Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Cover Art Reveal!


Ah, Champion of Valor! The last book in my Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy. It'll be released May 1st, and I can't wait! I just love this cover, it's my favorite out of all three.

The Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen, and it's up to Selliki, the selkie, to get it back. Selliki sets across the continent of Alethereia to find Arnhem, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. Selliki knows that no union between a selkie and a human have ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is.

The final war between Speica and Arnhem is threatening the entire world. Lucifer has aligned himself with Speica and wants nothing less than to bring about the Apocalypse before its time. In the last battle, cowardice is revealed, promises are broken, and many people die. Trolls fight icthyocentaurs, dwarves armed up against the Drow, angels against demons. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.

I would love to set up a blog tour in May for CoV's release. If you are willing to host me as a guest blogger or for an interview, please let me know! I'm willing to host you on my blog in return!

And now I'll leave you with a brief excerpt from Champion of Valor:

Varun fixed her with a stern stare but did not argue the point.

I hope the Speicans will not know how to use the Conch Shell.

Varun shook his head. I'm afraid with their evil and treacherous ways, they will figure out a way to harness its power. But on to other matters, what did you learn from Tara'zai? Did you locate her brother? Naida thought she saw him the other day.

Tara'zai and Ven'jo are missing. I spoke with Mika'la instead.


The selkie leader closed his dark eyes. Then the Conch Shell might not even be somewhere within the ocean. He swam in a tight circle and then shored up beside her. You must go. Join the war, find the Conch Shell. I trust you to find it if it is on land. The rest of us shall remain, rebuilding our city, readying our army, and searching for the Conch Shell down here.

But...

Isn't this what you always wanted? A chance to see if you and that magical man could ever work out?

Selliki stared at the broken sand tower a few feet away. Marriages between selkies and anyone but their own kind ended disastrously. No female selkie had ever been able to give up her true nature to live with complete happiness on two legs. Not without constantly yearning for the sea. In every case, the selkie spouse abandoned their marriage and returned to the sea. In every case. Selliki knew the risk, but she also knew the calling of her heart, and she loved Gabrael. Even so, she shivered. This task would require her to be away from the water for much longer than she had ever been before. She fixed her gaze upon her leader. I will do as you wish.

Good. May the water be gentle in your passing.

And let the water save you from our troubles. Selliki flipped on her fins and swam away. She approached Naida, one of her closest friends. I have to go. Varun has a mission for me.

Compassion swam in Naida's eyes. Will you be able to see Gabrael at least?

Yes, but I must leave now. Tell everyone I'll be back as soon as I can.

I will, and be safe, Selliki. Naida used her strong tail to lift a portion of the broken sand wall.

Selliki watched the other selkies, her people, work to rebuild their underwater domain. Her entire body screamed to help them, but she had no choice. She had to do as Varun bid her. She ignored the confused looks some of the other selkies threw at her and swam toward the surface.

15 comments:

Renee Wildes said...

Hey Nicole, I'd love to have you over at my site in May! Check it out at http://www.reneewildes1.wordpress.com and let me know what date you want!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Just gorgeous!! Hey N, you know you're more than welcome on the Graffiti Wall. Shoot me an email for when you'd like. We can do an interview and a giveaway, and you can do a guest post, too, if you'd like. :) salarsen71(at)gmail(dot)com

Charity Bradford said...

Great cover Nicole! I'd love to have you over at my blog. I'll send you my list of interview questions if you want. charity.bradford@gmail.com

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicole, I'd be happy to host you!

Cherie Reich said...

Awesome cover! Can't wait to read it.

And, I'll be willing to either have you guest blog or interview you on my blog in May. :)

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Hi Nicole! I'd be interested in interviewing you on my blog in May. You can e-mail me at sandraATsandraulbrichDOTcom.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Sounds lovely, Nicole. What a great cover! Your passion for your story is very evident.

LTM said...

wow. That is super-gorgeous, Nicole! Best of luck to you--you must be so proud! :o) <3

Anonymous said...

Lovely cover...all the best to you! It must be such a thrill :)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ali cross said...

I think I need to read your books! The cover of this one is truly gorgeous. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Your blog is gorgeous!!! Would love to have you stop by my blog....maybe we could do an interview about your book -- you're a new author to me so I will put you on my "to be bought" list! Thank you for the giveaway!

Following via GFC, Kimmie, Nola. (+1)
follow me on twitter (+1) -- @Bakin_Goddess
like me on facebook (+1) -- Done!! Kimberly F
sign up for my newsletter (+5) -- blazesandbubbles AT gmail DOT com

I Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Bakin_Goddess/status/61140990014128128

Total of 8

Thank you!

Dale Graves said...

angiebestboss@gmail.com
What a great contest! Thanks

Dale Graves said...

angiebestboss@gmail.com
I follow on Twitter

Dale Graves said...

I like you on FB
angiebestboss@gmail.com