Cover art for debut novel

[Ursa major]

Excellent cover art, Ian: it would pique my interest if I saw it in a bookshop (which is, of course, its primary purpose, though I'll not mind if others' interests are pique as well ).

Originally Posted by Ian Whates

The room as I'd envisaged doesn't have any windows, and if it did they'd look out onto open sky with the ground some distance below, so those elements are artistic licence.

On the assumption (given it's dimensions) that this picture is wrapped (R to L) from the front cover, via the spine, to the back cover, the windows will not actually appear on the front of the book, so there's no "damage" done.

[Bontemps]

That art looks delicious.
I bet it''s gonna be so cool seeing that in stores.

(adds it to list of books to buy)

[Patrick Mahon]

Great artwork Ian - I look forward to seeing it in the shops! By the way, when is the book coming out?

[Moggle]

The artwork is incredible, but I don't even have a clue what your book is about just from looking at. A title would help.

[Ian Whates]

Originally Posted by Moggle

The artwork is incredible, but I don't even have a clue what your book is about just from looking at. A title would help.

The book is called City of Dreams and Nightmare, Moggle. It's set in the city of Thaiburley, sometimes called 'The City of Dreams' but known by those who live in its lowest levels as 'the City of Nightmare'. This is urban fantasy of the old definition (ie not a vampire in sight), though with heavy steampunk and SF overtones.

I twisted the arm of a couple of friends to read the manuscript and they kindly provided me with the following cover quotes:

"Born story-teller Ian Whates takes us on a gripping, terrifying trip-of-a-lifetime, through the heights and depths of the exotically grim city of Thaiburley, in this excellent SF thriller." That from Tanith Lee (they changed it to 'fantasy thriller' on the website).

While Liz Williams said, "Adventures in a nightmare citadel - a story that hits the ground running and doesn't let up."

The publishers say a little more here:
City of Dreams & Nightmare / Ian Whates :: Angry Robot Books

It's a very strange feeling waiting for this to come out... and hoping that somebody will want to read it!

[Stephen Palmer]

Blimey Ian... do you realise how close the title of your new book is to mine?!?!

[Ian Whates]

Originally Posted by Stephen Palmer

Blimey Ian... do you realise how close the title of your new book is to mine?!?!

Ah, but mine's in English, so no one will notice!

[Michael01]

It really is a beautiful cover, Ian!

[Yahzi]

That is gorgeous.

[SJAB]

Me like!!!

Oh! Release 4th March...

Question; will there by copies for sale at Eastercon? If not and I get, and bring a copy will you sign it...?

[Ian Whates]

Originally Posted by SJAB

Me like!!!

Question; will there by copies for sale at Eastercon? If not and I get, and bring a copy will you sign it...?

Sue, I honestly don't know. Since I'm not publishing it, I won't have any copies there to sell, but that doesn't mean nobody will.

As for signing... oh, go on then!

[Gary Compton]

Well done Ian, the amount of stuff your churning out, did you by any chance have a printing press for Xmas lunch.

Joking aside, I'm looking forward to reading it as the Gift of Joy was a gift of joy!

It's the way I tell them!

[Patrick Mahon]

Ian - you didn't mention that Angry Robot are offering a free sample chapter of your new novel on their website. (http://angryrobotbooks.com/wp-conten...plechapter.pdf)

Are you shy or something?!

I've just downloaded and read it, and now can't wait to get hold of a copy as soon as it comes out...

[Ian Whates]

Originally Posted by Patrick Mahon

Ian - you didn't mention that Angry Robot are offering a free sample chapter of your new novel on their website. (http://angryrobotbooks.com/wp-conten...plechapter.pdf)

Are you shy or something?!

I've just downloaded and read it, and now can't wait to get hold of a copy as soon as it comes out...

Not shyness, Patrick, just ignorance... I didn't realise it was there, so thanks for pointing this out. And for your kind words.

Wow, this is oddly scary and thrilling at the same time!

[J-WO]

Originally Posted by Ian Whates

the figure looking on from the gallery at the back is one of the book's central protagonists, who's stumbled into the chamber by accident.

If he were me I'd say something akin to '*!*# me!!!'

What a cover! I'll be keeping an eye out for it.