Paperback Cover of the Week: The Cipher by Kathe Koja
Kathe Koja is a writer’s writer. Her first novel, Cipher, won the Bram Stoker Award and earned high praise from fellow writers and critics. Locus magazine called the novel, “Disturbing, unique, and unforgettable”. And, indeed, that’s just what it is. No one writes horror like Kathe Koja. She takes familiar horror tropes and turns them on their heads. Her writing is full of dread.
The cover for this novel (part of Dell’s excellent Abyss line of horror novels) is die-cut. This means that a section of the cover has been cut away to reveal a small part of a larger picture. The larger picture is revealed when you turn the page. Designed by cover artists Rick Lieder & Marshall Arisman, it perfectly captures the mood and tone of the novel.
The story concerns a black hole found by the lead character who becomes obsessed. Now you see why a die-cut is perfect for this story. The creators of this remarkable cover continue to create memorable art. You can see more at Rick Lieder’s Instagram page and Marshall Arisman’s wonderful website.
Kathe Koja continues to write disturbing stories. Her most recent book is Dark Park (2023). If you like horror, this is an author you should read. It’s the perfect antidote to the Stephen King retreads that flood the genre. Here is her website: