THE SURVIVING SKY by Kritika H. Rao (COVER REVEAL)
Today we’re thrilled to welcome Kritika H. Rao back to the Hive, to share with us the stunning cover of her novel THE SURVIVING SKY.
Before we check it out, let’s find out a little more about her Hindu-philosophy inspired debut…
High above a jungle-planet float the last refuges of humanity—plant-made civilizations held together by tradition, technology, and arcane science. In these living cities, architects are revered above anyone else. If not for their ability to psychically manipulate the architecture, the cities would plunge into the devastating earthrage storms below.
Charismatic, powerful, mystical, Iravan is one such architect. In his city, his word is nearly law. His abilities are his identity, but to Ahilya, his wife, they are a way for survival to be reliant on the privileged few. Like most others, she cannot manipulate the plants. And she desperately seeks change.
Their marriage is already thorny—then Iravan is accused of pushing his abilities to forbidden limits. He needs Ahilya to help clear his name; she needs him to tip the balance of rule in their society. As their paths become increasingly intertwined, deadly truths emerge, challenging everything each of them believes. And as the earthrages become longer, and their floating city begins to plummet, Iravan and Ahilya’s discoveries might destroy their marriage, their culture, and their entire civilization.
I love this cover by Leo – it is so contained yet expansive at the same time, exactly like the world of THE SURVIVING SKY. I love how many details it has (readers: you will want to zoom in, I promise, there are SO MANY secrets and layers in the cover – as there are in the book!). Honestly, this is the kind of cover where once you’ve read the book, you will want to go back and examine the image with keen eyes just to see how many scenes, motifs, and easter eggs are embedded within it. The book itself is epic science fantasy, but it reads like a thriller – super fast-paced, even though it is chonky. My journey with THE SURVIVING SKY hasn’t been easy (oh boy, has it ever not been easy), but with this cover being out, it feels like I am one more step closer to sharing it with readers, and I am so excited for folks to hold it soon in their hands.
The Surviving Sky is expected from Titan Books on 4th April 2023. You can pre-order your copy HERE
Kritika H. Rao is a science-fiction and fantasy writer, who has lived in India, Australia, Canada and The Sultanate of Oman. Kritika’s stories are influenced by her lived experiences, and often explore themes of consciousness, self vs. the world, and identity. She drops in and out of social media; you might catch her on Twitter or Instagram @KritikaHRao. Visit her online at www.kritikahrao.com.
(she/her)
