From a journey that began more than a decade ago, I can finally say these twelve words:

I’m Dan, I’m an author, and you can pre-order my book today.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

It has been quite a journey. I wrote the first words of what would become In The Shadow Of The Sanctum way back in 2014. Over the years — and through plenty of fits and starts — the manuscript grew, changed, and evolved. And through years of editing, revising, re-writing, and more, it became the book it is today.

And soon, you will be able to hold it in your hands. I can’t wait!

Pre-orders for In The Shadow Of The Sanctum are available here in hardcover and paperback. Ebooks will be available later in May. (If you already pre-ordered through Gold Dust Publishing, thank you!)

Pre-ordered books will ship at the end of May or the beginning of June. Perfect timing for your summer reading list!

A huge thank you to all those who supported me along this journey, and continue to support me. You know who you are, and I appreciate it.

About the Book:

She was afraid of the truth. She was afraid of the lies. But mostly afraid she couldn’t tell the difference between the two anymore.

After escaping from the holy Sanctum, Ehla yearns for safety. In a realm where High Priests maintain absolute power through violence and manipulation, Ehla finds herself at the center of a rebellion she wants no part of.

And the more she learns about the One God, the Serpent, and the magical power of Song, the more she questions everything she thought she knew.

With the Sanctum’s shadow growing deeper, Ehla must make choices that will change her – and the realm – forever.

Packed with religious oppression, revolution, and self-discovery, this fast-paced, thought-provoking fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Sabaa Tahir’s Ember in the Ashes series, and Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series.

Advance Praise for In The Shadow Of The Sanctum:

In the Shadow of the Sanctum is a deep, multi-layered fantasy that gripped me from the first page and did not let go until the final, compelling word. I’m thrilled that this is the beginning of a series.

Desai Martin has built a world of both beauty and dread, brought to life through rich, vivid detail. The story follows Ehla, a young woman determined to escape harsh theological domination in search of truth—a quest that may lead to her subjugation or death.

Ehla and the evocative cast of characters captured my heart, pulling me fully into their journey.

In the Shadow of the Sanctum is a powerful, riveting saga that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend this tour de force.

– M.B. Gibson, award-winning author of Pryor Knowledge: Horse Racing, Love, and Slavery in the Antebellum South

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In the Shadow of the Sanctum is a powerful tale of friendship, loyalty, hope, and the power of finding oneself.

A timely tale, this story weighs the consequences of blind acceptance and willful indifference, as well as the rewards one reaps for standing up for what they believe in. This is a masterful debut from Dan Desai Martin!

– Sean D. Roach, author of Mr. Tingles’ Mysteries: The Curious Case of the Bodiless Head

Click here to pre-order.