THE PHOENIX KING by Aparna Verma (COVER REVEAL)
We have a special one for you today folks!
We’re thrilled to welcome Aparna Verma back to the Hive to reveal the cover of her debut epic fantasy THE PHOENIX KING (previously self-published as The Boy With Fire).
The Phoenix King is being released by Orbit Books in August 2023. If you’re in the US, you can order your copy HERE
Here’s the official blurb:
The first in a sensational, action-packed debut epic fantasy trilogy in which an assassin and a princess navigate a world teetering on the edge of war and contend with an ancient prophecy that could remake the world.
Yassen Knight was the Arohassin’s most notorious assassin until a horrible accident. Now, he’s hunted by the authorities and his former employer, both of whom want him dead. But when he seeks refuge with an old friend, he’s offered an irresistible deal: defend the heir of Ravence from the Arohassin, and earn his freedom once and for all.
Elena Ravence is preparing to ascend the throne. Trained since birth in statecraft, warfare, and the desert ways, Elena knows she is ready. She only lacks one thing: the ability to hold Fire, the magic that is meant to run in her family’s blood. And with her coronation only weeks away, she must learn quickly or lose her kingdom.
Leo Ravence is not ready to give up the crown. There’s still too much work to be done, too many battles to be won. But when an ancient prophecy threatens to undo his lifetime of work, Leo wages war on the heavens themselves to protect his legacy.
And so, without further ado, let’s check out the cover!
How amazing is this?? I particularly love the way the phoenix feathers interact with the font! The cover design is by Cover Artist Extraordinaire Lisa Marie Pompilio. Let’s here from Aparna:
I love the cover of The Phoenix King. It perfectly encapsulates some of the major themes of the book, from the Phoenix itself, to the lone woman who must rise before it, and to the dark desert that serves as the backdrop of this rich, delicious fantasy. My editor at Orbit likes to say that the cover screams big fantasy, and I couldn’t agree more.
One aspect that I want to delve into, and one I know I’ll get many questions about is the woman on the cover. Why is there a woman when the title says “king”? It’s a valid question, and the answer (I regret) is a bit vague as I don’t want to reveal too many spoilers! But I can say this: the theme of family sin and inheritance is heavy in The Phoenix King. The idea of the sins of the father being passed down from generation to generation or, in other words, generational trauma, is no strange concept in Hindu mythology. Often, we hear stories of sages cursing a king’s family line, or of gods being reborn as humans as a consequence of their actions in an earlier life. In The Phoenix King, Leo Malhari Ravence (one of the three POV characters) upholds the burden of the throne. His family has ruled the Kingdom of Ravence for generations, but they also guard a secret and a curse — not unlike the ones we’ve seen in Hindu mythology. Leo’s daughter, Elena Aadya Ravence (another POV character), must answer for her forefather’s sin. But will she finally free her family from it? Or will she fall for the curse that runs through her family?
From her pose, the woman comes across as a fierce warrior. Let’s hope that she has the strength to face a cruel, vindictive god like the Phoenix.
Keep an eye out for this fiery debut from Aparna!
You can pre-order your copy HERE
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