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Santuario (Santuario #1)

by G.B. Gordon (Goodreads Author)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 60 ratings · 34 reviews

Police teniente Alex Rukow has spent his life trapped on Santuario, his people’s isolated home-slash-prison-island. They’ve been living in poverty under the tyrannical regime of their own elite familias for the last two-hundred years, ever since their generation ship landed on the planet and found it already populated by earlier Earth settlers, the Skanians, who banished t...more

ebook, 258 pages

Published October 8th 2012 by Riptide Publishing (first published October 6th 2012)

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Oct 10, 2012 Kate added it

This had some promise. The world building, the potential culture clash between a liberal social democracy and a brutal feudal dictatorship with problematic legal ties and a difficult past history had a lot going for it. A murder investigation that ties in with all the other tensions between these two countries, and hints at the origin of the schism between them gave a lot of scope for a great story.

Unfortunately that got lost in some very dreary (and to me superficial) social commentary and in t...more This had some promise. The world building, the potential culture clash between a liberal social democracy and a brutal feudal dictatorship with problematic legal ties and a difficult past history had a lot going for it. A murder investigation that ties in with all the other tensions between these two countries, and hints at the origin of the schism between them gave a lot of scope for a great story.

Unfortunately that got lost in some very dreary (and to me superficial) social commentary and in the heads of the two protagonists who mostly doubt themselves and suffer in the dismal ugliness of life on Santuario. Then presto! At the end, every conflict is white washed or trivialized, all problems magically disappear, the bad guys get what is coming to them...right thinking and love conquers all. It's a pretty end to what had been a depressing tale, but it doesn't match the tone of the story or really anything we have been shown about this world up to that point.

The romance was dubious for me. Alex is so deeply closeted as to be unaware of his sexuality, and homosexuality is looked on as a distasteful perversion to the Santuarians. He also has all kinds of other personal issues relating to abuse. So him opening up to Bengt, an openly gay but otherwise naive Skandian with his own self doubts and confusion, seemed implausible. Like I said, all these sorts of problems were brushed aside rather than worked through. I'd have liked a few stolen kisses, some aborted fumbling around, any kind of obvious sexual tension leading up to the final climactic (and only) sex scene. That would have helped sell me on their mutual desire, but alas. Nada.

I found the first half a slog, the second half implausible and the whole thing full of a constant subtext of thuggish brutality that in the end had nothing to do with anything. Somewhere in there a good story was lost.

ETA: The embedded graphics are a real pain with the Kindle. You can highlight and then use the zoom function, but it is fairly clumsy, at least with the keyboard style reader.(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Santuario confused the heck out of me...but even so, it was beautiful and enjoyable...

I felt like I was lost throughout most of the book, just kind of getting what was going on, but not entirely. I tried to understand everything I was reading and was getting frustrated in my efforts. So, when I finally let go of trying to have everything make sense, I started to fully enjoy myself. Oddly, I have the feeling GB Gordon does this on purpose.

It sets itself up as this other-worldly fantasy book…moth...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Togainunochi(Jude) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone

Shelves: favorites, romance

This book had everything I love in a story, mystery, science fiction/fantasy, and m/m romance. It's a story of cultural shock, learning to trust a perceived enemy, and ultimately finding acceptance and love.

It's a slow building story, incorporating several story lines and a large cast of characters. I never found it difficult to follow the story, it flowed like the Latin music that played in my head as I read it.

This went right to my favorites and I plan to reread many times.

