (read: boring, slow) world building in the first 30% or so, this book definitely did that for me.

the chemistry between our thruple was evident, but personally i don’t love insta-love and that is definitely how the vibes came across (though i understand the part it played in this book specifically and why it was needed after having full context). i was looking for a bit more tension/jealousy between michael and asmodeus, but they pretty much folded right away and accepted both of their connection to lily which felt pretty unrealistic considering they are mortal enemies. while i loooove a why choose, i definitely like it when there is a bit of back and forth fighting over who deserves to claim her before they are completely accepting of their circumstances. it kind of felt like a missed opportunity to really highlight how powerful they truly are, but instead their power was only ever spoken of instead of showcased. who doesn’t love to fantasize about two legendary creatures with limitless power fighting over you?! womp womp.

found family is one of my favourite tropes, and i felt like the interactions amongst the cast felt believable and earnest. i’m hoping in the next book we get to dive a little bit deeper into the back stories of bowie, hecate, slade, and ragnar as we really have only broke the surface with them. from what i can tell already, their backgrounds seem super compelling and full of pain and trauma, but im also wondering how close to the actual mythology the author will/has written the characters. i will have to do some research just for my own sake!

in all, while i thought this book could have been shortened, i definitely had a good time. definitely recommend to anyone looking for a different take on gods and monsters and angels vs demons.

I absolutely loved this book. I didn't want to put it down! I like that at the end of the book, it wasn't left on a cliff hanger but all answers were not given. This was a different take on Angels, Demons, Heaven, and Hell than I had read in quite a while but I really enjoyed reading it. I am hoping that Luna continues this series so we see what happens next with Lily, Asmodeus, and Michael. Also - I loved the side characters and would happily read their stories as well!

While I enjoyed what I did read of this (DNF at 30%), too many aspects of the storytelling felt undercooked.

Overall, the premise is very intriguing, the character dynamics start out strong (but then become inconsistent and convenient), and Jett's a very fun and sensual MMC with a Booktok-worthy mouth. Early on, I absolutely loved the interiority of the characters and highlighted a number of passages that were thought-provoking and character defining.

Additionally, I also loved the tone that the story started out on, which shifted and became a bit confused later. I'm all for books that dual-wield contrasting tones/genres -- horror alongside heart/humor, innocent alongside depraved, or even just grumpy/sunshine. But the story never seemed to know itself well enough to artfully strike that kind of balance consistently. When it did nail it... it was very fun and kept the pages turning. These big hulking demon men dealing in the land of mortals was a lot of fun.

Finally, the romance aspect was also a bit undercooked, lacking necessary tension. Had it delved further into Jett and Lily's time together before the were physically together, that might have built more effectively.

Looking forward to seeing how this author evolves with future releases.

Thank you to Luna Kayne and NetGalley for the ARC of Sanctum! I was so excited to dive into this story—the blurb promised an epic tale filled with angels, demons, and a mortal caught in the chaos. While the concept had incredible potential, the execution didn’t quite deliver the experience I was hoping for.

What Worked:
The premise was fascinating—Lily, a mortal destined to unite the Celestial Lands and the Underworld, is thrust into the middle of a brewing war between realms. The idea of a mortal being the key to saving (or dooming) both Heaven and Hell is a compelling setup, and the tension between her two protectors—an archangel and an archdemon—added an intriguing "enemies-to-reluctant-allies" dynamic. There were moments of chemistry and tension that stood out, particularly between Lily and Asmodeus (Jett), the broody and mysterious archdemon.

The tropes and themes were also enjoyable:

😇 Angel vs. Demon dynamic
🔥 Why Choose romance
⚔️ Prophecy and war threatening the balance between realms
🌌 Epic battles between Heaven, Hell, and Earth
😳 Spice amid chaos
These elements, paired with the dark, suspenseful atmosphere, provided a solid foundation and made for an interesting setup.

What Didn’t Work:
While the concept was fantastic, the execution felt overwhelming. The story tried to cram so much into a single book—world-building, plot twists, and nonstop action—that it became hard to keep track of everything. It felt like an entire series' worth of events compressed into one story, leaving little room for character development or emotional depth.

Lily’s character arc was especially disappointing. She started off as a fiery, confident woman, but quickly became meek and unsure, afraid of her power and her role in the prophecy. This shift felt inconsistent and frustrating, as her "chosen one" narrative had so much potential but lacked the depth and growth to make her journey compelling.

The romantic relationships also felt rushed. I was rooting for Lily to choose Jett (Asmodeus), who had a stronger connection and backstory, but Michael (the archangel) didn’t receive the same buildup or emotional weight. The "why choose" dynamic felt unbalanced and lacked the tension needed to make it believable. Finn and the other demons added some fun moments, but they didn’t get enough backstory to feel fully fleshed out, leaving the supporting cast underdeveloped.

Final Thoughts:
Sanctum is a book with incredible ambition and creativity. The idea of a mortal navigating alliances with an archangel and an archdemon to prevent a war between Heaven and Hell is unique and exciting. The story had all the ingredients for an epic dark fantasy, but the heavy world-building, overwhelming pacing, and lack of character depth kept it from reaching its full potential.

Fans of fast-paced urban fantasy with lots of twists, spice, and action might still enjoy this one. For me, I needed more time to feel the relationships, stakes, and character growth. Three stars for the epic concept, dark atmosphere, and glimpses of chemistry—but ultimately, this one didn’t quite work for me overall.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

2/5⭐

Nope!

You could think - angels, demons, underworld, Why choose are going to be a blast of a book.... Well, no.

What went wrong? Everything if you ask me.
No world building.
Poorly described characters. - I had no interest in them
No tension and build up in relationships
What is going on in general ???
Plot holes.
The book is not showing you but is telling you

The whole execution was really what ruined the book according to me.

Definitely there are people liking it but this is not me. The second star is for the idea in general.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.