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Sins of the Divine #1
Veil Us in Gold
Find a weapon lost to myth, and Drake can save the world.
Find a creature lost to war, and they can save themself.
Drake Elynus was never supposed to be in Taramen. They were never supposed to be working for Taramen’s royal family. They were never supposed to do the things they’ve done. But Drake hasn’t stood a chance since the day their home was burned to the ground, the boy they loved was executed in front of them, and wayward magic cast them into a life of lonely immortality far from anything they’d ever known. All they have is revenge.
But when the culmination of their efforts backfires into a death sentence, their only hope is to make a deal with the very queen they tried to ruin.
The world around Drake is unraveling. Whispers of ancient monsters bubble beneath the surface. Fights escalate on the borders of a country that has not been its own in fifty years. Treaties are no longer worth any more than the blood they were written in. And a mysterious general they all call the ‘White Rose’ is apparently the face of it all.
With the gilded gold of society finally peeling, Drake might have a chance to escape—but only if they confront who they were truly supposed to be.
The first book of the Sins of the Divine series and DiStasio's debut, Veil Us in Gold explores what it means to be good, the secrets people will do anything to keep hidden, and the monsters that prowl not only in shadows, but inside hearts as well.
Find a creature lost to war, and they can save themself.
Drake Elynus was never supposed to be in Taramen. They were never supposed to be working for Taramen’s royal family. They were never supposed to do the things they’ve done. But Drake hasn’t stood a chance since the day their home was burned to the ground, the boy they loved was executed in front of them, and wayward magic cast them into a life of lonely immortality far from anything they’d ever known. All they have is revenge.
But when the culmination of their efforts backfires into a death sentence, their only hope is to make a deal with the very queen they tried to ruin.
The world around Drake is unraveling. Whispers of ancient monsters bubble beneath the surface. Fights escalate on the borders of a country that has not been its own in fifty years. Treaties are no longer worth any more than the blood they were written in. And a mysterious general they all call the ‘White Rose’ is apparently the face of it all.
With the gilded gold of society finally peeling, Drake might have a chance to escape—but only if they confront who they were truly supposed to be.
The first book of the Sins of the Divine series and DiStasio's debut, Veil Us in Gold explores what it means to be good, the secrets people will do anything to keep hidden, and the monsters that prowl not only in shadows, but inside hearts as well.
533 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
About the author
Shepard DiStasio
3 books39 followersShepard DiStasio (he/they) is a transmasc, disabled writer who graduated from the University of Chicago with an MA in Creative Writing and Classics. Outside of writing, playing ttrpgs, and compiling playlists for their favorite characters, Shepard is an avid enemies-to-lovers fan, poetry nerd, and quite the recliner according to their two cats, Pumpkin and Obi-Wan.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 3, 2023
I would like to thank Shepard DiStasio for providing me with an ARC of Veil Us In Gold. This is going to be a spoiler-free review until June 22nd when the book officially comes out.
Veil Us In Gold follows Drake as they navigate the secrets and mysteries in Tārāmen which has much hidden from our main character as they work for the royal family. Tārāmen isn't the only thing that harbors secrets; Drake must work to ensure that their secrets stay buried, for better or for worse.
I also loved Drake's character so so much and can I just say this book had me on the edge of my seat needing more and more until the very last page. Can I also just take a minute to point out the writing in this book?! It is so beautiful and the descriptions of everything in the world are just *chef's kiss* I loved it. There is also a substantial amount of world-building in this, which can be found in any fantasy book, but in VUIG, it isn't given in an overbearing way and instead creates the perfect balance.
Currently (impatiently) waiting for the next book to come out. I'm so excited about it.
Veil Us In Gold follows Drake as they navigate the secrets and mysteries in Tārāmen which has much hidden from our main character as they work for the royal family. Tārāmen isn't the only thing that harbors secrets; Drake must work to ensure that their secrets stay buried, for better or for worse.
