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Thursday, May 26, 2016

RoseBlood Artwork and Excerpt Reveal!

****GIVEAWAY ENDED****
Winners have been announced here.


Back in March, we had the official RoseBlood cover reveal. If you saw that post, you know there was a story behind the artwork. For those who missed it, here's a recap:


RoseBlood’s cover had an interesting journey. At first, I had my heart set on a panoramic view of my heroine, Rune, singing in front of the stage. There’s a scene in the book when she first embraces her voice without pain that is so powerful, it gives the reader that feeling of being swept away upon swells of living music. That’s what I had hoped to capture. So Nathalia Suellen worked up an amazing, evocative, and dark rendition of said scene, and I fell in love.

However, the panoramic view was harder to spot from a distance . . . not as eye-catching. And eye-catching is one of the first rules of a good cover. Also, it was a busier cover, which can be distracting, especially in thumbnail images. And, were we instead to go with a close-up image, similar in ways to the Splintered books, readers would automatically know it was written by the same author, just from one quick glance.

So, the panoramic was pushed aside, and a close-up cover took center stage for marketing reasons.

BUT, I didn’t want to say goodbye to that first mockup. So I bought the original image from Nathalia to use in posters and postcards. This way, you all get to share in the cover journey and have a visual of that pivotal scene from the book.

Without further adieu, here is the panoramic image, and the excerpt it represents -- the first time Rune manages to sing without pain with the help of her masked "maestro":



Excerpt:
The finale stretches, silken and luxurious, before falling in an audible drizzle that coats every wall, rafter, and seat with tremulous emotion.

The room stops spinning, and I’m left standing—strong, powerful … victorious. For the first time in ten years, I conquered the music. I did it.

“I did it!” I shout, spinning in place on the stage, my wet dress opening like a parasol and sprinkling water everywhere. I haven’t felt like this for so long … elated, like when Dad would accompany me, when together we carried the songs.

The unanswered guilt at his absence flutters through my heart again, but can’t find a place to perch. My chest is too full of happiness; it feels effulgent, as if it’s glowing from within. I look down to find it is, and can’t help but wonder if somewhere above me, the Phantom’s chest is glowing, too.

I glance up at the box seats and project my voice, smiling. “Thank you...”

The soft wail of that familiar violin answers, not in my mind, not from the balcony, but from the orchestra pit. One murmuring, sensual note that winds around me like a caress. 

My cheeks tingle and I press my palms to them, only to realize the black glove is gone from my hand, as if he took it back during our fantasy dance. As if he really held me in his arms…
*****

Yes, those thorny, black vines actually play a part in the story, but not in this particular scene. And yes, they're every bit as creepy and dangerous as they appear. ;)

Now, onto the giveaway!

(1) One personalized and signed RoseBlood ARC.


(2) One signed poster of the panoramic image revealed today. 

(3) Three panoramic postcards + RoseBlood swag packs:
 
 

 That's 5 chances to win something, INTL! Enter the rafflecopter below, and good luck to everyone.

113 comments:

  1. I love the official cover, but the panoramic is stunning <3

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  2. I simply can't wait for this book!

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  3. I love the official cover better, like you said it's much more identifiable for Splintered fans and the panoramic one is pretty busy, much better as a poster

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  4. Love both images, the panoramic one would make for an amazing poster.

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  5. I not going to fib, I adore the panoramic version! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  6. I adore the idea of the panoramic image for the cover but I agree that the close up makes it easier to recognize as a YOU book! And it grabs your attention more being easier to be seen from afar!

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    1. I agree! The cover is BEAUTIFUL and I'm sure the book would be more.

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  7. I love the cover but the panoramic is my favorite! They're stunning!

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  8. I can't wait for this book to come out! I'm so excited!

    Down the Rabbit Hole

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  9. I do like the panoramic, but I think the actual cover does a more direct job of linking this story to "Phantom." Plus, the close-up matches the Splintered covers, so it's easier to recognize the book as an A.G. Howard masterpiece!

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  10. I actually think I prefer the official cover because of the reasons stated--it's easily recognizable from a distance or as a thumbnail. It's just immediately more striking. Once you get up close to the panoramic one, of course, it's equally striking. But the face makes a more immediate impression. Either way, they're both STUNNING.

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  11. EEEEEEEEE!!! I am so excited that promo and prizes have started. I can't wait for everyone to read this story!!!

