Of Loyalties & Wreckage

Sanctuary of the Lost #0

by Lou Wilham, Christis Christie

Sometimes, family is found in the most unlikely of places.

Born with horns that set him apart, Prince Ander is an outcast in his own mother’s court. Unwilling to stay and suffer it any longer, Ander leaves to try to make his way in the mortal realm. However, even amongst the humans, tragedy follows the half-muse.

Orphaned before she was given a name, Mab Duchan has never known a real family outside of those paid to care for her. Just when she thinks she’s found one, the arrogance and jealousy of a hateful noble nearly destroys her. When all hope seems lost, the most unlikely of heroes arises.

Now it’s Ander and Mab against the world, but the stronger their bond as a family, the more life seeks to break them apart. Can they hold on to the ties that bind, or will love be the one thing that finally tears them apart?

Genres: LGBT

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2022

About the author

Born and raised in a small town near the Chesapeake Bay, Lou Wilham grew up on a steady diet of fiction, arts and crafts, and Old Bay. After years of absorbing everything, there was to absorb of fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi she's left with a serious writing/drawing habit that just won't quit. These days, she spends much of her time writing, drawing, and chasing a very short Basset Hound named Sherlock.

When not, daydreaming up new characters to write and draw she can be found crocheting, making cute bookmarks, and binge-watching whatever happens to catch her eye.

Learn more about Lou and her future projects on her website: https://louinprogress.com

Or follow her on social media @lou.wilham on Instagram or @louwilham on Facebook.

Reviews

[Sissy Lu {Book Savvy Reviews} · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a wild ride. Funny, clever, and heartbreaking all at once. Gritty and compelling. Can’t wait to read more about Mab and Ander.

[Justmyfantasyworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Of Loyalties & Wreckage
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Sanctuary of the Lost #0.5
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lou Wilham & Christis Christie
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆ 4/5

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘪𝘥𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

First book that I've read from these authors and I was seriously impressed with the emotions and heavy topics that were discussed and portrayed in the story. I think it was done in a beautiful yet heartbreaking way. Definitely check trigger warnings before reading this. One of my favorite things was the friendship that this book was all about. It was just done in a way I loved. And also liked the fantasy setting so much.

A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of loyalties & Wreckage by Lou Wilham and Christis Christie took me by surprise. This book with break your heart in ways you didn't know possible, you become so consumed with the story and the characters you are emotionally invested. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books that will grab at their heart strings and take them on an adventure. Looking forward to more.
I received this advance reader copy from booksirens and the Authors for my honest reviews.

[Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will rip out your heart and slowly put it back together (at least by the end of the series) 🤞🏻

This book is dark, and stomped on my heart, made me laugh, cry and has me hopeful for the other books in the series.

Mabs and Ander had me 😭.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy books that make them emotional, have mythology and wackado characters.

Seriously, who invited that jerk 😒


*I recieved a gifted arc from the authors which I voluntarily read and chose to review*

[Stephanie E. Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misery! Heartbreak! Angst! It’s like this book was made for me, lol.

I am a big fan of books that sucker-punch you and leave you an emotional pile of goop. So if you’re like me, this is 100% gonna be the book for you. But if you also like the warm and fuzzy stuff, this book has some of it too. But you’ll have to suffer a bit to get there, haha.

Ander is a guy after my own freaking heart. He’s cocky and reckless but with a big heart. And Mab, a little more levelheaded, balances him out so well. The friendship these two have, and the way they find each other and cling to each other during hard times will give you ALL the feels. These two characters go through the wringer. Multiple times. There’s trauma, assault and a very raw/heartbreaking depiction of domestic abuse. But all these hard-hitting topics are handled with the utmost care and respect. And I love how Ander/Mab refuse to let their struggles define who they are, choosing instead to support each other and move on.

The world-building and lore are also well-detailed and thought out. There were so many layers, and super fun nods to the Greek gods. And the plot is fast-paced, while still giving the characters enough breathing room to recover from each major event. It’s such a bingeable story!

But, for me, the characters really stole the show here. I would legit read an entire book of Ander and Mab hanging out/getting into trouble. That’s how much I loved them, lol.

And this is a prequel! So more Ander/Mab adventures will be coming soon!

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for
- Cool mythology
- Fast-paced stories
- Character driven stories
- Found family vibes
- LGBTQ+ rep
- And, of course, all the angst!

