Illustration #4...BABY BISCUIT!!!

Hi, everyone!!

Quick note, for those of you who weren't able to afford the omnibus the first time around - Andrew and I have set up a PledgeBox site, which will let you to make a pledge even now. We also just sent out the official survey, which will collect your mailing information so we can get you your goodies ASAP! Have I mentioned that we're publishing all of my backers' names in the omnibus? Because we are!! :) Thank you so, so much again for helping to make this gorgeous book a reality!

And now, for the REAL reason you've probably opened up this update....BABY BISCUT!

You asked, and we delivered! Behold, the 4th of 13 full-page, full-color illustrations!! Baby Biscuit is so stinking cute I don't even know where to begin! 😍

Up next, illustration #5: Talia and Zayn embracing in cobalt-blue grass with a turquoise sunset in the distance! I'm so excited about this illustration because it's one of my favorite scenes in the entire series! After that, I'm thinking we'll illustrate a scene from Jinxed, where Talia and Korinne (one of my favorite side-characters!) are walking inside of a crystal cavern with glowing water and dramatic stalactites. Is there anything you'd like to see included in that illustration? Maybe the shadowy silhouette of a certain mischievous tommyknocker's clawed, outstretched hand stretching alongside the cave walls?

Lastly, here is a glimpse of the stunning postcards we'll be including with the art pack and deluxe tiers (and also as an add-on!) 😁 Aren't they beautiful?

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If you're looking for more stunning deluxe fantasy goodness, check out these incredible campaigns, which are all happening right now (or very soon)!

Riders of Fire: Omnibus Deluxe Edition Dragon Rider Fantasy

Bestselling, award-winning, dragon rider epic fantasy in a deluxe, illustrated collector's edition. Faux leather, foil, sprayed edges!

Chains of a Broken God: Illustrated Hardcover Edition

This special, Kickstarter-only edition, will have full-color, full-page illustrations and images hand-drawn by Aaron Moschner.

The Shadow Watch - A Deluxe Illustrated Epic Fantasy Novel

Limited, faux-leather collector's edition of Book One in the bestselling epic fantasy series, The Shadow Watch Saga.

💀⌛Shadows are coming...⌛💀

The day has finally arrived!

I have never worked so hard or lost so much sleep over a single manuscript; nor have I ever been so proud of a finished book. This story REALLY pushed my limits, both as a writer and as an empath. There were days I had to push hard just to get ANY words on paper, not because I had writer's block, but because I was so far out of my usual comfort zone.

That said, while SHADOWS is unlike anything I've ever written before, you'll find quite a few of my call signs: found family, science-based magic, (mild) romance, redemption, and yes, a happy ending! So if spooky fantasy isn't your usual go-to, be sure to check the trigger warnings, but rest assured: this story is well worth it.

If you haven't already preordered your copy, the ebook is available on Amazon, FREE on Kindle Unlimited, and signed copies are available in my shop along with some cool swag!

And now, without further ado, I present to you....

💀 ⌛ THE BOY WHO LURKS IN SHADOWS⌛💀

.....The thrilling sequel 𝐚𝐧𝐝 prequel to The Girl Who Talks to Ashes!

SYNOPSIS

It’s been three years since Lilah Quinn stumbled upon the bones of her biological mother, thereby solving the mystery of Willow’s long-forgotten disappearance. Since then, Lilah has been working off-book as Sheriff Reid’s star detective, solving decades-old cold cases with the help of those closest to the crimes – the victims themselves.

But when Lilah’s newest case hits a dead end, she’s forced to do something she’s never done before: speak to the murderer himself. Unfortunately, his “ghost” isn’t interested in helping her, nor is he willing to play by her rules. Because, unlike all the others, this ghost is able to exist apart from his bones, untethered even by time.

And now that he’s been freed, he’s got a bone to pick.

***

ADVANCED REVIEWS

"Honestly, I admit, I had a little trepidation…a little uncertainty…a little bit of anxiety…that The Boy Who Lurks in Shadows would not live up to the awesomeness of The Girl Who Talks to Ashes, which is one of my absolute favorite standalone novels ever. BUUUUUUUUT…NOT ONLY DID IT MEET THOSE LOFTY EXPECTATIONS BUT IT COMPLETELY BLEW THEM OUT OF THE WATER!" - Melinda Cater

"Well now. WELL. NOW." - David Green, Author

"By the end of this book, not only was I smiling but the tears were streaming down my face, tears of the sheer beauty of this dazzlingly splendacious freaking awesome story! Thank you Rachel! THANK YOU for your brilliance!" - Beba Andric

"This book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I put it down to sleep and that’s about it. It’s dark in places, beautiful in several others and got me thinking about the themes a lot deeper than I meant to." - Chris Matthews

"Rachel Rener! Woman, you’re scary smart. This book took a lot of planning and research to make it believable. The Boy is a great follow up to Lilah’s story[;] complex with a rich world(s) that will make you think." - Suzy Ostapower

"Wowwwwwww, this book! I was kind of worried because I loved the first book SO MUCH, but Rachel absolutely outdid herself on this one. I think this one might even be better than the first! I teared up so many times.. both happy tears and sad." - Phi Pilgrim

"Read this in four hours. Devoured it, I should say. A fantastic mystery which unravels on the page, tragic, touching and delving right into the heart of love, loss, longing and belonging." - Becky James, Author

"I love how the lives of the characters are interwoven, it makes for a very intriguing book. Set yourself some quiet time when you pick this book up because you aren’t going to want to put it down until you have finished." - Terry Steinke

"I am obsessed with this book! Rener's ability to write both a prequel and sequel in the same book is masterful! Buckle up, there are so many twists and turns, and surprises you won't see coming!" - Linda Mundorff, biased-yet-brilliant Jewish mother

Will you be reading TBWLIS? If so, what are you looking forward to most?

Newest omnibus illustration enclosed (my jaw is still on the floor)

(Don't worry, I will NOT be spamming you all with Kickstarter updates for the next few months, but this one is too incredible not to share!!!)

First of all, I want to thank you all once again for your incredible support, especially on the final day of the Kickstarter when you guys SHOWED UP and made that final stretch goal a reality, when I was certain we were going to fall short. I am humbled and blown away and grateful beyond words.

Seriously. Thank you.

If you missed the last day to pledge or simply need more time for funds, I've made a special late-pledge option directly on my website, where you can still preorder the omnibus. It won't have all of the special add-ons and goodies included with the Kickstarter, but I did manage to include the slip cover and custom engraved medallion options!

Okay, and now the moment you've been waiting for...Uwe Jarling's next omnibus illustration.

To say I am gobsmacked by the quality and beauty of this painting would be the understatement of the year.

Are you ready for this?

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NGL. I am DYING of rapture right now. Isn't it incredible?! 😍

I had HIGH hopes for this illustration and Uwe STILL managed to blow me away!! Last order of business: Of the two options below, which would you like to see for our next illustration? Let me know in the comments below! The option with the most votes will happen next!

• Option 1: Talia and Zayn are kneeling with their arms around each other in tall, blue grass, with the sun setting in a turquoise sky. Glowing orbs of fireflies surrounding them. Background: fae realm, blue grass, green sunset sky, or.....

(ATTENTION, BOOK TWO SPOILER AHEAD)

• Option 2: Biscuit is reborn from a black, sparkling egg as a baby. He has mostly gray feathers and looks like a baby chick. He's asking for almonds already. Background: a towel and glittering egg fragments.

Let me know your vote in the comments or shoot me an email at RRener13@gmail! Cheers!!!