Character Bios

Oriana - Pureblood Winglet at Odon's University where students are separated by race and then ranked by the pureness of their blood. Oriana finds it difficult to fit in with the others. She is told that only pureblood Winglets and Finlets are worthy of praise, but she somehow can't justify it.

Dorian - Half-blood. He is equally Winglet and Finlet, but neither. Half-bloods are the lowest of all the students. Dorian locks eyes with Oriana in the hallway. Somehow he knows that she is different than the others of her kind. Maybe he knows what lies beyond the University walls?

Lenora- Oriana's roommate and also a pureblood Winglet. Lenora seems to be jealous of Oriana, but will she act on it? Oriana isn't sure she can trust Lenora eventhough they are best friends. Lenora has her own troubled past, it seems to be common in the University, but nobody shares stories.

Aurek - A pureblood Winglet who seems to make it everybody's business that he's upperclass. He tries to impress Oriana, maybe because she's the only girl who would refuse his advances.

Fisk - Aurek's part-blood follower, always backing up Aurek's pompous musings. Fisk is a part-blood Winglet, meaning he is mostly Winglet in appearance.

Odon - Everyone worships him, but no one has seen him. He is an invisible yet omniscient force that is always watching the students and making sure they are following his teachings. Odon oversees the University via the "Odon's Eyes," large oval mirrors. Window-like in appearance, these aren't for students to see out of, but for Odon to see in. Students who defy his teachings are likely to end up forever changed or worse, disappear.

Winglets - This race is very fair. A pureblood Winglet will have very light golden hair and fair skin with blue eyes.

Finlets - This race is much darker. They have black hair and eyes with tanned skin. Although kept separate in Odon's University, the Winglets and Finlets are equally ranked.

Half-Bloods - They can be recognized for their black hair that is very much like the Finlets and medium skin tone. They also have blue eyes from their Winglet heritage.

Part-blood Winglets - Part-blood Winglets will have varying skin and hair tones that tend to be light brown and fairly natural in color. Their eyes are usually blue, but can be hazel or greenish.

Part-blood Finlets - Never as dark as the Finlets, these part-bloods will still have black to dark brown hair and eyes with a skin tone that is still tanner than a part-blood Winglet will ever be.

The Rebirth - Known to all the purebloods as a time of renewal, the Rebirth is both an honor and a mystery. While they are often prepared and informed of it at a young age, the purebloods are never sure what exactly takes place on this day.

Finally!

I've always dreamed of holding a bound copy of one of my books in my hand, but you can never really imagine how great it feels until it actually happens! I finally received both a hardcover and paperback copy of Oriana's Eyes and it looks great!
I know this is just the beginning of a very long and tedious process, but I'm willing to work at it. I've read the book more times than I can count, and I really look forward to sharing the world of Oriana and the Great Oak with everyone.
I started writing the book during a time in my life when I really felt the walls of school and routine closing in on me. I think all young girls can relate to Oriana's struggle to believe in herself and overcome what everyone around her is telling her to be.
Oriana's Eyes is not just a fantasy adventure, it's really about finding yourself when the world is trying to make you like everyone else. I hope that others will find their own meaning in Oriana's story and share it with me. Everyone's interpretation is both unique and valuable. Like the Great Oak teaches, we are strongest when we work together.
Share a fantasy novel that gave you a new perspective or even just had a profound effect on you.
Also, feel free to check out some of my earlier posts. I wrote a few character studies from the University.
-Celeste

BOOK COVER REVEALED!

After much trial and error and a lot of help from friends, I have completed the cover design. I was so impressed with this photo that a close friend uncovered. The Great Oak is not just any tree, it is a giant among men! I couldn't have asked for a better photo to depict this and the sun rising behind it is perfect!