The Art of Covers

At some point this month I felt the tug to create something a little different, something born not of the swing and sway of words but made of color and texture, light and shadow. Every so often the bug bites and I immerse myself fully into drawing and painting. This month however I decided to work with a different medium, digital art. I use some form of digital art on almost a daily basis for my photography work. I strive to create not just ordinary images but unique artwork that people will be proud to display in their homes. Usually when the urge to delve even deeper into the creative waters strikes, I schedule a fairy session. Fairy sessions are quite honestly the highlight of my year. They are a chance to throw away the regular social conventions of photography and create something whimsical and different, something that really speaks to me. But April has been full of rain in more ways than one and finding the time and money to spend on a fairy session just hasn't worked out. So I decided to try my hand on making some story related artwork. The last time I created a cover was 2009, which was coincidentally the same year I started doing photography. I have had a lot of practice in the years since then and have honed my digital manipulation skills to an edge it previously lacked. So I hope you enjoy some of the images I've created. These are all from 'Cloud's Keeper', my first novel. If you've read it, you'll recognize the scenes.  I've included little snippets from each part of the story to go along with them.

 

"She peered into the cloying dark, a panic rising in her throat as she tried to distinguish anything in the nothing. As she stared a picture slowly formed backlit by an eerie red glow akin to sunset. It was the figure of a man she knew, yet couldn't recognize. He stood before her a handsbreadth away hidden by shadows. ...The word crumbled, burst into flames, and crumbled again. She felt caged, desperate in the ashes for help, but no help would come... She could feel herself being sucked into this black hole of a man. She tried to scream out but the words were strangled into silence before ever breaking across her lips."

"Cloud had raced through the limbs climbing higher and higher to escape Shaun. in her haste she failed to notice where she was climbing to. She broke out of the leaves and onto the platform suddenly, barely skidding to a stop at the beveled edge. Stretched before her was a scene so breathtaking she forgot the chase and simply stared. The platform overlooked the entire forest. In the far distance a wisp of smoke from the town they'd left behind rose into the air. And even further away blending into the haze of the horizon were the tallest of the castle spires. The sun looked as if it was sitting on the treetops which were a veritable mattress of ever moving green. The cloudless sky was tinted blue, purple, and pink with the sun's setting."

"Moonlight. Cool, dark and silver. Fluid like mercury; you can't hold it; quicksilver in divine form. Splashing over the leaves, smoothing rough edges, silhouetting him. He stood in a puddle of light, dark wings outstretched against the sky. Wings that sprouted from pale flawless shoulderblades. He was faceless, yet familiar with eyes like sapphires, sparkling stars, nothing else in the darkness."

 I liked each one of the above images from the story alot, but I didn't really like any of them enough to make them the new cover for 'Cloud's Keeper'. So I took a step back and regrouped. I decided instead of choosing an actual scene from the book that maybe it would be better just to choose certain elements. This final image is what I came up with and will be the new cover for 'Cloud's Keeper' when it is rereleased sometime later this year.

The new cover for 'Cloud's Keeper'

What do you think? Do you like it more than the original cover? I'd love to have some feedback over the new cover and also the other artwork in this entry.

 

And finally, I've decided to offer my digital manipulation skills out to others who need/want cover art or story art. So if you like the above and you need some work done. Toss me a line. cinderellatales@gmail.com   I'd love to get started in the world of cover design and my rates will be super affordable.

Review for "The Book of Deacon"

"The Book of Deacon" is the first novel in Joseph Lallo's trilogy by the same name.
☺☺☺☺☻
A young woman stands against the backdrop of a snowy expanse. She holds her left hand up to her chest as if to ward off the cold that her cloak does not fully protect her from. In the other hand she plants a staff in the snow. Her stance is determined but her grip on the staff is light as if she isn't certain of its use. A blue crystal tops the staff, glowing wisps of magic swirling in the breeze.
Myranda Celeste is a pariah in a war-torn society that doesn't approve of her beliefs or the compassion she holds for every single being on earth. She struggles to survive the harsh winter clime of her homeland without adequate clothing, food, or supplies. When she finds a beautiful jewel encrusted blade in an ice covered field Myranda's only wish is to hawk it for enough money to stay alive. But the sword brings more into her life than she could have ever imagined and sets her on a path that will see her struggle to survive not just against nature but the people and creatures hunting her for what she doesn't even know or understand.

