Archive for Covers

Cover Launch: SOUL TAKEN by Patricia Briggs

MECHANIC. SHAPESHIFTER. FIGHTER.

Mercy Thompson returns in another thrilling instalment of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series from author Patricia Briggs.

We are thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover for SOUL TAKEN, releasing in hardback in March 2022:

Design by Ellen Rockell at L,BBG

Read on to see what’s in store as Mercy faces her biggest threat yet:

The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of ‘fun’ is stalking Mercy, some may see it as no great loss. But when he disappears, the Tri-Cities pack is blamed. The mistress of the vampire seethe informs Mercy that the pack must produce Wulfe to prove their innocence, or the loose alliance between the local vampires and werewolves is over.

So Mercy goes out to find her stalker – and discovers more than just Wulfe have disappeared. Someone is taking people from locked rooms, from the aisles of stores and even from crowded parties. And these are not just ordinary people but supernatural beings. Until Wulfe vanished, all of them were powerless loners, many of whom quietly moved to the Tri-Cities in the hope that the safety promised by Mercy and Adam’s pack would extend to them as well.

Who is taking them? As Mercy investigates, she learns of the legend of the Harvester, who travels by less-trodden paths and reaps the souls that are ripe with a great black scythe . . .

Praise for Patricia Briggs:

‘Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer . . . I love hanging out with the amazing characters in this series!’ Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

‘It is always a joy to pick up a new Briggs novel’ RT Book Reviews

‘Patricia Briggs never fails to deliver an exciting, magic and fable filled suspense story’ Erin Watt, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Royals series.

‘I love these books’ Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author

Available for pre-order now!

Cover launch: Eversion by Alastair Reynolds

Alastair Reynolds’ twisty, mind-bending space opera has a smashing cover to match! Get excited for EVERSION to publish in August 2022!

Designed by Lauren Panepinto

 

From the master of the space opera, Alastair Reynolds, comes a dark, mind-bending SF adventure spread across time and space.

Doctor Silas Coade has been tasked with keeping his crew safe as they adventure across the galaxy in search of a mysterious artifact, but as things keep going wrong, Silas soon realizes that something more sinister is at work, and this may not even be the first time it’s happened.

In the 1800s, a sailing ship crashes off the coast of Norway. In the 1900s, a Zepellin explores an icy canyon in Antarctica. In the far future, a spaceship sets out for an alien artifact. Each excursion goes horribly wrong. And on every journey, Dr. Silas Coade is the physician, but only Silas seems to realize that these events keep repeating themselves. And it’s up to him to figure out why and how. And how to stop it all from happening again.

Cover launch: The Stardust Thief

It’s only fitting that the biggest fantasy debut of 2022 is getting one of the most gorgeous covers as well! Check out the beautiful, Arab-inspired compass, packed with delicate story details, and get ready for a stunning fantasy adventure in THE STARDUST THIEF (US | UK)!

Coming in May 2022, The Stardust Thief tells the story of a legendary smuggler and a cowardly prince who are forced to quest out across the desert in search of the long-lost city of the jinn and a magical lamp. Weaving together tales from One Thousand and One Nights, American-Kuwaiti author, Chelsea Abdullah has crafted an enchanting novel that feels both familiar and entirely new. Perfect for readers of The City of Brass and The Bone Shard Daughter, this epic quest will captivate and enthrall you, sweeping you away into a land where the line between stories and reality blur, and where magic lurks in the most unexpected places.

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Illustration by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative

Neither here nor there, but long ago…

Loulie al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant: a criminal who, with the help of her jinn bodyguard, hunts and sells illegal magic. When she saves the life of a cowardly prince, she draws the attention of his powerful father, the sultan, who blackmails her into finding an ancient lamp that has the power to revive the barren land.

With no choice but to obey or be executed, Loulie journeys with the sultan’s oldest son to find the artifact. Aided by her bodyguard, who has secrets of his own, they must survive ghoul attacks, outwit a vengeful jinn queen, and confront a malicious killer from Loulie’s past. And, in a world where story is reality and illusion is truth, Loulie will discover that everything—her enemy, her magic, even her own past—is not what it seems.

