Congratulations! This cover is a winner in the Book Goodies 2014 Book Cover Contest.
Wormwood
Cover Designer: Derek Murphy, of CreativINDIECovers
Comments about cover design
I originally had a different cover for Wormwood. It was a simple black and white etching by Gustave Dore, depicting a fallen angel reaching towards the heavens. The sheer turmoil apparent through the angel’s expression and pose not only fascinated me, but seemed a perfect depiction of the conflict raging through Tiamat, a half-angel in Wormwood. However, the etching–although classic–was hardly a trendy cover. The story itself was very well-received, but people had trouble getting past the antiquated-looking cover in order to take a chance on reading what was within. My love for the cover, it seemed, was a lonely one!
About a month ago, I was contacted by cover artist extraordinaire, Derek Murphy. He had read Wormwood and very much wanted to make up a new cover for the book. Curious about the vision he had for Wormwood, I heartily agreed.
The resulting cover took my breath away! On a literal note, the protagonist is a strong female, adept with a crossbow, yet still out of her element. However, she would never admit it. I could see this clearly in her stance. Yet the cover holds so much more than a simple literal representation of Wormwood. Derek recreated the feel of the book perfectly. The mixture of light and darkness remind me of a review from Tome Tenders about Wormwood, which, in part, said, “The lines will be blurred between good and evil, love and hate, truth and lies, and hero and antagonist.” The mixture of light and shadow reflect this beautifully. The unsettled, foreboding skies mirror the mood of this dark, post-apocalyptic story, and the falling feathers are a nice touch. They hint at the half-angels in the story without hitting the audience over the head with their existence. The fact the feathers are broken and falling is also perfect, but I hesitate to say why… after all, I don’t want to spoil the most exciting parts of the book!
Fantasy is my favorite genre, and this cover is AMAZING. It looks like you’re getting ready to set off on an epic adventure.
The whole thing just catches the eye and while I don’t buy books based on their cover it is one that would make me pick it up to see what it was about.
She is holding on to the edge, I wonder what will happen! The cover draws me into the content…..what will happen?
Very strong and curious.
Love the cover. It really captures the foreboding atmosphere of the book. It reflects the awe and wonder of the female protagonist as she stands on the brink, as she contemplates the next move of her mysterious journey.
Lovely cover! Especially like the feathers illuminating the sky.
Love the cover art. Reminds me of Skyrim. Makes me think the story could have endless possibilities.
Great cover. I really draws you into the fantasy. I love it!
Malgré le vieil adage “on ne juge pas un livre par sa couverture”, Wormwood va vous faire passer de bons moments.
Great cover from Derek Murphy, http://www.creativindie.com – quality work from a quality individual
Bravo, Danielle! Your book cover is magical and magnificent!
You WILL win; I’m sure of it! I hope this will inspire you to continue writing!
Your fans want more books!
I love it! What a great Winterscene. Nice job!
Outstanding!
I absolutely loved this book – one of my all time favorites – this cover is beyond gorgeous!
This is a wonderful book cover! As you pass it, you want to pick it up and begin your read. This cover should win.
I think it’s beautiful and breathtaking. I look forward to being able to read it!
I love this cover! It is the type of cover that makes you want to pick it up to find out more about it. My only issue with it is that I don’t have it in my hands now. I can’t wait to read it and I know that it’ll be one of those books my family and friends will be asking to borrow. If it’s anything like your first book they will end up buying their own copy to keep!!
I love the depth of this picture, the feathers, the lighting…. It is a perfect cover for your book, Danielle!
Great cover. Ties in with the female heroes out there today.
Love this cover. The subject being portrayed with the mysterious light source in front of her and the foreboding shadow behind really draws me in.
Love it. I especially love the feathers in the top right hand corner. I do like the color of the author font. All I would have done differently would be to slightly adjust the kerning of that same font to be a little tighter.
Gorgeous cover!
I adore the simplicity of the cover, yet it portrays a powerful image.
A classic shot, revamped and reimagined. Makes me think of Caspar Freidrich’s haunting 1818 painting ‘Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog’ (although to be fair, much of what occurs in the novel is more reminiscent of the cataclysmic black metal tune of the very same name by Wolves In the Throne Room… caveat auditor!) Very apropos, either way one looks at it. The partially sepia shade adds a certain sense of age. Well done!
It’s a dramatic picture, and I think it will encourage many people to read the story.
I have been in love with this cover since Day One.
Great cover for what I am sure is a great book!
This is a great cover and fantastic book. I love the feathers and great colour.
I have read a total of 12 books in my life but this cover excites me about what is inside. Intrigue amazement thrills and possibly some tears…. Who knows.
So much better than the majority of boring book covers that adorn our book shops and stores throughout the world
Me=excited
it is a great cover, and an even better book. this picture makes me want to fight evil and survive.
Love this cover! Conveys both the solitude and the Hope that is the forefront of the story. Excellent design!
Great use of colour and effectively placed back-view silhouette of the character looking out over the world. This cover conveys the mood of the book and invites the reader in to the story.
This is a cool book cover! Awesome background and great font for the title. I hope this one wins!
Great cover to a great book! Gorgeous silhouette and brilliant perspective. Congrats Danielle!
What an awesome cover! It’s a terrific hook to get people interested in reading it. Very evocative and engaging.
Love love love worm word and can’t wait to read book 2. This cover is amazing and really embodies what the book represents
This is absolutely stunning. I agree with the statement regarding the mix of light and dark, but one of the things I appreciate most is that as I look at the figure and the mountains, I can feel the height. It’s amazing.
Looks awesome!!! Great job!
The cover makes you want to pick up the book . Congratulations on defining a cover which so beautifully reflects the feeling of the book. You have my vote
I love the new cover and I think you should win!
Excellent coloring. You have my vote.
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Love this cover! The ‘Wormwood’ text with the feathers floating into it is beautiful and it’s a clear picture even when you zoom right out. Only thing I’m not a fan of is the author font, just don’t like that beige/brown. Personally I’d have made it blue like the colours right at the top of the cover, or possibly white.