My editor, Ross Lockhart, just forwarded me the artwork for The Winds of Khalakovo. In a word, wowee zowee. Ok, that's two, but this deserves two, and a whole lot more. The artist is Adam Paquette, and I think he did a wonderful job.
I love how the ships came out. And I love, love, love the castle on the mountain. For those following along at home, that is, of course, Palotza Radiskoye. The golden light and the dark, menacing clouds fit the mood of Winds to a tee. The river down below and the onion domes on the small fort to the left are great as well.
I think it's sort of cool how you don't know what's up with the ship flying so low. Is it running away? Are the other ships after it? And it's cool that it's set at the break of day. With the low, yellow light and the fog off the water. Wow. I'm stunned.
I think it hits the mark very well. The cover is not simply art. It's a marketing tool. And I think this speaks to the right segment of the market: epic fantasy readers.
Let me know what you think! I'm going to go back to staring at it for a while…
Click to embiggen
Wow, that's gorgeous!
My sentiments exactly. ::glows::
BTW, I loved your cover for The Cloud Roads.
Thanks, I loved it too! The artist did a fantastic job.
Dude, that's georgous!
By which I mean, gorgeous. Grr.
Thanks, Jon! I kind of like georgous. It has a ring to it. A scary, off-kilter ring, but a ring nonetheless.
I have to echo the rest. Gorgeous! I love it.
Thanks, Barb!
Jackpot! That is stunning. I would judge a book with such a cover quite favorably.
Thanks, Eugene! That's what I'm hoping for!
ooooooooo I love it!
That artwork looks amazing Brad. I am so happy that your dreams are being made a reality
Thanks, Sara and Dan!
Fantastic cover art! Definitely a cover that will entice readers to journey into the world.
Yay! That's really beautiful. I can't wait to see it with the title and, of course, your name on it.
Thanks, Al! And Shveta: my sentiments exactly!
Wow, Brad. That is just gorgeous — and so fitting for the story.
I agree, Debbie. He really captured the flavor of the novel. I may have to kidnap Mr. Paquette to make sure he's available for the next two books!
You won't need to kidnap me brad, it was a pleasure! Thank you all for your very kind words, I'm about to get stuck into the rest of the book itself and can't wait. Great to see such an active following for this creative work. All the best success to you Brad!
Ha! Thanks again, Adam, for the great work, and I hope you enjoy Winds!
I love love love that cover!!!! Such an epic cover!
Kelly: :D
Dear Brad,
I love the cover! It's right out of the picture my imagination created when I read the book. Congrats!
Life is good in Bradville!
Paul Genesse
Thanks, Paul! Yeah, Adam really managed to visualize this well. I was stunned as well to see how closely it matched my own thoughts.
Dear Brad
Seldom have I seen a cover that, took my breath away as this one has!. I live to read and read to live as a retired police officer. My days as much as possible are spent totally immersed in the ink on the pages. Having been to Russia three times and now have what I consider family there. This read is going to take my mind and spirit to places I never could dream of. Thank you from deepest part of my spirit for giving us such wonders!