I
cannot conceal my admiration for Marc
Simonetti’s talent and art, not that I am attempting such a thing. Each new
artwork and book cover born from Marc Simonetti’s brushes tends to lose me in
contemplation and each one manages to fascinate me in one way or another. I have
two fresh examples to keep the fire of my appreciation for the work of this
wonderful artist burn brighter, the covers for Rachel Neumeier’s “The
Mountain of Kept Memory” (coming in November from Saga Press) and the French edition of Bradley P. Beaulieu’s “Twelve
Kings in Sharakhai” (“Les Douze Rois de Sharakhaï” published by Bragelonne). Both share the same design,
one that Marc Simonetti used before, the perspective over a city. In the case
of “Twelve Kings in Sharakhai” Marc Simonetti’s artwork is similar to the US cover
only to have an ampler vision and a more encompassing perspective. On both
these covers the panorama envisioned by the artist and his playing on the light
have the effect of stirring the viewer’s curiosity and the desire to visit
these places, at least with the help of imagination until the books open further
these worlds. There is one more thing stimulating the desire to discover more
about these places, the characters. Not only do we see the cities from a distant
witness point of view, but from the way the characters are positioned on the
cover we share that vision with them too, moving us closer to the scene and
creating an initial connection with the personages. And the characters, like
the settings, remain to be discovered within the pages of the respective books.
In this gorgeous fantasy in the spirit of Guy Gavriel Kay and
Robin McKinley, a prince and a princess must work together to save their
kingdom from outside invaders…and dangers within.
Long ago the Kieba, last goddess in the world, raised up her
mountain in the drylands of Carastind. Ever since then she has dwelled and
protected the world from unending plagues and danger…
Gulien Madalin, heir to the throne of Carastind, finds
himself more interested in ancient history than the tedious business of
government and watching his father rule. But Gulien suspects that his father
has offended the Kieba so seriously that she has withdrawn her protection from
the kingdom. Worse, he fears that Carastind’s enemies suspect this as well.
Then he learns that he is right. And invasion is imminent.
Meanwhile Gulien’s sister Oressa has focused on what’s
important: avoiding the attention of her royal father while keeping track of
all the secrets at court. But when she overhears news about the threatened
invasion, she’s shocked to discover what her father plans to give away in order
to buy peace.
But Carastind’s enemies will not agree to peace at any price. They
intend to not only conquer the kingdom, but also cast down the Kieba and steal
her power. Now, Gulien and Oressa must decide where their most important
loyalties lie, and what price they are willing to pay to protect the Kieba,
their home, and the world.
Sharakhai, the great city of the desert, center of commerce
and culture, has been ruled from time immemorial by twelve kings -- cruel,
ruthless, powerful, and immortal. With their army of Silver Spears, their elite
company of Blade Maidens and their holy defenders, the terrifying asirim, the
Kings uphold their positions as undisputed, invincible lords of the desert.
There is no hope of freedom for any under their rule.
Or so it seems, until Çeda, a brave young woman from the west
end slums, defies the Kings' laws by going outside on the holy night of Beht
Zha'ir. What she learns that night sets her on a path that winds through both
the terrible truths of the Kings' mysterious history and the hidden riddles of
her own heritage. Together, these secrets could finally break the iron grip of
the Kings' power...if the nigh-omnipotent Kings don't find her first.