[Ashley Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Titles: Of Loyalties and Wreckage
Series: Sanctuary of The Lost #0.5
Author: Lou Wilhaim & Christis Christie
Rating:☆☆☆☆4/5

Thank you to the authors and Midnight Book Tours for gifting me a copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading Lou Whilhaim & Christis Christie's book, Of Loyalties and Wreckage. The way they mixed the mortal world with the Underworld made this book so fascinating. The authors style of writing was so heart wrenching at times, I couldn't help but fall in love with Mab and Ander, the two main characters. I couldn't believe how much Mab went through both physically and mentally. (Make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading!!) I love how Ander just happens upon Mab and rescues her and together they start adventure after adventure.

I also enjoyed the mythology the authors put into the book with God's and goddesses from the underworld; its one of my favorite subjects to read about in fantasy books. This book is definitely dark and heart-wrenching at times but it's also filled with hope and funny moments. The characters are quite unique and they put this book over the top. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Mythology, fantasy, dark fantasy, and amazing characters; not necessarily in that order! 😁

I look forward to reading more of Mab and Ander.

[Mickaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: abusive relationship/SA
It's a main plot point and unavoidable. Would not recommend to someone with recent experience.

Both Mab and Ander were so realistic and well written. I loved reading about their friendship and each of their separate experiences and can't wait to read more. That ending!!

The story didn't have much of a plot and definitely didn't go in the direction I thought it was headed, but I don't find that completely necessary for a prequel. I think I'll definitely appreciate the backstory when I start reading the rest of the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K. Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a lovely read and I cannot get over how the author made my heart quench with every beautifully written page. I also really enjoyed the mythology the authors placed in the book allowing a different take on the gods and goddesses.

[Mandy Kell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That was so very long ago. There was more joy in it when the mortals still worshiped us. Now, they're far past that. We're nothing but fairytales to them."⠀
⠀
Lou Wilham & Christis Christie, Of Loyalties and Wreckage ⠀
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⠀
I just finished Of Loyalties and Wreckage by Lou Wilham and Christis Christie and it has the best duo! Ander and Mab are a unique set of mythical creatures who are thrown together by traumatic events. They watch each other's backs and pick each other up when their demons creep up to haunt them. Their banter and playful manner creates a tight bond that is threatened when they are betrayed by someone trusted. ⠀
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📙 This book had some triggers, especially for SA and DA survivors, but the story highlights the power of having close friends in those cases. Of Loyalties and Wreckage combines mythology with urban fantasy in a five star magical read. It comes out in November so make sure to add it to your TBR. ⠀

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt Of Loyalties and Wreckage was written for me. The storylines and the characters, especially of Anders, were exactly what I've been looking for. I can't wait to read the next installment and read about Anders find his soulmate.

[Selena-Marie books_cats_andchemistry_tt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, that dedication is literally heart wrenching, a lot like this story. The story flows so smoothly you forget that it is written by more than one author, which just absorbs you into it right away. It was a short read, which I liked since it is a prequel to a series. So it kind of gives you the background without dumping all this information on you, like the first book of most series which I loved.

Now, the trauma these two characters endure...... Let's just say therapy may not be enough. So please read the triggers before diving into this book. It was not really graphic but it may still trigger some people. I love Ander. I love that despite his treatment by his uncle, he was still unapologetically himself. And Mab, sweet Mab.... You've been through a lot but you still stood your ground to protect those you love, even though you were not protected from this messy world. I hope you are able to heal from that trauma because personally I don't think I would have been able to but ik this is the sad reality for a lot of SA survivors. I love the dynamic between Ander and Mab, kind of gave me Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth vibes from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Enri, I have nothing good to say about this man but what I will say is this is the sad reality for a lot of people and like Ander, it can be difficult to get out of but please know that the people that care about you will help you and they only want what's best for you so do take their warnings into consideration. I have seen too many people die because of relationships like these.

Overall this is a good book, but please read the triggers before proceeding.

🚨Trigger Warnings: Please note that this book features sexual content, rape, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and violence🚨

[Brindi Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I didn't read the blurb. I went in totally blind, and all I can say is WOW. This is a new favorite, and I CANNOT wait for the rest of this series!

This is a mythology-inspired origin story about a banshee named Mab and a half-muse with horns named Ander that ultimately spans centuries. Ander is something of an outcast within his mother's Underworld court due to his half-blood status and horns inherited from an unknown father. Meanwhile, Mab's story begins in the human world where she's unduly punished for denying the advances of a nobleman. The two cross paths, and magic happens.

I LOVE ANDER. He is my perfect reckless-abandon, kind-of-a-bastard, bisexy, fun and cocky male lead, and I loved his promiscuous mischief in the early parts of the book. Mab is such a perfect counterpart for him, in addition to being her own great character with interesting lore, and I adored their mini found-family/ brotherly-sisterly bond. The way he comforts her from her past trauma and the way she is relentless to save him in the later parts of the book made me fall in love with the both of them FAST. It is such an awesome dynamic!