I also loved Drake's character so so much and can I just say this book had me on the edge of my seat needing more and more until the very last page. Can I also just take a minute to point out the writing in this book?! It is so beautiful and the descriptions of everything in the world are just *chef's kiss* I loved it. There is also a substantial amount of world-building in this, which can be found in any fantasy book, but in VUIG, it isn't given in an overbearing way and instead creates the perfect balance.
Currently (impatiently) waiting for the next book to come out. I'm so excited about it.
June 23, 2023
review tonight 🫶
September 24, 2025
VEIL US IN GOLD is a whirlwind from start to finish. One of the largest debuts I've ever had the pleasure of reading, VUIG weaves themes of identity, navigating trauma and the cost of survival amongst layers of story-telling that is rich with lore and laced with magic. DiStasio has masterfully crafted the perspective of Drake, our complicated main character harbouring both memories and secrets capable of destroying them, who loves their found family with an intensity so genuine it both warmed my heart and made me sick with anxiety at the prospects of what they would endure together. I loved the way that VUIG didn't shy away from difficult topics and how the story made space for diversity amongst its characters in a way that just melded so naturally, and thoughtfully, within the worldbuilding. Whilst this is definitely a heavier read, it's one that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend, and I'm so excited to get my hands on the sequel!
July 19, 2024
Title: Veil Us In Gold
Author: Shepard Distasio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book kicks off its intensity from the very first page and doesn't stop even 500+ pages in.
I very much feel that lovers of DnD, high fantasy, and Greek Mythology/Ancient Gods would be into this book.
I personally loved that it was nonbinary led, and the depth to this book was impressive.
There is a lot to discover in Drake's world. The only downside is that sometimes all the moving pieces are a little hard to keep track of, but overall, it's a great read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Shepard Distasio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book kicks off its intensity from the very first page and doesn't stop even 500+ pages in.
I very much feel that lovers of DnD, high fantasy, and Greek Mythology/Ancient Gods would be into this book.
I personally loved that it was nonbinary led, and the depth to this book was impressive.
There is a lot to discover in Drake's world. The only downside is that sometimes all the moving pieces are a little hard to keep track of, but overall, it's a great read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 26, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing! The way you are immediately hooked by such a fantastic lead in Drake and the world around them. The story pulls you in immediately and as the plot builds up you are drawn in so easily, that’s how well this story is written! You empathize with characters, you fall in love with them, you feel what they feel, this book is so immersive! Truly a book filled with everything a fantasy reader would want!
May 17, 2026
I really really enjoyed this book. The world and character building were absolutely on point and seeing all of the representation in this book felt like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed the story and pacing immensely and I cant wait for the second book. My only complaint is the many languages in this book that don't get translated. It felt like I was missing some essential details there and it was rather frustrating.
January 18, 2025
CW List for your reading discretion -
Suicidal Ideation, Panic Attacks/Disorders, Verbal and Emotional and Physical Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Use, Murder, Mass Death, Blood, Gore, State-Sanctioned Violence, Gun Use and Violence, Vomit, Child Death, Torture, Alcohol, Xenophobia (fantasy discrimination), Some Religious Trauma, Prostitution, and Assault
Briefly, there is also: Homophobia, Fire/Fire injury, War, Death of Parent
—
since this is my first book, I will be leaving a review, but only cause I loved writing this book so much, and it means a lot to me as a trans and disabled writer and reader to finally have published the book I needed for so long <3
—
ARCs head out today, and I think all I can say is that I’m now realizing people are reading the words I’ve written outside of my beta circle and friends. How horrifying is that? Of course, I’ll be a little biased and rate my own novel 5 stars, but I don’t think that even begins to cover the feelings this novel creates within me.
Veil Us in Gold started as a short story project for a fiction workshop class back in 2020. It didn’t take its true form until Ramadan of 2021 when I was on bed rest after knee surgery. What better way to spend my time doing nothing other than reading, watching tv, and going to PT than to start a massive book project? As I began to navigate this novel and the world it exists in with the help of my dear friend, Kimmy Mar, I got to navigate the truth of myself and the world I exist in. As this novel evolved over the years, so too did I. As a writer. As a reader. As a creative and artist. As a queer and disabled trans person. This book saved my life when I wanted nothing more than to give up.
