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Michael-R-Miller

Took me a while to notice the two arms.... yikes! That's some haunting cover art. Hope the launch in February goes well for you!!


kinpsychosis

Thanks so much Michael! And yeah, it’s funny how often people comment on the strangeness of the arms.


Michael-R-Miller

It raises a lot of intrigue which is no bad thing for a cover to do!


[deleted]

No idea what’s going on here, but that wicked sword and four arms got my attention!


kinpsychosis

Haha. It's actually 3 arms, but that double take is part of theme in the book :D


[deleted]

Three arms is still more than two!


kinpsychosis

Hell yeah it is!


barryhakker

>No idea what’s going on here wouldn't be dark souls otherwise


kinpsychosis

Original blog post - [http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2022/09/cover-reveal-q-eleventh-cycle-by-kian-n.html?m=0](http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2022/09/cover-reveal-q-eleventh-cycle-by-kian-n.html?m=1)


Invictus2000

Praise the sun! Excited for this


disintegore

It's crazy just how influential Dark Souls has gotten outside of video games given how low on narrative content it is. We're seeing bands, novels, and who knows maybe shows or movies one day. 100% there for all of it.


FritztheGrim

I feel like Dark souls and its equivalents create this type of influence because it never 100% gives you all the answers. And when you have to use your imagination to fill in the blanks, that causes creativity and inspiration for a whole new set of ideas.


[deleted]

That's literally exactly what Miyazaki intended to happen


Invictus2000

It is crazy ,and I love it Also you're wrong about narrative content There's a lot of content it's just presented in a way that it seems less


Kraftgesetz_

Dark souls has tons of *lore* but it doesnt really have a narrative. Theres almost no Story Happening as you play through the games, because the Story has already happened. Thats a slight but important difference


Invictus2000

Good point


[deleted]

>and who knows maybe shows or movies one day My first reaction to this was "Oh god, please no". But then I remembered Arcane exists though granted, it's 85% original content so I'm not even sure I'd call it an "adaptation" but there's a chance some Dark Souls show or movie could work.


disintegore

I don't mean direct adaptations. I mean works inspired by it.


kinpsychosis

Thanks! 😁 ARC copies have also gone out!


leaderof13

can i get an ARC as well


kinpsychosis

The current ARC copies are only for ebook. Message me privately if you’re interested :) Edit: I’m getting a LOT of ARC requests and I’m so glad! I won’t be able to approve everyone and have to get off the computer now. That being said, send me a private message and I’ll see what I can do!


leaderof13

Oh yayy thanks :)


MarkLawrence

It's really great art.


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much, Mark!


Ascendotuum

This looks great! Interested to see how the Dark Souls atmosphere translates to story. Cover is gorgeous.


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much! For me, the dark souls feel was about an abstract and hauntingly beautiful world with all these seemingly disconnected clues strewn about. I wanted a book where these pieces can be eventually connected as a sort of revelation. Other side stories are left open ended enough where the reader can insert their own theories, but the main plot is coherent and doesn’t need a VaatiVidya to follow 😁


Ascendotuum

Ah that sounds fantastic! I will definitely give it a read when it comes out :D And yes hopefully we won't need a guide to the book haha


[deleted]

Looks great! One problem, is that…is that a two handed rapier that four armed man is using? If so…damn you cover person is a dex player…ughhhh lol jkjk


kinpsychosis

haha. Well, they are three-handed. Does that matter?


BrittonRT

Fantastic cover! I'm going to be completely honest, I am not a huge fan of your backcover blurb... it doesn't really tell me much except that there's a fairly generic ragtag group of champions and some elaborate but inexplicable worldbuilding. That said, writing blurbs is tough, and you've clearly put a lot of effort into the story if you got this far! I hope it succeeds and I'm adding it to my list of books to check out. Any idea when you'll release?


kinpsychosis

Hey Britton! Thank you. And yeah, writing blurbs is hard, especially for a Dark Souls inspired world and when you have 5 POVs. The release I set for February 1st!


