It is a running joke that a hooded man or a woman in leather holding a gun are the two choices we, as fantasy fans, have when trying to judge a book by its cover; but Orbit’s collective covers for 2014 through 2015 seem to offer a little something for everyone. Spaceships, hooded men, Viking-like axe-wielders, 18th century-like soldiers, pretty women in bright dresses, darker looking women holding guns, beautiful architecture contrasted with brutally dissected corpses, an abstract cutting of London and more besides. Here’s the ones that have been released so far:
Art Credits: Ancestral Machines: Illustration by Steve Stone, Design by Kirk Benshoff; Ancillary Sword: Illustration by John Harris, Design by Kirk Benshoff; Age of Iron: Illustration by Larry Rostant; The Autumn Republic and The Crimson Campaign: Photo-Illustration by Gene Mollica and Michael Frost, Design by Lauren Panepinto; City of Eternal Night: Design by Lauren Panepinto; Dance of Ghosts: Illustration by Gene Mollica, Model Bryce Birmingham, Design by Kirk Benshoff; Deadly Spells: Photo by Shirley Green, Illustration by Don Sipley, Design by Lauren Panepinto; The Falcon Throne: Illustration by Raphael Lacoste, Design by Kirk Benshoff; Prudence: Photo by Shirley Green, Illustration by Don Sipley, Design by Lauren Panepinto; Red Blooded: Photo by Shirley Green, Illustration by Rob Shields, Type by Chad Roberts; Symbiont: Design by Lauren Panepinto. Higher Quality versions here!
Congratulations to Orbit’s Art Team on a great range of covers. Personally, I have to say that my favourite of the lot is The Falcon Throne and, having now seen it, you can chuck your “don’t judge a book by its cover” explanations out the window – I’m gonna read it because of its cover and I’m proud to admit it!
What was the last book you read purely down to its cover being so alluring / intriguing?
Jennie Ivins
A Dance of Ghosts is probably my favourite cover, though Falcon Throne is a great choice too.
I actually bought Brandon Sandersons first Mistborn book due to the cover art, and a book called Bloodring by Faith Hunter though I’m yet to read it.
I am guessing the UK Mistborn ones – I thought they were incredibly cool too 🙂
The Mistborn Book 1 and Elantris covers were best of the abstract Sanderson ones so far I think.