ILONA ANDREWS

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Cover Art Reveal: Fated Blades

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We are delighted to present to you the cover art for Fated Blades painted by Luisa J. Preißler.

Drumroll, please…

It is so gorgeous. It was also a huge challenge. You should’ve seen the brief for this. “Well, they have forcefields coming out of their arms that can be shaped into shields of blades and they are red. Oh and it needs to be dynamic and action-y but they are also dancing. Oh and can it look sci-fi? And…”

This is an amazing representation of the book.

A man and a woman in colorful sci-fi clothes dancing in a sunlit plaza, red forcefield shields emerging from their arms.
Click to view the full size image.

We love it so much. The intensity, the colors of Dahlia Province, the movement, everything is so beautiful.

You can find more of Luisa’s work at her website, www.luisapreissler.de.

Now for important question, when can this be bought? The preorder link should go up this week, at which point we will post it here with an excerpt, synopsis, and all the other fun goodies.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

      • Does anyone remember the “Squee discussion” on this blog? I can’t remember how many years ago it was, or what book/scene it was referencing. Anybody?

        • I want to say it was after the fart gun incident in Innkeeper, because the Mukraks (?) made that sound. I might be remembering that wrong and just making the association in my head.

    • I love the skirt and the top. Don’t know if I could wear that top but it looks great.

      Great cover art, Luisa.

      • I think the top falls into the ‘no one larger than a B cup’ category, which is why I envy those ladies so much. The whole look is stellar. Both elegant and bada$$.

      • I love the skirt and the top but my grandmotherly figure won’t support it (pun intended 😛 )
        This is a gorgeous cover. I need to re-read the Kinsmen series before this comes out. Also loved the short story about the heir / pig. <3.

        Thank you so much for all you do

        • Agh – the heir/pig was called Of Swine and Roses in the Small Magics collection. Not related to Kinsmen.
          ..
          Still…. Need to reread the Kinsmen series soon.

          Currently rereading Iron Covenant 1. I know 2 is going to be grim but I hope that Elara and Hugh have a happy ending one of these days.

  4. *drools all over your blog*

    *immediately rushes over to Amazon*

    No buying yet… *cries loudly*

    ***
    What an amazing cover! And I absolutely look forward to buying this as soon as Amazon will let me… <3

    • Ok Eve G – This means you are sort of a lurker, like me. Way to break the ice. Yes – Wow I especially like that we can see his navel. They look fantastic together. And – Kinsmen was always my favorite universe. You know, like .00001 better than HL or KD or Edge or Innkeeper (which I’m rereading right now) and which are all tied for second place.

  9. That’s amazing!!!

    Wow I can’t wait for thia book!!! I’m squeeeee-ing at the cover like crazy.

  13. Holding back the urge to ask 1000 questions that will be answered when the preorder link goes up, OMG awesome cover, so happy to have a new Kinsman. Yay!!

  15. It is gorgeous. Plus the promise of a future trip back to Kinsmen. You have no idea how much I need that today. Thanks you House Andrews.

  17. Amazing cover! I love the vibrant colors and the sci-fi action-y vibe it has going on. Also it matches the existing Kinsmen covers so well.

  19. So really now all we have to do is actually write it, edit it, format it, and then we just sit back and watch the cash roll in. Don’t get mad but do you know what it’s going to be about?

  21. Sigh. Dancing. Sigh.

    I am so excited. I know it’s been excruciating for you two. I’m sorry it’s been so hard. This is the light at the end of the tunnel and it is so beautiful.

  22. Beautiful! I love how the clothing and long hair flows. I adore that no dangling bits and bobs of useless adornment are cluttering their bodies. It does look “action-y and like they’re dancing.”
    (Totally irrelevant but the fellow not having armpit hair makes me think competitive swimmer. ????)
    Very excited, thank you for sharing this artwork.

  28. Gorgeous !
    And yay! preorder ! (it would be even better if it was order instead pre-order but hey)

  29. Love, love, love, especially the fencing style come Spacey body armour. Can’t wait for full synopsis and preorder links. Oh HA, you do know how to treat the slavouring BDH ????

  30. Yay!

    Beautiful artwork. Your covers are so much better than the ones the publishers come up with. Plus your cover artist seems to have some idea of what’s going on. (Of course she does. You told her. But she listened!)

    And a preorder link soon!
    Yay!

