Roman's Chronicles Books in Order

Roman’s Chronicles shifts the spotlight to Roman, the Black Volhv—high priest of a destructive Slavic god—who has long been a scene‑stealing side character in the Kate Daniels books. Known for his sardonic humor, elaborate black robes, and surprisingly soft heart, he finally gets his own stage.

The first installment, Sanctuary, takes place during the winter holidays, when Roman has negotiated a rare break from divine duties. He is holed up in his country house outside Atlanta with a collection of odd, half‑mythic pets and a strong desire to be left alone with his eggnog and peace.

That plan evaporates when a wounded teenage boy staggers onto his property, clutching a knife wound and begging for sanctuary. Roman cannot turn him away without betraying his god and his own sense of responsibility. Within hours, mercenaries and combat mages are camped around the property, probing his defenses and threatening the one thing he values more than his solitude: the safety of those under his protection.

The story unfolds as a siege on a small scale. Roman must juggle the legal and magical weight of the sanctuary vow, the boy’s secrets, and the escalating attacks from outside forces. His formidable powers are on full display, but so is his weariness and his complicated relationship with family, faith, and the role he was pushed into.

Roman’s Chronicles keeps the hallmarks of the larger world—shifting waves of magic and technology, grim threats undercut by sharp humor—but tightens the focus to one man, one house, and one desperate situation. It also lays groundwork for future relationships and conflicts hinted at in the main series, offering fans a sense that the world is moving forward even when Kate herself is offstage.

If you enjoy morally complicated magic‑users, found families made up of misfits and monsters, and stories where divine power sits uncomfortably next to petty domestic annoyances, this spin‑off is a rewarding detour back into the Kate Daniels universe.