    Love love love both covers. Nathalia's work is amazing.

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  12. I ADORE the official cover more, I can't wait to read your new story. Thanks for the chance.

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  13. I actually really like the official cover, because if someone put it in front of me and I'd never seen it before, I would immediately be able to recognize it as one of your books!

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  14. I don't know that I can choose an actual FAVORITE. But as a cover, the official one serves its purpose better. The panoramic is gorgeous, but is better as a print. :)

    Congrats and cannot WAIT to read this!!! :)

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  15. My favourite is definately the official cover, it is so beautiful! And I love the excerpt :-)

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  16. I love both covers so much, but I think the official one is probably my favorite because I immediately recognize it as one of your books.

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  17. I've seen this cover at least a thousand times now, and I fall in love a little harder every time.

    I cannot WAIT for readers to get their hands on this gorgeous story!!

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  18. I think my favorite would be the one chosen as it goes well with the whole set but the original still has a haunting quality that would make for an awesome poster <3

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  19. I am beyond excited for this book. I completely agree with everything you said in your post-- I absolutely love the panoramic for the poster, but to identify as your book to readers, the actual cover is perfect for that. I've missed you during my 1.5 year hiatus, and I just bought the last book of Splintered for my kindle, but I want a hardback to finish out my collection. I will email you soon. I absolutely love Phantom of the Opera and this is a perfect venue for you to exhibit your glorious writing. I want to promote the crap out of this book. LOVE YOU TONS!!! <333 Christina @Ensconced in Lit

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  20. I love both covers but, the panoramic cover is my favourite; it's so dark and beautifully haunting, and that red! <3

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  21. I love both covers! It's so beautiful! And that excerpt! I am so pumped up for Roseblood!

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  22. I like the official cover better, there's something about her eyes that are just captivating. The panoramic one is gorgeous too, it looks like a sprouting rose and it's very symbolic.

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  23. The official cover is so beautiful. Can't wait for it to come out.

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  24. I think the panoramic cover is beautiful, but I would pick the official cover. I love the focus of it, and found it a bit darker. It also will look fabulous with the splintered series books on my shelf.

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  25. I much prefer the offical cover, although the panoramic is beautiful. I think the pano is definitely too busy, and her post is a bit confusing--it's a Phantom of the Opera story, but she looks like she's a ballet dancer. I agree with your publisher--the pano is too busy, and the official cover makes the novel identifiable as an A.G. Howard book while still maintaining the mystery and enchantment that Phantom of the Opera stories entail.

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  26. I like the official cover because it puts me in mind of Splintered and makes me want to read this one more. Also after reading that excerpt i am even more excited to read this new series.

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  27. I'm in love with both the cover art and poster! Thanks for sharing this delicious excerpt and for the great Giveaway!

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  28. This book sounds amazing! Love both covers!!

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  29. i love the panoramic one! but both covers are good

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  30. I absolutely love your writing! Its touches the soul how your characters and worlds bring life. I cannot wait to read this new series.

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  31. I like both images, but like the panoramic more! Thanks for sharing both!

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  32. Tough question! I think I like the official cover the most but the panoramic is amazing as well. And I loved that excerpt so much. It makes me even more excited for this book. ♥

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  33. I love both covers but the orignal cover matches the others covers when you lay them out in a row

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  34. Thanks for the giveaway; I love the excerpt. I love the panoramic because you can see so much. :)

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  35. I'm so excited. I've already pre-ordered for my kindle! The new covers are stunning, I prefer the close up.

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  36. I'm excited to read this book, I just love your writing style and can't wait to read more from you.

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  37. I LOVE BOTH COVERS SO MUCH! Although if I had to choose then I would pick the one with just her face because I cannot WAIT to own it and have it next to my Splintered collection. <3 They're going to all look so good together, eeeep. And your writing is amazing as always!

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    1. I totally agree. It's going to look perfect next to Splintered

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  38. I adore the panoramic!!! It is absolutely stunning!!

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  39. I like the panoramic just a touch more.

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  40. I love both, I can't pick just one! ♥ Nathalia does some of the best art I've ever seen.

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  41. I absolutely love the official one! It kind of matches your other covers and I love that they kind of match each other!

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  42. I love both of artworks, they each speak something different from each other. The panoramic has a certain grace and elegance to it and she's saying these thorns and roses won't hold me back. While the book cover show parts of her soul and a longing in her eyes. If I had to choose from one of these I'd choose the book cover. There is something there at just sucks me into the image and won't let me go.

