Summer has fully settled in and I am actively chipping at my reading list this year, I've almost read enough to hit my goal for the year, and it is only halfway through the year! Hopefully you all have found some books you have been enjoying as well.
Book 2 is still progressing nicely, and I have a small surprise ... a sneak peek of the cover art for it.
A First Glimpse
And here is a small treat for those traveling alongside me—here’s a preview of the work in progress cover for the second book in Ecaden’s Crown, The Dragon’s War.
Agapetus doesn’t quite look as he usually does… there are signs of something else beneath the surface. 👀
Book Fragments of the Church
So far, this is what has happened and been written in the world of Ecaden:
A hidden paradise has been discovered, tucked away from prying eyes in the very land Elnor once claimed was dead
Sullivan and Agapetus, in search of safety, are forced to bind themselves in service to a mage whose protection comes at a cost
A test of blood seals the two together — and Sullivan is left wondering whether something in him is beginning to change beyond return
And a small excerpt, written in ink:
Afterwards, Agapetus took his weaving to change himself, which took more time and precision. It felt sickening to change his body, tugging at every little detail bit by bit, like a needle pulling thread. He wanted to throw up.
It stripped the beauty from his looks as he took the form of a smaller man. Nine inches shorter, with disheveled brown hair, sunken black eyes, a puffy face full of scars, a broken nose, and rougher skin. “Do I look more human now? At least compared to what I normally look like. Just so you know, my powers will be sealed within the hour … but if we need them, it will unlock right away.”
Sullivan gave him a nod as he looked him over a bit. There was no sign of dragonskin, just a normal-looking man.
A Quick Side Quest
If you'd like something to explore while waiting for the full cover reveal on June 30th, there’s also a free RPG Maker game based on the opening chapters of The Dragon’s Salvation. It’s a short interactive way to step into the world and meet the characters, and it can be found on itch.io to be downloaded and enjoyed.
From the Archives
Before the current age of Ecaden, a great many gods walked the world. The goddess Elnor, insulted that she wasn't the only one in control—and unwilling to share dominion—is said to have cut them down until she alone remained. Few records remain that speak of the situation, or the aftermath of it.
Penned Recommendations
The recommendation for this dispatch is Witch Hat Atelier; although I am still going through the anime at the moment, the manga is surely being read afterwards as the premise has completely entranced me to want to know more.
Gorgeous artwork, a gorgeous world with lingering shadows, and compelling characters. Quifrey is quite father-coded.
Beyond the Church Walls
Beyond Ecaden's walls is a collection of stories written by other indie authors, if you're looking to indulge in new stories, make sure to check these authors below.
Curious about a book? Click its title to learn more.
In ash-choked Edinburgh, post-asteroid strike, vampire clans rule all. Heir Riley is groomed for power and obedience—until she discovers hidden humans challenging everything she knows. Torn between loyalty and justice, must choose tradition or rebellion, and the future she believes in.
In a world ruled by darkness, can love be a revolution?
A paladin and a necromancer were married at the end of the world. Seven years later, humanity has survived, but their uneasy marriage remains intact. When a noble house is slaughtered in a ritualistic crime scene, they’re pulled into an investigation that uncovers a conspiracy threatening the multiverse—and their fragile relationship.
Looking for other worlds to get lost in? Explore a collection of free sci-fi and fantasy reads from indie authors.
Until Next Time
As this dispatch winds down, please look forwards to June 30th for the next dispatch and full reveal of the cover. Thank you as always for your support, and time, in coming along on this journey with me.
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