We’re here today to bring you an exciting cover reveal for Stephen Aryan’s much anticipated sequel to The Coward.

The Warrior, continues the story of Kell Kressia in this gripping fantasy duology, Quest for Heroes. Kell, two time saviour of the Five Kingdoms, is now the King of Algany. He has fame, power, respect, and has never been more miserable…

Before we reveal the cover, here’s a few words from Stephen: 

I had a lot of input into the cover on The Warrior, much like on The Coward. Originally, I put together a Pinterest board of themes, ideas and book covers that I liked, and based upon this the designer came up with several different themes and styles. We then selected two of them and they refined the design, the layout and the font until everyone was happy. It was so exciting to see it come together.

With The Warrior on the horizon, I spoke with my editor and based on the positive feedback of the first cover, we wanted to have a similar theme, but it also needed to be distinct from the first. There are a few subtle and not so subtle differences this time. The figure is different and the weapon this time is very specific to one character.

In terms of the book, I wanted it to be another adventure, but I didn’t want to do the same kind of story.

The Warrior is darker, it explores very different themes but I can’t actually talk too much about it without spoiling things. If The Coward was about fame, celebrity, heroes and the cost of war on an individual, then The Warrior is about sacrifice, loyalty, friendship, trust, love, the nature of evil and living with the choices we make as individuals.

Well that sounds excellent to me! So without further ado here’s the cover: 

Cover Art by Kieryn Tyler (Instagram @kieryntylerdesign)

I think we can all agree this is one gorgeous cover! The axes and the distant forest details are so striking.

The Warrior is due for release on August 9th, but you can pre-order your copy here:

Angry Robot | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com

Signed copies of The Coward are available from The Broken Binding

For more from Stephen Aryan please check out his YouTube channel where he offers writing and publishing advice, as well as great interviews with other authors and his website.