How is this a cover reveal? Readers who pay far too close attention will recall that this book made my Top 10 of 2016. Well, Drake has repackaged it and re-released it last week as Part One of a trilogy. I love this cover, if I had an office, I’d have a print of it hanging next to some of Chris McGrath’s work. Anyway, here it is (new blurb for the book below, too).
Ashtadukht is a star-reckoner. The worst there’s ever been.
She commands the might of the constellations… though her magic is as unpredictable as the die rolls that decide its fate. But star-reckoners are humanity’s first defense against divs, so if Ashtadukht is to fulfill her duty, she must use every trick at her disposal—risks be damned.
An excuse. A lie she tells herself. All that remains of a life she should have had. She travels the empire to hunt down the div that brought her world to ruin. The longer her pursuit, the more her memories threaten to consume her. The darker her obsession becomes.
Every spell is a catastrophe waiting to happen, every div a tale of its own, every tale a thread in her tapestry of vengeance. This is the story of her path… a warning to those who would follow in her footsteps.
Ashtadukht is a star-reckoner. The worst there’s ever been. Hers is no hero’s journey.
• • •
A tale of loss and misadventure in a fantasy setting inspired by the history and culture of 6th-century Sasanian Iran.
Want more information? Here’s my original post about the book; the Q & A I did with the author, Darrel Drake; Marian L. Thorpe’s review; and one on Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews, too (both of those mentioned things I wish I did). Also, it should be noted that the book is mentioned on Reddit r/Fantasy 2017 Underread/Underrated Novel list.
Or just go buy the book, already.
Bookstooge
A re-packaging, eh? Anything change inside, do you know?
HCNewton
Good question. One I should have asked. Will have an answer ASAP
Darrell Drake
Some very minor things mainly. Changed “seven kingdoms” to “seven climes”, non-breaking spaces in ellipses, that sort of thing. Nothing important. Just a change to suit the direction of the series vs. the standalone, and a better cover for thumbnails besides. (I’ll be keeping the old cover up and available.) Hope that answers your question.
Bookstooge
Thank you.
HCNewton
Straight from the proverbial horse’s mouth, how’s that for service?
Bookstooge
Much better than from the other end ?
Darrell Drake
😀 NP lol