Who is ready for the next installment of the HALE series? I know I am!
This cover means so much to me as the entire piece was created by me. I am so grateful to my incredible publishers at Morgan James, who support both my crafts. A big thank you to everyone on the team for making my dreams a reality!
I went through so many different design concepts before ending here. There was much I wanted to display on the cover, like all the new fantasy creatures featured in this book as well as a bunch of magical objects. In the time-lapse video, you can see me fleshing out some of the designs I had in mind, though I did have more in my sketchbook.
I am enamored by Zoom art, and I was so happy that I got to make a cute Zoom art for this piece. I felt it brought more life into it.
I am so happy with the finished product as it expresses the powerful journey Hale overcomes perfectly.
The jagged and pointed rock formations between flowing lava rivers are a depiction of the land of
Emsequet, a most hazardous place that Hale and his companions have to travel through to seek salvation. I would love to dive into Emsequet and discuss the menacing creatures that inhabit this land... but that would be giving too much away. All I can say is that Emsequet is of utmost importance because this is where Hale is challenged, where he unlocks his true potential and learns what he is capable of.
Throughout this journey, Hale and his friends are guided by the Elder Prophet's Journal through the outer lands of the Extraordinary Division—and as we know, the Elder Prophet is none other than Felix, Bayo's once most trusted friend and the man who raised Hale as his child.
This journal needed to be displayed on the cover as it is the heart of the story. No fantasy is complete without a really cool and old magical book, am I right? I wanted the design of this book to be something out of the ordinary with an abstract and golden inlaid art piece on the front and back covers depicting a griffin. It would be the sort of book design one would have commonly found in the Griffin Clan, back when it was in its prime.
Within this sequel, we get to read Felix's excerpts and finally understand all the things we have questioned previously. We learn about his various premonitions and what essentially brought him to decide on going against Bayo and stealing Hale away from him after so many long and loyal years.
While writing this book, it was important for me to display the close bond that Felix and Bayo shared in their long lives as well as show how deeply Hale was changed by his relationships with both these men.
While I was patiently waiting for this publication, I so desperately wanted to say that, yes, all your questions are going to be answered! Prepare for flashbacks, twists, turns, creatures that go bump in the night, tons of fighting, action, adventure, and being on the edge of your seat. Oh, and a few romances, of course, for my fantasy romance lovers!
A ton of love went into this one, and I hope that the journeys and challenges the characters face here resonate with my readers and fans.
Hale: The Prophet's Journal will make its official release in November 2023.
For anyone who would like to read this book earlier than the release date, with no cost to you, all you have to do is leave your review for The Rise of the Griffins on Goodreads or Amazon, send us a snapshot at support@jknoble.com, or DM me through Instagram (@jknobleauthor), and we will send you the copy of The Prophet's Journal.
Signed copies are ready for distribution for any qualified members of the JK Noble Friends and Family group. If you are not yet part of this group but want to be, you are welcome to join. Simply message me through email or Instagram.
The proceeds of this book will be donated to the Encourage Literacy Foundation which provides books to children across the globe.
A big thank you to all my supporters and fans. You are truly appreciated.
JK Noble | Author | Artist | Philanthropist
Published author of the new YA Fantasy Series, HALE.
Creator of the LMB franchise and the Encourage Literacy Foundation.