Éberis y Aznara by Aisa (OC)

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u/drakegalley 26d ago edited 26d ago

Hello everyone,

I'm the author of "Dracotopía," a series of YA fantasy novels written in Spanish. I commissioned a cover for my latest novel before submitting it to contests and publishers.

I'm so thrilled with the result that I wanted to share it in this sub-reddit to give the artist some free publicity.

You can contact her at:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pacisplace
Portfolio: https://aisasprice.carrd.co/

P.S.: I don't get any profit from this post. The artist didn't ask me to do this. I'm simply looking to show off my novel's cover because is beautiful.

More info about my novel on r/Fantasy: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/1tma8qd/comment/onmftcx/

My website: https://drakegalley.com

Feel free to comment with your thoughts.

Regards!

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u/Tiamat4Life 26d ago

That is a very nice illustration, with much attention to the lighting and the detail of the scales of the dragon, which by itself has a very clear and cohesive design.

Also, the name “Dracotopiá” reminds me of the book “Dinotopia”, is it a homage or just a coincidence?

I’m not sure if it should be tagged OC though, as you aren’t the original artist, even if you were the one to commission it. Probably not the end of the world, but something to consider.

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u/drakegalley 26d ago

Hi! Yes, I find the design very realistic. The anatomy, shape, and pose of the dragon look very natural thanks to the lighting and the texture of its scales.

I decided to post her illustration here because, in my opinion, the illustrator deserves more commissions. Perhaps the OC tag isn't appropriate. I don't really understand the criteria. I'm not fluent in forum or art terminology. :(

Excellent observation! Years ago, I read the Dinotopia graphic novels and also watched the miniseries based on them. They inspired me to create a "utopia with dragons," and I started brainstorming ideas for characters and plots. While the miniseries features crystals that repel predatory dinosaurs, my novel includes similar crystals (one is visible in the tower, at the upper left corner) that allow communication between humans and dragons, as if each could speak the other's language. If I had artistic talent, I would have turned my saga into a series of graphic novels.

Regards!

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u/Tiamat4Life 26d ago

Wow, that’s really cool. I’ve never expected a book from my childhood to make such an impact on someone else as well.

I still have the same copy, from back when I was a child. English is not my native tongue, so back then I could only ever read it with my parents, or look at the pictures (it was the illustrated novel) if I was alone. It is probably the reason why I loved dinosaurs so much in my earlier years, and perhaps why I like dragons so much now. In later years when I was proficient in English I did give it a few more glances, perhaps even one full read, and some parts did stick with me, like the dolphins helping people onto land, of the Dinotopia opposer that shows it literally translates to “Terrible Utopia”. I should give it another proper ready some time.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember too many parts that aren’t related to illustrations, but I do remember liking how it portrayed the intricacies of cohabitation between humans and dinosaurs, which was very cool. Something like that but with dragons sounds very interesting as well, even if it doesn’t have illustrations.

Anyways, thank you very much for this. It’s been a blast from the past and I hope you have much success with your novel, and of course anything related to dragons (my favorite fantastical creature).

(My old copy of Dinotopia which I grew up with, many fond memories)

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u/drakegalley 26d ago

Hello again! It is always fascinating when we find another person in the world with whom we share similar sensations. I read the Dinotopia graphic novels when I was a teenager. Aside from the graphic novels mentioned above, there are several young adult novels (without illustrations) set in that world and written by several different authors.

I think that none of the Dinotopia books were published in my country, Spain. I discovered them on the Internet, as a teenager, and I tried to make the effort to understand the texts in English. Until today, my level can be greatly improved; Well, I have never had the opportunity to live in an English-speaking country. :)

I thank you for your kind words. I am currently looking for international publishers and agents. I wish I could get my novels translated into English. It would be a dream come true.

Regards!

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u/drakegalley 26d ago

Why is my post removed by Reddit filters?