Cover launch: The Bloody Throne

The wheel of destiny is turning, and all will be caught under its weight! Return to the Zhaon empire one last time in THE BLOODY THRONE, the masterful conclusion to S. C. Emmett’s sweeping Hostage of Empire series. While you wait for THE BLOODY THRONE to land in bookstores in Spring 2022, you can feast your eyes on its gorgeous cover.

Illustrated by Miranda Meeks and designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio

 

The great Zhaon empire is in turmoil. The emperor is dead, and the crown prince has fallen to hidden schemes, leaving his most dangerous brother to assume the throne. The imperial court is seething, and whispers of war grow to shouts.

The once-vanquished kingdom of Khir marches again to regain their honor, the savage Tabrak raid the borders after ravaging the South, and assassins lurk in the shadows seeking imperial favor.

Komor Yala, her own position uncertain, finds shelter in marriage to the cunning Third Prince. But there is little safety in Zhaon. Death and destruction mount as a blood-drenched summer ends. The winner will claim an empire—if it is not turned to smoking ruins first.

Praise for The Hostage of Empire series

“Intricate, elegant, and sharp as a blade―sweeping political fantasy at its finest.” ―Tasha Suri

“Emmett’s worldbuilding is sophisticated and captivating.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Brimful of thrilling palace drama and menacing court intrigue.” ―Kate Elliott

“Action and intrigue take place within a layered and beautifully realized fantasy world.” ―B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

 

If you haven’t caught up on this epic tale of power, conquest, and deadly intrigue, make sure to check out The Throne of the Five Winds and The Poison Prince!

Cover launch: Dead Water by C. A. Fletcher

Let your eyes drink in the cover for Dead Water, the upcoming folk horror novel from the author of A Boy and his Dog at the End of the World.

A water-borne blight hits a small community on a remote Scottish island. The residents are a mix of island-born and newcomers seeking a slower life away from the modern world; all have their own secrets, some much darker than others. Some claim the illness may be a case of mass hysteria – or even a long-buried curse – but when ferry service fails and phone towers go down, inconvenience grows into nightmarish ordeal as the outwardly harmonious fabric of the community is irreversibly torn apart.

Dead Water is an atmospheric, suspenseful tale of folk horror and isolation within a small island community – perfect for fans of Midnight Mass and The Pine. Available for preorder now.

Cover art is by kid-ethic and design is by Sophie Harris at L,BBG.

the cover for the horror novel DEAD WATER by C. A. Fletcher

 

 

ICYMI: Cover launch for Engines of Empire by R. S. Ford

Last week, Grimdark Magazine revealed the amazing cover for ENGINES OF EMPIRE, the first book in a new epic fantasy series by R. S. Ford that tells the story of clashing Guilds, magic-fueled machines, intrigue and revolution—and the one family that stands between an empire’s salvation or destruction. Feast your eyes on the spectacular cover below, pre-order your copy here and head to Grimdark Magazine to read the first chapter! ENGINES OF EMPIRE is on sale January 2022.

Design and Illustration by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative

“An excellent start to a new series: fast-paced and engaging, with a properly epic setting and a cast of characters I look forward to seeing more of.” –James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

The nation of Torwyn is run on the power of industry, and industry is run by the Guilds. Chief among them are the Hawkspurs, and their responsibility is to keep the gears of the empire turning. It’s exactly why matriarch Rosomon Hawkspur sends each of her heirs to the far reaches of the nation.

Conall, the eldest son, is sent to the distant frontier to earn his stripes in the military. It is here that he faces a threat he could have never seen coming: the first rumblings of revolution.

Tyreta’s sorcerous connection to the magical resource of pyrstone that fuels the empire’s machines makes her a perfect heir–in theory. While Tyreta hopes that she might shirk her responsibilities during her journey one of Torwyn’s most important pyrestone mines, she instead finds the dark horrors of industry that the empire would prefer to keep hidden.

The youngest, Fulren, is a talented artificer, and finds himself acting as consort to a foreign emissary. Soon after, he is framed for a crime he never committed. A crime that could start a war.

As each of the Hawkspurs grapple with the many threats that face the nation within and without, they must finally prove themselves worthy–or their empire will fall apart.

