Gold Dust Publishing has signed debut author Dan Desai Martin to a book deal for his upcoming fantasy novel, In the Shadow of the Sanctum. The news marks an exciting milestone for Martin, who grew up in Statesboro and graduated from Statesboro High School in 1998.
The North Carolina-based publishing agency, known for championing LGBTQIA+ voices, plans to release the novel soon. In the Shadow of the Sanctum promises to blend elements of religious dystopia, reminiscent of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, with the coming-of-age intensity of Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series. The story follows Ehla, a young protagonist grappling with the blurred lines between truth and lies about the One God. Along the way, Ehla must confront past anxieties, build trust with others, and reckon with a growing thirst for vengeance against the corrupt Sanctum.
“Dan’s fresh take on the fantasy genre is just what readers need at this moment,” said Jason Roach, editor-in-chief of Gold Dust Publishing. “This book combines lush worldbuilding, memorable characters, page-turning adventures, and a voice that readers will soon come to love as much as I do.”
For Martin, the journey to becoming a published author has been fueled by a lifelong passion for fantasy. Growing up, he devoured classics like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. After earning a degree in Religious Studies from Berry College, Martin spent decades working as a policy advocate, journalist, and communications consultant—roles that reflect his commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place. Despite these responsibilities, his love for storytelling remained steadfast.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Gold Dust publishing family,” Martin said. “I couldn’t imagine a better partner to bring these characters and their story into the world.”
In addition to his writing, Martin is an active member of the Maryland Writers’ Association, where he served as an editor for Emerging Voices: Poetry and Prose, Volume 9, a compilation of works by teen writers sponsored by the organization. Today, Martin lives with his spouse in Silver Spring, Maryland.
With Gold Dust Publishing’s commitment to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and Martin’s unique take on the fantasy genre, In the Shadow of the Sanctum is poised to captivate readers when it hits shelves.
