Fool’s Quest
Yesterday saw the ‘cover reveal’ for Robin Hobb’s next novel to be published in August by Voyageur in the UK.
This is the first time I have produced a cover for Robin Hobb without having read the book. Such a complex tale cannot be rushed and yet Robin’s deadline for publication loomed and the text was still being edited while I was working on the cover art, so we talked and she sent me a paragraph or two, then we talked some more and I did one rough for the main image.
Then later talked more both with Robin and Jane Johnson., Robin’s editor about other things that might be added, to illuminate the letter. A vial of red liquid, swirled through with silver flecks. Those who know Robin’s books well will know what the bottles contain.
There are more things. The hardback of Fool’s Assassin has lovely gold endpapers. This one will also have something similar, but different. The aim of Dominic at the Harper Collins design Studio is to make an object that is covetable. The finish he puts on the silvered uncoated paper is lovely.
So, I wait. Hopefully I will get a proof copy. The small amount I have read, no more than 500 words or so, had me spellbound. I suspect that once I have the whole book in my hands, for a while little will be done in the house apart from a silent slipping between the covers and into another world, another adventure, with Fitz and with the Fool, I hope.
Gorgeous cover, definitely coveting! Love the Fool, so can’t wait……..
Your work is stunning!
Thank you. I try. Each time i sit down and face the blank piece of paper I get the same fear. But when I see this i feel quite proud to have wrapped it.
[…] Fool’s Quest, even though we haven’t read it, yet. We’ve got the Jackie Morris covers, and it’s fascinating to see the evolution from drawing to cover on Jackie’s site. […]
I love your cover art! I have the whole Realm of the Elderlings series in your design. What is Motley holding in her mouth?
The string that tied the crown in its wrapper.
Ooh I see! Thank you!