This book isn't all fun and games. It starts out dark, then hits you with a sense of ease, before plunging you back into darkness. The pacing and roller-coaster action kept me devouring chapters, and I appreciated that the dark parts weren't senseless, instead helping to clearly shape these two characters that will be staples for the rest of the series. The writing is impeccable, and the lore beautifully crafted. This is a huge, wide, well-thought world that we've only just started to see glimmers of, and it's a strong foundation for whatever this author team plans to do with it from here.

I loved the writing—detailed and digestible—the found family, the lore, the LGBTQ+ representation, and most of all—MOST OF ALL, this book has an incredibly realistic depiction of an abusive relationship, and a M/M one at that. It is so real and raw and something that isn't represented often in fantasy-based fiction. I think this is an incredibly important, plausible plot point that shows how even the strongest characters can find themselves in hopeless situations and how predators can take advantage of those situations. It was heartbreaking, and I really resonated with the message. Not to mention I love a great female lead swooping in to save the day.

This book was such a mashup of trauma recovery, action, humorous moments, and deeply dark moments, all woven together by a heartwarming relationship. The end of this prequel novella catapults us to a whole new setting and time as a starting point for the rest of the series, and I am hooked! Seriously, I didn't expect this going into this book. I don't know what I expected. But it truly blew me away. I love, love, loved it!!!!

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This novel offers the full spectrum of emotions. You will sympathize with the main characters to e level where you will fall, recover and rise with them. This book feels like the first doze of a blissful adventure that will only get better! Can't wait to read more from the author!

[Alora Pendrak]

I actually got this book on a site where I was supposed to leave a review within a certain time limit but Covid hit me like a brick. So I'm just now leaving this three weeks later. But I think the author still deserves a review, so.

The good, I really like the relationship between Ander and Mab and found their dynamic cute, cheeky and heartwarming. While I wasn't quite sold on Ander as a character at first. The middle to last half of the story actually did make me root for him.

Mab is ok on her own, I do think she kinda fell on the backburner into more of a supporting role which is fine, but I kinda expected more from someone presented as the second pov character. Overall I think her as a bestie worked.

The slow build of the manipulative, toxic dynamic between the protagonist Ander & the antagonist was well done and their relationship was truly chilling every moment they were on screen.

I also enjoyed the focus on things such as mental health and abusive relationships. Speaking of which the book contains very intense scenes of Domestic abuse.

The needs improvement

I got kinda confused with some parts of the world-building which I can't go too much into without spoilers but I don't think there was much explanation between the rules of the Greek Mythology based world of Ander and the human world of Mab. Not a deal breaker but it did leave some parts a little weak, for me.

The biggest problem though for me was the pacing of the first half of the book, felt a little rushed at times. There was a lot of skipping around as if the authors were impatient to get to the action. The middle of the book did slow down and build things up so it wasn't too bad.

Lastly, I don't know how this book is being marketed overall but the site that gave me a copy had it marketed under adventure as a gene. So let me just say if you're looking for an action-adventure book, you might be very disappointed.

Overall Loyalties and Wreckage is an intense, drama-driven, heartwarming found family story with some flaws but delightful characters and strong emotional moments and I'd recommend it to anyone who thinks this might be up your ally.

Sirenbooks gave me a free copy

Alora, pendragon

[TaurReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall: 2.5

Ander is hilarious. Mabe (who didn’t know her true nature) was feisty at times. Two characters who’ve suffered trauma finding one another and forging a strong familial friendship. Which was portrayed well. Their friendship was portrayed well. Even though the ups and downs, Mabe and Ander are there for one another.

However, the story moves rather fast. That made it difficult to really connect with that characters. The steam was very much “fade to black”. Which, due to Anders lineage, could have been more detailed. As a huge fan of the fantasy genre, world building is crucial. Unfortunately, there was very little of that in this story.

I felt like Mabe’s trauma was heavily glossed over. She suffered the most been the two. When she finds out her supernatural nature, she’s almost portrayed as tainted. Supernaturals like Mabe transform into something else only when they’ve experienced severe trauma. The giveaway is the change in hair color. When she’s taken in by others like her, she’s given these looks of pity and “you pour thing” statements. So much potential to make her character more.

I enjoyed the message of found family and that message was consistent throughout. Overall, it was an okay read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been on a bit of a Lou Wilham reading streak ever since I discovered the Witches of Moondale series, and Of Loyalties & Wreckage in collab with Christis Christie didn't disappoint!

