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Phil has taught me how to become an uploading pics genius and now I'm on a roll.  Here's what Tyrant's Blood looks like:

 

 

Blimey, I'm getting good at this.  Now someone has to teach me how to change a pdf into a jpg please!

 

Hope you like the new cover!

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Hmmm.... I am a strong and hard nosed supporter of the traditional artwork on fantasy covers - but, we are in a global economic crisis and waste issues and our green footprint needs to be considered.  So while it is not a favourite, this is a stylish and contemporary cover and subtly portrays the contents - I really  like the style of the letters spelling Fiona McIntosh. In the end, the story is what is most important  so until the glorious return of deliriously beautiful artwork, I will use even more of my imagination to create mental pictures while I read Fiona's word art.  

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It's an interesting thought that the sparseness of this artwork is a direct result of publishers tightening their belts and/or being more aware of the environment. But I think this is a deliberate choice to be deliberately spare and allow one strong image, one strong colour to impact, rather than to drench the buyer with a rich palette of colours and images. Australia lags, and I don't mean that to offend. We are clinging to the more traditional look for our covers - both publishers and readers seem to like it that way. But UK has really been driving this new feel for fantasy of using pale backgrounds and one high impact statement image. If you look at all my Brit covers, they follow this concept. And although this artwork was not done by Orbit - it was produced by HarperCollins, it was designed by HarperCollins in London, rather than Sydney. And Harper worldwide is using this cover because each office has loved it...and no doubt it's cheaper, more eco friendly that way too! Thanks, Pauline. I'm a lover of both styles. I was blown away by Exile when it was first presented and I do like this one very much....but I'm also an equal sucker for the gorgeous traditional, rich and powerful images that the French do for instance.

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I was a huge fan of the Royal Exile cover, because it was fresh and different, and I think this one is no exception. I love the colour, and the boldness of just one image. The "traditional" artwork has been a little overdone in my opinion, and it's great to see artwork that is simple and yet really powerful. While I still love the RE one more, this one is definitely an awesome cover. I've been looking at your books on websites like Amazon, and have been surprised that I actually prefer the overseas covers as opposed to the ones we get here in Australia. I'm glad the Valisar books are catching up Love it, and can't wait to get my hands on it!

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Art is such a personal preference and transitional, fashions change and  I guess I have been super spoiled with art work from greats like Michael Whelan and Boris Valejo.  I am an enthusiast of many artistic styles and I prefer rather than expect a certain style for my fantasy book - each to their own.  Whatever the cover its the writing that keeps me buying the books - I only see the spine on my bookshelf.

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I agree, it doesn't matter what the book looks like to fans because it's the writing thats the most important part

and you know what, I do actually like this cover

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Take a look at The Whisperer.  that's a real departure for an Australian fantasy cover, produced in Australia.  It smacks of Monty Python!

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By the way...I have no idea who that is on the cover of TB!  But I'm thinking it's.......ah, but that would give it away!

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I saw the Whisper Cover and thought that it was pretty 'wicked'. It'd definitely stand out on the shelves thats for sure

I'm intrigued who it is on the cover now! When I first saw it, I thought it was Piven for some reason haha. Seriously can't wait for this book.

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I love the cover, Fi.  I always found the openness of Royal Exile to be extremely eye-catching, what with its overpowering field of white broken up only by the vivid explosion of red.  This cover for Tyrant's Blood absolutely fits in with that first book.  Sometimes covers are just too busy.  These have been simple and striking.  I look forward to putting Tyrant's Blood on my shelf.  And eventually on the store shelf.

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Slàinte!

 

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Fiona, this is truly fabulous! silly though it may seem, which I would get this book anyway,  I often grab a book off the shelf that is eye catching and this does the trick for sure. I find myself not looking at books just because the cover is so hideous/cheesy.  Great job!

Fairlyn ~

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thanks all, I'm very happy with it and agree that it is a worthy follow on to Royal Exile.

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ooo the cover is totally awesome Fiona! The colour scheme is simple yet brilliant. I haven't seen that aqua-ish colour used much on many book covers - it's definitely a good change! 

Fkeson - I'm a bit like you too. I'm quite picky when it comes to pretty covers, not too sure if that's a good or bad thing yet!

Oh and Fiona, converting from pdf to jpg is really easy using this application: http://www.pdf-to-jpg.com/

All you've got to do, is download the demo version and there's even a really quick video showing you how to convert it. It literally only takes a few clicks. The demo version is free, but it'll add the company's logo to the bottom right of the jpg file when it's finished converting. However - you can just easily crop the logo out. Hope that's useful!

=D

 

 

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"Freedom is sometimes just simply another perspective away."

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Wow!  Thank you....and glad you like the cover!

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Im so late to this topic... I've already got my copy of Tyran'ts Blood but haven't started reading yet (stupid Uni assignments taking up my time lol). And I was going to ask who it is on the cover???

Or who you SUSPECT it is on the cover Fiona?? LOL 

 

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Well I recognised who the artist believes it is because I know the story....but that would be telling! It's not obvious I should add and hopefully one of the interesting twists of the story.

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I have loved both covers. The brilliant red of Royal Exile and green of Tyrant's Blood are beautiful.I'm one hundred pages into Tyrant's Blood and I can see that I will not be getting any sleep tonight.

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It is nice to be important but it is much more important to be nice.