Wondering What The Shield On All My Book Covers Means? Find Out!

Many people have asked me about the meaning of the shield and symbols on the front of the books in the Light and Shadow Chronicles, so I thought I’d take some time out to explain the significance of the artwork.

Each of the symbols on the shield represents a different faction in the war which rages across the land in the Light and Shadow Chronicles series. Some of the symbols are linked to the Children of Light, some the Brotherhood of Shadow and some entirely different groups of people (or creatures!) altogether.

Each book features the shield (or a representative symbol from the shield) and a themed background which is related to the book’s setting or tone.

A Chronicle of Chaos features demons and as such the background is fiery.

A Chronicle of Chaos - book cover

The Shield of Soren features angels and so the background is feathered.

The Shield of Soren- book cover

Genesis of Light features an important piece of jewellery in the shape of the Children of Light symbol.

Genesis of Light - book cover

Origin of Shadow is about the menacing shadowy creature behind the Brotherhood of Shadow.

Origin of Shadow - book cover

RELATED LINKS:

The Light and Shadow Chronicles – a unique immersive fantasy series

Worldbuilding – Meraxor

The power structure of the Wilders

A Chronicle of Chaos

The Shield of Soren

Genesis of Light

Origin of Shadow

The Sins of Silas

The Ballad of Benedict

The Hand of Honour

The power structure of notorious crime syndicate ‘The Wilders’

Origin of Shadow is the latest installment of the Light and Shadow Chronicles – an epic fantasy series by D.M. Cain. This novella details the beginnings of Vincent Wilder and the nefarious Brotherhood of Shadow.

Vincent and his cronies start off in a Mafia-esque crime syndicate. Take a look at this visual map of the Wilders’ power structure:

The Wilders - crime syndicate in Origin of Shadow by D.M. Cain

Origin of Shadow by D.M. Cain

The voice broke into his thoughts, everywhere and nowhere at once, deafening, yet somehow a whisper. “Are you ready to learn the truth?”

Heir to a notorious crime syndicate, sixteen-year-old Vincent Wilder is determined to live up to his father’s intimidating legacy, and expand his violent empire. The Wilders have terrorised the city of Pabell for decades and Vincent knows the business inside and out – and has dirtied his own hands more times than he dares to count.

But no matter how ready he thinks he is, nothing could have prepared him for life at the helm. His father was a man of many things, but secrets wasn’t one of them. Or so Vincent had thought. The deeper Vincent gets into his leadership role, the more terrifying and inexplicable skeletons he uncovers.

With the threat of a revolution, a mysterious and intrusive voice in his head, and a long-lost history he knew nothing about, is he really up to the challenge?

Praise:

★★★★★ – “I have not seen this type of book writing before, and it looks very promising. I found it very interesting and cannot wait for more.”

★★★★★ – “A gripping and intriguing short story, and a great introduction to this series.”

Origin of Shadow - The Light and Shadow Chronicles series by D.M. Cain

Grab your copy in ebook or paperback here

Now available in audiobook too! Get your copy here


RELATED LINKS:

A unique immersive fantasy series

Worldbuilding in the Light and Shadow Chronicles: Meraxor

10 immersive fantasy series to delve into this holiday season

The Light and Shadow Chronicles: Genesis of Light

The Light and Shadow Chronicles: A Chronicle of Chaos

The Light and Shadow Chronicles: The Shield of Soren

10 immersive fantasy series to check out this holiday season!

There’s nothing better than losing yourself in an immersive book, especially over the holiday season when it’s cold and dreary outside. So here is a list of 10 epic fantasy series to snuggle down by the fire with. Enjoy!

