The Rending Cauldron

The author says:

The Rending Cauldron The Handmaid’s Tale meets Alien in this dark medieval fantasy where one species’ plan for survival lurks behind a blood-stained shroud of secrets.

In a prison hidden by ancient magic, Vestra hunts for a path to liberty from her captors, but the deadliest threat is one she can’t outrun. It’s growing inside her. Astérien, Vestra’s betrothed, hunts for her day and night, racked with guilt about Vestra’s capture. His efforts betray him, and he suffers inescapable captivity of his own. Worlds apart, the two young elves fight ingenious systems that would see them separated forever, and little does Astérien realize just how little time Vestra has left to break free. Only through the deeper understanding of both magic and mercy can the two of them hope to defeat their enemies and navigate the painful path back to one another.

The Rending Cauldron, due to its sensitive themes and some shocking imagery, is intended for adult readers. It should appeal to readers of Terry Brooks, Michael Moorcock, and (I hardly dare say it) Brandon Sanderson.

The cover art is a concept. Typography is not my strong suit and may end up outsourced, unless the whole design is trash. (I also have a second concept I’m toying with.)

Nathan says:

I don’t think the cover concept is bad at all. It definitely needs some refinement.

The stained-glass motif allows you to essentially use line art — very bold, simplified imagery that will stand out and be understandable in thumbnail (where the majority of your readers will first encounter your cover).  So lose the stone-texture sun pattern that doesn’t mesh well with the stained glass anyway, reduce the distracting textures in the baby dragon and make it larger, and generally work on making it “pop” in thumbnail.

Other comments?