Sad Young Adult Book Cover Design (Featuring road, broken glass, and car crash)

Visuals: A subtle collage of muted tones featuring the aftermath of a car crash, depicted through abstract brush strokes and shadows to convey a sense of tragedy and introspection. The background is a faded image of a road, with fragmented pieces resembling broken glass scattered across the forefront, suggesting a shattered life and emotions.

Typography: A serif font with an understated elegance, such as Garamond or Baskerville, in a deep gray color, that provides a somber yet classic aesthetic, capturing the tragic theme of the book.

Layout: The title "Mayflies Never Die" takes center stage at the top, with Karlien Hulsbergen’s name placed at the bottom in smaller, subtle lettering. The central image occupies the majority of the cover, while small, sparse elements of light filter through the dark background to symbolize faint hope.

Explanation: The cover design's muted tones and abstract depiction of a car crash aftermath is intended to visually communicate the tragic and sad themes intertwined within the narrative of "Mayflies Never Die." The use of a sophisticated serif font enhances the literary quality and suits the young adult genre, creating a classic and melancholic feel. The choice of a matte paper stock aligns with the muted color palette, reinforcing the somber ambiance. By centering the title and subtly placing the author's name, the layout prioritizes the emotional impact of the visuals, inviting the reader to delve into a transformative exploration of life after such a profound event.