Here, at A Bloody Good Read, a first look at the Touchstone/Simon&Schuster cover for THE CHALICE, the sequel to THE CROWN. This historical thriller continues the adventures of Dominican novice Joanna Stafford in a story that has more twists, higher stakes, and more romance than THE CROWN. As you can see, the mood is EERIE...
This novel, like "The Crown," is based on careful research into the period in English history when Henry VIII ripped the country away from Rome. We've sent the book to some advance readers, and I'd like to share a quote from C.W. Gortner, who wrote the fascinating historical novel "The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile" as well as the engrossing "The Tudor Secret."
"Rarely have the terrors of Henry VIII's reformation been so exciting. Court intrigue, bloody executions, and haunting emotional entanglements create a heady brew of mystery and adventure that sweeps us from the devastation of the ransacked cloisters to the dangerous spy centers of London and the Low Countries, as ex-novice Joanna Stafford fights to save her way of life and fulfill an ancient prophecy, before everything she loves is destroyed." -- C.W. Gortner
I have another advance copy of THE CHALICE to share before its on-sale date in early March. If you'd like one mailed to you, please comment on the cover that the design team at Touchstone/S&S created.
In the comments to this blog post, tell me what piece of music this cover image evokes for you. And don't forget your email address.
I will pick the winner on Friday, the same day that Scribd.com posts the first two chapters only of THE CHALICE...:)
I'm a huge fan of THE CROWN and can't wait to read THE CHALICE. I think the cover is intriguing. I like the blue cape because it says to me that there are some differences in this sequel, as well as similarities! Can't wait for the launch, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteWonderful cover love the blue cape.its an inviting. Cover makes me want to open the book and begin reading song not sure of title she wore blue velvet
ReplyDeleteThe figure entering the vine covered and darkened doorway evokes mystery. The color of the cloak the blue associated with the Virgin Mary. Music- I hear a Kyrie eliason as the title and setting make hear the lilting strains of the Mass
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cover, Nancy! I can't wait to read the book!
ReplyDeleteGreat cover Nancy, very different from the last. And a nice quotation from The Master!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cover! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI adore the cover -- so evocative! Really excited to read this -- I just loved The Crown (I'm doing a reread before digging into The Chalice, hooray Joanna!)
ReplyDeleteThe colors of the cover are beautiful. I did think it was a bit hard to tell if it was the back, or the front with a narrow peep. It all looks very secretive.
ReplyDeleteLike Yves, I find the image ambiguous - is this a front or a back view? (If the point of the hood were pulled down a bit it would be clearer.) But overall it's an appealing cover.
ReplyDeleteI love this cover. It makes me wonder what's beyond the door!! I can't wait to read The Chalice. Lacrimosa from Mozart's Requiem!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cover, Nancy! Is it just a wonderful coincidence that it coordinates perfectly with the background of this blog? Looking forward to reading The Chalice!
ReplyDeleteAs far as music goes...How about Devil with the Blue Dress On? :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hang out with Joanna again! Music … something from Elgar?
ReplyDeleteWonderful cover. Brings to mind U2's song Mysterious Ways. Thank you for the giveaway. The Chalice sounds like a brilliant book. jman1985@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteGreat cover, I like it a lot. Brings to mind The Fray - How to save a life. thetudorcafe@yahoo.com <3 Bridgett
ReplyDeleteThe cover is brilliant! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us this time around; I absolutely loved The Crown. When looking at this cover the theme song from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake starts to play in my head... even more reason for me to be excited about your upcoming novel! Have a great week, Nancy.
ReplyDeletemuse_in_the_fog@hotmail.com
Great cover - it is very mysterious! It brings to mind verdi music. jtretin at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteSuch an eerie cover! It's beautiful! I hear Axl Rose's rendition of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" and it's fantastic! Neednewspace@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteRegards, Teresa
I like the mysterious look to the Cover. It makes me wonder what she is entering and why? As far as music how about Saltarello by Arany Zolt? http://youtu.be/e8aQm3SoyI4
ReplyDeleteI love the cover, Nancy. I can't wait to read The Chalice! It makes me think of the Enya music from Lord of the Rings (I guess I have the Hobbit on my mind!.
ReplyDeleteThat blue is certainly eye-catching!
ReplyDeleteAs for music this calls to mind? How about one of those chanting monks albums?
Love the cover, WANT THE CAPE. And as for music, I'm with Erin: I was thinking Aniron by Enya from the Lord of the Rings! Forbidden love, what what! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIsA61oDPRA&noredirect=1
ReplyDeleteIt TOTALLY reminds me of this David Lynch and Jocelyn Montgomery album called "Lux Vixens". Really, the entire album is appropriate!
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who sees a face beneath that hood, that seems to be screaming, or keening? Very eerie, like the crying angels from Dr. Who. The whole thing has a mournful tone. I'm thinking of Simon and Garfunkel's Hazy Shade of Winter.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful cover, but I can't explain why. I'd pick that book off a shelf in a heartbeat. Music: Enigma's "Sadeness" (ejgrogan@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteLove the cover and can't wait to read the new book! To me the blue cape evokes a shroud of mystery and the darkened portal denotes an uncertain path and a sense of apprehension. For a musical theme, I would choose something from Loreena McKennitt, something like Balulalow. Recorded in a church, the melodies and music are hauntingly beautiful. (sa552@satx.rr.com)
ReplyDeleteThe Chalice definitely has one of my favorite covers, it's so mysterious..yet warm and beautiful. Definitely a memorable cover. (I also love that the designer didn't opted for a serif typeface)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I have my fingers crossed.
lilianxchengATgmail.com
Lilian @ A Novel Toybox
Thank you everyone for participating! I have so many wonderful ideas for music--and I also appreciate the comments of support even if there was no musical suggestion. :)
ReplyDeleteEmail going out today to winner. Between now and March 5, there will be other revelations, blog posts, giveaways and fun & intriguing things, so check back in here or my website (www.nancybilyeau.com) and follow me on twitter at @tudorscribe
I have to agree that I absolutely LOVE the cover to this book. I am currently reading another great historical thriller titled, "Shadow of the Sun" by Merrie P. Wycoff, but plan to check out "The Chalice" once I am finished.
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