Good Afternoon everyone,
This is the week of cover reveals here at from Pemberley to Milton. Just a few days ago we revealed to you the magnificent cover of When Duty Calls from Belén Paccagnella with a design created by my favourite artist, Janet Taylor. The cover was stunning with a taste that can hardly be copied, and today we are once more bringing to your attention the cover of another wonderful book. This time, we will bring to you Darcy’s Clan by Lari Ann O’Dell.
This cover is very different from When Duty Calls, but equally appealing! I’m currently reading the book, and I must say the cover really depicts what you’ll find in it.
But Mrs. O’Dell would like to share with you what her initial ideas for this cover were, and how it could connect with the plot itself, so it’s time to give her the floor 🙂
Hello, Rita. I am thrilled to be here at From Pemberley to Milton. It is with great excitement that I tell you and your lovely readers about my upcoming release, Mr. Darcy’s Clan, and share a bit about my amazing cover.
When I was writing Mr. Darcy’s Clan, I knew I wanted to create a compelling portrayal of vampires. In some ways, my vampires, also called Firstborn Sons, are very much like the vampires we have seen across all mediums. (No, they don’t sparkle. Mr. Darcy would hate that.) Yet, it was also my intention to build new characteristics into my vampires. In this variation, vampires are fully integrated into English society. They are revered and respected, and they live by a strict set of laws called the Dictates. I felt that my cover should also be unique, but still be recognized as a JAFF novel. I worked with a talented cover designer, Jane Dixon-Smith, and asked for a cover with a a touch of blood and no direct sunlight, while admitting that beyond that I was not quite sure what I wanted.
Jane is a brilliant designer, and she took my vague suggestions and worked her magic to create the cover I am revealing today. It is definitely my favorite of all my book covers. In this variation, the sun never shines directly in England as that would be very deadly for the vampires who reside there. This element of the story is mentioned several times throughout the novel, but three particular instances stand out, and I would like to share a few teasers that refer to this phenomenon.
The first occurs in an exchange between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, just after they learn that Jane is stranded at Netherfield.
“This was a lucky idea of mine!” she cried, as if she had been personally responsible for the rain.
Her husband scowled at her. “My dear, you must be descended from Henry VIII to have such control over the weather. Why, ever since his reign the sun rarely shines in England, which makes it so accessible for the vampires and their ilk.”
The second is at the Netherfield Ball, and gives a glimpse of how Darcy feels for Elizabeth.
Darcy sensed the moment Elizabeth Bennet entered Netherfield. Her scent was a heady mix of lavender, roses, and something that was uniquely Elizabeth, something akin to sunshine. Darcy was unsure how that was possible, as the sun never shone directly upon England, and had not done so in centuries.
Finally, the third key reference, again at Netherfield Ball, is spoken in jest by Elizabeth, toward the end of the evening and before a very important reveal.
“You seem to hold yourself responsible for a great deal, sir. Is it your fault the sun does not shine directly in England as well?” Elizabeth said in a desperate attempt to diffuse the tension.
Mr. Darcy’s Clan’s intriguing cover sets the tone for my book. It depicts Mr. Darcy, above Pemberley, where much of the story takes place, and the lack of direct sunlight on the cover hints at the darker tone of this variation. There is a bit of blood dripping from the title, as it is a vampire variation, but fear not, dear readers, this book is not overly graphic or violent. Darcy and Elizabeth endure many misunderstandings, trials, and tribulations over the course of their journey together, but it does indeed end with a happily ever after.
And now…without further ado, here is the cover:
So, what do you think of it? I think the ambience really reflects the storyline, which I’m absolutely loving! And the detail of the blood falling off the title is a nice touch. I also love the fact that Mr. Darcy does not appear transfigured in the cover because in the book we don’t really think of him as a vampire, but as a normal gentleman. And this guy’s features are really sexy, aren’t they? Pemberley seems a little different from the usual images we see, but if you read the book, you’ll see that there is indeed a difference 🙂
I am loving the book as much as I loved the cover, so if you want to know why, please stop by on April 2nd for more details 🙂
The upper echelon of English society—comprised of vampires, or Firstborn Sons—is a world Elizabeth Bennet has no desire to join. She has little exposure to Firstborn Sons until Mr. Bingley arrives in the neighborhood and falls in love with her sister Jane. His mysterious friend, Mr. Darcy, attracts Elizabeth’s attention, but she is convinced he is hiding a dark secret. In spite of this, powerful feelings draw her to him. She learns a shocking truth when Mr. Wickham appears, and disaster strikes at Netherfield. Forced into Mr. Darcy’s supernatural realm, a confusing new world of danger threatens their deepening love. How can they find eternal happiness when members of his illustrious clan are plotting her demise? Can Mr. Darcy rise beyond his past to save her or will he lose her for all eternity?