The Crown of Stones by Cindy L Schneider

The Crown of Stones by C.L. Schneider

The Demon Cycle by Peter V Brett

The Demon Cycle fantasy series Peter V Brett

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

The Light and Shadow Chronicles by D.M. Cain

The Light and Shadow Chronicles by D.M. Cain

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Rangers of Laerean by Tom Fallwell

Rangers of Laerean by Tom Fallwell

The Word and the Void by Terry Brooks

The Word and The Void by Terry Brooks

The Terralin Sword by D.K. Holmberg

The Teralin Sword by D.K. Holmberg

The Spirit Shield Saga by Susan Faw

The Spirit Shield Saga by Susan Faw

What other immersive fantasy series would you recommend?

If you’re an author who writes something similar, drop your book links and a description in the comments and I’ll add you to the list!


RELATED LINKS:

A unique immersive fantasy

Exclusive chapters, inside news, and loads of freebies!

My latest book to be released, Origin of Shadow, is a dark exploration into madness, destiny, honour and brutality. Follow Vincent Wilder’s descent into the murky recesses of ultimate power in this new novella from The Light and Shadow Chronicles.

Origin of Shadow by D.M. Cain book cover poster and review quotes

Not sure if it’s your thing? Get Chapters 1 & 2 of Origin of Shadow for FREE here and take a look. If you love it, great! If you don’t, no harm done.


As part of the research and planning for Origin of Shadow, I had to get into the head of main character and anti-hero Vincent Wilder. It was fun to give him quirks, neuroses and talents. As an inside peek, here is the first ever mind map I doodled when I was getting to know the man himself:

As part of the lead up to the release of Origin of Shadow, I will be putting together a video interview, in which I will answer fan questions about the book, the series, myself as an author, or even what my favourite flavour of ice cream is. The beauty is, the questions come from YOU. So, please comment on this page, or send me an email to dmcain84@gmail.com with your questions. Thank you!


RELATED LINKS:

Worldbuilding – Meraxor

Genesis of Light

The Light and Shadow Chronicles – A unique fantasy world


Why not help yourself to a few freebies while you’re here? Click on any of the images below to be taken to a whole range of awesome freebies!

The End - short story thriller by D.M. Cain banner
Bronze dragon by Eileen Mueller - free prequel novelette image
FREE Prequel Novelette! Click on the image above to be taken to your freebie!
Flagship Fantasy Sci Fi ebook giveaway banner
Forgotten Kingdoms fantasy giveaway banner
Riders of Fire by Eileen Mueller series banner
Audible Studios audio books – Riders of Fire 1-3
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Origin of Shadow Cover Reveal

I’m so excited to share with you the cover for my upcoming release, Origin of Shadow! This novella is part of my epic, immersive fantasy series The Light and Shadow Chronicles. The series is centered upon a centuries-long war between two armies and each book focuses upon a character within the timeline. This novella gives the origin story of one of the armies – The Brotherhood of Shadow. The complementary novella entitled Genesis of Light is already available in ebook, paperback and audiobook.

The official release date for the book is 23rd Novmber. In the meantime, if you haven’t read the others in the series yet you can get them here (though reading these first isn’t required to understand Origin of Shadow):

A Chronicle of Chaos –  http://mybook.to/ChronicleofChaos

The Shield of Soren – http://mybook.to/ShieldofSoren

Genesis of Light – http://mybook.to/genesisoflight

Origin of Shadow BLURB

“Vincent Wilder.” The voice broke into his thoughts, everywhere and nowhere at once, deafening, yet somehow a whisper. “Are you ready to learn the truth?”

As heir to a notorious crime syndicate, sixteen-year-old Vincent Wilder is determined to live up to his father’s intimidating legacy, and expand his violent empire. The Wilders have terrorised the city of Pabell for decades and Vincent knows the business inside and out (and has dirtied his own hands more times than he dares to count.)

But no matter how ready he thinks he is, nothing could have prepared him for life at the helm. His father was a man of many things, but secrets wasn’t one of them, or so Vincent had thought. The deeper Vincent gets into his leadership role, the more terrifying and inexplicable skeletons he uncovers.