The further I am fr...more

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Oct 07, 2012 oceankitty rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Absolutely outstanding and wonderful sci-fi/mystery novel! What a debut! The mix of cultures on this planet is so well thought through and so wonderfully executed that I have a hard time not believing this planet is out there somewhere. The Skanians are pretty impressive; I found no niggles when it came to their culture or the use of Nordic languages, which is pretty mind baffling in itself. I ALWAYS find faults. ( I found one but I can forgive that one little flaw) The Santuarians are a strange...more Absolutely outstanding and wonderful sci-fi/mystery novel! What a debut! The mix of cultures on this planet is so well thought through and so wonderfully executed that I have a hard time not believing this planet is out there somewhere. The Skanians are pretty impressive; I found no niggles when it came to their culture or the use of Nordic languages, which is pretty mind baffling in itself. I ALWAYS find faults. ( I found one but I can forgive that one little flaw) The Santuarians are a strange mix of Russians and Mexicans(at least in my mind they are Mexican) melted together into a whole new culture that comes across as highly believable though sad. That two so very different cultures should meld together the best where they are absolutely at their worst is depressing. The regime on the island of Santuario reminded me strongly of the past terror regime of Chile. The Familias and their Securitas rule the island with a hard hand, the poor people duck their heads and hope to survive another day. Consequently the police are helpless to do anything but hand out speeding tickets and resolve domestic fights, they have no real power as the law is in the hands of the rich and powerful.

This is absolutely a mystery novel first and a romance second. The romance is there throughout the whole of it, but it doesn't come to the fore until the very end. Which is a natural conclusion to the story I think, as one man comes from a culture where he can live out his sexuality freely and the other cannot even begin to find out who and what he is without dire consequences. At last they find a place, a gap in time, where they finally can open their hearts to each other. It was such a moving scene that I could hardly breathe, much less blink my eyes. Kleenex became suddenly necessary.

As for the mystery itself; the excitement started out on the first page and didn't let up,ever. It just kept building and building. I swear I've still got goosebumps running up and down my skin!

The characters, heroes and villains alike, are delightfully three-dimensional, the dialogue flows effortlessly, the work put into this story is overall impressive. I couldn't be happier!

I recommend this to all of you who love both contemporary and historical because of the anthropological aspect of the story. I recommend it to those of you who cannot help but re-create the ending of Romeo and Juliet to help them have a HEA. I recommend it to those of you who love a chilling mystery and who cannot wait to see the villains get their well deserved due. And I recommend it to those of you, who like me, needs to have a story once in a while that is so tight you'd need a microscope to find the holes in it.

I give this book standing ovations. (less)

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Nov 15, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-science-fiction, lgbt, netgalley-arc

A Slow-Building, Unique Surprise
It's called Santuario. Rocked by poverty, ruled by powerful and corrupt familias, the southern island is populated by a race of people who landed on the planet two hundred years ago. Santuario became their home...though reservation may be a more accurate term.

The Skanians, themselves long settled on the planet, banished them to Santuario out of fear and distrust. Two hundred years later, that decision has bred discontent and shame among the Skanians and change is...more

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Oct 07, 2012 deirdre rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, auto-buy-author

3.5 to 4 stars
first thought . . . when will the sequel be ready???????????!!!!!
i may add more to this as i plan to do an immediate re-read

what i liked . . .
great writing
great world development and character development
the author really took the time to deeply develop the characters, both the good and the bad. i really felt like i got to know them, understand them.
i enjoyed the slow careful development of the crime story. i bought it completely.
the alex/bengt relationship . . . bought that too....more

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Apr 13, 2013 Aviva rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alphas, cops-fbi-law-enforcement, ebook, m-m, sf-novels

I bought this one as part of the thank-you sale that did Riptide (because we won Dabwaha yeah!!!!) and I found myself totally excited about Santuario after reading the excerpt on the publisher's site.
At first, I thought it'll be a SF m/m book but it was way better than that, it was a SF m/m book with a contemporary feel, and suddenly I was breathing the mexican heat. I was a bit lost with the names, the spannish words (I don't know a word in spanish, apart from the insults, very useful) and some...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, m-m, romance

Reviewed by: Marissa
Book provided by: NetGalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I have to admit that I am not much for science fiction but I do love a good mystery, which is what attracted me to this book. Santuario, while told in the voice of a parallel universe, was engaging and at the same time seemed quite true to life – albeit in a surrealistic way.

Santuario is an island of exile to those that came from another time. It is hot, steamy, and run by something akin to a dictatorshi...more Reviewed by: Marissa
Book provided by: NetGalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I have to admit that I am not much for science fiction but I do love a good mystery, which is what attracted me to this book. Santuario, while told in the voice of a parallel universe, was engaging and at the same time seemed quite true to life – albeit in a surrealistic way.

