Nights of the Purple Sky--Cover ReveaL for My Debut Fantasy Fiction Novel

Hey everyone! I've been waiting months to share this with you, and the moment has finally arrived - the cover reveal for Nights of the Purple Sky!

This marks the official start of the marketing phase for my debut novel. Draft 3.0 is now with my developmental editor and beta readers, and seeing this cover makes everything feel real in a way it hasn't before. Look for me to be more active on social media until book launch, tenatively scheduled for June 2026.

The Scene

What you're seeing is "The Taking" - the inciting incident from Chapter 2 that changes everything for Kanyin Robinson, my protagonist. It's a night scene, and those are the Northern Lights painting the sky purple in the background (yes, that's where the title comes from!). A mage is sending a bolt of magic toward a captured woman, while werewolves with bloody-tipped spears hold her. Around them, you'll notice the desolate urban landscape - abandoned cars, weeds growing through broken pavement, a damaged stop sign, rats scurrying through the debris. It's post-apocalyptic Baltimore, and it's not a friendly place.

The entire book, except for one interlude, is told from Kanyin's point of view. I thought it would be cool to have the cover reflect that same perspective - we're seeing this terrifying moment through his eyes, just like readers will experience the whole story through his experience.

The Retro Style

I'm a huge Robert Jordan fan, and the original Wheel of Time covers by Darrell K. Sweet were a massive influence on me as both a reader and now as an author. There's something about that painted, epic fantasy aesthetic that just screams "adventure" to me. I wanted Nights of the Purple Sky to have that same feel - the kind of cover that would have grabbed me off a bookstore shelf fifteen years ago.

The Artist

I met Michael Errigo at Realm Makers 2025, where he was showcasing his work as both an artist and graphic novelist. I looked through his portfolio and knew he could bring this vision to life. When I shared the concept with him - the retro styling, the specific scene, the whole vibe I was going for - he immediately got excited about the project.

You can see Michael's other work on Instagram @artofficialtreasures or on Facebook--Michael Errigo.

I asked Michael a few questions about creating this cover:

What do you think about doing these in the retro style, versus the trend today of making covers more simple?

"I love the retro style! Reminds me of the phrase... 'if you want a new idea read an old book.' Instead of following whatever is trendy, this was a refreshing choice. It was something different and challenging and I enjoyed the heck out of it!"

What part of the cover are you most proud of?

"I am most proud of the sky and clouds... but I also love how the mage and the werewolf character came out! The small detail of the rat inside the fox's mouth is a cool touch. Okay, I also enjoy the rat infestation. Which was actually a last-minute decision..."

What part was most challenging?

"Definitely all the characters! Also, the environment with all the weeds and whatnot... That being said, I do believe the roughed up and overgrown weeds added so much to the overall composition and feel of the image."

You can check out more of Michael's incredible work through his social media links above.

What's Next

If there's enough interest, Michael and I are considering offering special posters of the cover art without the text overlay for book events and signings. There's something about seeing that artwork in its full glory that would make for a pretty cool collectible.

This cover reveal feels like a major milestone on the journey from executive to author. When I retire in March 2026 to write full-time, this will be the book I launch at Realm Makers 2026 - my debut as M.B. Everett.

How You Can Help

If you haven't joined my newsletter yet, now's a great time - you'll get updates on the book's progress plus my reader magnet, Immortal of the Saltless Sea, free. I'm also looking for ARC readers who'd like an advance finished copy in exchange for honest reviews when the book launches.

And for those of you active on Instagram or other social platforms, I'll be sharing this cover there too. You never know - someone who reviews fantasy books might discover my work through your share.

What do you think of the cover? Does it capture what you imagined from my previous updates about the book? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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