What I liked:

• Myranda is a wonderful character, driven by compassion and a desire for social interactions that undoubtedly turnout worse than she intended. Her desire to see the war that tore apart of her family and homeland is admirable.
• Leo is another wonderful character. I loved the introduction of the unique malthrope even if he doesn't turn out to be everything I would have wanted him to be. 
• My favorite part of the whole book would probably be Myn. She's a cute little dragon and her attachment and protective nature towards Myranda makes a wonderful addition to our little crew. I hope she eventually learns to speak like Solomon.

What I disliked:

•  Sometimes the dialogue was a little stiff.
• My main complaint was in the repetitive nature of her training. Each one was so similar to the other that you could practically interchange the elements without much of a difference. To spend as much time on this aspect of Myranda's journey as we did you would think that it would be helpful to flesh it out a little more.
• Myranda takes a little longer than she probably should have to figure out Lain's true identity. I suspected it in the church. I knew it the second she met the fellow in the restaurant who mentioned the Red Shadow assassin. Yet it took Myranda much much longer.
• Judging by the way Myranda picks up all aspects of her magic and combat training so quickly, you would think people would guess she's the chosen one who is good at everything they attempt. Maybe she's not but someone should at least suggest it.
• The romance between Myranda and Deacon as of this book is not at all believable or even desirable really. I find myself rooting more for the malthrope than I would for him. Which is odd and a little sad.
• A few characters just kinda washed in and out, maybe we'll see more of them in later books, but for now they were mostly a waste of page space.

This is another book that I struggled to decide its rating. There's not really any glaring detractions but then again there aren't any amazingly bright spots either. So I finally decided on 4 smilies but it could have easily made it to 5. "The Book of Deacon" is currently available for the Kindle for free. The two following books in the series, 'The Great Convergence' and 'The Battle of Verril' for $2.99 a piece. I'm very tempted to get the second and third and they have found there way on to my wishlist for future reference. You can find out more about the series and author at www.bookofdeacon.com The author also has two other series available.
☺☺☺☺☻
4 out of 5 smilies
Recommended for fantasy readers both young and old.
Synopsis: "Myranda is a young woman more interested in staying alive than being a hero. Orphaned by a continent-spanning war that has gone on for decades too long and shunned for failing to support it, she has been on the move since she was only a child. One can hardly blame her when she thinks that the chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo is the moment that will change her life. No one could predict just how great that change would be. It will lead her through an adventure of rebels and generals, of wizards and warriors, and of beasts both noble and monstrous. Each step of the way will take her closer to the truth of her potential, of the war, and of the fate of her world."

Review for "The Circle of Sorcerers"

"The Circle of Sorcerers" is the first book in Brian Kittrell's 'Mages of Bloodmyr' series.
☺☺☺☺☻
An arcane circle of power swirls across the blue stained cover. The indecipherable runes glow with luminescence.
Laedron Telpist has lived his entire life in the quiet of  a Sorbian rural seaside town. On the cusp of manhood Lae will soon be leaving his quiet life to study the ways of mages and sorcerers. But his studies aren't at all what he expected as the world changes in a very formidable and damning way.

What I liked:

• I liked the friendship between Marac and Laedron
• The scenes where Laedron loses himself to the feelings of angst, anger, and revenge and lets the spells take him are the best.

What I disliked:

• First there were a few proofreading errors, for instance reigns instead of reins. 
• Secondly the level of emotion behind Laedron for Ismeralda's fate seems out of whack. He only knew her for a few days. In the same way I just finished the book last night and I already can't remember the name of the other fellow that dies. If you want the reader to feel a sense of loss at the deaths you need to build the characters up more, let the reader get to really know them. Otherwise they're nameless faceless cannon fodder.
• The storyline seemed a little rushed, we go here, we go there, we learn this, we do this, we meet people along the way but all in all it just doesn't feel real or natural, but forced.
• You get the feeling several times that something is supposed to happen that doesn't, perhaps that's done on purpose and we'll see these things again in a later book. Also we get the feeling that Lae's father was someone extremely important but Lae never seems at all surprised that everyone recognizes his name.

