Most writers are thrilled when they first glimpse the cover of their newest book. Mary and I weren't even thinking about looking for Eight For Eternity which isn't due out until March 2010. So it was a happy surprise for us when we were alerted to the Amazon listing for the novel.

This cover might just be my favorite so far. The image is certainly appropriate. The gold is reminiscent of the icons that appear in several places in the story and given the death and destruction being visited upon Constantinople as a result of rioting in the streets, the thoughts of more than a few characters turn to the afterlife.

However, since you can't judge a book by it's cover, here is the official description:

In January 532 mobs ruled Constantinople, capital of the Roman Empire. Against a murderous backdrop lit by raging fires, John, Chamberlain to Emperor Justinian, must find those seeking to use the Nika Riots to dethrone the emperor. But are the ringleaders still in the city -- or even alive? Porphyrius, the most famous charioteer of his time, may know more than he tells about the mysterious disappearance of two men under imperial guard. What roles are a pair of brothers with a distant claim on the throne playing? Does a headstrong young girl hold the key to the mystery? With the fate of the empire at stake, will General Belisarius and his armed troops side with the rioters or remain loyal to Justinian? To some the riots portend the end of the empire, to others the end of the world itself. John must untangle a web of intrigue in a city where death holds court at every corner before the escalating violence in the streets removes all hope of finding those he seeks.

So now there will be a different decoration for my JournalScape page. I guess displaying your book cover on your journal is something like keeping a baby picture on your desk. At least that's my excuse.