If you live in the UK and are involved in the SFF Community, you’ve no-doubt come across Paul Cornell at a convention or two. If you’re a reader of Comic Books or watcher of television series like Doctor Who, Robin Hood or Primeval then you’re certain to have enjoyed something by this diverse writer. And, more recently, if you’ve been following Fantasy-Faction’s recommendations then you’ve probably already picked up Paul’s first non-tie-in fantasy, London Falling.
Well, if we had one uncertainty about Paul’s first book it was that the cover was perhaps a little bit ambiguous. Although the book highlighted the dark magical side of the novel, it didn’t really show that this was to be a detective novel with a memorable lead. Well, it seems that Paul’s publishers, Tor, have recognised this and decided to take Paul’s second book in the Shadow Police series in a new direction artistically.
Here’s the new cover:
Of the cover, Paul said he feels it is: ‘rather wonderful’ and of the book he remarks:’ I’m incredibly proud of TSS. I think it’s my best book. There’s one central surprise which I can’t wait for the first readers to react to.’
For those who are yet to discover the series, Ben Aaronovitch praised the first book as: ‘An irresistible blend of guns, gangsters, cops and monsters that grabs you by the eyeballs and never lets go. Start this book early in the day people, because you ain’t going to get no sleep until it’s done.’
Being big fans of Paul Cornell and having enjoyed his company at many conventions over the years, we’d like to wish him the best of luck with the new book; we can’t wait to get out hands on it 🙂
Jennie Ivins