Cover Reveal!

Not many debuts have been as eagerly anticipated as The Path Keeper by N J Simmonds, which has been seven years in the making and finally hits the shops worldwide on 28th May 2019! Described as ‘fresh, beautiful and moving’, the novel puts a magical spin on the concept of past lives, love and destiny. We found it full of surprising twists and loved how it was set against the backdrop of both old and new London. It’s one of those books that will keep you turning the pages well into the night and have you hungry for more (don’t panic, the sequel Son of Secrets is out 19th November 2019). Look out for our full review of The Path Keeper in March!

This is a cover reveal with a difference and we’re so excited to be taking part. Today we’re taking an advance peak at not one cover but TWO, because The Path Keeper is getting an exclusive design for the hardback edition, complete with a never-seen-before short story inside. Look out for it at top retailers.

What if all our lives were mapped out before birth? Does anyone have the power to change our destiny? Ella hates London. She misses her old life in Spain and is struggling to get over her past – until she meets Zac. He’s always loved her but isn’t meant to be part of her story. Not this time. Not ever.
Little does she know that his secret is the one thing that will tear them apart and force her to live in a world that no longer makes sense. A world full of danger, lies and magic. The Path Keeper is a passionate tale of first loves, second chances and the invisible threads that bind us. Can love ever be stronger than fate?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I am absolutely overjoyed with both of my book covers and that I get to share them in my favourite online book club!

Since I first started writing The Path Keeper back in 2012, I always had a rough idea of what I wanted my cover to look like – but, of course, most authors don’t have much say on book design. Luckily my publisher BHC Press is an absolute dream to work with. The editorial and design teams have consulted me every step of the way and really took on-board my vision of using the colour indigo on the cover and featuring feathers (you’ll see why when you start reading). There were some really strong designs presented to me, but in the end we opted for two looks.

The creamy white hardback cover, with its dark feathers, beautifully captures the romance and mystery of the book, while still giving a small nod to dark fantasy and suspense. Plus books with this limited edition cover will include an exclusive short story inside! The ebook and future trade softcover design is much more contemporary and dramatic, reflecting urban fantasy at its best and how a lot of the action takes place in London. I’m so excited to have my name on both these covers, they are beautiful!

Here are the two covers in all their glory!

After you’ve checked them out, read on for my favourite covers for 2019.

Anticipated Reads for 2019
2019 is an exciting year for fantasy book lovers, especially those who love a teen protagonist, a bit of time travel, exciting new worlds and stories centred on love, magic and strong female roles. After the last couple of years, it’s not surprising to see really powerful themes emerging in both women’s fiction and the young adult genre. There’s a universal need for wrongs to be righted, for good to conquer evil and for minorities to be heard – which is why I think so many new stories and authors are going to be making big waves in 2019.

When The Glass House Book Club asked me to pick a couple of covers that I’d fallen in love with for next year, I really struggled to choose. There are far too many great covers (and stories) coming out soon. In fact, I can’t believe The Path Keeper is going to be beside all these breath-taking books in stores come 28th May 2019. I’m honoured to be among them.

It took a while to choose, but here are my top seven book covers of 2019. Most of these are debuts – because these cool new writers need to be shouted about.

The Fandom Rising by Anna Day

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so was pleased to see the same stark drama in the cover of book two. This design screams adventure and danger – I’m so excited to get my hands on it!

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Awesome title and such a simple but eye-catching cover that really reflects the Latin influence. Get ready for a strong female lead ready to fight for what she loves.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A Craig

“In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.” Look at all this detail! The more you look at it, the more you want to dive right in and have aquatic adventures.

The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

Such exquisite, magical thrills. It’s so refreshing to finally see more diverse girls on book covers, and this novel is already getting a lot of praise for Azad’s beautiful world-building.

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

When I first saw this design I gasped. I’m really happy that so much care and attention has gone into representing Chinese culture so perfectly through this stunning artwork. It’s beautiful enough to frame and put on the wall.

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford

This really caught my eye with its contrast of bright coral against the foam and pearls. I’m getting mermaid princess vibes with plenty of passion and drama.

Enchantee by Gita Trelease

Well, this has been one of my most anticipated debuts of 2019 since I read a teaser back in the summer. 18^th century Paris, opulence, a street-smart girl and lots of magic. This cover is positively delectable – and I know the story will be too.

The Path Keeper is out in all good bookstores and online, as hardback, trade softcover, and ebook, from 28 May 2019. Click here to visit the book page for your choice of retailers.

Digital ARCs of The Path Keeper
Book reviewers and bloggers interested in reviewing The Path Keeper can request a digital ARC from my publisher.
Click here to request a copy