Awen Rising - New Cover Art

It's a rainy day in Idaho. We're stocked up on toilet paper, food, meds, cat food, dog food, and everything else we think we might need. No COVID-19 (Coronavirus) quarantines in Idaho yet, but the first case was confirmed yesterday.

Monday, I will go back to work seeing chiropractic patients. I am torn because of the constant close contact and having an immune-compromised senior at home. But at this point, I plan to keep working until it becomes too dangerous, or I am otherwise notified.

Meanwhile, I am hunkering down for the weekend putting finishing touches to Awen Storm before beginning the final proofread.

The new cover art for Awen Rising is almost complete. Here's the latest (and possibly the one I will use) version.

Barring any unforeseen snags, we are on target to release Awen Storm by May 1st. The main things pending are the cover design (both front and back) and the final edits/proofread.

If you are stuck at home under quarantine, whether voluntarily or by law, and haven't yet read the first installment in the trilogy, here's a link for both the ebook and paperback.

Stay home, stay safe, wash your hands often, keep abreast of the latest news, read the many accounts on Facebook and other social media from victims in China and Italy, and seek immediate medical attention should you exhibit respiratory symptoms.

Have a wonder-filled weekend!

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

Awen Rising - New Cover Concepts & New Description

To remedy sagging sales of Awen Rising, I've decided to update both the cover artwork AND the Amazon description.

While working with the artist for Awen Storm's cover, I learned that rather than Adult Urban Fantasy, my current cover is more indicative of Young Adult or even Middle Grade Fantasy. I have contracted with 100Covers to create a whole new look for the trilogy.

We have a way to go to finalize, but I wanted to share their first two concepts for Awen Rising so you can see where we're headed. Here they are:

The designer is currently creating another using the woman from the first cover and the background from the second. Only Atlanta's landscape will be darker and more ominous. And he will remove the animals to see how that looks.

What do you think about the new cover direction? I would love to read minds (I think). But since I don't yet have that talent, please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

I have also reworked the Amazon description. It is not quite finalized, but here it is:

Going home is never easy.

For Emily Hester, it could be deadly.

In 2042, tsunamis and rising oceans have gobbled the world’s coastlines. Earthquakes and volcanoes are reshaping the interior. Disaster Specialist Emily has witnessed the devastation. But when a cyclone rips her fiancé from her arms, she loses her nerve and her job. Homeless and penniless, she has nowhere to turn.

Shalane Carpenter, world famous witch-turned-evangelist, is on the prowl and stalking Emily. If Shalane can’t have her, nobody will.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Georgia, the Awen Order of Druids is missing an heiress. Their leader is in a coma. Their priest is untested. And their attorney plots to seize control. Worse, a new evil brews beneath the earth—a warring race of reptilian aliens. The ancient Dragon Keepers are sworn to contain them. Only their search for the Awen isn’t going well. And two of them have been grounded.

Could the Awen be the answer to Emily and Earth’s plight?
Or will Awen’s destiny spell Emily's demise?

___________________________________________

NETGALLEY & OTHER PRAISE

“Intriguing and delightful urban fantasy. What a wonderful example of urban fantasy!” M. Forrest, Atlanta International School

“Original.” C. Bigelow, Barnes & Noble Bookstore

“A well written and engaging near-future urban fantasy written in parallel timelines and third person pov.” AnnieB, Reviewer

“Game of Thrones taught us the pleasure of immersing ourselves in a complex, magical world of conflict, ambition, and dueling strong-willed characters. Want dragons? Awen Rising has them…and reptilian adversaries on par with the danger of the White Walkers. a world bruised by natural disasters and supernatural attacks." Roland Y., Author/Reviewer

“Fans of Keri Arthur, author of erotic paranormal adventure, will feel right at home with Barre's work.” C. Ryan, Citadel Magazine

 “A fun little romp with favorite tropes. Fantasy with earth elements and romance. I highly recommend this quick break from the day to day.” Fantasy Reviewer