This is a love letter to all the languages and ancient histories I’ve studied these last five years, and those I’ll study in the future as well. Thank you for lending your words, and I hope you find care and love where you find yourself.
Writing a character-driven fantasy novel can be daunting, and it certainly scared me more than a few times, but the beauty of such a book is that you get to explore the parts of humanity that often get left behind—all the beautiful aspects, and certainly all the ugly. There is beauty in this novel, and there is a lot of ugly too, and I love every facet. I hope you do as well.
If you give this book a chance, thank you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Take time to go to your local library, check out the scholarship on ancient sources about religion and culture, get yourself a coffee or tea or water, and walk in the sun for a bit. Take care of yourself, and don’t tell yourself you’re fine when you’re not. There is love to be had and shared in this world, even when we don’t believe it; let people love and take care of you when you need it.
Thank you,
Shep (he/they)
Suicidal Ideation, Panic Attacks/Disorders, Verbal and Emotional and Physical Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Use, Murder, Mass Death, Blood, Gore, State-Sanctioned Violence, Gun Use and Violence, Vomit, Child Death, Torture, Alcohol, Xenophobia (fantasy discrimination), Some Religious Trauma, Prostitution, and Assault
Briefly, there is also: Homophobia, Fire/Fire injury, War, Death of Parent
—
since this is my first book, I will be leaving a review, but only cause I loved writing this book so much, and it means a lot to me as a trans and disabled writer and reader to finally have published the book I needed for so long <3
—
ARCs head out today, and I think all I can say is that I’m now realizing people are reading the words I’ve written outside of my beta circle and friends. How horrifying is that? Of course, I’ll be a little biased and rate my own novel 5 stars, but I don’t think that even begins to cover the feelings this novel creates within me.
Veil Us in Gold started as a short story project for a fiction workshop class back in 2020. It didn’t take its true form until Ramadan of 2021 when I was on bed rest after knee surgery. What better way to spend my time doing nothing other than reading, watching tv, and going to PT than to start a massive book project? As I began to navigate this novel and the world it exists in with the help of my dear friend, Kimmy Mar, I got to navigate the truth of myself and the world I exist in. As this novel evolved over the years, so too did I. As a writer. As a reader. As a creative and artist. As a queer and disabled trans person. This book saved my life when I wanted nothing more than to give up.
This is a love letter to all the languages and ancient histories I’ve studied these last five years, and those I’ll study in the future as well. Thank you for lending your words, and I hope you find care and love where you find yourself.
Writing a character-driven fantasy novel can be daunting, and it certainly scared me more than a few times, but the beauty of such a book is that you get to explore the parts of humanity that often get left behind—all the beautiful aspects, and certainly all the ugly. There is beauty in this novel, and there is a lot of ugly too, and I love every facet. I hope you do as well.
If you give this book a chance, thank you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Take time to go to your local library, check out the scholarship on ancient sources about religion and culture, get yourself a coffee or tea or water, and walk in the sun for a bit. Take care of yourself, and don’t tell yourself you’re fine when you’re not. There is love to be had and shared in this world, even when we don’t believe it; let people love and take care of you when you need it.
Thank you,
Shep (he/they)
August 15, 2023
I loved reading this book. All of the story information that the author wrote about the book are good hooks to continue reading the story, as this fantasy book, full of well-defined characters without amnesia or any other creative salves, never exposition dumps. Distasio finds beautiful ways of accomplishing this, and it helps to focus the story on the primacy of the characters interactions - Drake loving their found family, yearning for their child, and their deep torment they suffer through. It also aids the fantasy - there is a wonderful map made to help ground the world a little more, the foreign languages, despite being rendered as other real world languages in the text (that you don’t need to know), never rip away their fantasy contexts. And the descriptions of magic that are available thanks to a lack of exposition dumping or a concrete system transform each magic act into something spectacular. You also don’t have to render it as magic in your own imagination - it can be a gods favor or a bodily organ. Distasio’s writing was really good at leaving the most important details in and letting the reader’s mind fill in gaps, without expending any energy, to describe the magic or life-or-death situations Drake finds themselves in.