Mr. Darcy’s Clan is available for pre-order at:
Lari Ann O’Dell first discovered her love of Pride & Prejudice when she was eighteen. After reading a Pride & Prejudice variation she found in a closing sale at a bookstore, she said, “This is what I want to do.” She published her first novel, Mr. Darcy’s Kiss, two years later.
Born and raised in Colorado, she attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Creative Writing. After graduating college, she wrote and published her second novel, Mr. Darcy’s Ship. Her third novel, Mr. Darcy’s Clan, is her first supernatural variation, and she is working on two more fantasy variations. She is now back at school and pursuing a degree in Nursing. She adores her two beautiful nephews, Hudson and Dean. She currently works at a middle school and writes whenever she can.
You can find her through the following social media:
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That’s a beautiful cover. It looks majestic and mysterious. Congratulations Lari Ann for this release!
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Best of luck with your new book,Lari Ann.
Kudos to Janet! Yet another wonderful cover
to enhance the, no doubt,wonderful story within.
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Mary, this cover was done by the talented Jane Dixon-Smith.
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The cover is definitely fitting. It gives off a mysterious haunting mood! Congrats on your third published novel. I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Love the cover. Can’t wait to read your story.
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Love the cover
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The Darcy on the cover is definitely tempting! I have read stories before where Darcy is a vampire or a werewolf and have no problems when the story is well written. I am looking forward to this one and anticipate further information re the story.
I’m not much of an angst lover but can cope if necessary, and especially when I’m reassured of a happy ending.
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ACHHHH. Why must you do this? LOL.I can’t wait until APRIL. I want it now!
The cover looks great, and I’m really anticipating the book. Thanks for the blog, Rita, and good luck Lari Ann!
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Hi Melanie, I’m glad you love the cover. I have good news for you. The book comes out next Saturday March 14th. But we will have to wait until April for Rita’s review.
I hope you enjoy. 🙂
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Congratulations! What a haunting and brooding cover! I love cover art and this one definitely seems to portray what is within. Looking forward to reading this one!
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I love the cover! It’s mysterious, seductive and almost gothic in appearance. Mr. Darcy and vampires? Yes, please!
Congrats to Lari Ann on her new release. Must put this one on my to-read list!
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Thank you, Rita, for hosting the cover reveal. Lari Ann, the cover is haunting and lovely. It evokes strong feelings of in me as I study it. It makes me curious what is inside, just what a cover should do. Good luck with your new release.
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OMG! I-LOVE-that-cover. Man, he is gorgeous and sexy as heck. How long do we have to wait? To quote Rachel, ACHHH!! Like the others, I have read where Darcy was other-worldly and don’t mind that trope. In fact, I like a good vampire story. So… now I’ll just have to sit on my hands and wait. Grrr!! Love that cover. Man, that model is the best. Whew! I need a new fan. I’ve already worn one out and now I’ll have to find a new one. Thank-you-very-much. LOL!! Congratulations Rita on this fabulous cover reveal. You get to have all the fun. Congratulations to our author Lari on this new launch. I wish you well and much success. Blessings everyone!!
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Love the cover on this one and as I have enjoyed other vampire tales in JAFF I am sure I will pick this up at some point.
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Love the cover!
denise
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Wanted to pop over and say the cover is gorgeous! I love the mixture of the stormy sky, handsome jawline (and lips!), and impressive estate!
I love the sounds of this vampire variation! It has been awhile since I read one and it looks like Lari Ann has written hers with a lot of thought and creativity!
Beautiful reveal, Rita!! Thank you for sharing!
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I am intrigued when I first saw this book and the description of the story. I thought Mr Darcy was a vampire… Looking forward to reading this book.( I have Ms O”Dells other books. i know i will enjoy this book too)
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Striking cover. Congrats to all.
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