I’m a self-admitted Terry Brooks whore. I recognize at this point that it’s likely nostalgia that colours my impressions of his novels, but I usually enjoy what ever he puts out. That said, I’m genuinely excited about Bearers of the Black Staff and the ways it promises to expand the mythos of the Shannara universe.
I wish I could bring you a colour version, but alas, the first peek at Brooks’ next novel, found in the Random House Fall Catalogue (PDF, right/option click + ‘Save As’), is black and white only. Rather standard for a Brooks cover, but Steve Stone’s strengths lie in his use of colour.
Once I get my hands on a colour version, I’ll be sure to post it.
I like the B&W version, actually…a bit of a bleak overtone…B&W to go with the title (“…Black Staff”)…. :-)
I also like the effect of the black and white palette!