Review: Sanctus

Sanctus by Simon Toyne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Please note: I read and reviewed this book in July 2011 from a copy received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review. I am about to read the 2nd book in the series, so formatting this review.

My Synopsis: A man has climbed the sheer, 1000-foot mountain out of which the Citadel is made. When the tourists who have visited Ruin, Turkey to see this ancient religious fortress arrive, they are astounded to see what looks like a large “T” on top of it; only to discover that it is a man who stands at the edge of the cliff, his arms outstretched and his head lowered. Several hours later, in front of the eyes of the tourist – and the whole world (as the media has appeared) – he jumps. What, if anything, does it all mean?

Liv Adamsen is an investigative journalist; she has just received word from the vital statistics department that her brother, missing for eight years, has been declared dead. Her world is crashing around her. How will she be able to accept the loss of her beloved brother? Then she receives a shocking phone call. What does she learn that sends her rushing to Turkey?

Kathryn Mann, head of the charity Ortus, is among the current generation of members of an ancient, secret tribe, determined to see the world changed through secret knowledge, if only they can free it. What is their goal, and will they survive to see it through?

The priests of the Citadel are afraid. The actions of the mysterious man threaten to undermine their very existence protecting a secret inside their mountain that could shake up the very foundation of organized religion. What is their secret, and why has it been hidden away all this time?

My Thoughts: This is the basic premise of the astoundingly original book “Sanctus.” (And does anyone else hear the theme from Omen every time they see that name?) A fast-moving, multi-threaded story, “Sanctus” contains ideas so explosive that it is sure to cause a firestorm of unrest. I absolutely loved it. The mysterious location, the strange ideas and rituals of the monks in the Citadel, the beautifully-evoked descriptions – it all added up to a book that maintained my interest, kept me guessing (and occasionally yelling “What!??! What is it?? PLEASE TELL ME!!” out loud, which I am sure gave the neighbors a start) and finally wound its way to a satisfying conclusion. Anyone interested in historico-religious thrillers should find this an exciting and worthwhile read. Those who are hungry for, or at least interested in, an alternate view of prehistory will love this book, too. Whatever you think of the ideas contained herein, there should be no reason not to enjoy the mastery over language and description exhibited by this extraordinary author. Definitely check this one out!




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