‘Design of Darkness’ Re-Designed
As you’ve probably gathered by now, my epic fantasy series The Tides That Reign is undergoing a rebranding in anticipation of my Kickstarter campaign. Along with other goodies, the main signifier of these self-published new editions will be their gorgeous new covers, illustrated by the wonderful Maria Areta, who created all the promo artwork for the original releases.
Without further ado, I would like to present to you the new cover for Design of Darkness in all its glory.
This stunning piece will be the new face of the series, matching the dark tone and rich textures of the saga’s introductory chapter.
For those who wish to get their hands on a copy of this version of the book, it will be made first available by ordering the Special Edition through the Kickstarter campaign launching March 2nd of this year – so mark your calendars and be sure to ‘Follow’ the campaign for a notification when it begins.
If, for whatever reason, you do not wish to support the campaign, this will become the default cover for the Standard Edition at the start of April.
I am so thrilled by how this cover turned out – but this is just the first of three incredible art pieces. Stay tuned for reveals of Book Two: Sparrows Sing of Dying, and Book Three: Before the Ghost Sea.
Robby Recommends
I’m starting off 2026 with a fun fantasy novel by Will J Fawley called City of Stars and Shadows. If you’re into urban fantasy with irreverent humor and breezy action sequences, then this will be a hit for you! I’m about halfway through and having a great time. The blurb is as follows:
Henry and Bess Hawe left their rural Virginia home to hunt goblins in Washington D.C.—but their latest assignment is far more dangerous than they expected.
Tasked with tracking a mysterious elf accused of treason, the sibling duo uncovers an underground resistance fighting to protect humanity from a goblin plague that drains people’s magic and transforms them into mindless monsters. When Bess is bitten by a goblin and infected with the very curse they’ve been battling, Henry must confront dark secrets from his family’s past and unlock the true power of his volatile magic.
With Bess’s life hanging in the balance, Henry must race against time to save her, stop the goblin plague, and uncover the truth behind the dark forces threatening everything they hold dear.
RD Pires 