Chasing the Nightbird

A brave young protagonist must rely on his wits and his friends to navigate dangers and escape an unwelcome fate in this action-packed historical novel.
 
As the son of famous Black Jack Valera, the best whaler on the eastern seaboard, thirteen-year-old Cape Verdean Lucky Valera has led a charmed life. Then his father dies and his estranged half-brother Fortuna, kidnaps him. Lucky's hopes of joining the crew of the Nightbird are dashed as Fortuna forces him into servitude at a textile mill.
 
When Lucky meets Emmeline, a spirited girl with abolitionist sympathies, and Daniel, who has escaped from slavery, his dream to return to his old life once again seems within reach. That is, if he and his new friends can outwit and outrun Fortuna and an enraged slave trader, both of whom will stop at nothing to get back what they believe is their rightful property.
 
Krista Russell has created a fast-paced historical adventure that will keep readers hooked. Rich with historical detail, Chasing the Nightbird offers readers a glimpse into the past during a period of tremendous social and political upheaval, touching upon industrialization, the whaling industry in New England, and slavery.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs