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
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
Welcome to the Friday Face-Off where this week we’re comparing covers that feature the sun.
This week features two absolutely stunning covers for Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Oathbringer’, by two undeniably talented artists. Published by Gollancz in the UK and by Tor in the US, Oathbringer continues the tradition of incredibly beautiful artwork gracing the covers of Sanderson’s novels. Scroll down and see which cover wins your vote.
Gollancz | UK | Cover #1
Cover Art by Sam Green
Tor | US | Cover #2
Cover Art by Michael Whelan
| The Friday Face-Off: Winner |
Once again I’m faced with an incredibly difficult decision when it comes to selecting a favourite from two amazing covers.
The UK edition is bold, beautiful and uses a simple palette of blacks, greys, reds and whites to draw the eye. The typography is as much a part of the composition as the artwork, and is in a style which only enhances the illustration. I love the deep red of the sun, and the wispy haze of grey which covers it; I love the sun drenched tinge of the rocks in the foreground; and I love the drama of the sword wielding figure in shades of grey. Sam Green’s covers for Sanderson’s work have always been among my favourites, and Oathbringer is no exception.
The US edition is a powerful and detailed composition which harks back to traditional fantasy artwork. The sword is given a presence akin to that of the figure beside it, and the shades of gold, the earthy tones of the stone, and the beautifully rendered figure all work together to create a stunning piece of artwork. The typography is a little overbearing however and almost detracts a little from the artwork, and my personal preference is for a more modern and bold approach to fantasy renderings; which makes Sam Green’s UK edition my favourite this week.
Which cover wins your vote this week? Have a cover of your own? – Post the link below!
Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads
Next week’s theme is:
I Got No Strings to Hold Me Down
A cover featuring a doll or puppet
Remember to check The Friday Face-Off Feature Page for upcoming themes
| Links |
Lynn @ Books and Travelling with Lynn
Steve Smith @ Books and Beyond Reviews
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