'The Circle of Sorcerers' was a decent but honestly easily forgettable read. It is currently available for free for the Kindle from Amazon. The other two books in the series are also available. You can find out more about the author, the series, and his other books at www.latenitebooks.com
☺☺☺☺☻
4 out of 5 smilies
Recommended for young adults and adults who enjoy fantasy with a touch of political intrigue.

Synopsis: "When Laedron Telpist's sorcery training is interrupted by a knock on the door, what once seemed a proper profession must now be hidden. In a world where priests and mages vie for the limitless power of the elements and a new Grand Vicar has sworn death to all sorcerers, Laedron is tossed into a nightmare which would see his destruction at every turn.
From the home shores in western Sorbia, through the Cael'Brilland heartlands, and even across the seas to the great city of Azura, Laedron finds himself embracing old friends, consorting with unlikely allies, and confronting potent enemies. As he struggles to train himself in spellcraft, Laedron must face that he lives in a time when the utterance of a simple spell could be the signature on his death warrant."

Review for "Faelorehn"

"Faelorehn" is the first book in Jenna Elizabeth Johnson's "Otherworld" trilogy.
☺☺☺☺☻
The cover is a wash of cloudy pink. Green outlined glowing branches snake over from the left hand corner. Mystical lettering declares the title. The cover reminds me of a solarized image and while nothing fancy it does have a strange allure.
"Faelorehn" begins on the edge of a dream. The same dream Meghan Elam has had every year she can remember just before her birthday which coincidentally falls on Halloween. A dream of her past, of before she was adopted, of the night she was found, a naked toddler on grimey streets with nothing but a large strange white dog to accompany her. It's been a long road to finding a place in the world for young Meghan, haunted by visions and voices, but she has finally found that place with her loud obnoxious brothers and her group of outcast friends. Constantly afraid of how strange she really is, afraid she suffers from psychotic affliction, afraid of going back on the meds, Meghan hides the truth of her thoughts and feelings from everyone. Until the day she meets the mysterious Cade and begins to wonder if the things she sees and hears are really there afterall.

What I liked:

• First off I liked Meghan, she kinda reminds me of...well me. I had glowing neon stars on my ceiling too. Once upon a time I cried and begged my dad to stop cutting down the trees because he was hurting them. I had an ecclectic group of friends that didn't fit anywhere else either. It's easy to like someone who reminds you so much of yourself.
• Secondly the descriptions of the creatures and the places in the book are top notch. From the minotaur like critter to the toady little goblins everything is fleshed out to the hilt.

What I disliked

•  This is probably just me but I hated the way Robyn and Wiccans in general were depicted. Wiccans aren't all goth girls with piercings, dyed hair, and too much eyeliner. They're not all cluelessly tromping around with internet printouts  acting out just to get attention. For once I wish authors would take this a little more seriously.
• Secondly, while I did have an ecclectic group of friends, none of these friends were friends with each other. It just didn't work that way, at least not for me. And the level of bullying in Meghan's school seems a little off the scale. Maybe my school was just better than average but people stepped in when bullying went to far, strangers stepped in. 
• Again this is just me but if you already know anything about Celtic mythology go ahead and steer clear of this one. Watching Meghan stumble around in the dark getting her hand held was just excruciating for me with my extensive prior knowledge of mythology. And she doesn't even think to ask Robyn about the Celtic gods and goddesses?
• For the most part nothing happens in this book to paint Meghan as a heroine other than her blind willingness to walk right into a trap in order to help a friend, in fact not much happens at all other than going to school and coming home. The lack of action causes the plot to kinda rattle on like a car badly in need of an oil change.

I know my lists of dislikes for this book sound a little rough so why does 'Faelorehn' get 4 smilies? Well most of my problems with the book are my own personal hang ups and the writing was good. It wasn't hard to get through and I contemplated continuing with the series. You can currently find 'Faelorehn' for free for the Kindle. The second and third books are already out, 'Dolmarehn' and 'Luathara', for $2.99 and $3.99 respectively as well as short novella, 'Ehriad' for $.99. You can out more about the author as well as her other series at www.oescienne.com .
☺☺☺☺☻
4 out of 5 smilies
Recommended mostly for young adults, but adults who'd like to dip their toes in a celtic storyline might find it enjoyable as well.

Synopsis: "I never heard him come after me and even as I climbed the slope and stumbled onto our shaded back lawn, I didn’t look back. It was like the day the gnomes chased me all over again, but this time I was not escaping some horrible little creatures, I was fleeing from an incredibly good-looking guy who could very well understand me completely. I was either saving myself from that serial killer I always imagined lived down in the swamp, or I had finally gone over the deep end . . .
Meghan Elam has been strange her entire life: her eyes have this odd habit of changing color and she sees and hears things no one else does. When the visions and voices in her head start to get worse, she is convinced that her parents will want to drag her off to another psychiatrist. That is, until the mysterious Cade MacRoich shows up out of nowhere with an explanation of his own.
Cade brings her news of another realm where goblins and gnomes are the norm, a place where whispering spirits exist in the very earth, and a world where Meghan just might find the answers she has always sought."

Review for "Sword Bearer"

"Sword Bearer" is the first book in Teddy Jacobs's "Return of the Dragons" series
☺☺☺☻☻
Dark stains of ink sketch out a cloaked sallow faced figure standing in front of a full moon in a wind torn sky on top of yellowed parchment.
"Sword Bearer" starts off innocently enough with a boy on the cusp of his sixteenth birthday worrying about his skin. Anders lives an odd existence, spending a few hours of each day with his blademaster learning self defense and the rest of the time literally locked in his room studying magic, history, languages, and diplomacy. Like most stifled young boys he yearns for adventure. Adventure comes roaring into his life suddenly as magical blade sings to him and a portal opens up to a beautiful pointy eared young woman in distress. The two events send him on a frantic race for his life.

What I liked:

• My favorite part of the entire story was the introduction of the pixie that lives in the sword, even though her name was innocuous enough. 

What I disliked:

• The writing style left a little to be desired. I found the author using the word like in most of his descriptions to be repetitive and a wee bit annoying, couple that with the proofreading errors and we have a problem.
• I found it odd that Anders is so fixated on the state of his skin. I mean really you can take the sudden magical changes in stride but not your pimples?
• For someone who isn't interested in Anders, Kara sure spends a lot of time kissing him.
• Everything seemed to be rushed along a predetermined path, this has to happen so this can happen so this can happen sort of thing.

"Sword Bearer" was a short and easily digestible read that I breezed through in an evening.  I noticed when writing this review that has a new cover out for this title, a sprawling castle set in field of yellow flowers. The novel is currently available for the Kindle for free. The second book in the series 'Wind Rider" is available for $3.95. You can find out more about the author and his other works at his website www.teddyjacobs.com
☺☺☺☻☻
3 out of 5 smilies
Recommended for children who are avid advanced readers and young adults. A decent introductory sword and sorcery. Adults will not find this particular story very interesting.

Synopsis: "Eight years ago, when his dying grandfather whispered words of power in his ear, there was already something special about Anders Tomason.
But these days Anders is sick of being special. Forced to study in a locked room when he isn't having lessons, his only escape is daily practice with a staff; he hopes that one day, he'll get to swing a blade.
That day comes on his 16th birthday: Anders receives a wooden sword from his blade master, along with two surprises: a mischievous and flirtatious spirit inside the silver handle, and the dance of swordplay to the music of his own blood. Then, that same night Anders is drinking a new tea and burning incense to help him focus on his studies. But he's sick of studying, sick of being locked in. So sick of it, that in anger his blood magic opens a gateway. A girl bursts into his locked study. She has a stolen book of nature magic and a chemical warlock hot on her trail...."

Review for "The Riddler's Gift"

"The Riddler's Gift" is the first book in Greg Hamerton's The Tale of the Lifesong series.
☺☺☺☺☺
An odd figure stands against a glaringly white background. He wears a double breasted purple pinstriped vest underneath a heavy coat. An odd striped hat is squashed upon his head. He seems set in fluid motion. His left arm sweeps out holding a crooked staff. He holds up his right hand and peers through the circle made of his thumb and pointer finger pressing together.
The secret vale of Eryi is the world's last hope against the evergrowing threat of Chaos. Deep within the sheltered dome a young woman hurries across the cobblestone streets of her village, racing against the night, towards the warmth and shelter of the local tavern. Tabitha Serannon is a simple girl, a singer, a truthsayer. In the shadows of the night everything changes when she witnesses the kidnapping of a local toddler. Unable to rouse help she chases after the kidnapper herself. She manages to save the child but the terrifying encounter will haunt her. Tabitha is suddenly catapulted into a battle between Light and Dark with the enigmatic and handsome swordmaster Garyll Glavenor and the weird witty trickster Tadwry Zarost, as her companions in a journey to find the wizard and save Eryi.

