Shiny.

They moved the David Drake blurb to the side, lightened the lettering and moved things so the title wasn’t covering the top of Hunger’s head. At first I thought they moved the lettering, but they didn’t. It appears the shrunk Hunger a bit so we could see more of him. Small changes, but I think they make a significant effect. I think the overall effect is better. I like how Hunger looks more menacing in this one. Sugar is different. Don’t know which version of her I like better. I’m leaning to the original. Your thoughts? Either way, we luvs Tor’s art and production department. Here’s the before and after.

I just got this from my editor. My first reaction was what?–No bronze brassiers, naked thighs, or gravity defying breasts?! I’m ruined! Then I remembered I’d given up writing books about bimbos with swords (alas, I really had some terrific mosquito scenes). 

Folks, I think Swanland’s style is gorgeous, and I hope readers find this particular cover compelling. Click on it to see it full size. There are many things about this cover that I like, but one cool thing about the content of the illustration is that he worked in Sugar with the raveler. Those are, to date, my favorite weapons ever. In fact, Sugar herself looks, well, strong, beautiful, smart. Dang! Who wants to write about a bimbo when you’ve got a woman like that?

(Of course, a bimbo with a sword could make a very good Legally Blonde meets Lord of the Rings. Humm. I’m tempted…)

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Dude…

I can’t tell you how excited I am to know a cover artist has been chosen for Servant of a Dark God. And that it’s Raymond Swanland. Check this out.

Without importing his whole gallery, I’ll link to a number of those I like the best. But I have to say the movement, action, energy–even when the people are standing still–are amazing. I think I like most his pieces that are lighter and have more color (and think they’ll match the book’s content best as well), but I can’t wait to see what he comes up with. I think Swanland is just jaw-dropping amazing.

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Personal%20Gallery/Personal03.html (Love the color and energy; the sky color and figure is just, dude)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Personal%20Gallery/Personal01.html  (Love the color and energy; again, the sky color…)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration04.html (the guy’s standing still and this thing is still rippling with energy!)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration17.html  (wow)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration11.html (color and energy)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration10.html (movement; I don’t know, some artists just don’t get action right, but this one does, holy crap)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration05.html (movement)

http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration19.html (look at the pov and movement, the belly of the dragon up in the right–have we ever seen this angle on dragons before? It feels like we’re IN the sky)