Title: Sanctum

Author: P.T.L. Perrin

Genres: Fantasy / Science fiction

 

In Sanctum, the first book in the Dragon Guild series, by P.T.L. Perrin, a young woman named Gabri possesses unique powers that allow her to communicate telepathically with others and manipulate sound frequencies, but when she’s kidnapped by an evil force, Ozul, she is taken from her home, family, and everything she knows. She also loses her powers, and even once she’s rescued, her life begins in Umbra, where time moves differently, and there are dragons. Back on Earth, her best friend, Donny, teams up with alien allies to rescue her using advanced technology.

Perrin excels at character development, especially Gabri’s relationship with Elio and her sweet bond with baby dragon Makani. Surprisingly, Theia, who rescues Gabri, makes a believable transition from an antagonist to an ally toward Gabri, and this plays out through well-paced revelations. Gabri has dependable, true friends in Margo and Dirk, which readers will relate to and root for.

Perrin is a master at worldbuilding, creating two distinct realms with vivid details that are the hallmark of strong fantasy stories. Lovers of this genre will find themselves immersed in these worlds. The author draws a sharp contrast between depressing, shadow-filled Umbra and the vibrant, life-filled Sanctum, providing a compelling backdrop. Once Gabri is in Sanctum, where she bonds with Makani, a baby dragon, these scenes capture both wonder and responsibility.

The story is told in parallel storylines, following Gabri in Umbra/Sanctum and Donny and her family’s search to find her on Earth. This narrative device creates tension and really shows how well the author can manage multiple storylines without losing momentum. The time differential between worlds further adds complexity to the plot and raises emotional stakes as Gabri ages faster, at twice the speed, than her loved ones at home realize.

This fantasy is also rife with magic. Perrin introduces several characters with different abilities, including sound manipulation, telepathy, and dragon-bonding. This creates an engaging system of magic, and with a careful balancing act, it never feels merely convenient or is used recklessly. Rather, there seems to be a governing backdrop to magic in Sanctum. These powers do have their limitations, as well as consequences, that keep propelling the plot forward instead of bogging it down.

The dialogue can sometimes become too expositional as characters explain complex concepts about dimensions and abilities to one another. At times, it feels like this is the second book in the series rather than the first, as there is a lot of background that must be explained and understood, as well as a lot of characters.

Sanctum proves a captivating young adult fantasy novel that blends the genres of science fiction with magical realism. The conclusion sets up excellently for the sequel yet still gives enough of a resolution to satisfy readers. Perrin has crafted an adventure that combines elements familiar to fantasy readers: chosen ones, interdimensional travel, and magical creatures, while adding twists to keep the story fresh and engaging.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.