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  43. I love the panoramic image, it looks so dramatic and interesting!

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  44. OMG it's so beautiful! I can't stop staring at it! It's really hard to choose, but I like a little more the official one, at least as a cover I think it fits better. But both are absolutely stunning! And the excerpt! OMG I need to read more! I'm so excited about this book, can't wait to read it!

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  45. I love the official cover. The panoramic image is beautiful, but the official cover is what draws me.

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  46. The excerpt was amazing ^.^!!!!! Just the right amount of darkness, and I could recognize your imaginative writing style- I can't wait to continue in January!!!!!

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  47. I think they are both equally gorgeous. Either cover will look amazing on this book. I can not wait to read this book it sounds amazing.

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  48. I love the official cover, and I think this picture is perfect artwork to accompany the novel. I'm so excited for this book. I love your writing so much

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  49. As a picture I like the panoramic just a bit more, but as a cover I think the official one is best. All the stated reasons you made about it make perfect sense and both are GORGEOUS so there really is no going wrong. Ideally want one of the panoramic posters, I hope I will get the chance to buy one at some point. I adore this whole concept, I have loved the story of The Phantom of the Opera basically my entire life, so I got so excited to find out my favorite author is writing a retelling!!! I really liked the excerpt, it was intriguing and I can't wait to learn more about the characters and story. So far I love everything about Roseblood, if only time would go faster!!

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  50. i really do like the panoramic cover visually i think its extremely beautiful but for the actual book cover i think the close up one is better because it is more in depth and eye catching- if that makes any sense? :) both are stunning!

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  51. Anita! I love them both almost equally. Whichever one I get to hold in my hot little hands first is the one I will love the best. Haha! I have my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed over here that I will will a signed ARC! I may need to uncross my eyes, though...it's getting difficult to type. ;) Big hugs to you and congrats on your newest book baby!

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  52. I think both covers are gorgeous in their own way, but there's definitely something fierce about the official cover! The other one seems like it could make an EXCELLENT promotional poster or even pretty end papers in the book.

    Thank you for the giveaway!!! I'm dying to read this epic book!!! <3

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  53. The official cover is my favorite. Can't wait to read this. I've always loved the Phantom of the Opera.

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  54. The official cover is definitely my favorite but THEY ARE BOTH SO PRETTY. And the excerpt has me more excited for this book than I already was!

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  55. Can't wait for this book to come out! The official cover is my favourite because it's more reminiscent of the Splintered books. The release can't come soon enough!!!!!

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  56. I like both! If I had to choose, I would pick the official cover that I like best.

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  57. Omg! I love all of it! I can't wait till it is realeased! I have always loved Phantom of the Opera and A. G. Howard is one of my favorite authors.

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  58. So in love with this book already! The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favourite musicals and I'm looking forward to seeing AG's take on it (which is sure to be brilliant as always <3 <3 <3)

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  59. So excited! Can't wait to see your rendition of Phantom of the Opera. Thanks for the opportunity to win all this stuff too! :)

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    1. Also, looove both covers, the artist who did them is amazing! And that excerpt ;)

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  60. So excited to read Roseblood! I've always loved the Phantom of the Opera, and the Splintered series is one of my all-time favorites! It's a match made in heaven.

    Also, both covers are beautiful. I especially love how the final one is similar to the Splintered series covers.

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  61. I like the panorama better honestly but I still love the actual cover in part because it matches the splintered covers' style! I'm just excited for it regardless of which awesome cover it has^^

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  62. I absolutely LOVE the original cover but the panoramic image is equally beautiful! I am dying to read this book! Having A.G Howard withdrawals lol! Can't wait to review this book on my blog! The excerpt is amazing!

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  63. I really love the cover with her face, half wearing the mask. It matches the covers of the Splintered series!

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  64. I can't decide between the two. They are both such amazing pieces of art. They both draw me in wanting to see what turns the story will take.

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  66. My favorite cover is definitely the original but the panoramic one gives out more about her character as well! The covers are both gorgeous overall!! I can't wait until Roseblood comes out officially ahhhh!

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  67. Both covers for this book are absolutely beautiful! But I think that panoramic one is so cool! But definitely love them both!

