Behold the fabulous cover for my new novel, THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL, out October 21 from Android Press! This is the sequel to THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN, a Nebula and BSFA finalist and Lodestar longlisted novel. I am again writing as J. Dianne Dotson for the sake of series consistency.
About THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL
THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL is a sequel, and part of a planned trilogy. The first, novel, THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN (writing as J. Dianne Dotson), was also published by Android as my young adult debut in 2023.
The official jacket text description:
In the twilight world of Glimmerbight, fourteen-year-old Gen Lightworth dreams of restoring the Inn at the Amethyst Lantern. But an ancient evil’s lingering scars awaken new threats from unexpected corners.
Summoned by the mysterious Gallant Twilight Society—a network of heroic animals—Gen journeys beneath the waves into hidden lairs pulsing with bioluminescent secrets. With her loyal team, the Fireflies, she confronts lost legacies, mutated monsters, and shadowy figures from the past.
When a vibrant yet unsettling new apothecary arrives, secrets multiply and trust frays. And as danger closes in, Gen learns the true weight of leadership and the strength of friendship.
Filled with wonder, bravery, and the luminous bonds of community, The Secret of the Sapphire Sentinel continues the saga begun at The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern. Join this unforgettable adventure where light battles darkness and friends must navigate mysteries beneath the stars.
About THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL Cover Art
The stunning cover for THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL was illustrated by Kim Herbst, who also made the art for THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN. I have also featured Kim in a dedicated blog post about her creative rituals. Thank you to editor Justine Norton-Kertson for cover text composition.
Here is Kim’s artwork prior to adding text overlays, depicting a strange, swirling blue sky around a glowing blue shape covered in immense, thorny vines and dotted with phosphorescent mushrooms. Gen (whose full name is Gentian Opal Lightworth), with her indigo hair, is on the left at the base of this shape, and to her right is a certain white-haired teen boy…friend or foe? You’ll have to read to find out!
This cover perfectly captures the mystique and the kinetic vibes of this futuristic, Lunarpunk sequel!
Back Cover
Here is the back cover for the print edition, complete with jacket text mentioned above:
Preorder THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL!
You can now preorder directly from the publisher, Android Press.
For paperback, preorder HERE.
For hardcover, preorder HERE.
For ebook, preorder HERE.
See the dedicated book page for more purchasing links as they appear in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, you can begin your journey into this unique future science fiction and fantasy world by reading the first book, THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN.
I can’t wait to share this expansion of the Amethyst Lantern’s Lunarpunk world with all of you, as we cheer on our heroes both young and old as they battle foes from our time in their Night Living future!
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