There’s nothing like seeing cover art for the first time and this is one of my all time favourite reveals for a couple of reasons!
Firstly, it’s for my supremely talented dear friend, Ronie Kendig, secondly, I know it’s the cover she’s dreamed of for a long time, and thirdly, I think it is brilliant!
One of Ronie’s heartfelt goals with her military fiction is to honour the men and women who serve in this way. She has long wanted to have a veteran on the cover as another way of honouring these fabulous people. I’m thrilled for Ronie as the model for Dean “Watterboy” Watters is a Special Forces veteran and he is a fantastic representation of Watterboy, I can assure you ~ you are going to really love this character 🙂
So, enough from me. Check out the cover and then head to Ronie’s blog for more details on this great cover and to enter the giveaway she is hosting to celebrate the cover release ~ signed copies of Trinity and Talon!
And I’d love you to share your thoughts on this cover ~ what do you think?
Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig
In the final choice a soldier’s pack is not so heavy as a prisoner’s chains. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower
His mission; his team. Those elements are the laser-like focus of Captain Dean Watters’ life. So when a threat is launched against both of them, Dean’s Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop the hackers coming after the military’s super-computer isn’t an option.
Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. Her expertise in algorithm cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hacker’s deadly game.
When Zahrah is captured, which compromises the US military, Dean is forced to crack the box around his heart. A move that might come at the highest cost.
May 27, 2013 at 7:30 am
Thank you, friend! You’re right–this has been a long time coming for me. I’m so over the moon with the Raptor 6 cover. 😀
May 27, 2013 at 9:32 am
Ronie » You and me, both, my friend. Love that I can highlight the cover here as well as your stellar stories 😉
May 27, 2013 at 8:14 am
Simply awesome. As well as very, very cool and perfect for Captain Dean Watters.
May 27, 2013 at 9:32 am
Faith » Yep, the model really reflects Dean – readers are going to love him! But then that’s no surprise as all Ronie’s leading men are engaging!!
May 27, 2013 at 10:46 am
Ahhh, I so love that you like him as Dean. I think he’s perfect, too!
May 27, 2013 at 9:27 am
Soooooooo so so so good!!! Everything from the distressed typography to the crest and the use of light is fantastic! I really think this cover is the first to fully represent Ronie’s stories. I like that they opted for the rugged terrain backdrop as opposed to a colour background. Nice choice of a fully body shot instead of just an upper profile–these are men of action! I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
May 27, 2013 at 9:30 am
Lydia » Great insights, as always, Lydia! I totally agree with those points. Ronie’s books are so action oriented and driven by authentic military characters, it’s great to finally see that focus on her covers. It is going to be an amazing story, that’s for sure 🙂
May 27, 2013 at 10:45 am
FANTASTIC assessment, Lydia! I’m so glad you like it, too! 😀
May 27, 2013 at 9:36 am
We have Ronie’s books in the Church Library.
I would read the book based on the cover alone.
May 27, 2013 at 10:45 am
Oh, I LOVE that comment, Janet! 😀
May 27, 2013 at 10:58 am
This looks nice and gives the impression that the story is action-packed. If that’s what the designers were going for, they’ve definitely achieved it – score! Looks vibrant also… the sun in the back is largely responsible for that. Probably the kind of cover that looks even more stunning when you see it upfront, when you get a copy of the book. Also has a rugged and manly appeal – meaning the ladies might swoon when they meet the hero (s) in the story. Very nice mix of colors, also.
Looks good from where I’m standing, people!
May 27, 2013 at 11:01 am
I’m thinking of trying one of your books, Ronie. I like the idea of honoring the soldiers. Bravo! Very honorable.
May 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
Ganise » Well, you know that I think you should just go for it with Ronie’s stories! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you read that first book, Ganise!
May 27, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Yes! That’s definitely what we were going for–ACTION, which is what you find between the front/back covers! We wanted “movement” evident. YAY!
May 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
Ganise » Love your insightful comments, Ganise 🙂
May 27, 2013 at 12:50 pm
I love the idea of having a real hero on the cover!
Looking forward to this one!
May 28, 2013 at 9:59 am
Laura Jackson » It’s such an honouring idea, isn’t it, Laura? Love that Ronie’s dream has come true with this cover.
May 27, 2013 at 1:28 pm
That is a GORGEOUS cover and I love that the model is a real hero! So excited to read this book!
May 28, 2013 at 9:58 am
Marji Laine » Thanks for sharing, Marji ~ have you read any of Ronie’s other novels?
May 28, 2013 at 10:27 am
Loved FIRETHORN! So excited to see Ronie win the Selah book of the year for that one! Well deserved!
May 28, 2013 at 11:03 am
Marji Laine » Brilliant, wasn’t it? One of my favourites…that said, all of Ronie’s are my favourites – LOL!
May 27, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Hallo, Hallo! 🙂
I am thankful to have clicked over tonight ahead of turning in! I went directly to Ms. Kendig’s blog, left a hearty comment about the cover and returned here to ‘thank!’ Ms. Relz!! 🙂 I’m looking forward to back-reading this lovely blog in the next month, as my Spring was full of heartbreak, which is why my focus was a bit off. I am truly digging this cover, and the premise of the story therein! I cannot wait to read my first book by Ronie Kendig, but I know now, that this is amongst the ones I want to read! Wow. Powerful.
