Apr 27, 2015

Secrets #1

Those of you that have read the first two books - in paperback - have you ever noticed those weird little symbols on the spine? No?

Well, there they are! Oooh, spooky!

In normal fashion - for me at least - this is me feeling very clever and sneaky. And of course, no one has really noticed. Also normal. This is one of those 'I really want people to ask me about them so I can feel super-smart and authorly but no-one ever does' sort of scenarios.

Well, since you've been so kind as to support the next book, I think it's only fair that I crack the lid on this Dark Secret TM.  

Within the world of the books, I always be talking about some Precursors - the Arkanic race, the Lost. And I also tend to mention a few of their symbols in passing. I've been putting Precursor symbols on the books because the meaning of each both quietly reflects on the themes and plot of each book - but also hint at a larger mystery that only the murky edges of can be seen. The Lost were a brilliant race and each of their sigils hide a deep matrix of meaning depending on context, usage, color.

On the cover of Spell/Sword - the symbol that sort of looks like a bunch of flowers? That is the Arkanic sigil for Valor. It also means the strength that is found when needed, the blood of the hero, the roots of home, and potato. (Or potato salad if inverted.)

The next symbol, the triangle with a dot in the center? A simple definition is Knowledge, but it also stands for zero in their numerical system - it suggest that for them learning was an emptiness, a void to be filled not a quantity to be gained. It can also be expressed as Truth or Trust or the eye that blinks not. It also can be used to mean Dark. Readers of The Riddle Box will know what I mean, I hope.

And what symbol will be hidden on Asteroid Made of Dragons? Ah, what symbol indeed?

I've been waiting to use this one - partly because it LOOKS like an asteroid. [Also circles are very important to AMOD, just look at the Xenon chapter!] But beyond that in the Arkanic language it means Power, and Will, and the binding of forces - a circle that holds even though it wishes to break. And this symbol we even know the actual word in the Common Speech - a word that will mean nothing now, just a whisper. But perhaps one day you will remember that I told you this secret, held only by a few. The word is Izus and the Fall grows ever closer.

Secrets are fun!

Contest Update

We're still going strong in second place for the Sword&Laser Contest - 145 pre-orders! I would like to call all of your attention to how hard you are rocking it. Is your attention called? It is being rocked. By you. At least 7.8 level rocking. I am most proud of the fact that even though we are way out of first place in the number of pre-orders, we are only a handful of backers behind the top slot.  Please continue to be excellent my 108 Stars of Destiny - keep sharing the campaign around, convincing your nerd-minded friends to join the throng.

Backer Loot

I have to do something to thank you all. You're spread all over the globe, so my options are limited - I was thinking maybe buttons, or stickers, or magnets? Something that I can get to you in a standard envelope? What do you think? Would you guys like something like that, or would you prefer something more intangible like me coming up with D&D characters for you on Twitter? Let me know by commenting on this post, hitting me up on Twitter @gderekadams or just dropping me an email.

Thank you all!