P.T.L. Perrin’s Sanctum kicks off the Dragon Guild series with a thrilling and heartfelt plunge into a world where ancient gifts, alien allies, and shadowy enemies intertwine. At its center is Gabriella, a Cherokee teen with the power to manipulate frequencies, a gift she’s barely begun to understand. After a terrifying vision and a sudden abduction, Gabri finds herself trapped in a bleak realm by a creature calling her “world-destroyer.” With the help of her fiercely protective friend Donny, a dragon rider, and mysterious allies from other worlds, she fights to reclaim her identity, her abilities, and her future.

I didn’t expect to get so emotionally invested in this story. Perrin has a gift for character depth. Gabri isn’t just some overpowered chosen one; she’s vulnerable, angry, stubborn, and relatable. I felt her fear in that cold, silent tower. I cheered when she found strength in the smallest sprout of hope—literally, a baby Aracai plant. And Donny? He’s the kind of quiet hero who sticks with you—protective but not controlling, smart but still deeply unsure. Their bond felt real, messy, and tender. The writing flows well, with immersive sensory detail. The pacing dips a little in the middle, but the emotional undercurrent keeps it alive.

What I loved most were the ideas behind the story. There’s a deep respect for Indigenous cultures, for the natural world, and for spiritual connection—things too often tokenized in sci-fi/fantasy. But here, they’re essential, woven in with care. Perrin also explores the weight of identity: What does it mean to be called “destroyer” when you’ve only ever tried to protect? Gabri’s inner conflict hit home. The whole narrative dances on this line between ancient tradition and futuristic tech, and somehow, it all works. There’s telepathy, dragons, dimension-hopping, alien races, and yet, it never loses its soul.

Sanctum isn’t just a sci-fi fantasy adventure. It’s about finding power in who you are, even when the world (or some monster in another dimension) tells you you’re something else. I’d recommend this book to readers who love rich world-building, strong female leads, and a story that hits both the heart and the imagination. Fans of Percy Jackson, Avatar: The Last Airbender, or A Wrinkle in Time will probably feel right at home. I know I did.

Pages: 281 | ASIN: B0F8FVQ9HX