  34. Beautiful cover! And everyone is wearing a shirt! I have to say the artist captured the prompt perfectly. I might have to actually read Kinsman now, somehow I forgot to read it

  36. So pretty. Can wait for the read the synopsis. Her red shield thingy keeps drawing my eye away from the couple.

  40. Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

    :deep calming breaths:

    Nope, bouncy, pouncy tigger here can’t wait for a new Kinsmen!!!

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

    I so needed this, today was first day back to in-person college classes for my Thing 2 at local college. I’m still freaking out as we’re in a “Hot Spot” in Illinois and he has 2 medical conditions that puts him in the immuno-compromised category. This mamma who has sat too many times next to his hospital bed over the years is a wreck.

    :keeps breathing deeply:

    This too shall pass! 🙂

    • My heart goes out to you! Hugs and best of luck for a healthy and happy school year for him.

    • Hang in there, Mamma! It is terrifying to have them go out in this mess.
      Praying that nothing bad happens and he gets to move on just like all the other kids.

    • I hope his return to school is utterly boring and uneventful. Also wishing you many good books to distract you. We can all use those.

  41. She did an amazing job!!!

    Also, I’m squeeeee-ing over the thought of the book. Ah!!! I’m so excited! Thank you!!!

  43. OMG, that is gorgeous. I already have her print of the Baylor sisters, but I will have to get this one as well. I’m working on a gallery.

    I’m just stunned at the color and movement.

    Well-done Luisa and IA!

  44. This is beautiful! But… one question… why does his t-shirt have a cut out for his belly button??

    • So I’m not the only one who noticed that? I would think bladed weapons users would call that a “target”. However the artist detail in the cut of the clothing (even small puckering on the seam line of the sleeve that you get with movement) is outstanding. Also the flying tails of the gentleman’s coat, the eye focus … I immediately thought “dancing” when I saw this picture, even before I saw the authors’ description.

      My first reaction to this post was “Oh goody goody goody!” The art is lovely and the book is on the way!

    • Hahaha! I too noticed the belly button. Funny the things we focus on. Takes a real man to wear a shirt with a belly button cut-out!

    • Lol yes I was thinking the same thing.
      And um does he kind of look like Henry Cavill to anyone? ???? maybe squint a little?? ????????
      But everything aside.. Loved the cover.. Soo many details… Can’t wait for the series.. ❤❤

  46. I think my first comment? This is incredible. She took that prompt and killed it!! Thank you for sharing.

  49. I hope not stray too much from topic, but what is science behind the blades? Shaped forcefield? Does it work like lightsaber? Is it touchable without loosing digits? If you can do swordplay with it, why is so short? It is better to keep an opponent some distance from your body…

  54. That cover is absolutely gorgeous! I will buy your books because I love your writing, but if I didn’t know anything about your work, that cover would make me pick it up! I’m so excited! ????????

  55. Beautiful artwork. It will be interesting to read the synopsis of the story. Well, Gordon did ask what the story is about. ????????

  58. Am I excited? Do I love this with all my heart? Holy cr*p, the noise I just made didn’t even sound human – my dog ran away – and I don’t care. Whheeeee!

  66. Absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait for the book to come out. Now I’ll be checking for the link everyday.

  73. Yes a new book!! I can’t wait to read this!! The cover looks Amazing, I love it already lol!!! They did a great job on the cover art!!

  76. Beautiful! And now I have to find the books that go with the other covers shared on the artist’s site. I will give them a chance based on the company they keep.

    • Totally did that, just to have books with those besutiful covers and enjoyed them too. Happy Book hunting ????

  77. Ooh! I like the clothes, the colors, their stances, and the bucklers. It hits all of the points you said you were going for. Impressive.
    And, as always, the thought that new work from Ilona Andrews is coming helps during an otherwise rough time.
    Thank you.

  83. As a creative director and an artist myself. I can say with absolute confidence that Luisa J. Preißler did such an amazing job of blending everything you asked for plus stylistically it is a fantastic blend of realism, illustration and composition. So so many times the artist is lacking in one part over the others. (I know I do myself have trouble with realistic facial expressions) I really love her style and way of making it all come together organically. Luisa you are amazing! Thank you!!

  88. Probably a loaded question to ask after this gorgeous cover reveal, but is there any other covers you guys didn’t like and wish you could redo? How much say do you get on covers for the non-self-published books?

  89. That is simply gorgeous! They looks effortless and sexy and lethal, like the best Tango ever danced. From the galaxy clouds of her skirt to the sun glazed sky…perfect! I can hardly wait for the book. Thank you so very much for sharing. It’s hot, humid and raining here, so this is perfect daydream fodder.