The beginning is very intense, in a way that was enjoyable but a little much for someone like me who doesn’t have a habit of reading. Cognitively, I always thought to read more, but between being very busy and already not doing enough for fun in my free time, it took me a while to go through the first third of the book. I personally appreciated that the protagonist was non-binary, which makes a good deal of sense thematically as well, but my eyes were not used to reading “they” as singular in the beginning, and so it took me extra long. The middle third (I am splitting the book into thirds despite no attempt from the author to do so) receded in its intensity and got me into the habit of reading again, so that I read the last third of the book in one sitting. I have been dreaming of the characters, locations, and magic, since.
If I could, I would leave a 4.5 star review. I have been trying to analyze my general feelings around the book, that it does feel somehow like there are sections that are grouped together a little tenuously, yet while writing the review I hit repeated roadblocks where every decision makes sense to me and it all hangs together. Hopefully, for future books in the trilogy, the beginning doesn’t have to be as intense, as I think that, while I wouldn’t have written it any different, the beginning is the bothersome part of the book.
The beginning is very intense, in a way that was enjoyable but a little much for someone like me who doesn’t have a habit of reading. Cognitively, I always thought to read more, but between being very busy and already not doing enough for fun in my free time, it took me a while to go through the first third of the book. I personally appreciated that the protagonist was non-binary, which makes a good deal of sense thematically as well, but my eyes were not used to reading “they” as singular in the beginning, and so it took me extra long. The middle third (I am splitting the book into thirds despite no attempt from the author to do so) receded in its intensity and got me into the habit of reading again, so that I read the last third of the book in one sitting. I have been dreaming of the characters, locations, and magic, since.
If I could, I would leave a 4.5 star review. I have been trying to analyze my general feelings around the book, that it does feel somehow like there are sections that are grouped together a little tenuously, yet while writing the review I hit repeated roadblocks where every decision makes sense to me and it all hangs together. Hopefully, for future books in the trilogy, the beginning doesn’t have to be as intense, as I think that, while I wouldn’t have written it any different, the beginning is the bothersome part of the book.
Read
October 29, 2025I'd actually say this book goes from a slow paced start to a fast paced ending.
It's clear from this book that the author poured their heart and soul into this book. I thought the world building was very interesting and the plot, once it picked up speed towards the ending, was cool (tho it took me a while to get invested). The side characters have in depth personalities and are well built out characters in their own rights which is always cool when books manage to do that. I also didn't necessarily see the ending coming (tho I saw some aspects of the twist coming, but not all by any means which is a satisfying balance).
I will say that it's a complicated book without giving me the tools that I personally needed to fully understand it. I wish there had been more exposition or dumps or just woven in explanations of how the magic system works and who's who and the countries. It was too complex for me to pick that up just from reading it so I think an appendix with that info wouldve helped me personally a lot as a non native speaker and a chronically I'll person who deals with brain fog.
It's clear from this book that the author poured their heart and soul into this book. I thought the world building was very interesting and the plot, once it picked up speed towards the ending, was cool (tho it took me a while to get invested). The side characters have in depth personalities and are well built out characters in their own rights which is always cool when books manage to do that. I also didn't necessarily see the ending coming (tho I saw some aspects of the twist coming, but not all by any means which is a satisfying balance).
I will say that it's a complicated book without giving me the tools that I personally needed to fully understand it. I wish there had been more exposition or dumps or just woven in explanations of how the magic system works and who's who and the countries. It was too complex for me to pick that up just from reading it so I think an appendix with that info wouldve helped me personally a lot as a non native speaker and a chronically I'll person who deals with brain fog.
October 19, 2025
At times beautiful and others grotesque, VEIL US IN GOLD is at its heart a story about love and the ruin it invites each time we dare open our hearts to it.
Full of rich worldbuilding and a found-family cast of charming misfits, VUIG hits a perfect balance of familiar and strange while making clear the focus of the story is its characters. Mainly, our deeply wounded fallen heir, Drake Elýnus.
