When The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier was first released, I was delighted simply to see the story out in the world. Since then, I’ve received valuable feedback from readers about both the novel and its presentation.
One comment that came up more than once was that the original cover gave the impression of a traditional fantasy novel. While the book does contain mystery and elements that may not be quite what they seem, at its heart it is a story of secrets, hidden motives, unsettling events, and romance, with a historical setting serving as the backdrop.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to give the book a completely new look.
The new cover is darker, moodier, and much closer to the atmosphere readers will find inside the pages. It reflects the mystery, tension, and sense of unease that run throughout the story, while also drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Lake District that helped shape the novel.
For existing readers, nothing inside the book has changed. The story remains exactly the same. This update is purely about presenting the book in a way that better reflects what readers can expect when they open it.
For anyone who hasn’t yet discovered The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier, there’s never been a better time to dive into it’s pages. Set in South Cumbria’s past, it is a story about a man who believes he’s doing the right thing, only to realise not everything is as it seems.
Warning: There may be Easter eggs ahead 🥚
What has been especially rewarding is hearing from local readers who have been inspired to visit some of the places that feature in the book.
To name just a few, readers have explored Claife Heights and the Victorian viewing station at its base. Together with a ferry trip (on foot or by car) from Bowness-on-Windermere and a treat at Joey’s Café below the station, it makes for a great day out on the shores of Windermere.
Closer to home, others have visited Piel Castle and the shores of Morecambe Bay, particularly 🥚 Aldingham and Bardsea. They have explored Furness Abbey and spent time in Dalton, including Goose Green and Dalton Castle. And, of course, many have enjoyed a coffee and a bite to eat at the excellent 🥚 Abbey Mill Cafe, which plays an important role in the story.
Some have even strolled along the 🥚 old monks’ trail between Dalton and Barrow. The meadow where the hostel stands in the book would have been near the Dalton end of the trail. Just imagine the landscape before the railway embankments arrived and changed it forever.
I’ve also received plenty of questions about where other locations in the story can be found. If you’re curious about the real places behind the novel, keep an eye out for future YouTube and TikTok videos where I’ll be exploring some of them in more detail.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the book so far, shared feedback, left reviews, and recommended it to others. Special thanks also to the people who reviewed the new cover and advised on the new direction. Your support continues to help shape its journey.
Finally, for those readers eagerly waiting for book two, I have some good news. With the cover redesign and other Mereland side projects now complete, I can devote my full attention to its continued development.
While the story continues directly from the events of The Crier, the next chapter of The Mereland Chronicles shifts up a gear. 🥚 Some mysteries begin to take shape, a familiar character returns, and the scope of the story expands considerably. And when I say considerably, I mean considerably… 👭🏻🛰️🏎️🪖
That’s all I’m saying for now.
Paul J. Scribbans - Author 