  92. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Everything Luisa Preissler does is SO gorgeous. I can’t wait to read this!!!! Everything you write brings me such joy 🙂

  93. The looks on their faces echoes with memories of “Dirty Dancing”. The direct eye contact is very good. I love the extremely well-done use of colors in the skirt and the palm trees in the background. This is a gorgeous cover!

  98. Wow! That is a gorgeous cover. I love the Kinsman universe. I re read those most often when I need a quick pick me up. Thank you so much!

  102. So Beautiful! Thanks so much for all your hard work under ridiculously challenging circumstances! I can hardly wait to buy it!

  105. Luisa, as usual, has created another outstanding piece of art!
    Gorgeous cover!
    So looking forward to the release, whenever it comes. ????

  106. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!

    I have held the torch strong for the Kinsmen series for so incredibly long. My favorite series! I am so excited!!!

  107. The cover art is spectacular! The colors are gorgeous and I love the movement in the yard. Can’t wait for the link to buy it.

  109. Congrats! Another step towards the finish line. Amazing art again by Luisa. Love the vibrant colours. I too am curious about the belly button cut out. You have some incredibly observant fans, one of which I am not as did not notice the design until it was pointed out!
    Thank you. Look forward to reading.

  110. OMG it’s beautiful!!! Luisa always does such stunning art for you guys! I can’t wait to have a copy for my shelves

  111. She did an AMAZING job! Love all the attention to details, I completely get the action/dance/sci-fi/Dahlia feel! Can’t wait to pre-order!

  114. Thank you, I needed something pretty in the midst of trying to help my oldest figure out how to replace her lost college ID. An ID she lost about 20 hours after moving into the dorm!

  119. I felt a tremble in the force. As if thousands of BDH, squeed collectively. It was followed by a surge a internet activity as many sought to preorder.

  124. My first thought was “Wait that doesn’t look like Arland’s modified bucket, and isn’t Maud’s hair short, and then ohhhh! This goes with that snippet they have us!

      • Yes, I and I got so excited I had to verify neither character was related to the previous two couples. The moldable shields reminded me of the Enni ribbon. But alas the male is not the Carvanas son, so just all new characters in New Delphi!
        I can’t wait to read it!

  128. The cover is beautiful ????. I cannot wait to pre-order! Hope your vacay vibes are still working for you two.

  131. O.M.G. I’m gobsmacked, awestruck. This is so brilliant! I can’t stop looking at it. Suffice it to say, I can’t wait for the book, aka extra long novella! Wonderful! Y’all must be so pleased.

    Congrats!

  133. Greatly talented artist! I bet her eyes crossed when you sent her that description. I got the dancing immediately but it took a second look to see the shields. Roll on to November!

  134. Beautiful cover, really amazing as all of Luisas covers, kept looking at it forever and then of course tried to preorder…..
    Looking forward to the book, the snippets were so cool.
    Thanks for the cover reveal.

  139. Bonus points for the hero’s torso being covered and his face showing ???????? beautiful cover ????

  142. I want that skirt!

    I loved Julie’s outfit Bloodheir’s coverart too.

    Luisa really has a flare for clothes design.

    Everything else as well but the clothes are what have made her covers magical.

  143. I love that she notched out a section of shirt for his belly button. It’s such a little detail that makes it seem like a believable “futuristic fashion” image!

  149. Oooohhh! Ca claque! As they say in French.

    This is probably the most beautiful cover I’ve seen, in a long long time!
    I’m in luv, it’s so beautiful and scifyi and everything.

    Jumping in place I am,
    Thank you so much for sharing,

    Laurence

  151. The movement, the colors, the intensity. Beautiful!!

    In another universe the belly button showing could be an indicator of being “born” not “decanted”.

  154. Bloody hell
    Bloody hell
    Bloody hell

    I think I just exploded in excitement and what a utterly gorgeous cover.
    I really hope we can get prints!!!

    Sending love and healing from Oxfordshire

  156. That is an absolutely delightful cover! There are some books that I want in hardcover or trade paperback just because the cover art is so good- mass market size just doesn’t do them justice sometimes! (Though my wallet certainly prefers mass market….)

    • In all seriousness though, Kinsmen and Innkeeper are my favorite IA worlds 🙂
      Feeling happy/excited ><

  160. Luisa is such a wonderful artist and a great fit for your books. I can only imagine the headaches trying to nail the concept.