Santuario is an island of exile to those that came from another time. It is hot, steamy, and run by something akin to a dictatorship, quickly bringing to mind a country much like I imagine Cuba to be. With sweltering, sticky days, flash rains, and lines of oppressed people hoping for some meager medical care, the author brings the jungle island of Santuario to life vividly. Words familiar to me such as familia and buenos dios (as well as a few unfamiliar such as asqueroso) peppered the dialog for that final flair of Latino.

In excellent juxtaposition, the “rest” of the world bears a striking resemblance to Scandinavian countries. With names like Bengt and Svenja, the Skanians are tall, blonde-haired people more accustomed to cooler climates. Part of the charm of Bengt is watching him try to adapt to the heat of Santuario and the small customary ways of a different culture. Something we take for granted, a handshake, is completely foreign to him as is a cup of warm tea.

Alex is the key character in this story and I liked him right from the start. Told via flashbacks, his childhood was filled with horrific cruelty by a father that abused him and his mother at every turn, yet somehow Alex grew to be a moral and ethical man. While those he works with seem mostly nonchalant in their duties, Alex strives to see justice done, even for a dead bum no one knows. At the same time, Alex has built his walls and this is one of the things I loved in the story. Like any number of real people, especially someone who’s had a rough life, he doesn’t let anyone close yet at the same time he yearns for love.

Alex and Bengt are so different and yet somehow so alike. Bengt comes from a large, close-knit family and is very confident in his job. Like Alex, Bengt has a strong moral and ethical streak, especially when it comes to a wrong he himself committed in the past. At the same time, Bengt comes off as the stronger man, able to dig into and tear down Alex’s walls.

One of the defining moments comes regarding the attraction between Alex and Bengt. In Skania, homosexuality is seen as natural. In Santuario, it is taboo. So when Alex starts to have feelings for Bengt that he doesn’t understand, all those taboos play against the emotions that begin to foment and Alex must decide if what he has with Bengt is good and right, or just wrong.

But the characters are almost secondary to the land and the atmosphere. Santuario is an island in turmoil. Law is more martial than police, with the upper echelon of officers indulging and protecting the familias. The island itself is described in generous detail and reading this on a hot day almost made me feel as if I were sitting on the beach at Santuario.

While this book is listed as a romance, I would say that it is more mystery with an underpinning of romance. And in that case I am very pleased that there will be a second book – Alex and Bengt need to have their story continued. I’m also hoping we get to travel to Skania in the sequel, to see the contrast of the countries and how Alex handles going from his hot, jungle island to the cool mainland.

(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-romance

Now I chose this book for one reason and ended up liking it for entirely different reasons. It tricked me- in a good way. I can't quite blame those who did up the blurb and put it under a certain genre because truthfully it is probably under the right genre and was described well in the blurb, but-

It really does belong in the Sci-Fi genre because the story takes place on an earth-like planet with two human colonist groups arriving at separate times from earth. The group who was there first got t...more Now I chose this book for one reason and ended up liking it for entirely different reasons. It tricked me- in a good way. I can't quite blame those who did up the blurb and put it under a certain genre because truthfully it is probably under the right genre and was described well in the blurb, but-

It really does belong in the Sci-Fi genre because the story takes place on an earth-like planet with two human colonist groups arriving at separate times from earth. The group who was there first got the best of everything and have an upper-class attitude about the smaller group who arrived later and were given a remote hostile island to settle. The second group don't have the advantages of choice land or resources so their society system is different.

Now here's where it gets interesting. Once I got into the story, it didn't have a Sci-Fi feel for me. I felt like I was reading about two cultures here on earth- one first world and one third world- with a chance after a couple hundred years for the wealthier country to think about opening its borders and giving the smaller dependent territory representation in government.

