We’re absolutely thrilled to reveal the striking cover for J. T. Greathouse’s debut novel THE HAND OF THE SUN KING, which is due for release on 5th August 2021 by Gollancz.

Here’s the official blurb:

My name is Wen Alder. My name is Foolish Cur.

All my life, I have been torn between two legacies: that of my father, whose roots trace back to the right hand of the Emperor. That of my mother’s family, who reject the oppressive Empire and embrace the resistance.

I can choose between them – between protecting my family, or protecting my people – or I can search out a better path . . . a magical path, filled with secrets, unbound by Empire or resistance, which could shake my world to its very foundation.

But my search for freedom will entangle me in a war between the gods themselves . . .

So, without further ado, let’s check it out!

Design and illustration by Patrick Knowles

Here’s what J. T. Greathouse had to say about the cover:

I’m absolutely thrilled by this cover, which manages to convey so much in such an elegant way. Not only is it eye catching, but it’s full of details that tie into key ideas and moments in the book, even capturing the central conflict at the heart of Alder’s journey. My favorite book covers become more meaningful once I finish the story and take a second look at the art, and I’m excited for readers to have that experience with The Hand of the Sun King.

We have to agree with J. T., we love the little details! THE HAND OF THE SUN KING is available to pre-order from:

Amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Bookshop.org

J.T. Greathouse has been writing fantasy and science fiction since he was eleven years old. He holds a BA in history and philosophy with a minor in Asian studies as well as a Master’s in Teaching from Whitworth University, and spent four months of intensive study in Chinese language and culture at Minzu University of China in Beijing. His short fiction has appeared, often as Jeremy A. TeGrotenhuis, in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Writers of the Future 34, Deep Magic, Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, and elsewhere. In addition to writing, he has worked as an ESL teacher in Taipei, as a bookseller at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane, and as a high school teacher. He currently lives in Spokane, Washington with his wife Hannah and several overflowing bookshelves.