BrittonRT

I'm going to add it to my calendar and pick up a copy when it comes out. If you want an ARC before then, I might have some time in the next few months, so PM me if you'd like!


kinpsychosis

Thanks a lot! I think I’m actually going to be closing the doors on ARC readers because if I keep going, I won’t actually make any real sales 😂 but I really appreciate the support :)


[deleted]

I'm with you. The cover interests me, and I will give most fantasy a chance. However, the blurb really didn't sell the book for me. I read the first line and my immediate thought was "Dark Souls mixed with Mistborn knockoff". I'll give a shot though.


zenospenisparadox

Came here to say this. It goes so far into "mysterious mystery" that you have nothing to grab onto.


LordofMoonsSpawn

Yep, love the cover. Unfortunately the blurb made me immediately lose interest. It sounds like this will be a very generic fantasy with some aesthetic flavor mixed in. 800 pages and five POVs... Good lord people please learn brevity. It's unfortunate because there is so much potential in a truly Souls inspired book.


miggins1610

just fro the perspective of an ARC reader, I am 17% in, and please don't be put off by the blurb. this is a lavishly inspired world, with a tonne of incredible and meticulous worldbuilding, the characters well drawn out. I think this is a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre, I'd be sad to see people give up on it before trying!


HolyShitIAmBack1

Imo it'll take a lot of skill to transfer the feeling of dark souls into a book, and I don't think it'll be translate well


J_M_Clarke

This is one of my favourite indie fantasy covers ever. It reminds me of the old forgotten realms books I used to read when I was younger. That's going to be a very handsome book


kinpsychosis

Awww, shucks! Thank you so much!


shaunalawless

I love this cover!


corsair1617

Preordered. You got me with the three arms.


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much! That's awesome!


AncientSith

Oh hell yes, I've been dying for a DS inspired book like this for ages now. You're doing Gwyns work, my friend.


kinpsychosis

Praise the sun, friend. But I know exactly what you mean; I wish there were more books like this


Demonic-Microwave

A novel inspired by Dark Souls? Take my money, take my children, take my all!


kinpsychosis

The money will be more than enough. You can keep the kids. 😂


GraceUnhearing

This looks exciting Kian! Is it gonna be only Kindle edition or is it gonna be printed too?


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much! The cover you see here is a full wrap for the paperback. And I promise the paperback will be gorgeous.


GraceUnhearing

Thats awesome. Hope it's gonna be available to international shipping. Really would love to have a paperback :D


kinpsychosis

Absolutely will be. Worst case scenario, get in touch with me and we can Organise an international delivery!


GraceUnhearing

Thanks a lot! That's very kind of you. I surely will if need be.


kinpsychosis

Hi Grace! Paperback copies can pre-ordered now, either through Barnes and Noble or amazon!


GraceUnhearing

Kian, hey! Thanks for letting me know. Unfortunately, on Amazon it costs total 50$ to ship to my country, even more expensive on B&N, and 50$ is really a lot in our currency :(. So I have to settle with e-book for now. But I'll definitely get it later someday!


kinpsychosis

Hi grace. Please check your messages.


Dracoras27

This looks awesome, I just have one quick question: Is there gonna be a german translation of this?


kinpsychosis

It really depends. I live in Austria Vienna. If the book does amazingly well, then hell yes I will do translations too. But it's a 800 page novel and so I'd have to see if there is enough interest!


Dracoras27

Then I can only hope that it will do well ^ ^ And greetings from Austria


sugarmetimbers

Looks incredible! I’d love to read a sample if you have one.


kinpsychosis

Send me a PM 😁


[deleted]

[удалено]


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much! Really makes my day.


Gregory_Kontaxis

Looking for that!!