To add to this, its not just a general fiction about two cultures and people groups. It is also an intriguing murder mystery and political thriller. The story opens on the island of Santuario where a murder victim is discovered with odd characteristics. The local police authorities follow procedure and call in the special investigative unit from the main land. This teams up a Santurian and a Skanian investigative team for the first time. These two men are not interested in making history. In fact, at first they just get on each other's last nerves because they don't understand when they're breaking a cultural taboo or just touch a personal hot button. Both have past histories that need redeeming and this is their big chance. Alex and Bengt soon learn that they are not dealing with a simple murder.

Bengt is now working in a world so foreign to what he knows that he must trust Alex to guide them through the morass of dangerous politics on Santuario. Nothing could prepare him for the living conditions, the might and corruption of the military districts controlled by mafia-like families, or the feelings he must suppress for his partner. Alex has serious trust issues and he walks in fear constantly from the military goons who are led by his own father. He suspects that this case and working with his ignorant colleague from the mainland will be the death of him- literally. And if that isn't enough pressure, he can't work out his personal feelings about Bengt.

So, yes, this plot was a surprise and a delightful one at that. I enjoyed following along as the two guys worked at solving their case, as the intriguing secrets behind different things came to light and as that subtle hint of romance blossomed into something toward the end. Like I said, I really didn't get the usual Sci-Fi vibe off this one and felt more like I was just dealing with a dystopian that takes place on a different earth and isn't really that either because it was a murder mystery most of the time. As to the romance, it runs a definite back seat to the other aspects of the plot though it is there tugging at the two guys the whole time.

The characters were fascinating creations because it is in their descriptions and thought processes that I got to know not only them, but the cultural differences they represented. It was cool to see them grow to understand each other and make their differences strengths instead of weaknesses. Secondary characters were always mysterious and suspect which made me watch them very closely as I read. I liked how there were no obvious 'white' hat good guys or 'black' hat bad guys because things weren't always what they seemed. And that made all the characterizations good to my way of thinking.

The only part I found disappointing was the ending. I wanted things neatly wrapped up in a bow. While the case is solved, the relationship between the two men is left dangling a little with just a promise of something good, but later. Then I saw that this is the beginning of a series so I'll reserve judgment to see if the resolution comes later.

I can recommend this to people who come from a variety of genre preferences since it would have appeal to the Sci-Fi reader, the mystery lover and those who like slow to build romance.

Copy received courtesy of Net Galley for review purposes(less)

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Oct 26, 2012 Jayjay rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm

If you're looking for a steamy read, you'll be disappointed on this one.

I don't know where to begin, I felt cheated for some reason. Or maybe I was just expecting too much without even knowing what I'm about to read. There's a fine line of disappointment and satisfaction on this book that I'd like to talked about but if I'm going to enumerate them all I could go on for hours. I'd just like to stress out that I was skeptical about the prologue but then I continued and found my self stalling until...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Evaine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, mystery, science-fiction

3.5 Stars!! Well, I want another half star so I can give this 3.5 stars.

Santuario was a good read. I enjoyed it. Well-written with clearly defined and different characters, a juicy mystery, some interesting world-building and a plot that kept me wondering all through the book. The relationship between the two main characters, Alex and Bengt unfolds very slowly until a ramp-up into intimacy near the end of the book. It was working for me and even the rush was okay, given the plot line that I don...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: blah, m-m, net-galley, police-or-military, romance, mystery, sci-fi

I think I spent the majority of this book feeling confused. That isn't a good thing.

I can't even begin to attempt a plot summery. I... yeah... there is just too much going on for me to try that. The gist of it is that there is a murder investigation and two men from two very different cultures, Alex and Bengt, have to work together to solve the crime. There are mafia-like themes and cultural differences that the pair have to wade though in order to get along. While working together, something m...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Shirley Frances rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-series, mm-read, read-2-review, 2012

4.5 stars

"I'm sure I don't know any more about your world than you about ours. We're too isolated from each other to change that."

I saw this book, then I read the blurb and hesitated. Do I read it? The little voice in the back of my head was insistent, reminding that this book would be a challenge for me and dared me to step up. So I did, and I really liked it which surprised the hell out of me!

First let me explain that I am not a fan of science fiction. Not in movies or in books, so when I read "their generation ship landed on the planet", that right there was the first hurdle. Then add to it the fact that this book is more a Mystery/Suspense than a Romance and that the author, G.B. Gordon, was unknown to me and I really started to have my doubts.

"He knew he should have kept his distance. You didn't give others a chance to leave you or hurt you."

However, as soon as I started the book I was hooked. The author threw me right into the world of Santuario where I first meet Alex. Through his initial investigation into the body that was found, I learned a lot more about Santuario and about him. I liked him right away. He came across as a no-nonsense kind of guy, but really he just wanted to find that 'something' that would make him happy. I got the impression that he went through the motions but he never really lived. Since his past was filled with pain and abuse, I could understand where he was coming from. And as the story progressed I was thrilled with his development - how he eventually opened to Bengt and just stopped building his wall against getting close to him.

"Oh, come on, Alex. If you raise that wall any higher you're going to run out of bricks."

Bengt was an amazing character too. He came across as such a huge, strong guy but really he was even more open about his feelings and very understanding about the people in Santuario and the differences between them. He had a temper to watch out for, but really he was adorable. He really believed in making connections and interacting and although it was difficult for him to accept that Alex was closed off he understood and put up with it. And I really had to admire him for that because at times I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Alex for his behavior and his constant withdrawal from Bengt.

"Welcome to Santuario"

This world the author created with the Securitas, the Santuarians and the Skanians was very interesting to read. I appreciated the pace of the writing because there was a lot of information to go through and a lot of new terms to deal with. I felt a bit confused at first, but then got into it and it flowed nicely from there. The writing was very clear and precise and the plot kept me guessing all throughout. I read 60% of the book without interruption - I was that captivated with it! The only mishap - and I don't know if it's a formatting problem - is that there wasn't a clearly defined transition from Alex's present point of view and his flashbacks. It was just presented without the usual markings (italics, indentation, etc.) and that made it very confusing to follow.

"He realized he was well on the way to falling in love with a man who was different in every respect, and he had to idea how to stop himself."

This has been classified as Romantic Suspense but to me is more a Mystery/Suspense with some Romance undertones thrown in the mix. Aside from the mystery and the world building of Santuario, I think this book establishes Alex and Bengt's friendship. It makes them confront their past, accept their differences and hope for something more. The one scene when they do get together was very passionate. It was told from Alex's point of view which made it that much more enjoyable. It wasn't explicit in any way, but what was written was both beautiful and emotional. I hope to see more romance from these two, it would make for a fantastic read.

"I can't repair my wall as fast as you tear it down."

Will these two men from different origins come together and find the happiness they so desperately want? What obstacles will they have to overcome? These are just a couple of the questions I was left with. I am hoping that they will get answered in the next book. I am looking forward to it. This book was a great start to a new series.(less)

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Oct 11, 2012 Caroline The HEA Lover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, romance, m-m, e-book

(This review was originally published on Book Lovers Inc)

I’m always worried when I try a new author. I can count on my fingers the number of times I blindly trusted it would be worth my time and/or that I wouldn’t end up slowly rocking, curled up in a ball. As it is, I trusted Riptide Publishing to publish a book of quality. Suffice it to say I’m glad I did! Santuario is the first book of a new series by G.B Gordon and this is their debut novel. See it was risky on many levels!

If you want to en...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Nithu rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. I always find culture clashes fascinating and Alex and Bengt are from two very different cultures. There's also a rising tension that doesn't let up throughout the book as Bengt (and us, the reader) start to realise how difficult things can be in Santuario; justice isn't clear cut or easily come by and alongside that is the growing friendship between the two men, which isn't easily come by, either. I couldn't put this book down until I got to the very end!

I did find...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Rachel Haimowitz added it

Shelves: au, coming-out, edited-or-beta-read, m-m, suspense

One of my favorite novels this year. A deeply claustrophobic, oppressive, immersive reading experience that grabs you by the scruff and doesn't let you go until you've made it, breathless, to the end. The author describes this book as "social fiction" and "a -topia between u- and dis-" and I think that's a great way to put it. Even though there were colony ships involved in these people's pasts, it's not really sci-fi; there's no high tech or aliens or space travel or any of that. It's more like...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Lady*M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance, science-fiction, reviews-by-jessewave, thriller, mystery

3.75 stars

It's always exciting for me to review an author's first novel. In this case, it was even more so, because I am a fan of all speculative fiction and the premise really sounded exciting. In the end, while I enjoyed some elements of the story, the others were completely drowned by the dreary atmosphere, the likable protagonists were not enough to sell me the romance and the ending didn't fit the rest of the story. But, let's start from the beginning.

I liked the set-up of the story: the di...more 3.75 stars

It's always exciting for me to review an author's first novel. In this case, it was even more so, because I am a fan of all speculative fiction and the premise really sounded exciting. In the end, while I enjoyed some elements of the story, the others were completely drowned by the dreary atmosphere, the likable protagonists were not enough to sell me the romance and the ending didn't fit the rest of the story. But, let's start from the beginning.

I liked the set-up of the story: the divided world at the turning point in its history and two men from the different sides investigating the brutal murders. The two societies are so isolated from one another that both have some ridiculous misconceptions about the other side. This was a little over the top, considering that at least the Skanians possess the technology which could refute at least some of them, but it worked well for the story, especially when Bengt tries to navigate Santuarian society ruled by tyrannical oligarchy or when Alex struggles with the concept of women in the positions of authority or accepted gay relationships. Both men are likable and haunted by their own demons: Alex by constant fear, undefined desires and unattainable escape, Bengt by guilt about the event from his past. They are both dedicated to their work, though Alex is always aware that overzealous investigation could put him under the scope of Securitas, familias’ brutal secret police. The men's experiences are so different that they can barely communicate at first. Bengt is a fish out of water, terribly naïve when it comes to the situation on the isolated island; Alex is jaded and incapable of believing in change. Bengt is living openly as a gay man; Alex is so far in the closet that he can't even acknowledge his desires. Only the time they spend together working on the case eases somewhat the mutual mistrust and discomfort.

I had several problems with the development of the story. I was hoping for some inventive investigative techniques under the totalitarian regime, perhaps in the vein of Citizen X, but it pretty soon became clear that the murder investigation is just a device to show the terrible poverty and pressures the Santuarians live with. There is no respite from the dreary, oppressive atmosphere which makes it hard to really get into the story and, absurdly, to sympathize with people's suffering. I couldn't help thinking that even in the most terrible regimes there is life and laughter and people who overcome their circumstances one way or another. There is no such thing here and it doesn't help that there are no likable secondary characters save Capitán Mendez. Even the freedom fighters are barely palatable. It says something when the bad guys such as Luiz, Alex's biological father and one of the officers of Securitas, or Leonid, one of his thugs, come more alive on the pages. The resolution of the mystery was unsatisfying, primarily because it wasn't something the readers could puzzle out themselves.

Another thing that didn't quite work is romance. While I liked both protagonists, they are riddled with doubts and uncertainties and can barely communicate. During the course of the novel, this was somewhat remedied and I could believe that they were becoming friends. However, there just wasn't enough mutual attraction shown on the page for me to accept the potential love between. Alex can't even think about his desires let alone verbalize them and then he is suddenly having sex with Bengt. This being the series, I think it would be better if the romance was just hinted and then developed in the second book.

This brings me to the ending of the novel. After all the dark, depressing events in the book, the situation was pretty much resolved within the last few pages, epilogue included. The bad guy gets what was coming to him, the political situation is resolved, the happy ending is on the horizon. This didn't follow the natural progression of the story – the men's parting seemed like the perfect ending – and was therefore unbelievable. This was another thing that would work better in the second novel. I would have liked to see Bengt working for the opening of Skanian borders and some of Alex's life in hiding.

I may sound too critical, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy parts of the story. As I said, both men were likable and the author's writing style is very readable – it was a quick read in spite of rather depressing tone. The only sex scene in the book was beautifully written; in fact, it may be one of the best I've recently read. More importantly, I really want to read the second book and the continuation of Bengt and Alex's story. It will also be interesting to see what Skanian society really looks like.

In the end, Santuario is a good first novel, which could have benefited from some lighter touches and additional focus on the men's relationship. If you enjoy speculative fiction and are not adverse to darker stories, Santuario will be a nice addition to your reading list. As this is the author's first book, I certainly recommend that you try it.

Written for Reviews by Jessewave.(less)

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Oct 10, 2012 Aija rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: riptide, own, favourites, revved, mystery, lgbt, novel

Definitely one of the best books I've read this year. It is so full of awesome I just want to devour it again and again! Don't hesitate, grab it and see for yourself what I'm talking about - it's worth every cent and then some!
*must go buy a paperback!*

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Oct 14, 2012 Laylah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: E.K.

Shelves: m-slash-m, sci-fi-other

One hell of a first novel. Santuario is a story about cultural distance, corruption, and desperation; there's also a developing gay relationship between the leads. That order, I think, is the most satisfying way to approach the novel: it's about the problems the island of Santuario faces and the ways that the main characters deal with them first and foremost. Readers who want a romance first with the murder plot as a side dish might be frustrated; I, on the other hand, really like a story where...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Aleksandr Voinov added it · review of another edition

Shelves: edited-beta-ed-feedbacked, fantasy-favourites

Loved this. GB Gordon is a major talent and that's their debut novel.

Update: it's out! Happy release day, G B!

7 likes · like · see review

Dec 13, 2012 Similitude rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A interesting story about power, relationships, and social drift, set against a murder mystery in a human colony, far far away. I found the main characters to be decently well written and compelling as both characters and in a relationship, and the tension was neither excruciating nor overbearing, and the backstory hints interesting. Not sure how the next book would balance out compared to this one, especially with the social commentary aspect (which may not have been as deep or revealing as the...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Nova rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, mystery-suspense-crime, scifi-dystopia-futuristic-postapoc, i-want-more

I’m really happy that I gave this new author a try! G.B. Gordon created an interesting world with two very different societies, a mystery I wanted to see solved and above all a book with a gripping plot and two main characters you will like!

Alex, being my favorite, is more the silent, lonesome type and lives on Santuario – an island completely isolated from the rest of the world and ruled by the familias. Neither the people nor the police have the power to change anything. But there’s hope.
Beng...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Heather C rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, enemies-to-lovers, riptide, pdoc, series, mystery, gfy-ofy, sex-after-40-percent, lots-of-tension, m-m

I have absolutely no idea where to even begin writing a review for this. It was just...different.

The setting and the world was very unique, although a little confusing at times with all the social standings. The descriptions were well written and vivid...even I could feel how hot it was in Santuario. I loved the enemies-to-lovers trope so the slow burn and sexual tension just worked for me.

Still there is a lot more story to be told and the hopeful-for-now ending made me smile. Looking forward...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Emelie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-romance, science-fiction, mystery, romance, thriller, suspense, glbt, gay, published-2010s, netgalley

I've tried giving this a chance for some weeks now. Letting it rest, hoping that it would call for me to finish. It never happened. I didn't feel drawn to it. Some books you just want to keep reading and can't put down. This one I had to force myself several times to read. It bored me, so I'm giving it up. Not gonna waste time on a book I don't want to read.

The plot seemed interesting though. It has potential. But it was hard to follow. Confusing. Names and no explanations, explanations written...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Elizabetta rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, lady-bits-n-m-m, grat-h

2.5 stars

Santuario, raises questions and leaves them hanging making it a strange and confusing read. The premise, set up at the beginning, that this fictitious, hellish, mining island with its Latin-based culture was settled by space travelers, doesn't jibe with the archaic, stagnant world the reader is presented with. What went wrong? Santuario is floundering in the brutal oppression of ruling familias, corruption, and constraints put on its police force to do its job. Skanes, the northern neig...more 2.5 stars

Santuario, raises questions and leaves them hanging making it a strange and confusing read. The premise, set up at the beginning, that this fictitious, hellish, mining island with its Latin-based culture was settled by space travelers, doesn't jibe with the archaic, stagnant world the reader is presented with. What went wrong? Santuario is floundering in the brutal oppression of ruling familias, corruption, and constraints put on its police force to do its job. Skanes, the northern neighboring country, with its wealthier, Nordic-like citizenry, is more technologically advanced and seemingly superior in every way (and don’t get me started on these racial and cultural juxtapositions), but, well, the story isn’t based there, is it?

The series of murders that brings together our two protagonists, cops Alex (Santuarian) and Bengt (Skanian), are not completely explained in the end...something to do with a super computer and experiments with connecting it to the human brain... Why and how this could ever be possible on the hot, sweaty, technologically backwards Santuario remains a puzzle to me. Alex and Bengt work hard to solve the murder mysteries and find along the way a mutual attraction which isn’t unveiled until the very, very last minute. So we don’t even get steamy sex to ease the way in this muddle. The ending is definitely an HFN and the whole thing seems to be a set-up for a coming sequel where we may or may not get answers.

Oh, how I really wanted to love this book. It isn’t until trying to get my thoughts down for this review that I realized just how put out I am with it. I’m left with feeling of being let down by the failure to deliver a very interesting idea cleanly and effectively; more so because the writer shows signs of real talent. This is between a 2 and 3 star read for me because while I think this book is more than OK -- there were some aspects that I did like (notably the gritty descriptions of Santuaria and Alex's life there) -- it just didn’t work in toto for me. The first book in a series should still be able to stand alone, on its own merit. I might go to the next book with the hope of finding clarification but it had better be a damn fine sequel to hook me in again.
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Nov 25, 2012 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the world-building in this novel. Hard to believe this is a first novel, it's so well realised.
I also really liked both main characters, who had great depth by the time the book ended. I'd love to see them again.
Needless to say I'm hoping to see more from G.B. Gordon.
I also like the cover very much too. Reese Dante has chosen models who are so like the characters. The rather grainy, grotty finish matches Santuario so well.
Altogether a great production by Riptide.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Sarah rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi, glbt-fiction

Found this really hard going. Not much seemed to happen and I kept waiting for feelings between the main characters develop into something smokin. Not keen and such a grim setting with no moments to lighten it up.

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'd say "FLAWLESS" but what author would believe it?

In a word: FULL

The characters, the plot, the timing; enough of a reach to capture my attention and hold it; a world familiar enough and different enough to carry me fully engaged to the last word.

Thank you, Gordon, for the pleasure, and for your effort.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Carey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked the whole atmosphere/feel of this book. Alex and Bengt were both well drawn characters and I really appreciated not being able to predict what would happen next. The world building was...lush (and totally relatable) and there was more than one point in the book where I had a "wow, that was well written" moment.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

2 likes · like · see review

May 08, 2013 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant. I loved the world building; the different cultures and the clashes between them. So well written - completely drew me in. The Skanians felt a little naive, but very boisterous and family oriented whereas the majority of the Santuarians are simply trying to survive the corruption and cruelty stemming from the familias and Securitas.

The characters (both main & secondary) are well drawn out - complex, fascinating, flawed. I loved Alex; he's been through so much and is trying to live...more

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About G.B. Gordon

G.B.Gordon worked as a packer, landscaper, waiter, and coach before going back to school to major in linguistics and, at 35, switch to less backbreaking monetary pursuits like translating, editing, and writing. Having lived in various parts of the world, Gordon is now happily ensconced in suburban Ontario with the best of all husbands. Santuario is G.B. Gordon’s first published work, but many more...more

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Quotes from Santuario

“I can't repair my wall as fast as you can tear it down.” — 10 people liked it

“Maybe it was possible to relinquish control. He could do this, with Bengt he could. Give himself up and fly. He closed his eyes, let himself be pulled in by the touch. Bengt's arms. Bengt's hands on his thighs, arms, chest. Lips and tongue on neck and shoulders, the need for more. 'Don't stop.” — 4 people liked it

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