THE WAR OF THE FLOWERS (2003) by Michael Whelan, cover for the book by Tad Williams

I remember this stand alone novel quite fondly. Tad released it directly after finishing the epic science fiction series Otherland and right before he launched into his next fantasy series Shadowmarch. For the cover, Michael put together a fiery homage to the art of Hieronymous Bosch.

Source: michaelwhelan.com

Illustrations by Michael Whelan for The Heart of What Was Lost by Tad Williams.

When you peel back the layers of the cover, you’ll see faded in the background is a winter landscape. I found that illustration while digging around in the studio, and I had no idea what it was until Michael clued me in.

The updated editions of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy featured the legandary swords (newly painted!) set against backgrounds from their original cover illustrations. DAW Books carried that style forward with the novella that would bridge the original books with the new trilogy. Since there wasn’t an existing cover, Michael painted a landscape in full at 16" x 22".

I didn’t see THE HEART DAGGER (2016) in studio, but I’m including it here because it’s the focal point of the cover. The wraparound is a digital mockup provided by the publisher before release.

Source: michaelwhelan.com

IN DAI CHIKIZA (1988) by Michael Whelan, cover art for The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams.

The jacket art for the first volume of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy features Jingizu (the Sithi word for “Sorrow”), a blade forged by the Storm King.

I’ve always loved Tad’s description of the sword, and he painted it so ominously in just a few passages:

“…in a sheath at [King Elias’] side was the sword with the strange crossed hilt…there was something queer and unsettling about the blade…[It] had a strange double guard, the cross pieces making; with the hilt, a sort of five pointed star.“

…[the blade] was no mere weapon, but a blasphemy against the earth that had yielded both iron and witchwood. It was a hole in the tapestry of creation, and life leaked away through it.

Don’t you think Michael channeled the text perfectly in capturing Sorrow? I doubt he changed anything from his original design when he painted it again for the recent DAW reissues of the trilogy.

In case you missed it, we previously posted the jacket art for To Green Angel Tower which featured the sword Minneyar (Memory). I have yet to unearth the jacket art for Stone of Farewell which features the last sword Thorn. I still have 2 ½ rooms and an attic to sort through in the studio, so we’ll see if I can find it on my next visit.

Source: michaelwhelan.com

GREEN ANGEL TOWER (1993) by Michael Whelan, cover art for the book by Tad Williams

Michael knows I’m a huge fan of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series. I’ve asked him a number of times for the paintings of the original swords that decorate the spines only to be disappointed time and again.

After my first dive through the studio recently, Michael subtlely inquired whether I’d found anything from the series in storage. It wasn’t until my second day that I found what he was hinting at.

I had no idea the swords were part of the jacket art. I always figured they were separate paintings. It was quite a surprise when I stumbled across these designs. (I also found the jacket art for The Dragonbone Chair which I’ll feature soon).

As you can see from the scan of the dustjacket, DAW offered a couple different versions of the cover. Mine is flopped with the Sithi on the front and Simon and Miriamele on the back.

Source: michaelwhelan.com

Free audio download of CITY OF GOLDEN SHADOW

If you haven’t partaken in the Otherland series, you can remedy that with a free audiobook download from Penguin starting on July 26th.

Otherland was the next big thing from Tad Williams after he finished his original Osten Ard trilogy Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. It’s science fiction done up epic fantasy style. The virtual world of Otherland offered Tad a vehicle to create some amazing story.

I highly recommend the books, and you can’t beat free for an audio book download!

Source: penguinrandomhouseaudio.com

DARKNESS OVER HAYHOLT (2016) by Michael Whelan, cover for The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams

This week Tad Williams released his long-awaited sequel to the best-selling Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy. It’s a great summer read and features a darkly enchanting cover by Michael Whelan!

In celebration of The Witchwood Crown, we are offering a new print (save $25 on the introductory sale price) and a special sale on the prints of the original three covers.

Don’t forget to sign Michael’s birthday card and get a code for free shipping—good today (6/29/17) only!

Source: michaelwhelan.com

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