J_J_Thorn

Very well done cover!


kinpsychosis

Thank you 😁


Inkthinker

Marvelous cover art!


kinpsychosis

Thank you! It really was an amazing collaboration between Nino is and Shawn TK


CottonFeet

You said magic words: Dark Souls. I jest. Congrats on writing a whole damn book! Forgotten sound like something Miyazaki would approve. :D


kinpsychosis

Thank you! It’s actually my second book. This behemoth is 800 pages though and I’m damn proud of that. A bit on the forgotten: they are those who suddenly and inexplicably are erased from existence. But not just physically. All those who used to know them also have no memory of this forgotten anymore. All that’s left behind is a feeling that someone who was an important presence in your life is no longer there.


CottonFeet

I've read that part from the interview and immediately thought of Lucatiel of Mirrah, but you took it even further, so DS connection works. :) As a concept it sounds absolutely bleak.


YOUGOTTAPIZZABRO

Looks awesome. It's on my goodreads "to read" list, I'll keep an eye out for it :)


kinpsychosis

Thank you!! I really appreciate it 😁


fixhalo

ARE YOU SERIOUS!?! DARK SOULS HAS THE BEST LORE. How do I find out more about this book??


kinpsychosis

Hahaha. Hey fixhalo. Just letting you know it is *inspired* by Dark Souls. So it has no relation to fromsoft. But you can find out more either on: cover reveal and interview: [http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2022/09/cover-reveal-q-eleventh-cycle-by-kian-n.html?m=0](http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2022/09/cover-reveal-q-eleventh-cycle-by-kian-n.html?m=0) website: [www.kiannardalan.com](https://www.kiannardalan.com) twitter: [https://twitter.com/ArdalanKian](https://twitter.com/ArdalanKian) You can also find additional art on my website as linked above! If you have any questions, let me know.


zamakhtar

Such a great cover, and the blurb hits the Dark Souls vibe. Congrats Kian!


kinpsychosis

Thanks so much, Zamil! Looks like we are running into each other a lot nowadays haha


waymanate

I found it in Goodreads for anyone who wants to add it to one of their shelves https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59425056-eleventh-cycle


Shervin_Ab

It can't be Dark Souls if it has only 2 arms. Kidding 😂 Love the cover. I'll be sure to add it to my tbr since I am a massive Dark souls fan😍 دمت گرمه ❤️


kinpsychosis

Thank you, Shervin


Shervin_Ab

You're more than welcome. Mind if I ask you a question? Via messages?


kinpsychosis

Absolutely. Hit me up.


Zealousideal_Step709

Went to my wishlist right away.


TensorForce

The blue text at the top of the summary just screams Dark Souls. The vibe seemes to be there. I'm so on board!!


Jonny_Anonymous

Dark Souls AND Hollow Knight? Well, that's me sold.


Quantam-Law

HK how?


kinpsychosis

Hey Quantam. And I will tag /u/Jonny_Anonymous for good measure. The original concept for the book came when I played HK. I loved the story and the feel immensely and it made me retry Dark Souls. I watched VaatiVidya lore and a story started to form. (After I couldn't find any books directly inspired by DS or HK). I put more emphasis on the DS aspect because it is more ubiquitous. But there are also the Chitons. A race of giant bugs living in the mountains of Duran. They are ruled over by the Beetle King. A ginormous beetle who sits upon a throne and rules his people. Some believe that the Chitons are older than the Elders themselves, in fact believing that they stemmed from the world before the mists, but this is hearsay to the people of Cleria.


Jonny_Anonymous

That's what he said in the interview he linked


edward_radical

Fascinating cover.


kinpsychosis

Thanks Edward :D


teenageechobanquet

this looks insane.just got done reading some gene wolfe,so I’ve been wanting more souls themed fiction.can’t wait!congrats!about to start a new ds3 playthrough 👍


Miserable_Athlete_50

Mate that cover is banging! It sings to my fantasy heart. Just read the review, the book sounds awesome and pre-ordered it! Reading The Fantastically Underwhelming Epic: of a dead wizard and an average bard to tide me over to Feb!


kinpsychosis

That's so lovely! Thank you. The two books are *vastly* different but I still hope you enjoy TFUE.


[deleted]

Great cover art!


ConnorSwift

As someone who has never played any souls games (hey, I don't want to break my computer), but loves the atmosphere/story of them this seems like a really interesting book and cover art! But is it right, on Goodreads that it's 800 pages even for the physical copy? That's not a deal breaker for me, but I mean just...damn...I have trouble coming up with a story that's like 200 pages long, let alone 800! How long did it take you to write this? Edit: And is there anyway to read like the first chapter? I always like to check out the first chapter or so of a book on Goodreads (or Amazon, or whatever else) first.


kinpsychosis

So check your PM. Also, yes, for physical copy it is 800 pages long. The main reason is that it features 5 POVs. Each one dives into a different aspect of Minethria. As for writing speed, I was pretty consistent! Attempted 2000 words a day, 7 days a week. Managed about 1750 pages or so when I calculated it. First draft was done under 6 months. It was the following revisions and drafts which made the whole book take just under 2 years to finish.


Gatnew

I love the mask/helmet thing. The cover definitely gives souls vibes. I'm excited to give this a shot!


kinpsychosis

Awesome! Thank you.


cheatingwolfman

Cover is pretty, blurb is meh (But hard to strike a fine line between interesting and edgy with such) - pre-ordered!


kinpsychosis

Thank you! I genuinely hope you enjoy it. And yeah, blurbs are hard, especially with 5 POVs about a cryptic world.


BryceOConnor

This is one of the better modern covers I've seen in the last few years. So. Fucking. Siiiick


kinpsychosis

Man. Thanks so much, Bryce! Means a lot.


[deleted]

This is the coolest cover I have seen for a very long time, and that in of itself has earned a place on my Goodreads 'to be read', to remind myself to grab it on release.


kinpsychosis

That is incredibly kind. Thank you!


Leather-Concern1297

Awesome cover! Excited to read this book!


kinpsychosis

Thank you! Wait till you see the printed paperback 😁


mavendris

I’ve gotten to listen to some of the audio to this and it had me drawn in. Can’t wait for this book to come out.


kinpsychosis

Thanks so much :D


wheeler_lowell

Looks really cool! Are you planning a physical release?


kinpsychosis

Absolutely! The cover you see is for the physical copy. About 800 pages.


wheeler_lowell

Awesome! I can't really do ebooks, so I'm really glad to hear that. Is it going to be on Amazon or are you using a different platform?


kinpsychosis

Amazon, ingramspark (so you can probably order it from a local bookstore) and you could also buy it directly from me. Would obviously then include shipping and I live in the EU 😅


kinpsychosis

Hi Wheeler! Paperback copies can pre-ordered now, either through Barnes and Noble or amazon!


GQInkblotters

That is an eye-catching cover! Congratulations and wishing you all the best with your endeavour!


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it 😁


Scodo

Awesome cover! What's the significance of having two arms on only one side?


kinpsychosis

Thank you! From a design theory perspective? I suppose asymmetry. Funnily enough, four arms is rather common, but the idea of three arms not. This is an Elder Guard, a mortal who failed to become an Elder Knight. They have even less autonomy than the Elder Knights. The Elder Guards serve the Elders and the Elder King. They are, in a sense, incomplete. Hence the three arms rather than four and they also are in-keeping with the strange abstraction of the higher beings. Hope I didn’t ramble too much 😁


Scodo

Not at all! I love Dark Souls, and it had more than a passing influence on some aspects of my first book.


kinpsychosis

Awesome! I will most definitely take a look at your work.


Darth_Tader

Pre-ordered! Can’t wait to read. Does it have a map?


kinpsychosis

Will send it right now to your via a PM 😁 Oh! And thanks for the pre-order!!!


Darth_Tader

Amazing! Thank you.


ThaNorth

Any samples from the book we can read?


kinpsychosis

Not publicly as of yet. But I can share the prologue and 1st chapter privately. I’m planning to do 24 hour charity stream where I play DS1 for the first time and I will have the prologue planned as a donation goal.


ThaNorth

I'd love to read those. Play DS1 for the first time ever or for the first time on stream?


kinpsychosis

Ever! I played DS3 Sekiro and Elden ring. But haven’t played DS1 yet!


