Natalie Smillie has showcased her artistic versatility with a stunning new cover treatment for the latest Darren Simpson book, THIRST, which publishes with Pushkin Press this month.
Known for her charming character work, this project is a startling contrast, perhaps one of the most eye-catching fiction covers of the moment, in which Natalie has expertly encapsulated the haunting and unnerving nature of this story, with a rich blood curdling colour palette.
Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children’s game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, nobody dares whisper their doubts about the river they have worshipped for centuries.
Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal – in return for a year of plenty, seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.
Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal’s life to sate its thirst…
If you are brave enough, grab a copy of THIRST here, it’s the perfect spooky read this autumn!
And here's Natalie's beautiful chapter head illustration for the book.
You can find Natalie on Instagram where she shares, personal projects, process work, and insights into her current projects. You can also find her see the whole wrap-around cover for THIRST on Natalie's portfolio.
For more information regarding collaborating with Natalie please email info@arenaillustration.com or call us on 020 8555 9827
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