Exclusive Videos: The Unmorrow Curse

This week sees the hotly anticipated UK launch of the children's novel The Unmorrow Curse, a fantastical, time-bending adventure from author Jasmine Richards who, among her many talents, is a mastermind of all things mythology.

I devoured this enthralling middle grade over the Easter holidays and, as well as enjoying Richards' accomplished writing, the inclusive cast of characters — humans and gods — was a particular highlight. Black characters rarely headline in the kidlit fantasy space — a deficit that the author is keen to address.  

To celebrate the book's publication, I'm thrilled to be able to share with you some exclusive content: two exciting time-lapse videos from illustrator and animator Pypah Santos, whose stunning cover for The Unmorrow Curse features protagonists Buzz and Mari. 

The videos offer a fascinating insight into Pypah's illustrative process, from rough sketches through to full colour, and as you watch her at work you really appreciate the time, skill and thoughtful detailing that goes into getting each line and each layer just right, eg, the positioning of arms, legs and fingers, before the dreamy, bluey-pinky colour palette is finally applied. 

The first video is of Buzz and the second is of Mari, and both characters look exactly as I pictured them in my mind's eye. I hope you enjoy watching the characters burst into life as much as I did.

Here's the video of Buzz, courtesy of Pypah Santos:

And here is Mari:

If you want to sneak a peek at the final book cover all beautifully finished in spot-varnish, check out the clip I posted on my Twitter page. For more information about Pypah Santos' work, visit her website. 

The Unmorrow Curse: official synopsis

Two friends awaken a world of myth and magic in this epic middle-grade fantasy perfect for fans of Rick Riordan.

It’s not every day that you find a famous weather woman bound by magic to a tree deep in the woods. Or discover that the weatherwoman is in fact Sunna, the Norse Goddess of the Sun, and one of the seven day guardians who keep time in order. But that’s just what happens to new friends Buzz and Mari— and it’s only the start of their adventure.

Now, as humanity is forced into a lockdown called the Unmorrow Curse and is forced to repeat the same Saturday over and over again, Buzz and Mari must journey to collect the Runes of Valhalla and awaken the other day guardians, before vengeful god Loki can get to them first.

The Unmorrow Curse by Jasmine Richards is out this Thursday, 5 May. Pre-order from Bookshop. 

Huge thanks to Pypah Santos and UCLan Publishing for permission to share these amazing videos with the world. 

Cover art by Pypah Santos

Cover design by Becky Chilcott

Internal illustrations by Jill Tytherleigh