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Well, the art department chose a different background color than the one I’d suggested–but they did a wonderful job with the caltrop! And over all, I think it’s quite striking, and in keeping with the rest of the series.
Whattayathink?
US Cover Proof for ECHO!
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i think it is gorgeous! anxiously awaiting teh release of the actual book…
The cover turned out perfect. I am a little nervous being that “menacing and sinister are good”. Please dont let anything too bad happen to J and C.
Hi! I’m a newbie to you and your books. I started reading them in April of 2008. Though I’ve read them through twice, I don’t feel too wet-behind-the-ears in regards to the story, but as to proper form in forums…yes, also being a newbie to chats and blogging. So, if I make any faux pas, please, please correct me, that includes everyone. Better to invite then to incite!
I’ve been enjoying reading everyone’s comments and opinions, here and on Compuserve. The interaction is playful and serious, which is sublime. That said, on to the fun stuff, like this cover.
It’s Elegant!
It reminds me of the Anarchist Flag – the symbol the caltrop and circle form; in addition to the black backdrop being traditional for anarchy flags. How apropos since the story is now set in one of the most (if not THE most) famous rebellion in history; AND considering said rebellion leads to a remarkable “order”. (Google listing is “Anarchist Flag”.)
Or, alternately it abstractly reminds me of the Highland Regiment’s insignia. Thus, your desire for the blue backdrop? (I know a bit farfetched…but ya never know…!)
And/or, it’s just (she says just!) eluding to death and a tragic time, which is the basic symbolism of black in our culture. I’m sure this doesn’t bode well for your characters. (More than usual I mean.)
Well_there_I_finally_jumped – into your perfect pool of recommended-and-shared pondering.
And, maybe this posting should go somewhere else, perhaps Compuserve is the correct arena. I’ve been a “watcher” there for about a week and haven’t worked out the sign-up process yet.
So, here goes… (Very mushy, but true.)
Diana,
You have become such a tremendous inspiration for me. Your pure, wise and generous heart and soul are so incredibly shared in your books – absolutely breathtaking! Because of this you have profoundly reached my heart with all of your words, with all of your lessons…with your wisdom. I will always be in your debt.
I thank you, AND I thank God for having made you!
Best always,
Kristina
Dear Amanda–
Well, first off, I have different publishers in the UK and the US. Beyond that, marketing people always have different notions of what will sell effectively in their market, so even if it’s the same publishing company, the cover designs will often be different between countries.
(That said, the Germans have just done a new reissue of the series, using the American jewel-tone/icon covers–though substituting the black background/gold rings pattern for BREATH.)
Dear Headtrip and Rachel–
It might. [g] A friend who just saw it suggested that it’s sort of adapting the pattern of a Celtic brooch as a weapon of war, which I thought was cool imagery.
Dear Kristina–
Welcome aboard! [g] The essence of a good story is Conflict, after all.
Dear Diana –
Your sooo welcome!
Oh, yes, Conflict…I can’t imagine Jamie, Clarie and the gang without it, really. What would that be, a ____ I don’t even know what it would be called, but it wouldn’t be nice, I know that. [g]
You are so gifted in your ability to be ruthless in regards to “where” you take your characters, without it ever feeling gratuitous. Thereby, the heights of joy are climber ever higher.
I think you are a Master artisan when it comes to Conflict!
OMG how exciting!! I just turned my iBook around and showed my partner, who knows just how much I love the books. He think it looks good. I think it looks great! I agree, it’s very striking and it fits in very well with the rest of the series. The caltrop stands out very well against the background, so it’s a good choice for the team.
I am just so excited!!!
Hi Diana,
For the first time ever I actually prefer the US cover to the equivalent UK one. That design is striking and powerful. Kudos to the design team.
With regards to the chicken foot resemblance, I think you could solve that by changing the colour of the caltrop. Chicken feet are yellow which is why the similarity is so problematic here. If the caltrop was a different colour I don’t think “chicken foot” would occur to most people.
Dear Diana
I don’t know why but the first impression that have had looking at the cover is that the history is returning to the origins… Jamie, Claire and again…. the Scotland!!
Dear Apteryx –
I agree with your idea of possibly changing the color of the caltrop. That sounds like a good fix…silver for instances shouldn’t evoke the image of a chicken’s foot, I’d think.
I Love It – I see and feel lots of energy and they will fly off the shelf. Congratulations
It could have nothing but the title and author name in boring block letters and it would still fly off the shelves. This looks really fantastic, though. Very striking, and much more “real”. I simply can’t wait!
Love it. Intriguing and all that – just what it takes to draw me in. I don’t happen to see a chicken foot at all… It conveys interest juxtaposed with the Celtic circle.
Have a great weekend, thanks for sharing!
Very striking. Even though I knew it was a caltrop, the first impression I had when the book flashed up on my screen was a beam of light coming from the center of the Celtic design. Never entered my mind “chicken foot”. This will be the third time I’m going to read the Outlander Series. Starting this spring, hope to time finishing ABOSA when Echo comes out late this year.
I said months ago I wished that the book would say “bestselling author of the Outlander Series” but I understand that ABOSA was the latest book to come out, it would be the freshest in peoples minds. It’s just the whole series is a must to read. I’m sure I’ll find things new that I missed the first and second time I read them. That’s one of the things that make your books timeless.
First impression was WOW! The black is striking.
After looking at it longer, I agree with Kristina that a dark blue would be better.
Black is foreboding, though and perfect!
I cannot wait to read this book!
It’ll do just fine. I am more interested in what’s *between* the covers, myself.
Black background: ok
Size/font/colouring of letters: ok
Chicken foot: ?
I know what a caltrop is, but wouldn’t recognize it from an areal photograph. Also, it doesn’t have an immediate bearing on the title, so is just confusing.
At best, my reasoning (once someone pointed out that it WAS a caltrop) would be along the lines of “Barbed thingy atop a vaguely Celtic ring equals oppress Gaelic people and it will hurt you”, but that people would actually bother to reason their way to that conclusion in the 0.5 seconds they will view the book (unless they know you already) is far-fetched in my opinion.
LAZY.
My 10 cents’ worth,
Iago
Way cool!!!!! Can’t wait to read it.