Cover launch: The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

Can’t get enough of morally grey lesbians in possession of forbidden magic, who will stop at nothing to burn an empire to the ground but who secretly yearn for each other? Then we have a treat for you. Behold the gorgeous cover of THE OLEANDER SWORD, the sequel to Tasha Suri’s epic fantasy stunner THE JASMINE THRONE!

Coming in summer 2022, THE OLEANDER SWORD finds newly-crowned empress Malini and powerful priestess Priya grappling with their choice to remake an empire—and realizing that their love might not withstand the fight. You can add it on Goodreads here! And if you haven’t yet checked out THE JASMINE THRONE—named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2021 and hailed as a novel that will “reshape the landscape of epic fantasy for years to come” (Booklist, starred review)—be sure to do so now (US | UK).

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Micah Epstein
~~~

The prophecy of the nameless god—the words that declared her rightful empress of Parijatdvipa—has been Malini’s blessing and curse. She is determined to claim the crown that fate has offered. But even with the rage in her soul and a loyal army by her side, deposing her brother from the throne is going to be a brutal and bloody fight.

The power of the deathless waters flows through Priya’s blood. Thrice born priestess, Elder of Ahiranya, Priya’s dream is to see her country rid of the rot that plagues it: both Parijatdvipa’s poisonous rule, and the blooming sickness that is slowly spreading through all living things. But she doesn’t yet understand the truth of the magic she carries.

Their chosen paths once pulled them apart. But Malini and Priya’s hearts remain as entwined as their destinies. And they soon realize they must come together again if they wish to save their kingdom from those who would rather see it burn—no matter the cost.

Praise for The Jasmine Throne:

“Lush and stunning….Inspired by Indian epics, this sapphic fantasy will rip your heart out.” —BuzzFeed News

“A fierce, heart-wrenching exploration of the value and danger of love in a world of politics and power.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An intimate, complex, magical study of empire and the people caught in its bloody teeth. I loved it.” —Alix E. Harrow, Hugo award-winning author of The Once and Future Witches

Cover launch: The Martyr by Anthony Ryan

Cover launch for THE MARTYR! With thrilling battles, visceral action, and an indelible lead character, this is the epic sequel to THE PARIAH from New York Times bestseller Anthony Ryan. Out June 2022! Pre-order your copy: US | UK link coming soon. And if you haven’t started this epic fantasy series yet, pick up THE PARIAH (US | UK) now!

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Jaime Jones

 

“A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word.” —John Gwynne on The Pariah

The Martyr is the second novel in The Covenant of Steel, a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful.

Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends.

Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge.

“This makes a rich treat for George R.R. Martin fans.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Pariah

Cover launch: The Justice of Kings

Cover launch! THE JUSTICE OF KINGS is the first in an epic new fantasy trilogy by Richard Swan following the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one. On sale in February 2022! Learn more and pre-order your copy now: US | UK.

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Martina Fačková

Cover launch: The Wizard of Eventide

The gorgeous, pulse-pounding Goddess War Trilogy comes to its thrilling conclusion with THE WIZARD OF EVENTIDE! And this time, the titular wizard Sebastian is getting his own spotlight on this gorgeous cover! If you haven’t checked out the first two novels in this brilliant widescreen adventure, THE RANGER OF MARZANNA (US | UK), and THE QUEEN OF IZMOROZ (US | UK), make sure to do so before the final book comes out in July 2022! Pre-order your copy today: US | UK link coming soon.

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Illustration by Magali Villeneuve

 

As Vittorio’s empire enacts its bloody reign, the Uaine now behind him after a stunning betrayal, a reunited Sonya and Sebastian must embark on a journey to distant lands to amend past wrongs—and find unlikely allies along the way.
 
In far Raiz, Jorge has his hands full enough with the devastation the Empire left behind. But the battle isn’t over, and the sovereignty of his nation will depend on his ability to band together the ancient houses—and recruiting a figure straight out of legend.
 
Galina, now Queen of Izmoroz, rules her land with an iron fist in a velvet glove. But heavy is the crown, and enemies lie in wait both within and without her dominion. To realize her vision for a free Izmoroz at last, she’ll have to fight with much more than politics.