What I liked:

• The world and character building were top notch, from the detailed mechanism of Oldenworld's magic to the deep and sometimes convoluted inner workings of the character's themselves.
• Tabitha Serannon is a perfect heroine with a strong guiding moral fiber who slowly grows in the confidence of her powers and abilities as the journey progresses. She makes mistakes along the way which makes her even more real to the reader. 
• The complex tangle of Light and Dark magics is intriguing, the idea of the Lifesong and Tabitha's innate singing ability is beautiful, the verses themselves are equally compelling
• The everpresent theme of balance that threads through everything.
• I loved that this was a longer book. I was able to fully immerse myself in the world and the characters night after night without interruption. The ending came at the perfect time, not too soon and not to late, a perfect breathing point. 

What I disliked:

• I kind of found the use of some of the town names a little odd and too easy like the leper colony as Rotcot. I mean, really? 
•  Our villain was sometimes a little too villainous... and hearing it from his point of view only made it that much worse.
• As much as I enjoyed the ever abiding true love between our characters, I couldn't help but find his betrayal near the end a little distasteful and ...honestly, weak.
• I think the Seekers had to be a little dense not to figure out the true purpose of the ring and the search for the wizard. I thought it was pretty easy.

Epic. Sprawling. Just two of the words I could use to describe 'The Riddler's Gift'. Full of fantasy, magic, treachery, intrigue, love, and vice the book is an ode to the tentative and sometimes perilous hold we have on the balance of all things in life, Light and Dark, Order and Chaos, Love and Hate. 'The Riddler's Gift' is currently available for $2.99 on Amazon.Well worth every shining penny. Don't wait, go out and get this one. I doubt you'll regret it, I certainly haven't. You can find the second book in the series, Second Sight, for $5.99. Its a little pricey but I think considering the quality of the first book and story, I imagine it will be worth it as well. You find out more about the books and the author at www.greghamerton.com
☺☺☺☺☺
5 out of 5 smilies
Recommended for mature readers only due to a few graphic and sometimes mildly grizzly scenes. If you enjoy sprawling fantasy epics you'll love this one.

Synopsis: "A shadow steals across Eyri. One by one, the Lightgifters are snuffed out. When darkness strikes her family, Tabitha receives a dangerous legacy. Soon the Riddler walks beside her, but is he on her side?
The more she searches for answers, the further into treachery she is led. The more she tries to flee, the harder she is hunted. And the more she sings the ancient Lifesong, the more the world begins to change.
Can she grasp her gift before the darkness captures the last of the light 
"In a darkening realm, which is better: the power to save your love, or to save your love from power?" "

Review for "The Steele Wolf"

"The Steele Wolf" is the second book in the "Iron Butterfly" series by Chanda Hahn
☺☺☺☺☺
The cover is steel grey and washed with streaks of cold snow. A floral border rides along the edge of the page framing the cold star of the bristling grey wolf within. If you look closely it appears the wolf has a third ear. Don't know if that was an intentional addition or not.
We return to our heroine Thalia in much the same way we met her, grasping at death from the bonds of her torture. But this time it is only a dream, a dream made of memories. Thalia is haunted by these dreams as she makes her way back to a homeland, family, and people she doesn't remember. She learns quickly that she would not like the girl she used to be, controlling, demanding, cold. That is not Thalia. But even here where she is supposed to be safest threats pile up from every side and Thalia is in danger of losing her freedom before she ever gains it.

What I liked:

• The characters in Chanda Hahn's Iron Butterfly world are constantly evolving, deepening, including for the most part Thalia.
• The addition of a second guardian was a nice twist
• The land of Skyfell with its complex network of wires and birds is a beautiful construct.
• The action was alot better than in the first, not once did it feel quite like a simple teen school story as it came skitteringly close to in the first. 
• As a second entry "The Steele Wolf" was a perfect addition to the world, closing up holes and plot lines, while introducing new ones. 
• I also really liked the introduction of Fanny and the scene in the cellar with the Iron Butterfly machine. To find its creator in such a way was brilliant, if a little convenient.
• The progression of Thalia's powers are intriguing as she grows in confidence in both her magic and ability in battle.