With the threat of a revolution, a mysterious and intrusive voice in his head, and a long-lost history he had known nothing about, is he really up to the challenge?

You’ve read the Children of Light’s origin story, now experience the same events from a different perspective with this prequel novella from The Light and Shadow Chronicles.

Origin of Shadow EXCERPT

The ticking of the timepiece was far louder than it should have been. Every innocuous click of the hands reverberated around the room. Sixteen-year-old Vincent Wilder stood perfectly still, making sure his chin was raised and his expression stony. He tried to hide the fact that his fingers twitched nervously behind his back. This meeting needs to go off without a hitch. There’s so much resting on it. He made an effort to narrow his eyes and puff out his chest, hoping his young frame was imposing.

A single drop of sweat trickled down his forehead, running a sticky trail across his skin. He wanted to reach up and wipe it away, but didn’t dare draw attention to the fact he was perspiring. If they saw it, would they take it as a sign of weakness? So he did nothing and let the salty drop work its way down his forehead, running into his dark eyes. He blinked to clear the drop, but his vision blurred and his eyes itched. He could hold off no longer and was forced to swipe at his eyes with a hurried hand.

His eyesight cleared and he took the opportunity to glance down at the table and the people sat around it. A couple in their early forties sat on one side, close together, huddling for comfort. Their eyes were strong and defiant, the woman’s in particular. Her hands were flat on the tabletop, and she leaned forwards, speaking with determination.

The ashen-faced man beside her was silent. Despite the stony expression on his face, Vincent could see the man’s hands trembling.

Across from them sat Franco Wilder, Vincent’s father. Once, he had a thick shock of dark hair, long and wild, draped across his shoulders. That was how Vincent always pictured his father, but the figure that sat before him had changed drastically in the past few years. As soon as Franco’s hair had started thinning, he had shaved the lot, and the bald head made the most terrifying man Vincent had ever met even more intimidating.

Franco’s posture was rigid and unmoving, a coiled snake waiting to lunge. The dark eyes that had chastised Vincent since childhood were now zeroed in on the couple before him. His father’s fingers were locked together tightly, but Vincent knew that it would only take a split second for Franco to wrench the knife from his concealed thigh pouch. Vincent’s muscles too were primed, ready to propel him into a fight. Never relax around Franco Wilder. He’d learned that very young.  

D.M. CAIN BIO

D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for Creativia Publishing. The Light and Shadow Chronicles series features a range of books which can be read in any order. The series instalments to date include A Chronicle of Chaos, The Shield of Soren andGenesis of Light.

Cain has released one stand-alone novel: The Phoenix Project, a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future. The Phoenix Project was the winner of the 2016 Kindle Book Review Sci-Fi novel Award.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her partner and two young children, and spends her time reading, writing, reviewing and indulging in geek culture (Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy).  

LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMCainauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMCain84

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/dmcain

Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/XevZH

Website: www.dmcain84.com

Fantasy audiobook out now!

Not much time for sitting down with a book? Why not let somebody else read to you while you drive, cook dinner, or walk the dog? I am delighted to announce that my epic fantasy novella, Genesis of Light, is now available as an audiobook. It can be purchased via Audible, Amazon and iTunes.

Audible US
Audible UK

More about Genesis of Light:

Warring countries, fantastical creatures, beings of terrible power and journeys of epic scale. The legendary Book of Alcherys tells wild and unimaginable stories. But they are not mere fairy tales. They are true, every word.

Callista Nienna is strong and independent, but nothing could have prepared her for civilisation being brought to a violent end. Now, she is forced to stay alive in a desolate wilderness with only her closest friend for support.

She has two choices: give up and die with the wilting world around her or seize her destiny and make it to the only sanctuary left unscathed. At the end of her journey, something awaits Callista, something both terrifying and unbelievable.

