After going back and forth with the artist, I get the sense they are a lot less resistant to making the changes I requested. I posted the updated draft in some of my author groups and two authors even requested the artist info, to commission their own covers:)  I think that also helped appease the artist re the changes:)

SO- I got this back. It isn’t done.. this is just to try and get the basics down. I think this version is so much stronger, and Kadaris looks like an adult. The effects and the scepter haven’t been drawn in, so it still looks a bit dark– but I think that will correct itself. I sent back a couple of additional recommendations to make the stance stronger and to give her a better expression that will match the overall pose/vibe;)

Let me know what you think. I – think– the comments do work:)  I’ll keep you posted;)