There’s already a lot of buzz around Seth Dickinson’s debut fantasy novel, The Traitor Baru Cormorant, and we are pleased to reveal both the Tor Books and Tor UK covers! Dickinson’s epic fantasy centers on Baru Cormorant, a character who rivals the entire Lannister clan in wit, cunning, and ambition.
“Seth Dickinson’s novel has everything I look for as an editor,” said Tor Books editor Marco Palmieri, “focusing on issues any 21st century reader can relate to: having to hide who you really are in a world that disapproves of you; becoming part of a monstrous system that oppresses those less powerful; and the moral compromises that are sometimes made for the sake of a greater good. It’s strong stuff, beautifully told, transcending genre, and it rips my heart out every time I read it.”
Julie Crisp, editor at Tor UK, said, “I’ve always been a fan of epic fantasy with strong female characters so when I started reading about Baru Cormorant, a character whom Cersei Lannister would be hard-pushed to outwit and be more devious than, I knew we were onto something fun.”
The Traitor Baru Cormorant will be released simultaneously in the US and the UK (where it will be published as The Traitor) on September 15, 2015. Check out both covers and learn more about the novel below!
The US cover, by artist Sam Weber:
And the UK cover, designed by Neil Lang:
From the catalog copy:
When the Empire of Masks conquers her island home, overwrites her culture, criminalizes her customs, and murders one of her fathers, young Baru Cormorant vows to swallow her hate, join the Empire’s civil service, and claw high enough up the rungs of power to set her people free.
Sent as an Imperial agent to distant Aurdwynn, another conquered country, Baru discovers it’s on the brink of rebellion. Drawn by the intriguing duchess Tain Hu into a circle of seditious dukes, Baru may be able to use her position to help. As she pursues a precarious balance between the rebels and a shadowy cabal within the Empire, she orchestrates a do-or-die gambit with freedom as the prize. But winning the long game of saving her people may be far more costly than Baru imagines.
Look for Dickinson’s novel in both the US and the UK on September 15, 2015!
I want to read this novel very very much.
(Also, pretty!)
@1: I couldn’t put it down–very much looking forward to hearing your opinion on it, as well :)
I really like the british cover, and the title on the british edition. The US version isn’t bad, though. I like that one too, but I’m drawn to the UK edition.
I think its that I instantly associate photo-realistic artwork with YA, or Christian historicals. Both of which I don’t particularly like.
I’m so excited by this book. So. Excited.
Oh man, not until September? I’ve been hearing amazing things about this book for ages now.
This. Book. THIS BOOK. It is FANTASTIC. Do yourself an enormous favor and pre-order it NOW.
Oh wow. First I’ve heard of this book, and I’m putting it on my watch list immediately!
This book is brilliant and heartbreaking. Preorder it. You on’t regret it.
It’s a pity the UK edition has had its title shortened so as to be utterly generic and given a “Hunger Games”-style “emblem” cover. But the US version really evokes the uniqueness of what is hopefully going to be one of 2015’s standout titles.
@9 – it’s an odd decision. Especially because, out of those two markets, if I’d expect one to try and simplify a title, it wouldn’t be the UK one. But yeah, I’m hearing nothing but good things about this book.
BMcGovern @2:
I am all the more eager to read it now! What with Max Gladstone and Kameron Hurley saying very good things on Twitter, too… :)
@9 I completely agree. Usually I prefer the Uk design for covers, but this time not at all.
I was just reading about this book at Kameron Hurley’s blog (one of her anticipated for 2015 books). Love the US cover, it seems to speak more of the character’s internal struggle; UK one, not so much. Will put it on my list.
I’m so glad he decided to make this a full length book…The short story was so awesome!
I don’t like either cover, both look YA to me and I if I had not read the chapter would skip right past these covers in the store or online. I absolutely love the chapter and this amazing, unique voice, and look forward to the full book!