Sanctuary

Subversive Trilogy, Book 2

By: Raena Rood

Narrated by: Paige Servi

Six months after fleeing the Task Force, Gemma Alcott and a handful of fellow believers have found refuge deep in the Pennsylvania wilderness. Tucked away in a hidden encampment known as the Sanctuary, supplied by an aging bookstore owner and her quiet network of allies, it feels—for the first time—like peace. Each night, Gemma falls asleep in Taylor’s arms, surrounded by trees, silence, and the fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, they’re safe.

But the past won’t stay buried. Gavin still lingers in her thoughts. And Mullen, the ruthless redheaded soldier, stalks her dreams like a shadow she can’t shake. When the Task Force locks down the nearby town of Winter’s Dam, threatening the lives of those keeping the Sanctuary alive, Gemma and Taylor lead a small team into dangerous territory for a rescue mission that goes terribly wrong.

As the fallout threatens to destroy everything they’ve fought to protect, Gemma is forced to confront not only the regime that wants her dead but also the guilt, grief, and unanswered questions that have followed her into the forest. Stripped of everything she loves, she must find her courage, her voice, and her faith in the only sanctuary that cannot be taken away.

Sanctuary is a riveting continuation of The Subversive Trilogy—a story of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring power of faith in the face of overwhelming darkness.

©2021 Raena Rood (P)2025 Raena Rood

Sanctuary

I really enjoyed this captivating story and was excited to find out what happens next. The book and story are amazing, however the narration is not. The narrator from the first book was good but the one that does books 2 & 3 is hard to listen to. Her inflection never changes and doesn’t match what she is reading and sometimes it’s hard to follow or know which character is talking. Regardless, I am excited to read or listen to more books by this author.

Good story

This is a good story with characters you can get interested in. The problem for me was the narrator. It felt like she was simply reading the book to you. No emotion or voice changes for the characters.

Emotional Story

Sanctuary is Book 2 in the Subversive Trilogy by Raena Rood. Christianity is against the law and the Christians have fled to a new sanctuary. Gemma and Taylor feel that the group is safe until the Task Force shows up in town looking for the Subversive group. I thought that Sanctuary was so intense and so much happens to the Christian group. Raena Rood does a fantastic job writing the middle book. I thought Paige Servi gave a good performance in her narration. Sanctuary leaves the listener wanting to listen to the conclusion of the trilogy right now! But, I guess I just have to wait a little longer. I believe that this series is one of the best end time trilogy I have read and listened to....wonderful!

Engaging

I really loved this book. In most Christian books I read/listen to typically I can read it like a Hallmark movie…relaxing to watch, a tad cheesy and very predictable. This was by far not even close. Just as I loved the first book this was just as engaging. I wasn’t a fan of the narrator she was pretty dry. The narrator from the first book I definitely prefer. Even sometimes I don’t realize when someone was speaking or if it was the same thought from the first character.
There is plenty of turns where I was like oh it’ll go this way and then I would be hit with something totally different. I enjoy each character as they develop throughout the story. I highly recommend reading. I would proceed with caution if you are thinking about having a young teen read it. I had considered to allow my 13.5 year old to read it but some sense I felt may have been startling. I know I may sometimes over shelter on what she see, reads or hears but it’s just a personal opinion. Happy reading and ENJOY!

Audiobook #2 reminds you of why you loved #1 and excited for #3!

So glad that part 2 of the Subversive Series is now available on audiobook!
Sanctuary held my attention and kept me wanting more which can’t always be said for books in the middle of a series. Listening to this book was like catching up with old friends and I was quickly reminded how much the love the characters and all they are fighting for. I can’t wait to find out what book 3 has in store for Gemma!