As beautiful as it is painful, Drake's journey is real. They hurt. They bleed. They mask and they resist. But most of all, they love, and it's this beautiful ability to love that drives home the tragedy of Drake's struggles. DiStasio is not afraid to break his characters hearts and these un-pulled punches drive the narrative forward, some coming slow and others fast, while the insidious knowledge that a happy ending--however deserved--is not what fate has in store for Drake makes each moment of hope and joy ache all the deeper. It's a tragedy of the best kind, because like Drake, you can't help but cling to hope even when the cards finally start falling--and oh, how they fall.
An absolutely stunning debut 🧡
Full of rich worldbuilding and a found-family cast of charming misfits, VUIG hits a perfect balance of familiar and strange while making clear the focus of the story is its characters. Mainly, our deeply wounded fallen heir, Drake Elýnus.
As beautiful as it is painful, Drake's journey is real. They hurt. They bleed. They mask and they resist. But most of all, they love, and it's this beautiful ability to love that drives home the tragedy of Drake's struggles. DiStasio is not afraid to break his characters hearts and these un-pulled punches drive the narrative forward, some coming slow and others fast, while the insidious knowledge that a happy ending--however deserved--is not what fate has in store for Drake makes each moment of hope and joy ache all the deeper. It's a tragedy of the best kind, because like Drake, you can't help but cling to hope even when the cards finally start falling--and oh, how they fall.
An absolutely stunning debut 🧡
December 20, 2023
Well!
Would be 5 star except I was sometimes confused. I will definitely reread at some point, and I'm looking forward to that.
Drake is now added to my mental collection of fictional characters who I carry with me in my head. What a splendid, brilliant mess they are, masking every second.
I think I saw this on my TikTok For You, and added to my TBR because autistic characters in fantasy are what I'm hunting for, and also because I wanted to get more practice thinking in they/them language. If I accidentally misgender Drake, no one is hurt by that. (Yet if I could stop Drake hurting, I would. Fat chance of that.)
Then it sat on my TBR while I wondered why it was there (I'd forgotten why I bought it) and wondered why I bought a physical copy. But wow, I'm so glad I did, and that it will sit on my shelf reminding me to read it again.
The worldbuilding is thorough and detailed, but eclipsed by THE CHARACTERS!!! I don't think I'm capable of much more review than that, to be honest.
Hopefully a second book is in the pipeline because I need more.
Would be 5 star except I was sometimes confused. I will definitely reread at some point, and I'm looking forward to that.
Drake is now added to my mental collection of fictional characters who I carry with me in my head. What a splendid, brilliant mess they are, masking every second.
I think I saw this on my TikTok For You, and added to my TBR because autistic characters in fantasy are what I'm hunting for, and also because I wanted to get more practice thinking in they/them language. If I accidentally misgender Drake, no one is hurt by that. (Yet if I could stop Drake hurting, I would. Fat chance of that.)
Then it sat on my TBR while I wondered why it was there (I'd forgotten why I bought it) and wondered why I bought a physical copy. But wow, I'm so glad I did, and that it will sit on my shelf reminding me to read it again.
The worldbuilding is thorough and detailed, but eclipsed by THE CHARACTERS!!! I don't think I'm capable of much more review than that, to be honest.
Hopefully a second book is in the pipeline because I need more.
July 27, 2025
Rainbow Book Crate Edition
I am conflicted after reading this - headachy from trying to understand the storyline, frustrated with the main character, conflicted with all the sexual tension, but in the end left wanting to know where the next book will lead us...
Hidden in glamour, the gods walk among us...
I am conflicted after reading this - headachy from trying to understand the storyline, frustrated with the main character, conflicted with all the sexual tension, but in the end left wanting to know where the next book will lead us...
Hidden in glamour, the gods walk among us...
June 7, 2024
this book is absolutely beautiful. if you want a character that really makes you feel something for them READ THIS BOOK especially if you’re a fantasy lover like myself it was impossible to put down i finished it in 2 days!
Did Not Finish
May 16, 2025dnf at 7% (page 49)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews