Ready to have some fun? 
You’re looking at some initial Animal in Man cover designs!!! Somebody pinch me - - This is really happening, isn’t it?!? There are elements from all three of these that I really, really like. While #1 definitely captures the proportions of the animal-creatures I see in my head, Inkshares has wisely advised me against endorsing a cover that potentially forms images for readers. I couldn’t agree more. #2 is probably the closest runner-up. I really like the minimalist design, how the cover managed to take my story and form an icon from it. Pretty cool! But what’s it really saying? There’s a fox… Some swords… Hmm… Exactly. Not much. #3 is solid too, since it really accentuates a defining characteristic of the story’s hero, Maxan, a fox with mismatched gold and green eyes. (That’s important, I swear.) BUT… again, his eyes aren’t what the story’s all about.
Now this… This is what the story’s all about. 
May I present to you the desired direction, ladies and gentlemen, for The Animal in Man’s cover!! This one truly captures the sense of violence, danger, brutality, and darkness that Book I: Violent Mind is going for. It captures it so well, in fact, that I’m already dreaming of the cover variations for the rest of the series, Book II: Ferocious Heart and Book III: Undying Soul. Remember, my dear animals, this is not the final cover. Believe me when I say that you’ll be the first to know once that comes in. Thank you all, as always, for all the patience and support.
Dear friends and followers,
Things are really progressing! We have:
So, first off, the galleys. LOOK! Inkshares posted this to Twitter a few days ago:
Yes, there’s a blurb there from Andy Lewis of The Hollywood Reporter. It says, "A mystery that recalls the best of Golden Age detective fiction. With fresh characters and unique twists, Huang has created a whodunit with just the right mix of old and new."
If you head over to one of the online retail outlets like Amazon, you’ll see a few other blurbs too:
Over on Goodreads, Advance Reader reviews are already coming in.
And interviews. Well, interview, singular ... for now. I exchanged a few friendly words with Jacqui Castle, author of The Seclusion, on her blog. Here’s the link. (While you’re at it, why not also check out The Seclusion? It’s quite the disturbing little dystopian epic.)
And we’re on track for the official publication date of 31 July 2018. TALLY HO!
Space Crew, brace for landing.
You may have already received an updated directly from Inkshares today. I just got confirmation that, yes, your books are being shipped now.
Those waiting on e-books should get them May 1.
Regarding a launch:
After a lot of consideration, I just don’t think I’m the kind of writer who gets a bunch of pals together in the physical realm. At least not at the moment. I don’t want this to be about me, so much as the book itself. But at the same time, some have expressed interest in some kind of event, so I think we’re going to do an online launch.
I don’t have the exact date or method yet, but it will likely take place on some social platform. So please, if this interests you, follow my Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates and invites. You can also use them to show off those physical copies if you become so enthused.
Oh, and by the way, WE DID IT. This wouldn’t have been possible without you. Backers, your prizes will come separately, shortly after the launch. Great job everyone!
Your Solicitous, Still Somewhat Satisfied Space Captain,
-AC
