Russian Launch of The Way of Shadows
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Sometimes these things come to me in the strangest ways. Apparently, The Way of Shadows was just released in Russia by EKSMO Publishing. Someone in the comments dropped me the link, and sure enough, this has got to be my book: blue glowy sword, crumpled guard, broken window. This is a good example of what’s known as a ‘narrative cover’. The art tells a story. It’s a concept of what a cover should do that you don’t see as often in America or the UK anymore. (Blame short attention spans or evolving market demand or a simple quest for novelty.) But it can be a lot of fun to pick out things from the book and see how the artist has worked those together. It’s also proof that the artist read the book–which is definitely not guaranteed. I’ve seen hugely successful books by great authors that got totally random covers overseas–just because maybe the editor had rights to some piece of art that he liked. So… it’s a big world, strange things happen. So my thanks to my Russian editors and the translator, who contacted me many times (something I love!) to get things just right.
The Russian language version isn’t a huge launch, but if you see it and speak Russian, please let me know what you think!
Early reviews from Russian readers are mainly possitive. And as far as I understand Shadow’s Edge and Beyond the Shadows will be published in Russia within month or so.
Shadow’s Edge – http://web.szko.ru/ServerPicture.aspx?IMAGEID=\\dbserver2\pictures\221089.jpg
I think the Russian version of Retribution may be the best yet.
By far the best cover, hand down, no shit. Artistically and for content. All that great Russian art in the 19th century that died, left some seeds that blossomed.
I speak Russian (I live in Russia) and I saw you books.
Novels have been published just a few weeks ago, so first comments and reviews will appear a little bit later. But I know about 6 people who already have read “The Way of Shadows” and they like it)
I bet it’s so cool to look at all the covers from different countries and what not. I’m not sure if you can answer this, or if it’s already been asked. But what would your favorite cover be? In general?