“Urban Fantasy, near future SciFi, and an Alien Invasion…imaginative mythos…great plot, explosive action, and moments of tenderness. Cinematic in scope…a fully realized, dynamic world just begging for spin-off stories .” William Willey, Ingram Library, University of West Georgia

“Fun and fantastical.” Valarie Z.C., Reviewer

“Beautifully written.” Kerry Z., Reviewer

“Great mindset by a new author.” Steve K., Reviewer

“Makes the unbelievable, very believable.” Judy B., Reviewer

___________________________________________

See it live on Amazon here. What do you think about the new description? Please leave a comment below with any observations or suggestions you might have.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

Awen Storm - Back Cover Blurb - Version One, Two, or Three?

The back cover blurb for Awen Storm is almost ready. Unless, that is, I toss it and start over.

Which do you like better? Version #1, #2, or #3?

VERSION #1:

For Emily Hester and the Druids of the Awen Order, Urban Fantasy goes Island and Underground.

In UnderEarth, Shibboleth the Draconian Warlord seizes command of the Reptilian army. Magma burns through the city of Agartha, threatening their base and chute system. Yet the ruthless alien will turn the clock forward on Nergal's plan to dominate humanity and overtake Earth.

Worse, the memory veil that plagues humankind has infected the Dragon Keepers. Their headquarters in Wales is deserted. The other dragons are missing. And the borders between humans and reptiles are vulnerable to attack.

As the planet hurtles toward a war to end all, Emily Hester is separated from her druid priest and love-interest Lugh MacBrayer and his nephew Brian. They must each face monsters—not only from their present—but from the future and past.

Will the druid companions triumph over this newest series of disasters? Or will the monsters arise to challenge their world?

VERSION #2:

For Emily Hester and the Druids of the Awen Order, Urban Fantasy goes Island and Underground.

The memory veil that plagues humankind has infected the Dragon Keepers. Their headquarters in Wales is deserted. The other dragons are missing. And the borders between humans and reptiles are vulnerable to attack.

In UnderEarth, Shibboleth the Draconian Warlord seizes command of the Reptilian army. Magma burns through the city of Agartha, threatening their base and chute system. Yet the ruthless alien will turn the clock forward on Nergal's plan to dominate humanity and overtake Earth.

As the planet hurtles toward a war to end all, Emily Hester is separated from her druid priest and love-interest Lugh MacBrayer and his nephew Brian. They must each face monsters—not only from their present—but from the future and past.

Will the druid companions triumph over this newest series of disasters? Or will the monsters arise to challenge their world?

VERSION #3:

For Emily Hester and the Druids of the Awen Order
Urban Fantasy Goes Island and Underground.

As the planet hurtles toward a war to end all, Emily has her own problems. She's stuck on a peak in the middle of Zoo Atlanta, a dragon is breathing down her neck, and Lugh MacBrayer and his nephew Brian are in danger's path.

In UnderEarth, Shibboleth seizes command of the Reptilian army and Nergal's technology. While magma rages through the city of Agartha threatening the base and chute system, rebels roam free. But his plan to dominate humanity and overtake Earth must go on as planned.

Even worse, the memory veil that plagues humankind has infected the Dragon Keepers. Their headquarters is deserted. The other dragons are missing. And the borders between humans and reptiles are vulnerable to attack.

Will Emily and her druid companions survive this latest challenge?
Or will the reptilians rise to challenge their world?

Sooo, what do YOU think? Should we use #1? Or #2? Or, neither? Please let us know in the comments below.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

P.S. In order to rebrand the Awen trilogy, we are reworking the cover for Awen Rising before creating the one for Awen Storm. The new covers will reveal at first glance that the novels are Adult Urban Fantasy (meaning they contain sex and language).

P.P.S. The new cover for Awen Rising will be revealed as soon as possible. THEN Awen Storm's cover will be created and revealed.

P.P.S.S. Awen Storm's tagline?  "The call will soon be answered..."

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.