Book Cover Art: Finding A Balance

I’m putting together my book cover art request for Discovering, book two in The Architect’s Guardian Series. It’s always fun to pick out what elements to have in the cover art.

In book one, Awakening, Armando and Izdahl went through quite a few changes. I’d like the cover for the sequel to reflect that, as well as hint at what’s to come. That’s an interesting balancing act.

I always like to review my decision-making process when choosing elements for each cover. All my book covers have been created by Deranged Doctor Design. So far, I’ve worked with them five times, beginning in 2017.

Whenever I have a cover made, I learn something about myself and commissioning work. Over the years, I’ve become better at completing the briefs, so that the cover turns out the way I imagined. Sometimes, it’s even better than I’d imagined! It’s a rewarding experience to go from discussing cover art ideas to having the final version that best represents what’s happening in the book.

Atlas Video Game Review: Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 poster image with some of the main characters.

I started playing Baldur’s Gate 3 in November 2023. It’s a brilliant fantasy role-playing video game, by Larian Studios. I became thoroughly immersed in this world and the replay value is phenomenal. I’m now on my second playthrough. Here are my thoughts about this adventure:

  • Cast: Incredibly talented. They portray the characters so well. Favorite companions are Halsin, Karlach, and Wyll.
  • Combat System: Flexible and gives you significant room to innovate. “I wonder if I can…” leads to fun surprises (usually). ^_^
  • Graphics: Crisp and vivid. They truly pull you into the story, especially during emotional moments.
  • Music: Fantastic. I often listen to the soundtrack when I write because it’s so atmospheric and rich.
  • Story: Engaging and memorable. There are so many routes to achieve a wide variety of objectives.

This is the first game I’ve played by Larian Studios. They’ve left a stunning impression. So, I’ve been checking out their other work. Based on what I’ve seen, their content is on par with the Dragon Age Series and the Mass Effect Series, from BioWare.

Below are images from my 1st and 2nd Baldur’s Gate 3 playthroughs. I know I’ll return to this world.

Player character images from Baldur's Gate 3, including several profile pictures and the scene where the Shadow Curse is lifted.
Player character images from Baldur's Gate 3, including two profile pictures and scenes with the player and party members.

Winter 2023 Story Updates

Image from Anya on Pixabay. A snow covered path leads between a row of trees. Sunlight shines between the trees.

It’s the Winter of 2023! Where did the year go? Here are my plans for this season.

The Architect’s Guardian: On October 10, 2023, I published Awakening, the first novel in my new sci-fi m/m romance. Retribution, the sequel, is my writing priority for this winter. My goal is to publish that in Fall 2024.

Dragon Shifter Fantasy Series: Another story I’m working on is a dragon shifter romance! I’ll have many more details about this in 2024.

Lone Wolf and Cub Trope

When I lived in Japan, I used to watch the reruns of the show, Lone Wolf and Cub. Ever since then, it’s been interesting to spot where the theme pops up. That’s why I find The Mandalorian and The Last Of Us to be so gripping. Other examples across media include:

  • God of War 2018
  • Logan
  • Somali and the Forest Spirit

I highly recommend those series, along with Seirei No Moribito. This gripping show gives you an emotional journey twice, as Jiguro takes care of Balsa and then Balsa protects Chagum.

A woman stands with an arm around the shoulders of a boy, as they stare into the distance. Cover for Seirei No Moribito series.

Awakening Is Available Now!

Awakening is the first book in The Architect’s Guardian Series! Purchase here and check out the playlist.

  • Genres: MM Romance, Science Fiction
  • Main Characters: Izdahl Amasi and Armando Medina
  • Tropes: Found Family, Hurt/Comfort, Second Chance
  • Word Count: ~96,000

Cover by Deranged Doctor Design.

Book cover for Awakening, by Octavia Atlas. Two male characters stand on the smoky streets of a city. One of the characters has massive black wings and releases fire from his right hand, while standing protectively by the other male.

Armando Medina suffered a tragic loss at the hands of some Nitelvosa, supernatural beings who control his world. For decades, he’s been unable to forget the horrific night when his life changed.

Izdahl Amasi, a member of a prominent Nitelvosa family, had briefly dated Armando. He’d hoped for much more, but Armando’s trauma drove a painful wedge between them. With each passing day, Izdahl’s heart grew heavier, as he thought of what could have been.

Now, Armando and Izdahl find themselves connected in unexpected ways. Despite how much Armando tries to avoid the truth of their attraction, he’s drawn to Izdahl. Looming over them are events from Armando’s youth and the mystery of who’s responsible for his anguish. Can Armando open his heart and trust Izdahl? Or will Izdahl stop believing they have a chance?

Content warning: deaths of minor characters, discussion of trauma, injury to characters.

Fall 2023 Story Updates

Landscape with various trees changing from summer to fall colors.

It’s the Fall of 2023! Here are my plans for this season.

The Architect’s Guardian: Next month, I’ll publish Awakening, the first novel in my new sci-fi m/m romance. I’ve also been working on the sequel. Preorder Awakening. It will be widely available on October 10, 2023.

The Agitator’s Code World: In The Agitator’s Code Series, I introduced Ariston and Reimon. Their story is coming along nicely. There’s a deeper dive into their lives, which was first touched upon in Tildari Sunrises, the conclusion of the trilogy about Darion and Tolrek.

Kizazi Moto Is An Incredible Anthology

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire is an incredible anthology. With a wide variety of animation styles, the stories have vivid characters and gorgeous settings. I wanted to spend even more time in each of the worlds. I hope this wonderful series continues.

The show released on July 5, 2023 with ten episodes. While I enjoyed all the parts, these are my favorites:

  • Episode 03 – Moremi
  • Episode 07 – Hatima
  • Episode 08 – Stardust
  • Episode 10 – Enkai

Atlas Video Game Review: Horizon Series

Horizon is a brilliant fantasy video game series, by Guerilla Games. While role-playing as Aloy, you lead massive changes for the good of the world.

In the first game, we meet Aloy. She’s an outcast of the Nora Tribe, trying to understand her place in the world. It turns out it’s much more complicated than anyone could imagine.

  • Cast: Stellar. Ashly Burch, as Aloy, draws you into the adventure and a vast array of actors play characters who are also intriguing. One of my favorites is Sylens, who was voiced by the incredible Lance Reddick.
  • Combat System: Fascinating. It took a bit to get used to it, but once I became comfortable, I loved it.
  • Graphics: Bright and crisp. From blades of grass to clouds in the sky, the details were realistic and smoothly rendered.
  • Music: Excellent and memorable. I have my favorites pieces, including music on the way to Meridian.
  • Story: Gripping. It kept me interested in the unfolding mystery.

The first Horizon game was already captivating and visually stunning. This sequel take the experiences in that world to another level, with the riveting quests and compelling characters.

  • Cast: Fantastic. Ashly Burch returns as Aloy. Lance Reddick continued as Sylens. Standouts from new character voice actors are Angela Bassette as Regalla, Carrie Anne Moss as Tilda van der Meer, and Noshir Dalal as Kotallo.
  • Combat System: More refined than the first game, which was already well-engineered.
  • Graphics: Breathtaking. The most beautiful parts were while flying or being underwater.
  • Music: Even better than game one, with Built to Kill being among my favorites.
  • Story: Much more engaging than the earlier game, which I’d found captivating. It sets up a sequel that I think will be incredibly memorable.

At least one more game is expected and I’m excited for what could happen next.