  162. I would like to know if you guys hang the originals or get your artist signed graphic in your or kids homes.

  163. Gorgeous!! I want her outfit lol

    I think this may be the best cover art I’ve ever seen.

    I’m just saying,

    Can’t wait to read!

  168. Wow!! That is gorgeous!! Thank you House Andrews and Luisa P.!!

    P.S. Does the hero have an uncle??

    (P.P.S. The male professional dancers on DWTS frequently wear “belly button” shirts! ????)

  169. I love everything about it! It’s magnificent!!! ???? I have quite a few pieces of clothing with the same style of collar,though they’re winter pieces. Can’t wait to read this novel!!! Take my money already!

  171. I absolutely love Luisa’s work! Knocked it out of the park again!!! That’s such a stunning cover art!

  176. It’s SO beautiful, dynamic and eye catching!
    Belly button to belly button!
    ♡♡♡♡♡it!!

  178. I loved first two stories in that world. I’m looking forward to the new one. The cover is very pretty ????

  180. Wow that is gorgeous!!!!! Seriously one of the prettiest covers I’ve ever seen. Nice job Luisa!

  181. This is just stunning. I’m so excited you continue to work with Luisa. She does such beautiful work bringing your characters and your world to life. Such talent!

  182. Thank you, Ilona Andrews, for the post.

    Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Of course now my imagination is going berserk. ????

  183. Aw geez….now my imagination is all lit up and I have to go re read that series. I was in the middle of an Innkeeper re read that’s gotta go on hold for a few days…..oh boy…
    Cannot wait for this release!!

  191. Wow. Holy cannoli, that’s amazing! I’d say Luisa Pressler definitely fulfilled the brief!

  192. Stunning!!! Now I want to go out & get fabric to make a skirt like that ???? it might require some built in background lights for the glow! Excited to revisit that universe!

  194. This is gorgeous cover art. Though to be honest, I would still pre order if it was the ugliest cover in the world.

    I find myself pondering his belly button cut out however. Perhaps a closer inspection is required ????

  196. I am drooling to read this and I adore this art. Thank you, thank you for giving us something to look forward to as this reality drags on.

  197. ???????????????? re the art
    And ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? re the pre-order links. Can’t wait to read another kinsmen book when it comes out.
    Thank you

  198. I just finished rereading The Edge series then Kate Daniels series. I happen to be halfway through blood heir right now. You can’t express how much I love your books and how much you’ve meant to me over the years I thank you and congratulate you on a well-deserved, successful book. If I had the power to make every reader on the planet by a copy of all of your books I would and not just for your sake for theirs as readers.

  200. Beautiful cover and so much better than the previous ones 😉 I love the colours and the movement!

  201. Beautiful Cover…
    Does anyone else think she looks like Sofia Vergara from the side…???

  207. Love the cover and the fact that he has a shirt! “Still remembering the shirt drama of White Hot”

  215. It is so beautiful! It also made me realize how much I got used to seeing very dark covers. I was shocked at first from the whiteness of it. I love it

  217. Goodness, her outfit is stunning, his outfit is gorgeous. I would buy both outfits if they were real and make it work. Also, her hair is amazing. What a wonderful job.

  218. Oh wow. Truly talented. I love her work, so I’m not surprised it came out so amazing. Can’t wait for the next details!

  219. That is an amazing cover! If I wasn’t already committed to buying the book, I’d be tempted to buy it based on the cover alone. Gorgeous!

  223. The male belly button reveal comments are funny some are great like “born vs decanted” (however IMO a decanted individual would still require a blood supply nutrient tube (umbilical) which would most likely create a button of a sort.

    Personally I interpreted the showcase of the “male belly button” as a indicator that in the sci-fi future (on a different world probably) that society’s norms of attractive features are more gender equal …

    On our world today there is crop tops(I think they are called) that are designed to show female belly buttons and it’s fairly common for the button to be pierced … both of these examples are most seen on women. As a male I’ve appreciated these showcases or whatever … but currently based on tradition or whatever (unsure the terms) the majority of men today on earth don’t typically have either of these examples…male six pack abs might be a similar male showcase … regardless

    The cover is awesome & perfect the male belly button is fun/funny/& if my gender equality viewpoint is used … it reinforces “future” … to me at least.

    • Another opposite slant to this is

      men can go topless no biggie but if a woman does it it’s lewd …

  231. So I love the cover but did anyone else notice the guys shirt has a cut out for his bellybutton

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