Good day today — author Dan Simmons officially approved this artwork so now it can be revealed in its final form. This is my cover illustration for Subterranean Press’ limited edition of Dan’s forthcoming major novel, DROOD. They’re taking pre-orders right now, and if you’re considering owning of these, you might act quickly. Every Sub Press limited edition of a Simmons book has been a sell-out. I’m just sayin’…..

What’s the book about? Here you go (courtesy of Subterranean Press): “On June 9th, 1865, Charles Dickens, ‘the most popular novelist in England, perhaps the world,’ boards a train bound from Folkstone to London, accompanied by his youthful mistress, the actress Ellen Ternan. Shortly afterward, the train derails near the village of Staplehurst, toppling into an abyss. Dickens emerges from the carnage physically, if not mentally, unscathed. And he has a story to tell.

He tells it, with typical Dickensian brio, to his friend and occasional collaborator, Wilkie Collins, the narrator of this magisterial novel. The story concerns an otherworldly figure who calls himself ‘Drood,’ and who moves through the wreckage like a pale, unholy apparition. The mysteries surrounding Drood form the heart of an epic narrative encompassing ancient religious practices, subterranean cities, hallucinatory visions, madness, murder, and the limitless power of the creative imagination. The result is a fever dream of a book that vividly recreates the sights, sounds, and smells of 19th century London, while illuminating the final years of a great writer’s life. Absorbing, moving, and constantly surprising, Drood shows us Dan Simmons at his inimitable — and mesmerizing — best.”

One last Subterranean Press-related note — I just received my copy of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s THE SHADOW OF THE WIND — and my gosh — this thing looks absolutely spectacular. Vincent Chong did the cover and interiors for this book, and the whole package is as gorgeous as it gets. Congrats to Subterranean Press on another knockout.