After the preliminary sketch, I mentioned on Twitter that the idea for the cover seemed much less suggestive in my head than it did once I put it on paper, and that's still the case now that the image is complete. It's definitely the most suggestive cover I've done so far.
Like the Art of Death cover, I found inspiration in Male Nude Known as Hector, by Jacques-Louis David. Unlike Art of Death, where Riley's eyes were in shadow, I wanted them to be highlighted on this cover.
So anyway... here's the cover and the blurb!
Fresh out of a messy breakup, starving artist Riley Burke has found happiness with Westwood, his new undead lover—enough happiness that when his friend Porter warns him that the undead only see humans as flashy playthings, Riley looks the other way. After all, he only wants a bit of fun. It's not like he's asking Westwood to put a ring on his finger.
Once a brutal and violent criminal, Westwood now atones for
his past by punishing the undead for crimes against humans. But his job
doesn't make him
popular with his undead brethren—and someone has a thirst for revenge.
That someone has
uncovered Westwood’s weakness and is on the hunt. To withstand an
attack, Westwood must bolster his strength by taking on a
human worshipper. He turns to Riley, but Riley is terrified of the bond
Westwood's ritual will create. He would rather risk
his life pursuing Westwood's attacker than risk opening his soul to a
man who doesn't respect him. But time is running out, and if Riley and
Westwood can't come
together, one of them might pay the ultimate price.
RELEASES 10/19 FROM DREAMSPINNER PRESS
RELEASES 10/19 FROM DREAMSPINNER PRESS
Amazing cover! I can't wait for this! Squee! Fan girl moment.
ReplyDeleteHehe, thanks dude! This is one of those covers that I'm going to have to hide from my family members, but it still makes me happy. :)
DeleteIt's gorgeous! I love all the details and the colors. Certainly looking forward to whatever mess Riley gets himself into this time. :D
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