Welcome to The Friday Face-Off, a weekly meme here at Books by Proxy. Join me every Friday as I pit cover against cover, and publisher against publisher, to find the best artwork in our literary universe. Check out Lynn’s-Books for upcoming themes!
The Empire of Ashes by Anthony Ryan
Welcome to the Friday Face-Off where this week we’re comparing book covers that depict action!
Amongst the many action-packed and bloody covers that grace the fantasy genre, I decided that it was about time some awe-inspiring and dynamic dragons featured on Books by Proxy. The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan was one of my favourite reads of 2017 and it just so happens that the series, The Draconis Memoria, has some incredibly beautiful and action-packed covers to choose from – The Empire of Ashes being the third and final instalment of the trilogy.
With Orbit’s cover by Jeffrey Read going head to head with Ace’s cover by Leesha Hannigan, scroll down to see which one is your favourite!
Orbit | Cover #1
Ace | Cover #2
| The Friday Face-Off: Winner |
The Ace cover is a dramatic and beautifully rendered image of two dragons in the midst of a battle. In a swirl of water and wings, the two dragons snap and snarl at one another in this action-packed composition. Despite Leesha Hannigan’s beautiful illustration, I feel this cover is let down by the blocky typeface and the flames that eat away at the page. This artwork, like the Orbit cover, deserves a clean, full-page spread to truly appreciate it.
The Orbit cover on the other hand is, for me, as close to perfection as possible. Jeffrey Read has captured a dramatic and suspenseful scene as two figures throw up a glowing shield as they are wreathed in flames. The dragon is menacing and terrifying, a true vision of a ‘monster’, and the bright colours of magic and flame provide a stark contrast to the dark and smokey backdrop. The typeface is clean and simple and only complements this simply stunning cover.
I highly recommend that you check out Jeffrey Read’s website too, his concept art is truly second to none.
Cover Art for The Draconis Memoria by Jeffrey Read
Which cover wins your vote this week? Have a cover of your own? – Post the link below!
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads
Next week’s theme is:
Spectacular
A cover featuring glasses or spectacles
Remember to check Lynn’s Books for upcoming themes
| Links |
Steve @ Books and Beyond Reviews
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