 

What I disliked:

• After everything that Thalia has been through she still has the most annoying habit of walking off alone and unaccompanied without telling anyone of her thoughts and plans. When will she learn to not set herself out to her enemies on a silver platter? And then she blames Kael for not being there to help? It's your own fault girl.
• Joss becomes a wee bit of an annoying and pushy character. Which I'm surprised cause I rather liked him originally.
• The triangle as it were between Joss and Kael and Thalia is obvious to everyone but, guess who *eyeroll*, Thalia. Are you blind?
• They explain the connection between Kael and Thalia but its not entirely clear that this action was the Septori's doing or something that just happened.
• Now we remember that I made a few predictions for the story line. My predictions about Kael were for the most part way off base, though I was right in the depth of his feelings for Thalia. I was spot on about Joss being a royal figure! And I'm still pretty certain that someone on the council is the Raven. As far as the love triangle, for the moment I'm team Kael, lol. 

If you enjoyed reading "The Iron Butterfly", you will most certainly enjoy "The Steele Wolf". I debated for days on whether or not to buy the book and continue Thalia's story but everytime I turned on the Kindle to select my next read I was drawn back. "The Steele Wolf" is available on Amazon for $2.99 and is worth it if you enjoyed the first novel. I for one will be looking forward to the next book in this series.

☺☺☺☺☺                      

5 out of 5 Smilies
Recommended to teens and adult readers.

"After finally settling into her new life at the Citadel, Thalia is reunited with her father, who is disturbed at the changes within her. Risking banishment, Thalia must work to prove to her clan and herself that she is still capable of leading them. The problem is, her memories haven’t returned, and she cannot shake the feeling that she doesn’t belong.
Thalia discovers that betrayal runs deep within her clan, just as she sets out to join Joss and Kael in doing the one thing she fears most: track the Septori to save Joss’ kidnapped sister. Along the way, she must confront her own fears on a journey of self-discovery that will take her deep into the stronghold of Denai; as they travel to the ancient floating city of Skyfell."

 

Raining on my parade

It's time for my monthly resolution update. I'm sure you've all been waiting for it with baited breath. *smirk*

1. The weight loss goal. The start weight this month 144.8 lbs, high weight 145.9, lowest weight 142.4 (this was after I got sick), end weight this month 143.7 lbs. I'm finally beginning to see a downward trend. My highest weight last month was 147.5lbs so if you compare to my high this month that is a difference of 1.6 lbs. Again the lowest last month was 144.2 and the lowest this month was 142.4 with a difference of 1.8 lbs. Anyway you look at it I lost a pound this month. Now on to waist measurements... start 27.8, highest 27.8, lowest 26.8, end 26.9.  Last month's high was 28.9 compared to this high 27.8 which would be a full inch. Comparing the lows would be 27.1 and 26.8 which would only be about .3 inches. So I think we could say 1/2 inch for safety. I know why my inch loss has slacked off. I stopped using the wii fit. I got bored honestly. So if you want to lose inches the wii fit is actually a good bet in my limited experience. I wish I was losing more of the weight as I'm actually pretty happy with my current waist size. I mean its smaller than it was 3 years ago when I got married, which has been my measuring tool in time for progress as it was the last time I got measurements taken.  But jeez I'm only losing like a pound and a half a month. I'm nowhere near on track of reaching my June goal. :(
2. 50 Books in a year: In March I read and reviewed 3 books. Which brings my total to 9 books and 1 short story. Crude I'm officially behind now even if read one book a week for the rest of the year. I need to step this up a notch.
3. Dark Divinity. I'm a failure right now. I can't seem to concentrate on my writing. So much has been going on this month. I will get back to writing. I will.
4. Fairytree - In March I had Bunny Day, one wedding, and one family session. Taking my lights out on their test drive was great. I love them.
5. Nothing new on the kitchen remodel front.

So there's my update. Take it for whats it worth. As you can tell I'm losing steam here. Life is getting in the way and quite honestly kicking the crap out of me right now. Hopefully when I join you again next month for April's update, I'll have something good to share, even if its only a good mood.