Sometimes, book covers are the jettison point for the stories behind the covers. They give our imagination a tangible piece of the puzzle we’re about to open, and they lend a curious glimpse into the character’s personality or life, depending on what is on the cover. This cover draws you in, instantly. It reminds me of when I first saw a promo teaser for *The Christmas Card* when I first saw Cody Cullen. Sometimes, a first glance leads you to a memorable character and a story full of heart.
May 28, 2013 at 9:58 am
Jorie » You are such a sweetie, Jorie – thanks for sharing. You will love Ronie’s books – I highly recommend them as you can tell 😉
May 27, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Thank you sweet reading gods, publishers, artists, and the powers that be who came up with this cover! It’s about time we got some guy only covers! Why do general market romance books have to get all the eye candy?! Do I really need to say I love it? Hahaha you can probably tell that I do!!!!!! 😉
May 28, 2013 at 9:56 am
Renee C. » So, you like it?!?!?!?!?! Love it when you comment, Renee. I so agree on having more guys on covers 🙂
May 28, 2013 at 10:16 am
Hmmmm… yeah… I GUESS I like it a little bit. 😉
I love your blog and especially all your cover posts and upcoming release posts. Thank you!
May 28, 2013 at 11:04 am
Renee C. » Awww…thanks, Renee – that means a lot xo
May 28, 2013 at 10:11 am
Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!! Best. Comment. Ever, Renee!! 😀 Love it!
I’m so sorry it’s a year out. I’m slaving over it right now–hope that helps. LOL!
May 28, 2013 at 10:17 am
LOL I have A LOT of reading to get done so I won’t be TOO bored while I’m waiting. 😉
May 27, 2013 at 4:11 pm
Fabulous, Ronie. I still can’t get over that crest – SAS-esque but covered by a mighty angel. Bellissimo!
May 28, 2013 at 9:55 am
Ian » It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?! I love that this cover has such broad appeal. Ronie’s book should be read by everyone, right?!
May 28, 2013 at 12:14 am
I love this cover especially since there is a veteran on the cover.
May 28, 2013 at 9:54 am
Carissa » It seems we all love this one, Carissa – thanks for stopping by and sharing.
May 28, 2013 at 3:58 am
Great cover! Definitely your best ever, Ronie. Big congrats!
May 28, 2013 at 9:53 am
Aaron McCarver » Hi Aaron – hope all well with you. I haven’t forgotten about your cover art – will be posting soon.
May 28, 2013 at 10:11 am
Thank you, Aaron! I think so, too! 😀
May 28, 2013 at 8:20 am
I was so excited when I found this on Pinterest last night, but then GoodReads didn’t have any information…so I was even more excited to find it on your blog, Rel, this morning. 🙂 It’s amazing! Perfection! Stunning! When does it come out? (in other words…HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO WAIT?!)
May 28, 2013 at 9:53 am
Charity U » Isn’t it fantastic? The only downside is the wait – I should have included it in the post but it’s a May, 2014 release! Enjoy the anticipation 😉
May 28, 2013 at 10:01 am
Seriously? A whole year? Hooowwww are we supposed to wait that long? Oh the anticipation.
May 28, 2013 at 10:12 am
I’m so sorry it’s a year out. I’m slaving over it as hard/fast as I can!
May 28, 2013 at 10:39 am
At least we have “Talon” (my current read!) and “Beowulf” in the mean time. 🙂
May 28, 2013 at 11:03 am
Charity U » You will love them both 🙂
May 29, 2013 at 2:31 am
Oh. My. Gosh! YES! This cover rocks. I love everything about it (this may be the one that FINALLY gets me to read Ronie’s books *hangs head*). It boasts of grand adventure and wonderful heroism. The shading, pose and expression lends authenticity and it’s nice to see the leading man take “center stage.” Plus what a great time to reveal this cover – during Memorial day going into Independence Day! Oh, and the character’s names! They even SOUND awesome. LOVE!
Anyway… it all works wonderfully. Did I mention I LOVE this cover!?
My mother will love reading more by Ronie Kendig. 🙂
August 23, 2013 at 3:03 am
YAY!!! So glad you love this cover. And that it might actually tempt you to read a book. LOL!!!
May 29, 2013 at 11:57 am
This cover is so perfect for one if Ronie’s books! A dynamic scene and a handsome hero? Love it.
June 4, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Sara » Yes, and yes!!
May 29, 2013 at 6:19 pm
May next year!!!!! Might just have to re read all my other books by Ronie again to help with the wait. Rissi, I thought Rel and I told you to go and read Ronie’s books asap. Love the cover and also the way you (as in Americans) have such respect and honour for your soliders and the job they do. I think we Aussies could learn from you. Well done again Rel and Ronie.
June 4, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Jen » Hey Sis ~ always love when you comment on my blog. Appreciate your encouragement…a lot! xo xo
June 20, 2013 at 6:58 am
LOL! You did, Jen! I remember that. I know it’s very wrong of me not to but… I’ve been so busy with other books and unfortunately, that is going to last for another couple of months. *sigh* Guess I’ll have to read Ronie’s this fall! *fingers crossed*
I agree Jen: sometimes we forget how much our military does for us and it always catches me short when this happens because without them, we wouldn’t be the people we are today.