WELL OF SHIUAN

Cover illustration for C.J. Cherryh

Jul 04, 2025

A warrior with arms strapped behind his back stares up at white haired sorceress rearing back on her white horse. Sitting back in the saddle, she holds out her sword. Blue energy ripples along the blade and a rift opens showing through to stars. The sky is a dark swirl of blue and purple behind her—although bright sunlight warms the horizon. It's unclear at first whether Morgaine is attacking or freeing the man. He wears only a long loin cloth, peaked helm, and boots. There's a blood bandage wrapping his upper arm. Morgaine wears a breast plate with chain beneath and banded armor over her bare thighs. Her pure white cape billows, an echo of the chaotic sky. — WELL OF SHIUAN (1977), Acrylic on Masonite - 24" X 17"

One of the most intriguing aspects to the character Morgaine, created by C.J. Cherryh, is her spell-sword. It rips apart the very fabric of time and space to send her enemies wheeling off into a dark and nameless void. Thrilling concept-tough to visualize for a book cover!