Recently I’ve had the pleasure of working with author O.J. Barré, who shall soon release her debut novel Awen Rising, the first in a series. As I continue to work on more and more book covers, I meet more and more amazing authors, and I’ve loved working with Olivia. Since commissioning me to work on her cover, we’ve exchanged notes on each others blurbs, she’s read the first three chapters of my book, and I’m reading through hers, readying a review for release. And more still, we’ve offered support when the other has needed it. So, without further fuss or sentimental typing, I shall reveal the cover!
In 2042CE, Earth is besieged by storms and geologic events. The fight for the planet is about to begin. Only Emily, the druid heiress, is missing.
In her Venice Beach hideout, everything is going wrong for Emily. She’s lost her fiancé, her nerve, and her job as disaster specialist. Now she’s stalked by an omnisexual shaman sorceress. She needs a new identity and somewhere to run.
When a registered letter arrives from Atlanta, Georgia, dreams of an ancient past begin. Emily is the druid priestess Awen and must save the planet—by snatching a young William the Conqueror from death.
Could this druid identity be the answer to Emily’s current plight? Or will Awen’s destiny spell Emily’s demise?
Guys, I’m a history and science fiction fantasy nerd. How could I not be super excited by this book? Plus I love cats.
Working with Olivia on this cover was fab. She had a clear view of which finer points needed to be conveyed, while also giving me free rein artistically. And I love the outcome!
Here’s what Olivia thought:
I’d like to thank my design artist, Lauren Willmore, for taking my cover idea, creating this beautiful artwork, and making it shine. Without Lauren, my cover would’ve ended up looking like an afterthought. Or like an amateur’s design. And who wants to buy a book with a cover like that?
Not I.
Besides providing a professional finished cover, Lauren was (and is) a delight to work with, providing several revisions, along with expert advice and feedback. Lauren is a prolific reader and author herself, so her suggestions are relevant and timely. I’ve asked her to design the covers for the other books in the trilogy/series and look forward to working with her again in the future.
I’m so excited to begin work on the next books in the series, Awen Storm and Awen Tide (along with reading them!). Keep an eye out for my review of the book 🙂
Lauren Willmore 
I know this post is more about the cover than Olivia’s book, but my attention was caught by the line: … *by snatching a young William the Conqueror from death*. Wow! How the jiggy? I can see I must read this to find out!
As to the cover … why do I think of marmalade? I love that splash of orange in what is otherwise monotone grey.
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Well Olivia’s looking for ARC readers if you want to find out 😊
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I can review it on Goodreads, if she wants.
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I’ll pass on your interest. That’s the line that caught my attention too. Love a bit of history, another reason I look forward to one day reading later books in your Asaric world
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Yea, I do have one set just at the close of dear William’s reign.
And I do wonder what the world would have been like without him. We’d be speaking a slightly less Frankified version of English. Perhaps.
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Ah well from where I’m at in Awen Rising, I think the book might go into that. He has to be saved in order to save the world!
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Yea, so your blurb read but … I’m trying to think what happened during his reign … or is it a domino effect? Like, no Willie, no Henry, no John … of heaven’s forbid, no John … 🙂
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I want to say domino, but I’m a 5th if he way in, there’s more to be discovered.
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Well, if she’s happy for me to review on Goodreads … for which the book needs to be listed on Goodreads, then put her in touch with me, or vice versa. But I don’t do book reveiws on the blog. Sammi does. You could put her in touch with Sammi.
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I shall mention it all to her, thanks 😊
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Great post, Lauren! I feel so fortunate to have met you. You are a Godsend. Thank you for listening to my freak-out yesterday, once I got it out I felt much better. And even better after reading your email just now! Thank you.
I loved reading through the comments, too. Hi Crispina! Goodreads is fine, I’ll reserve an ARC for you! And, yes if Sammi is interested, please give her my contact info, Lauren.
And I LOVE seeing my cover on your page with all the rest of your gorgeous designs!
~ Olivia
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Hopefully there’ll be no more freak outs on the run up to release, but I’m always happy to listen if there are.
I’ll find details and email them across to you 😊
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