Due to popular request, I’m going to continue with cover art. Why? Because I can, and you asked for it.

Over on Gollancz, Sam Sykes has revealed his cover art for his new book, A City Stained Red, as well as a nice post about the book, the cover art, etc.

Check it out here.

This is different from what I usually expect from Sykes. I typically pair his books with images of battles, people holding (insert weapon here), or an explosion. Sykes is a rather graphic writer. He’s not afraid of battles or gore, which is something I love about him. However, paired with that is his uncanny ability to write some of the most introspective, hauntingly descriptive passages I’ve ever read.

Basically, this cover is a total left turn from what I’d expect from Sykes, but I love it. The thorny crown on the cover has a sort of been-there-done-that feel to it, but the blood spatters are reminiscent of Sykes gritty style, and the symbolism of the crown makes me think of the deeper, more hauntingly beautiful passages that are peppered throughout his books. It makes me wonder if this isn’t going to be a bit different in tone and feel, and just as delicious as his Aeon’s Gate series.

I tend to be a sucker for covers like this. I like how mysterious they are, how they hint at something bigger, epic, bloody and political, all of which are elements I enjoy in my ideal fantasy.

So, it’s a win for me. What about you?