The Arthurian subgenre is set in the world of King Arthur’s legendary Camelot. Merlin, Lancelot, Ygraine and friends are involved in fresh adventures. These types of novels have been popular for centuries, and all the action and epic adventure on the inside often creates great covers on the outside. Below are a few well designed Authorian Fantasy covers.
1. The Kingmaking: Book One of the Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy by Helen Hollick
The Kingmaking’s cover displays a bold, strong, close-up view of a sword. This image alone tells the tale of a knight’s journey towards becoming a king. The design is simple, clean, and straightforward, and does a great job at setting the stage for the storyline.
A wonderful design feature about this book’s cover is:
Typography – The typography chosen for this cover design suits the theme perfectly. The text has a royal elegance that does well with stating the pertinent information about the book.
2. The Lancelot Murders (A Merlin Investigation) by J.M.C. Blair
The cover of The Lancelot Murders has a mystical look, with an earthy neutral color scheme. Emphasis is placed on a dark bird perched on a branch in the foreground, with a large, royal estate in the background.
One of the best features of this book’s cover design is:
Colors – Though the cover design doesn’t provide much indication of a murder mystery, the color scheme is visually aesthetic, with earth tones in a variety of colors being used to create the image of a seemingly normal day at a royal palace.
3. The Well of Tears (The Dream Stewards) by Roberta Trahan
The cover of Roberta Trahan’s, The Well of Tears is very mystical with a medieval theme. The cover gives you a glimpse of a woman on a mission, standing in front of a barbaric army ready for war.
A great feature about this book’s cover design is:
Design – The overall design of this cover provides a dark, weary mood, and compliments the title well. The dark demeanor of the lady and suited army within the oval shaped stone-like decoration all provide excellent finishing touches.
4. Hawk of May (Down the Long Way 1) by Gillian Bradshaw
Hawk of May’s bold and majestic cover is highlighted with vibrant illustration and exquisite type. The cover features a fearless warrior holding a sword with a glowing blade. The design gives a feeling of mystery, magic, and adventure.
One of the best features of this cover design is:
Illustration – The illustration of the warrior holding the sword is vivid and detailed. The light snow and misty background provides a mystic feeling to the cover.
