Title: The Heroes
Author: Joe Abercrombie
First published: 2011
A standalone novel set in the world of The First Law series, The Heroes centres on a single pitched battle in the countryside surrounding the eponymous standing stones atop a lone hill. On one side are the forces of the Union, and on the other are the Northmen led by the infamous Black Dow. Among both sides are individuals with their own hopes and dreams, fears and nightmares.
I am a huge fan of Joe Abercrombie’s writing, and wanted to try my hand at designing a cover in the fantasy fiction space. The specific sub-genre is typically classified as “grimdark” – so don’t expect fantasy with too many happy endings. I wanted the cover to convey that same feeling of grit and dread. By manipulating a series of photographs together I was able to create a singularly bleak view of the titular standing stones known as the Heroes.
The title and author name should be picked out either in silver foil or in metallic silver ink, giving the book further standout in a sea of illustrated covers that feature swords, axes or shields.
This is cover is a reimagining and not commercially available, any fonts or images used have been included as part of a personal project only.
