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

Visuals: A dark red castle looms in the background enveloped in shadow. Lightning cracks across a stormy sky, illuminating the foreboding scene. An hourglass in the foreground reflects the image of a sinister jester, his grin unsettling. Above him, a king with a troubled yet sinister smile looks down at his jester. Amidst the dark hues, a small, enigmatic kitten sits beside the hourglass, exuding an eerie presence.

Typography: Gothic serif font for the title "Frightened Courage" in bold white, with a slight glow for emphasis. Author's name "Kaylee Umstead" in elegant yet readable cursive at the bottom, slightly smaller and in a lighter red tone.

Layout: Title at the top, bold and prominent. Directly beneath it, the king's face dominates the upper half, while the hourglass with the jester and kitten occupies the middle ground. The author's name is positioned at the bottom of the cover, framed by the ominous castle backdrop.

Explanation: The visual composition captures a dark and mysterious atmosphere, fitting the fantasy genre. The stark contrast of the dark background with the bright lightning emphasizes the sinister undertones of the book. The king's smile hints at a menacing story, while the hourglass symbolizes the passage of time and the hidden darkness within the jester's reflection. The kitten adds an unexpected eerie element, enhancing the feeling of unease. The typography complements the cover by using a gothic serif font for the title, evoking a sense of ancient mystery, and a cursive font for the author’s name, adding a touch of elegance. The matte finish with shimmering highlights creates a visually captivating effect, making the cover memorable and engaging.