The frontispiece (the illustration right inside the front cover) is arguably the most important drawing in the entire book. It is often the first image a reader experiences and sets the tone for the story to come. When brainstorming The Maelstrom’s frontispiece, I wanted to create something that had an epic feel and would really showcase the book’s central theme; namely the threat posed to Rowan by the forces of Prusias. Hopefully the image of Max astride YaYa is a fun teaser for readers who have never yet beheld such a sight. I wouldn’t want to be that ogre!