Readers naturally want to know where a story takes place. We want to picture where the characters live, where they're traveling, and how the places in the story relate to one another. Once we can see those places in our minds, the story feels more real.

Rather than relying on a generic historical map, I commissioned a custom map created specifically for the world of Raven's Son. It reflects the novel's alternate history while remaining true to the geography of the American frontier.

The raven holds different meanings in different cultures, but throughout many Native traditions it is associated with intelligence, adaptability, observation, and the ability to move between worlds. Ravens are known for their resourcefulness and their ability to survive in changing conditions.