Tis the season, so I wanted to create a special gift box for all the book lovers out there. Instead, I created three.

In the Shadow of the Sanctum is now available in three signed fantasy book gift boxes. Every box includes a signed copy of the book, a scented candle, a framed print of the map, a Christmas ornament, seasonal tea, and more. Prices start at $55, with FREE SHIPPING. Order by December 10 for delivery before the holidays (available in U.S. only).

I’m a little biased, but this just might be the perfect gift for the book lover in your life. Here’s what you need to know.

What is In the Shadow of the Sanctum?

In the Shadow of the Sanctum is a fantasy novel about Ehla, who escapes the holy Sanctum only to find herself at the center of a rebellion she wants nothing to do with. The High Priests rule through violence and manipulation, and Ehla must face the fear of questioning everything she has been taught to believe, and discover the courage to find answers.

It’s fast-paced, thought-provoking fantasy about religious oppression, rebellion, and self-discovery. If you’ve enjoyed Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes, or Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, this one is for you.

What are the holiday gift boxes?

These are all-in-one gifts for the book-lover in your life. The box contains everything one would need for a cozy afternoon escaping into a fantasy book: a scented candle, seasonal tea, custom bookmark, and more.

Pick the edition that fits the reader (and budget):

• Cozy Comfort ($55): A gift for a new reader or a first taste of the realm; includes paperback version
• Hardcover Holiday Package ($65): The classic fantasy-lover gift; includes hardcover version
• Collector’s Edition ($100): The true superfan edition. These include everything in the other boxes, and the book is a limited-edition hardcover with sprayed edges.

ALL BOXES come with free shipping. Just use the code HOLIDAY at checkout.

What’s inside each box?

• Signed copy of In the Shadow of the Sanctum, with an optional personal inscription
• Scented candle in a decorative tin (2.5 oz., 100% Natural Soy Wax)
• Holiday variety pack of tea, including winter spice, gingerbread joy, peppermint cheer, and Christmas tea (all individually wrapped).
• Framed 5×7 print of the map of the realm
• 2×3 magnet of the book cover
• Matching ornament (blue or silver)
• Custom bookmark

Plus, each box will be carefully and delightfully packaged so opening it feels like Christmas morning.

Why is the Collector’s Edition special?

The Collector’s Edition is the most special version of the book I offer. These are for those who enjoy shelf trophies of books that are as wonderful to look at as they are to read. Each copy has sprayed edges beautifully hand-crafted by a local Maryland artist. Plus, only ten are being made. Each limited edition book is individually numbered (Number __ of 10).

And once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Can I get the book personalized?

Yes. Every book is signed, and at checkout you can tell me who it’s for and add a short message above the signature.

Who is this a good gift for?

This is a great gift for any reader out there. Do you know a fantasy reader who loves dark, political, character-driven stories? This is a good fit. How about a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale, An Ember in the Ashes, and His Dark Materials? Yeah, this would work. Know anyone who likes a book gift that comes with something to light, sip, and display? This is perfect. That person who has never read fantasy before but might want to dip their toe in the genre? This would be a great way to get them hooked on fantasy!

What about people who want to support a small-press indie author? Yep!

How do I order?

Choose your box on my Order Books page, add it to your cart, and tell me who gets the inscription. Remember to order soon so it arrives in time! I am happy to ship it to you, or directly to the recipient, letting them know who it is from.

REMEMBER: Use code HOLIDAY at checkout for FREE SHIPPING on all holiday boxes.

Can I just buy a regular book without all the other stuff?

Of course! You can buy signed copies directly from me. Just go to the same Order Books page. And as always, I am a HUGE fan of independent bookstores. If you want to buy a copy in person, the Order Books page has links to all the sellers that carry In The Shadow Of The Sanctum.

What are people saying about In The Shadow Of The Sanctum?

Though the book only came out in May 2026, readers have been extremely positive in their reviews:

• “This book builds like the best ballads that stick with you for years. The characters are relatable and are easy to root for (or against). The world feels lived in, and its lore and magic are imaginative and vibrant. The plot builds, and by the end you can’t put it down.” (Amazon)
• “This book had me HOOKED: Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. I love a book that surprises me, and this took some tropes I’m normally not drawn to and worked them like a dark fantasy motif into a magically violent symphony. Expect some easy to like characters, some religious deconstruction, and some warnings both about the integration of politics and religion and the risk of fighting that head on without falling into the same patterns you are trying to leave behind.” (Goodreads)
• “My exposure to fantasy authors has been limited to C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein and whatever fantasy books I needed to read to my kids. I didn’t think this book was for me. The world Dan creates is beautiful– and the themes of oppression in the name of religion and fair responses to those actions are timeless and never heavy handed. This is a great read.” (Amazon)
• “For fans of series like Throne of Glass and His Dark Materials, this book includes all the classic components of quality fantasy with a fresh voice and new direction. Absolutely loved this book and its complex characters.” (Goodreads)

Thank you for reading, and happy holidays.