The beginning of a fantasy epic. Learn where it all began in this prequel novella from The Light and Shadow Chronicles.

fantasy novella Genesis of Light 5 star book review poster

RELATED LINKS:

The Light and Shadow Chronicles

A unique immersive fantasy

Worldbuilding – Meraxor

A Chronicle of Chaos Merchandise

A Chronicle of Chaos Soundtrack

A Chronicle of Chaos merchandise is now available!

The official line of merchandise for A Chronicle of Chaos has now been released!

Together with merchandise brand LitMatter, my publisher Next Chapter Publishing have created two types of merchandise for my epic fantasy novel, A Chronicle of Chaos.

NOVEL DESIGN

three young people modelling A Chronicle of Chaos t-shirts

GENERAL DESIGN

two young people modelling A Chronicle of Chaos t-shirts

More about A Chronicle of Chaos…

In a world ravaged by war, the paths of two warriors are about to cross with world-shattering consequences.

Chaos is a soldier of The Children of the Light, and fights in the name of destiny, honor and glory. Arrogant and headstrong, he believes he is the strongest warrior in the land, until a fateful coincidence puts him at the mercy of the demon Anathema.

The two strike up an intense rivalry, but their obsession to destroy one another only leads them closer together. When the forces of light and dark collide, where will their loyalties lie?

If you enjoyed A Chronicle of Chaos, why not check out the rest of the Light and Shadow Chronicles?


RELATED LINKS:

A Chronicle of Chaos

The Shield of Soren

Genesis of Light

Origin of Shadow

A unique fantasy series

A Chronicle of Chaos Soundtrack

Worldbuilding – Meraxor

Travel through time and space with cosmic spies, space thieves, and telepathic pirates!

Fantasy and sci-fi collection - time, space and pirates

Want to get your hands on a whole range of amazing sci-fi and fantasy books? Look no further!

Travel through time and space with cosmic spies, space thieves, and telepathic pirates. Inside these pages you’ll find 25 gripping tales from bestselling authors. That’s $100 worth of books for less than a dollar!

PREORDER YOUR COPY OF ROGUE SKIES TODAY!

Available on iTunes and Nook for 99c!

Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rogue-skies/id1457072655
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rogue-skies
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1131012024

The Spirit Shield Saga – ‘rip-roaring’ epic fantasy!

Hello immersive fantasy fans! Today, I have a guest on my blog (and I am very excited about it!). Please welcome the talented, multi-award-winning fantasy author, Susan Faw. She is touring her epic series, The Spirit Shield Saga and has answered some questions and given us some insight into her awesome books. Enjoy!

Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?

There are multiple POV characters in this series (every epic fantasy does this) but the main thread revolves around Cayden. I knew Cayden’s fatal flaw from the beginning, and stayed true to that flaw throughout the series. I cannot even mention it here, as it would be a major spoiler, for those who have not read the series. Suffice it to say, that it creates no end of problems for those around him.

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?

The title is another Easter egg. It has two meanings, which should become clear as you read the book. Beyond that, I googled the name and also searched amazon and other book sites to make sure that the title was not like anyone else’s.

Who designed your book covers?

The Spirit Shield Saga covers were designed by Greg Simanson Design, you can find his website here:

https://www.simansondesign.com/book-covers

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I am going to stick with actors from the Harry Potter films 😊 Helen Bonham Carter would make a perfect Helga. I think I’d like to see Emma Watson play Avery, and for Cayden, I’d pick someone like Matthew Lewis. Evanna Lynch would make a great Artio. And Mordecai by Ralph Fiennes. It would be great to see him do something comedic. Ziona is a tough one, more like Legolas’s love, of the LOTR, I think.

Soul Survivor
Prequel to the Spirit Shield Saga
by Susan Faw
Genre: YA Fantasy

An ancient feud that spills from the realm of the Gods. Four desperate agendas that cross the line. And a boy with a mysterious box is the world’s only hope.