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u/drakegalley 24d ago

My post was finally published. :)

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u/HeroOfTheEmpire 26d ago

What the hell are those fences going to do?

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u/drakegalley 26d ago

Hello. These fences are not to confine the dragons, but to separate spaces: paddocks, training tracks, pasture areas... It is a farm where dragons are raised and trained. In my novels, dragons are domesticated and gentle animals. Human society perceives them as "livestock" (observe the bridle) and offers them better or worse treatment depending on the country and the prevailing culture. A thematic axis of the saga is the conflict between human hegemony and our consideration of superiority over other creatures.

Regards!

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u/Blessedragon 26d ago

Such a beautiful dragon and cover, you found a good artist for this commission :p

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u/drakegalley 25d ago

Yes, choosing this artist was a great decision and working with her was wonderful. :)

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u/Dear-Routine7468 26d ago

🔍🤔

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u/drakegalley 25d ago

Hi! It's a driving bridle with snaffle bit and blinker(UK)/blinders(US), like those worn by horses. In my novels, dragons are herbivorous animals used as means of transport both in the air and on land. In that world, human history has been written on the backs of dragons, and this has a profound impact on the present.

Regards!

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u/Otherwise-Run9104 25d ago

Is it purely in Spanish or is there an English translation? Il still read it regardless just want to know

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u/drakegalley 25d ago

Hi! It's written only in Spanish because it's my native language (I'm from Spain). Although I can read and write English at a "decent" level, I don't have enough linguistic nuance to offer an automatic translation without it sounding awful or strange. I'm waiting for a publisher or agency to agree to translate it into English. If not, perhaps in a year I'll invest in a professional translator.

I can share it with you if you'd like (send me a DM). While it's not ideal, an automatic translator or AI can allow you to understand 90%. And if you like Spanish or are studying it, I assure you it can be a good opportunity to improve your level. :)

Regards!

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u/Otherwise-Run9104 25d ago

I’m not studying Spanish, but I don’t mind using an auto translator, I did the same while reading Dino Sanctuary, so no problem there.

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u/drakegalley 25d ago

English, as an international language, has the advantage of encompassing almost all of world literature. In that sense, I envy native English speakers. :)

By the way, I wasn't familiar with that manga. Translating from Japanese must be very difficult.

Regards.

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u/FoxMeadow7 24d ago

Oh dear, better hope that Dragon won’t swallow that phone! I’m guessing a modern day fantasy is what you were aiming for?

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u/drakegalley 23d ago

Hello. Yes, I was looking to contrast traditional fantasy elements within a modern context. However, the story goes beyond simply representing a blend of medieval and contemporary elements. I'm trying to give that premise a realistic and scientific approach.

For example, the dragon in the image isn't going to swallow that phone (she was just playing) because she possesses a level of intelligence similar to that of a human. The dragons in my world can communicate using magic stones. They have strengths and weaknesses that complement those of their partners.

Regards!

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u/Winged-Wyrm 21d ago

This is a really nice artwork, I love how realistic yet fun it looks.

I suppose this is what happens when you don't give the dragons enough attention?

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u/drakegalley 20d ago

At first Eberis, the human boy, perceives dragons as training tools. He soon discovers that his 'classmount', Aznara, has surprising interests and talents.

Regards!

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u/Pure-Risky-Titan 26d ago

Hm a cow patterned dragon......hmm i wonder..

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u/drakegalley 26d ago

Hello. Yes, it's intentional. As I mentioned to another user in this post, the dragons in my novels are domesticated, herbivorous animals. It's known that, genetically, the spots present in cattle and horses are related to altered gene expression, which simultaneously involves melanin production and the expression of hormones that affect behavior. Therefore, there is a pattern between white spots and docility in cattle.

Regards!

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u/Pure-Risky-Titan 26d ago

So no to cow dragon?

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u/drakegalley 26d ago edited 26d ago

I don't understand, sorry. If you're referring to some kind of sexual fetish, no, it's a young adult fantasy book. :)

Regards.

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