Diastrefo

VOLUME I
a dark fantasy novel

Remote, fanatical, and superstitious, the holy city is held tight in the vice-like grip of a centuries-long vampire panic. The local Archbishop, Cyril, has devoted his life to snuffing out this sacrilegious source of Windermere’s woes.Not content with spitting in the face of death, the vampires too bewitch the living. Blood that is euphoric and addictive in equal measure flows like liquor down the throats of the bold and the foolish. With every addict, the vampires’ hold over the city tightens. Sinners will always return to their ways, a priest knows this best of all, and so Cyril knows this threat must be extinguished at the source.But for all his conviction, there is one vampire Cyril knows he cannot unmake – not with faith, nor fire, nor fury: a novice of his own order named Brontë. A mistake, an anomaly, she shouldn’t have been born at all. And though Cyril had scoured and searched the scriptures… he had found no answer. It’s all he can do to keep this hypocritical, heretical secret at all costs.Beset by doubt from both within and without the cathedral walls, Cyril must struggle to retain his political influence over a fractured city, religious control over his suspicious faithful, and spiritual control over his own – supposedly unbending – faith. And as well-kept secrets threaten to crawl into the light, Cyril must either find answers, or write them himself.

“Intriguing, immersive, and wonderfully dark. A fabulous read in so many ways.”
- Jeremy T., Beta Reader

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What is Immolation?
Immolation is the first book in an adult fantasy series.
The story will follow the Archbishop, Cyril, and his charge, Brontë,
as they navigate their respective and perilous positions in life.Zealous and obsessive, Cyril must grapple for control over a city that's being slowly but steadily overrun.
While his loyal Hunters can cull the undead threat, they cannot halt the encroaching ideals
of a secular empire: ideals that condemn the righteous hunt as unjust.Charming and just a little bit lost, Brontë is forced to rely upon and fully trust Cyril as her confessor,
all while she knows he despises her. While prayers and potions can barter for time, they cannot shelter her
from truth forever: truth that she has lived all her days in denial of.Expect vampires, bloodshed, romance, tragedy and betrayal, all wrapped up in the thrill
of unknown magic, political machinations, and mysteries of a fantastical divine.Read the back of the book here, or read the prologue when you subscribe!What are the content warnings for Immolation?
Fantasy Religious Themes
Addiction
Graphic Depictions of Fantasy Violence, Torture, Body Horror, Gore
Self-Harm & Suicide
Death of Loved Ones/Family
Manipulation, Blackmail, etc.
Age Gap
Mild Sexual Content (BDSM, Kink)When does Immolation come out?
October 18, 2024!Is Immolation a series?
Yes! While my original plan was to keep this story confined to a single
book, I felt that condensing it in such a way was a disservice to the story & characters.
I plan to update this site with development as the series progresses.Where will Immolation be sold?
Immolation will be available for purchase everywhere books are sold in E-Book and Paperback.
Hardcover may be available at a later date.
I am working to ensure distribution is as international & affordable as possible.Can I get a signed copy?
Signed hardcover copies will be available closer to the launch date.
I'll be sure to update this page with pricing & logistical information.
Please note that signed copies will be limited in number, and Patrons will have priority.Do you have any other books?
Immolation is my debut novel! Yes, that’s right - baby’s first novel - so be gentle, aye?
I write purely as a hobby, because I love it. I hope that this is the beginning of a fulfilling
adventure as a small-time author, and I’d be pleased to have you along for the journey,
for as little or as long as you’d like.Is this the same story as your "Hellfire" animatic?
Yes, it is! If you saw my Hellfire animatic, you saw this story when it was still
in development & when yours truly was still in denial it'd continue.
A lot has changed, but much has not, and I should warn you
that the Hellfire animatic now contains spoilers.What about the religious themes?
Immolation takes place in a fantasy world, and the religion is therefore an entirely
fantastical one. Though it bears a great many obvious similarities to the catholic & orthodox
christian churches of our world, their laws, customs, beliefs - and magic - all deviate.
This is a world with founding principles, laws, and history very different from ours,
and I thought the church should reflect those differences.How else can I support your work?
The best way to support my work is to buy & review the book when it launches.
Another excellent way is to recommend it to a fellow reader, if you think they’d enjoy it.
Indie authors like myself rely heavily on word of mouth to have our work seen -
and the most meaningful support is always that you, dear reader,
give us your time by reading what we’ve written.I also have a Patreon & a Ko-fi, where you can contribute to my ongoing coffee addiction.

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S.D. Diastrefo is an artist and author working out of a little office with more plants than places to put them.
When he is not writing, he enjoys good coffee, good company, and making poor financial decisions in antique shops.

Please direct business inquiries to sd@diastrefo.com or use the form below.

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What is an ARC?

Thank you very much for your interest in my work!ARC stands for Advanced Review Copy.
When you submit an application, you are signing up for an opportunity to read my book(s)
before anyone else - for free! In return for this early access, you agree to provide an honest review.
This is a transaction between you & I. therefore, it comes with some disclaimers & expectations.In order to be considered, you must:
• Be able & willing to meet expectations listed in the application
• Be available & responsive when contacted via E-mail
• Be able & willing to leave an honest reviewARC slots are Limited.
Please note that applying does not guarantee you will be added to the team or receive an Advanced Review Copy.ARC distribution begins September 2024.

Applications are currently closed
✥ ARC & Street Team applications will re-open in future ✥

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CONTACT

Applications are currently closed ✥ ARC & Street Team applications will re-open in future ✥

Applications are currently closed
✥ ARC & Street Team applications will re-open in future ✥