This is a universe inspired by Greek myths, where ancient gods and magical beings occasionally choose to venture outside of their realm to mingle with humans. While it is set hundreds of years in the past, it feels modern and current. Our main characters are the cocky and worldly Ander - half muse, prominent horns, prince - and the unassuming Mab - human (?), orphan, badass.

This isn't a warm and cozy story. It's short and fast-paced. It'll enthrall you, charm you with the exploits of the excellent dynamic duo, and then break your heart repeatedly as Ander finds himself in an abusive relationship while looking for love. For most of the book you're left wondering and hoping - can he escape without losing parts of himself, or Mab? Can't wait to see what awaits the two in the next volume.

Highly recommended for fans of Greek mythology, modern stories set in the past, compelling ride-or-die friendships and multifaceted main characters who for once aren't lovers.

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of Loyalties and Wreckage needed to be way more honest about what kind of book it is. It follows two damaged people finding a family with each other. Ander is both a prince and an outcast because of his mixed Muse/satyr heritage who makes the mortal realm his home. Mab does not know her heritage but knows that there is something different about her. When their lives intersect, they are able to find family with each other they could not find anywhere else but life and poor choices threaten to tear them apart.

This book heavily an abusive relationship and serve as its primary conflict. The story feels very personal and may be triggering for some as it highlights the dark descent into a toxic unhealthy relationship. The story, while well written, does read less like a fantasy and more like a drama that just so happens to feature fantastical creatures. This is not what I signed up for and would never have picked this up had I known this was the actual subject-matter.

Of Loyalties and Wreckage is a deceptive novella about falling into and escaping an abusive relationship disguised as a fantasy.

*I received a free copy via BookSiren

[Kellie Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really wanted to like this book more. I liked the idea of the two main characters essentially being outcasts, who happen to meet and build a platonic life together. But I feel the execution wasn’t as good as it could’ve been. Which is a shame as I feel it was an idea/plot that had a lot of potential. But I was just so bored reading this. The characters felt flat and the plot was just a series of things that happened.

Maybe one day I’ll attempt to read it again. Who knows, I might change my feelings towards it.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chuckling at their fear, he lifted his hands in the air and shouted, “Boogity boo!”

3/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

Catchy novella from the beginning. Nodes to mental health, anxiety, eating disorders, manipulative/narcissistic partners, and more. A lot of dark aspects and very relatable beyond the fantasy. I enjoyed the references to Greek and Roman gods/realms.

•found family
•grumpy sunshine besties
•lgbtqia+ rep
•urban fantasy
•Greek/Roman Inspo

Thank you to @MTMC for the ARC in exchange for a review!

[aliteraryarchivist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please please read the trigger warnings before reading this book!!

The writing of this book was incredible. The characters were enjoyable too. I personally found the mdidle part of the book difficult to read. It felt like too many things were happening at once. I then started to become confused. With that being said I loved the characters and I am really looking forward to reading the series.

Thank you to the authors and Midnight Tide for allowing me to read this book.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got off to a slow start for me but I devoured it around 60% in. Talk about a cliffhanger of an ending!!!! Thankfully I have the next book in the series already on my kindle and can continue the adventures of Ander and Mabs. I received a complimentary copy of this book via Book Sirens and am leaving this review of my own volition.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Midnight Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book for this tour. I loved the book and can't wait for the rest of the Sanctuary of the Lost books.

The book started off very strong, immediately got into the action, and as a novella, was appreciated for how much more you made space for in the story.

Ander was such a soft character and you could definitely see it even with the pretense he was putting up. I was heartbroken for him, and was so happy when he stood up for himself towards the end.

Mab was very loveable and, although naive when it came to her history, had a growing character. She may not have fit in where ever she was, but she sure made herself try.

I loved the family theme throughout and I always love greek myth retelling. I can't wait to hopefully read about more of their adventures in the future. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa (Mels_booksandhooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book .5 in the Sanctuaries of the Lost series is the LGBTQIA+, Fantasy, Mythology retelling you didn’t know you needed! This book started off with a bang and kept my attention until the end. The MCs are flawed, real and magical all at the same time. I enjoyed the mythological retelling aspect and the story. Despite some serious content and trigger warnings, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next one.

This is the second book of Lou’s that I’ve read this year and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite Indie authors.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our review of this book and other LGBTQ+ sci-if and fantasy books on our new podcast, Your Rainbow Reads.

Available on all podcast platforms or at www.yourrainbowreads.com


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