The Starlight Assassin

Working on this project was such a treat! I got to help one of my friends publish her first book and try a more illustrative design process. I also learned a lot about the world of indie authors and self-publishing – there are SO many ways writers can publish their work, and the streamlined approach of Amazon's publishing system (and others) has opened up a wide variety of opportunities for writers to share their work.

The cover design was inspired by many of the photos and books Sydney gave me in her initial moodboard, as well as my own interest in illustration. We had lots of conversations about the themes, imagery and symbolism in the book and I tied some hints of those things into the design (love a cheeky easter egg, even if it's only for our own enjoyment). We also liked the ornate elements and style of old book covers and wanted to tie in some of those motifs as well. A great complement to the dark whimsical and romantic style of other fantasy novels.

*BLURB*

An assassin plagued by her past, a boy forced to become a king, and the fate that binds them together.

Seven years ago Wren Everhart spared a life she was meant to steal, and the decision has haunted her ever since.

Now she’s being sent on her biggest assignment yet: to kill the ruler of the oldest kingdom in all of Astrya. But when she learns the king she’s meant to kill is the boy she once saved, everything changes.

While the King tries to puzzle out the girl he searched for with the woman he’s getting to know, Wren fights a battle with no winning sides. Something enchanting kindles between them, but there are unknown powers at play, and they find themselves being ripped apart at every turn.

But then the King offers her something she’s never had before: a choice. One that’s as tempting as it is dangerous. Will she spare him yet again, or will he be another life to stain her ruined hands?

History unfolds, magic stirs, and romance burns in Book 1 of the Forged Fates series.