The city of Sanctuary serves as a crucible where the lives of desperate individuals collide under the weight of corruption and survival. In this shared-world anthology, various protagonists navigate the treacherous streets of a city defined by its moral ambiguity and constant threat of violence. Each contributor focuses on different facets of the urban environment, ranging from street-level thieves to those entangled in the machinations of local power brokers. The narrative framework utilizes a multi-perspective approach, allowing the reader to observe the interconnected fates of the inhabitants through distinct, localized lenses.

Readers often note the consistency of the city's atmosphere despite the variety of authorial voices present in the collection. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the shared-world concept in creating a cohesive yet diverse urban environment. Critics highlight the balance between individual character development and the broader, often brutal, political landscape of Sanctuary. Many appreciate the gritty, grounded approach to fantasy tropes that avoids traditional heroic archetypes. The pacing is generally described as brisk, reflecting the volatile nature of the setting.