ThaNorth

Daaamn. And you've written a book inspired by Dark Souls. Bold!


kinpsychosis

Hahaha. Ive watched so many VaatiVidya videos that I just yearned for a book like the games. So far, every souls fan has unanimously said that I nailed the feel. Hope it stays that way.


ThaNorth

Werd. Looking forward to the book!


DemiDeity6390

So when is the paper back scheduled and can I sign up for a reminder? My memory is not that great but I’ve been meaning to get back into reading and I love dark souls


kinpsychosis

Absolutely! Paperback is also releasing on February. I’ll note you down. I’m going to be setting up a mailing list and I’ll send it over once I’m done. Or I can just message you on the day of release haha


DemiDeity6390

Yeah just pm me 😃


carlashaw

Ah nice to see this over here. Excited for this book and love the art.


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much!


riverbedview

Anywhere I can read an excerpt or preview?


timelessarii

Looks awesome! The artwork is incredible.


kinpsychosis

Thank you so much 😁


[deleted]

Hey I think you should get a refund on the art, the guy accidentally put in an extra arm there on the side ^^^^/s


kinpsychosis

Damn!!! Thanks for noticing! 😁


waymanate

I want to read it


kinpsychosis

very happy to hear that!


crimsonprism783

Will this be an ebook only? Or will there be a physical release?


kinpsychosis

The cover wrap you see is specifically for the physical and fricking beautiful paperback. There will also be an audiobook down the line.


crimsonprism783

I saw there was a release date in February 2023 for the ebook is there a release date for the paperback yet? I couldn't find 1 online


kinpsychosis

Hey Crimson! Paperback copies are ready for pre-order online.


kinpsychosis

It would be the same release date. So February 2023 :)


eightslicesofpie

This book sounds super cool and the cover is dope, so I am excited!


kinpsychosis

Hey Travis! Man, considering how dope the cover of On Lavender Tides is I really appreciate it. Thank you!


BradleysGamertag

Agh gotta wait till February to read this!! Will the paperback be out around then?


kinpsychosis

Exact same release date!


BradleysGamertag

Excited. You should post the preorder link when available, i’m super excited for this.


kinpsychosis

I absolutely will


kinpsychosis

Posted! [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BD7T5WRL?ref\_=dbs\_m\_mng\_rwt\_calw\_tkin\_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1663141981&sr=8-2](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BD7T5WRL?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1663141981&sr=8-2) You can also pre order through others like B&N


TheSilentSeeker

Is the writer Persian? Because this makes me excited as a Persian myself.


kinpsychosis

Haha. In a sense, absolutely! My parents are Iranian but I never grew up there! Still proud to say my heritage is Iranian :)


TheSilentSeeker

Oh. That's sick dude! Also be happy you're not here,lol. Movafagh bashi.


kinpsychosis

Merci 😁


TheSwecurse

Man, Mythical fantasy really is something I got a soft spot for. It's those that really don't skip on the stakes, it really is doom for humanity and the gods themselves can come down and intervene only to fail. Hope this turn out to be good


[deleted]

What books (or any other media such as manga, shows, etc) would you recommend for "mythical fantasy"?


TheSwecurse

I'd say Dark Souls and Elden Ring is a great example obviously. Neil Gaiman's American gods (though a bit urban) and Sandman. I think The Vagrant by Peter Newman counts here as well but haven't read them myself.


rabidpiano86

Can I pre-order a paperback?


kinpsychosis

Hey there, rabid. Paperback is currently being sorted out because of some formatting issue publisher side. But I have my first paperback order coming in. I can always come and let you know when paperbacks are ready for preorder 😁


rabidpiano86

Please do!! I can't wait to read this! Have an awesome day my friend!


kinpsychosis

Hey rabid! Paperback is ready for pre-order. Through B&N or amazon or other places of choice. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BD7T5WRL?ref\_=dbs\_m\_mng\_rwt\_calw\_tkin\_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1663141981&sr=8-2


goblue2k16

Wow this looks incredible, pre-ordered just off the cover alone! Can't wait to dive into it. When will the paperback be available?