Helga, demi-goddess of the underworld has but one true desire, a young man named Genii. But Genii belongs to her sister star gazing sister, Artio.
Obsessed with possessing Genii any way she can, Helga sets herself against her siblings. The vicious rivalry sets brother against sister and flesh against spirit, as they battle each other for ultimate control of the souls of the dead.
Helga summons a great evil, spawn of the underworld, which left unchecked, will sweep all life into the depths of the underworld, where Helga rules supreme.
In the epic battle that ensues, only one will be left standing, and if it is the wrong one, how will the world survive?
Download this tale of love, jealousy, and magic, today, and dive into this award-winning epic mythology fantasy series!
**Get it FREE!! **
Seer of Souls
Book One of The Spirit Shield Saga
“A Rip-Roaring Series Opener!” – Kirkus Reviews
The time for hiding is finished. The dead are restless.
Fate and destiny collide.
Twins Cayden and Avery Tiernan have grown up in isolation on the fringe of the realm. Gifted with forbidden skills, they hide their growing magical powers. Ancient prophecies speak of the ones with the power to depose the queen.
To protect her throne, Queen Alcina scours the land for evidence of magic, while the darker force she serves threatens the land with chaos. She is not the only huntress however. Primordial seekers discover the twins first but before they can escape, the death of a queen’s guard puts the entire village in jeopardy. To save their town, the twins flee, only to be dragged toward an unknown destiny.
Guided by her gift, Avery senses lies and treachery where others see only truth. Dare she trust her instincts? For Cayden, an irresistible voice whispers to him. Does it belong to the souls of the dead and are they calling him home?
Buy Seer of Souls and plunge into the first book of the Spirit Shield Saga today!
Soul Sanctuary
Book Two of The Spirit Shield Saga
A temple awakened. The forbidden mountain stirs.
The dead are missing.
Snatched from her home by a Primordial Seeker, seventeen-year-old Avery is imprisoned by the people she intended to serve. In a desperate bid for freedom, she escapes, only to find herself racing against time to save those who seek to use her.
Driven by jealousy, the lust for power and the stain of ancient crimes, conflicting factions struggle to gain control of the magic of a Spirit Shield. Avery must dodge all who cross her path, for each group vies to control her actions.
Aided by the mythical creatures of her native land, she discovers that a true Spirit Shield is much more than a simple priestess. She must fight for control of the souls of the world, and in doing so must face her worst fear of all: family.
Purchase the next exciting chapter in this must read epic saga, today!
Soul Sacrifice
Book Three of The Spirit Shield Saga
The underworld writhes. Terror unleashed. Souls enslaved.
The Spirit Shields with memories returned are plunged into a conflict older than mankind. The pending battle pits family against spirit and flesh. The godlings face off for ultimate control of the souls of the dead, each with their own agenda, for there is no love lost between these siblings.
Helga, goddess of the underworld, tightens her hold on those who hold the key to ultimate victory. Meanwhile, Avery struggles to convince her sister Artio that unless they become allies they will fail in their misaligned quest. Cayden, with the aid of Brimstone, struggles to fulfill a destiny prophesied since their original deaths long ago.
Can four warring siblings find peace and forgiveness? Or will they battle to the end of the world, sacrificing all living souls in the conflict?
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion to the Spirit Shield Saga! Purchase your copy today!
*Winner, Dante Rossetti First In Category, Chanticleer Reviews (2018)*
Get the Box set here and save!!
Winner of the Dante Rossetti Grand Prize for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2016 (Seer of Souls, Chanticleer Reviews) and First in Category, Dante Rossetti Best Young Adult Fiction of 2017 (Soul Sanctuary, Chanticleer Reviews) Susan loves to bring new worlds and fantasy adventures to young adults and inspire them to join her on her make-believe journeys. She is actively crafting stories that sing in your memory. You can find Susan at http://www.susanfaw.com, on twitter @susandfaw or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SusanFaw.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!