Here is the UK cover for Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb, the second part of the Rain Wilds Chronicles that began with Dragon Keeper.
I’m not a huge fan of covers utilizing icons as their main emphasis. This is usually done by marketing departments to try and infiltrate the contemporary fiction readership, a readership that contains a stigma toward the fantasy genre. I would much rather have a cover that boldly illustrates what it is.
But that’s just me.
Then again, perhaps the resultant sales would make it worthwhile. Who knows.
Dragon Haven will be published in the UK in March 2010.
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. I’m kinda split on the cover-artwork subject. I also like to see an illustrative scene from the work on the cover, but sometimes I feel like it perpetuates the stigma for people unfamiliar with the genre. I’ve had friends (who don’t read fantasy) ask me why I’m reading a romance novel when they see the cover of whatever sci-fi or fantasy book I happen to be reading at the moment (not that I’m slamming romance novels). By the time I try to tell them how great the book is their eyes are already glassed over and their minds are closed. I honestly think they might be more open to it if the book’s cover design was like the latest David Sedaris novel. I dunno, just a thought. Huzzah for a new Robin Hobb book, btw.
There is certainly something to that, Grantly. I know when it came to JK Rowling in the UK, that two covers were always released — an adult looking cover and the kids fantasy cover.
The prejudice does exist.
I just wish people would boldly stand up and say, “Yes, I am a fantasy reader, and be damned anyone who looks at me funny!” That’s why I like non-iconic (adultish) covers. haha
I should have ordered my copy of Dragon Keeper already from the UK. I’ve been lax on that! A new Robin Hobb book is always cause to celebrate.
I like it.