Fantasy Book Cover Design (Evoking mystery, fear, and intrigue)

Visuals: The cover features an hourglass prominently in the center, with thick, purple poison dripping down from the top, partially obscuring the glass. Within the hourglass reflection, an abusive king is shown dancing with his son inside a grand, eerie castle. Shadows encircle the scene, hinting at the elements of afterlife and mystery. A sinister jester lurks in the background, with a black kitten at his feet.

Typography: Bold, gothic-style font for the title "Frightened Courage," in deep red with a subtle shadow effect. The author's name "Kaylee Umstead" in a smaller, elegant serif font positioned at the bottom.

Layout: The title at the top center of the cover, the hourglass scene occupying the middle section, and the author's name at the bottom, balancing the design. Background elements like the castle and shadows add depth without overwhelming the hourglass focus.

Explanation: The visual composition centers on an hourglass to symbolize the passage of time and the impending doom from the dripping poison, which adds an element of suspense and danger. The reflection inside the hourglass of the abusive king and his son introduces personal conflict and tension, essential for the book's fantasy and dark themes. The sinister jester and the black kitten contribute to the feelings of mystery and unease. The chosen typography complements the dark, fantasy theme through its gothic style, making the title stand out while retaining readability. The embossed title on glossy paper stock enhances the tactile experience, making the cover more engaging and attractive to potential readers.