Allon - Book 2 - Insurrection cover

[Rob Lamb]

I am designing the cover for INSURRECTION, Shawn's second book in the Allon fantasy series. As the development progresses, I would appreciate any constructive feedback.

Steel Blue for the background color?

Or brown?

Shawn is also soliciting feedback on her blog and Facebook Group.

[Charles]

I like them both Rob. The brown would work out since it would more closely match the color of the first book. But if I had to choose on color alone I'd say I'm partial to the steel blue.

[Rob Lamb]

Thanks for the input, Charles.

I have a few more iterations to post as we try out different looks. It will be one of these 2 color schemes. This time I added bare trees with an embossed effect. I should add that the setting for the story is winter.

Steel Blue with embossed bare trees

Brown with embossed bare trees

[Charles]

I think the trees help. The first rendition looks good, but with the embossed tree designs, the cover becomes more interesting and suggestive. We're getting a glimpse into some aspect of the story. It also gives the feeling of shattered glass, which relates to the turmoil involved in an insurrection.

[SNAKEBITE]

I agree with all the above comments Charles made. The trees with the blue. ButI feel like the letters should be flat though. No bevel or emboss. too much at that point, especially with the trees. I would also bring down the letters in size unless you're trying to match pre existing editions. Sometimes large fonts work against the design. But thats personal preference. take it with a grain of salt.

[Rob Lamb]

Charles - Your comment about the trees resembling broken glass was not something I planned, but it is an interesting insight.

Snakebite - The embossed type is a style that was set in the first book cover. The font size is actually smaller than the first book and many times smaller than the industry average.

With yours and other feedback in mind I have changed the embossed trees to faded light outlines (at Shawn's request - author's privilege) and added a frame to tie it to the vintage book design of the first cover.

Final design

[SNAKEBITE]

I think with the fade of the trees the embossed font doesn't bug me now. the boarder ties everything in. very nice!

[Charles]

There's something about the toned trees as opposed to the outlines. Rob, would you mind trying another version? One with the toned trees within the border.

[Rob Lamb]

Your order is ready ...

By Charles' request - steel blue, embossed trees, with silver frame

[Charles]

That's the way to go Rob. Try and convince your wife that the solid toned trees are a more appealing design that the outlined trees. For one thing, the image reads better as trees. I'm not entirely sold on the design border, but I think it's probably a better way to go. The trees without it gives me the feeling / impression of desolation. The border does something to counter that. Plus it relates to the cover of her first book as it had a border design on the cover as well. In any case, personally I'm partial to the solid tone tree design.

[Rob Lamb]

Charles: Shawn found your remarks very interesting and will keep them under advisement. The polls we took on her Allon Facebook group and blog preferred the previous version. Still, we are a month or two away from having to make a final decision, so we will live with the choices for a while.

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback from both you and Snakebite.