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  68. Both covers are so gorgeous that I cant pick one! But if I HAVE to, definitely the panoramic. And the excerpt....ok....um...can you move the publishing date up by like 6 months, LOL :D

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  69. I adore the panoramic photo. You can really get a sense of the mc's emotions through her posture and I love the dynamic roses that the artist added throughout it all. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  70. I love the official cover better, to be honest, but I like the panoramic cover too! :D I'm so excited to read this one, since Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite classic. Anyway, thanks for the giveaway!

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  71. I love both covers but I do think the official goes better like you said, it's more recognizable also as being by you. The panaramic is stunning though -- definitely great for a poster! Thank you for the chance to enter. Really looking forward to reading Roseblood with my daughter!

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  72. I love both of the covers, I would get either one. But the original is my top pick

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  73. This except is so gripping and the cover artwork is gorgeous!! I can't wait to read this! I'm dying!!

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  74. Mloprincess@gmail.com (I couldn't figure out how to sign in!)

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  75. Both are very beautiful but I really love the panoramic, since being a retelling of The Phantom of the Opera I can't wait to read this

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  76. Love both covers, but I think the official is my favorite! :D

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  77. I really love both covers, but I love the one with the close up with her face, because you're right: it's clear who the author is! ;)

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  78. If I was looking forward to this book before, the excerpt and cover have definitely made me want to read it!

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  79. I'm so excited for this book I am on the mailing list for the ARC AGHHH

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  80. I'm seriously torn, because I love how the official one goes along with the gorgeous Splintered covers, but the panoramic was pretty too.

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  81. i like the official one, but they're both so amazing, ether one would be good

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  82. Oh my gosh, I am so excited!!!!! That excerpt was AMAZING!

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  83. I can't wait! This looks so incredible

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  84. I love both pictures! They are so beautiful! I can't wait to read this book :D

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  85. The official cover is definitely my favorite! The excerpt sounds amazing, and I just know the book will be amazing too because it's by YOU ;)

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  86. I love the panoramic cover! It's so beautiful. The official cover is amazing too though and it will go perfectly with your splintered covers!

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  87. Love the cover!! I will look fab with the rest of your books.

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  88. I really love the offical cover just because it sort of ties together the splintered series along with it.

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  89. I like the panoramic image but I LOVE the official cover even more!

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  90. The cover is SO GORGEOUS, but I feel like the panoramic gives us a better glimpse of what the book is all about.

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  91. Both covers are beautiful but I like panoramic cover more. Its very dramatic and the red dress is gorgeous

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  92. I have to say that the panaoramic is my favorite. It is busy but it has so much beauty and tells a beautiful story by its self. It draws you in and makes you want to know more about the story behind it (if you don't already know it;) )

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  93. The excerpt is gorgeousness i can't wait to get my hands on rose blood aaaahhh!!

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  94. I prefer the official cover (but the panoramic is amazing too) <3

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  95. I like the panoramic, but I've gotta say that the official cover is my favourite, mostly because it reminds me of the Splintered series, which I absolutely adored. And omgg that excerpt!! Need. Book. Now.

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  96. I really enjoyed your short story and the Splintered series. I loved how you created madness and made it into a more modern version of Alice in wonderland.The way you introduced more characters into it and build them up as you went. You also let each character have an important element into the world of Alice in Wonderland.

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  97. Both covers are gorgeous, but I love the official one a lot! Can't wait to read this!

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  98. I really love both covers, but I love how well the official one goes with your Splintered series! :D

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  99. Well, naturally, both are exquisite, but I think you made the right choice, as the close-up is more immediately eye-catching from a distance. I LOVE how all of your covers are so vibrant, as they practically glow on the shelves, and you can't help but be drawn to them!

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  100. I love Phantom of the Opera, it was my favorite musical growing up! I love the new cover because it forces the browser to focus on the face of the MC and I just love that. It exudes power, mystique and confidence.

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  101. I love both of the images but the panoramic is exceptionally stunning. I am so excited to read this book!

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  102. Oh, this is so tough!! I LOVE the panoramic, and I can clearly see why it spoke to you! Man, it is just STUNNING. At the same time, the closeup that was chosen does a few things: (1) it ties it to "your look," similar to the SPLINTERED covers, and (2) it makes it very clear that this is a retelling of Phantom. So... I don't know?? ;-) I love them both and I can see why it was such a hard decision!!! Either way, I can't wait to get my hands on this!!!! Xoxo

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  103. I LOVE the panoramic one but I also love the cover! I really can't wait to read this book! - Denise H

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