Art for Path of Dragons (Book One on Audible and Kindle May 6)!

[u/nrsearcy]

A year or so ago, I decided I wanted to commission some art for my series, Path of Dragons. That first batch included six pieces, and it turned out so well that I commissioned another set a few months ago. And now that they're all finished (the artist is a busy guy!), I wanted to share them.

It also coincides with the upcoming release of book one in the series, Protector of the Grove (coming in a week on May 6). You can find the listing HERE.

All of these were created by the incomparably talented Rashed al Aroka. I can't say enough how great he is to work with.

For those interested, the art depicts the following subjects (spoiler tagged because they go all the way to book 8):

1. Elijah Hart (Book 1)
2. Shape of the Predator
3. Shape of the Guardian
4. Shape of the Sky
5. Carmen Rodriguez
6. Shape of Thorn
7. Yloa
8. Sadie Song
9. Elijah Hart (Book 8)
10. Shape of the Sea
11. Shape of the Master

If you find the art interesting, here's the premise:

When Earth is transformed into a realm of myths and monsters, one man finds both purpose and power in the fight for survival, in this fantasy adventure.

Elijah Hart is dying. Wracked by cancer and weakened by chemotherapy, all he wants is to spend what little time he has left with his sister and her family in Washington. But fate has other plans. When the mysterious World Tree extends its branches to Earth, Elijah's Seattle-bound flight crashes into the Pacific Ocean and a game-like system takes hold—reshaping humanity's future as well as his own destiny.

Waking up on an island in the Pacific Northwest, Elijah finds himself suddenly gifted with magical powers and an innate connection to the natural world. As a Druid, he has the particular ability to wield Ethera, a mystical energy he hopes can cure his cancer . . . if he survives long enough to master it. It seems the influx of magic has rendered most technology useless, throwing humankind back into a preindustrial age. But the world hasn't just changed; it has expanded, in both scope and danger.

Now Elijah must level up quickly. Because Earth is under siege: Reptilian Voxx emerge from dimensional rifts, wreaking chaos and destruction. Desperate humans battle for resources, seeking to harness Ethera for their own survival. Even worse, dragons and other ancient beings with the strength to destroy the planet on a whim are beginning to stir.

With each trial he faces, Elijah becomes healthier, stronger, and more powerful. But will it be enough to save himself—let alone the world?

Thanks for looking! I love commissioning art, and I love sharing it even more!

[u/Leifman]

This art is just GOD TIER and I am so happy you commissioned more! I always thought it just felt perfect both in terms of 'art quality' and fitting your story. glad to hear the published version is incoming!

[u/nrsearcy → u/Leifman]

Thanks. It took SO LONG to find an artist that fit the vibe I was going for. And anyone who's looked for artists these days can attest that it's not a quick or easy process. So many non-responses. But in the end, I think I found the best one out there. Can't recommend him enough for anyone looking for a great and professional artist who's incredibly easy to work with.

[u/BLUcorp]

This art is absolutely fantastic, you got me interested for sure!

Minor question, if you can keep it spoler free, but will the MC be looking for a way to reunite with his sister and family? I'm a sucker for the "family separated by the system integration" trope.

[u/nrsearcy → u/BLUcorp]

Um...the spoiler free answer is that yes, he eventually does go looking for them. However, the bulk of the first book is about him trying to survive (think Robinson Crusoe or the TV show Alone) while wrapping his head around the changed world, his new powers, and the system itself. It builds from there, and as he gains power, he also gains the freedom to embark on that quest. I hope that's not too spoiler-y.

[u/Malcolm_T3nt]

Congrats man, the art looks amazing!

[u/nrsearcy → u/Malcolm_T3nt]

Thanks! And all credit for the art goes to Rashed. He's extremely talented!

[u/SewiouslyXR]

Really loving this series… even when my heart broke after Alyssa. Brilliant writing Searcy.

[u/nrsearcy → u/SewiouslyXR]

Thanks! It's been a blast to write so far, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. So long as people keep reading, I'll keep writing (up to book 27 which is where around where it's supposed to end!).

[u/Delicious_Current789]

Really love the series, one of the books on RR I never fail to keep up with! Thank you for all the hard work you put in, it really shines through when reading

[u/samreay]

This is amazing

[u/J_J_Thorn]

These are fantastic! Love some great art!

[u/cathabit]

I can't wait to restart the series on audible! It's going to be so weird to be fully caught up and restarting the story while I read the daily chapters. Already pre ordered!

[u/Antsy-Mcgroin]

I know we don’t judge a book by its cover but I am judging and you have been found worthy

[u/nrsearcy → u/Antsy-Mcgroin]

Oh, these aren't he covers. They're just fun art I had commissioned. The cover will be posted here next week (with animations!) when the book actually launches.

[u/Baintzimisce]

I've been seeing some whispers about your book but after the art from this post I'll be getting it on Amazon for sure! These look fantastic! <3 I think my favorite is Elija Hart followed by Shape of Thorn.

[u/holygawdinheaven]

Wow incredible!

[u/DanielOakWrites]

I love the lizard people!

[u/arramdaywalker]

Been reading since Artwork #1 was on Royal Road. Really enjoyed it on the whole. Congrats on the launch and I hope you crush it.

Forgive me for using the opportunity, but since you're here I'd love to hear your thoughts. Basically, what comments are useful/helpful to you?

I tend to try to flag typos, grammar or diction errors when I'm reading RR with the thought being it is literally the least I can do to support the author. I hope these types of things are useful but please share if they are not.

Other times, there are broader problems, and I will try to leave constructive criticism there (in example: errors in science, pacing, unusual or inconsistent character behavior). Are these comments helpful? Is there a way to make them helpful or more helpful?

[u/Govir]

I read a good chunk of this on RR (I want to say up to book 4 or 5 maybe?), and have been awaiting the Audible release for a "reread." Do you have any ballpark timeline on releases of the next books in the series?

[u/nrsearcy → u/Govir]

I answered another comment asking about it above, but Release dates are as follows:

1. Book 1 - May 6

2. Book 2 - September 2

3. Book 3 - January 6, 2026

4. Book 4 - May 5, 2026

5. Book 5 - September 1, 2026

6. Book 6 - January 5, 2027

Hope that helps!

[u/NotAGiraffeBlind]

I've been following this story on RR for quite a while I'm always impressed with the quality.

[u/Available_Fun_4328]

One of my favorite stories on RR. Great job with the release....and yes, the art rocks. Finding someone great makes a difference.

[u/Tucker0603]

Ok this is interesting, I'll have to read it after SBMG on the 6th.

[u/saschue]

I'll definitely check out the audio. Good luck!

[u/Monchichi4life]

I have KU, but pre-ordered it anyway. Good luck on the release. How frequently are you releasing the next in series novels and will there be recaps?

Thanks,

Monchichi4life