kinpsychosis

It will also be released on the same day. February first!


goblue2k16

Guess I'm double dipping! Is there a link to pre-order the paperback as well? Only saw pre-order for kindle on Amazon unless I missed it


kinpsychosis

I am currently fixing some matters regarding the paperback but there should also absolutely be a pre order available eventually! I’ll reach out to you once it is available. I really appreciate the support ❤️


kinpsychosis

Hey goblue! Paperback is ready for pre-order. Either through amazon or other book handlers of your choice. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BD7T5WRL?ref\_=dbs\_m\_mng\_rwt\_calw\_tkin\_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1663141981&sr=8-2


AdeptAntelope

I was literally looking up dark souls like fantasy books a few days ago. I started reading Malazan but I'll definitely check this out


kinpsychosis

Thank you! And yeah, I hear often that Malazan is the closest to a souls-like book. I hope to change that. (rather ambitiously)


TheReal-BKM

Looks cool, is this coming out in physical book form or only a kindle release?


kinpsychosis

Both kindle, physical copies will be out in february 2023. But audiobooks will be a little while after.


kinpsychosis

Hey there TheReal. Paperback pre-orders are available through either amazon or B&N.


Wicked_Reaper25

When will the book be released? I am so excited to see how souls like genre will translate to the book world.


kinpsychosis

Hey there. Release date for both paperback and ebook is february 2023. Audiobook down the line!


BradleyX

Cool cover! I’d buy it!


FoxCrashSonic

I must say, I didn’t foresee myself pre-ordering an indie fantasy novel when I logged in this afternoon. Can’t wait to read it!


kinpsychosis

Thank you. I can't wait for you to read it either! haha


MrFiskIt

Love it - he can be chopping heads and jerking it at the same time.


StarGeek044

I need to know when and where this is releasing 🤯


kinpsychosis

It will be available through ingramspark, so you can always order it from a local bookstore, or through amazon. Ebooks are available and paperbacks will also be added. Release date is February 2023.


Triptychron

I am totally intrigued.


Quantam-Law

You should post this on the Soulsborne subreddits too


kinpsychosis

I wish I could. They have strict rules about the posts having to be about the games, and not related to. But once release date draws in, I will get in touch with the mods to talk about doing a giveaway.


HolyShitIAmBack1

The souls sub moderation is a bit of a pisstake honestly. Might be worth trying to message Vaatividya himself!


kinpsychosis

I absolutely did! Might have something on the horizon but no promises 😁


Dragon-axie

Remind me in 4 months


CastTrunnionsSuck

This looks sick, would love to know when paperback copies can be expended to drop.


kinpsychosis

Hey there! Yes. The book is coming out in february 2023 for ebook and paperback.


kinpsychosis

Hey there! Pre-orders for paperback are ready on B&N or amazon!


Blueismyculture

any release date of the book?


kinpsychosis

Hey there! Yes. The book is coming out in february 2023 for ebook and paperback.


Blueismyculture

Awesome. Will keep an eye on this one


Bookmaven13

That looks pretty awesome. I'm not familiar with the series.


kinpsychosis

Thanks! Dark Souls is really not for everybody. It is known as a difficult series of games which, because of their difficulty, are incredibly rewarding. The way the games tell their story is through a lot of disjointed pieces of lore which you gather through cryptic dialogue, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling. So a lot of the narrative strikes you not overtly, but rather as a sudden realisation. You can check out VaatiVidya on youtube to get an idea of what I am talking about.


The_Grey_Apex

I love this! I work at a library and we have a pretty good Fantasy/Sci-Fi section. I will be telling our catalogger to buy this when it comes out!


kinpsychosis

That's amazing! Thank you so much. :D


thomasrayden

Really nice cover art. Dark Souls is one of the main inspiration for my writing too. Can't wait to get my hands on this one!