Cover Art Coverage: 15 new titles!

*Cover Art may not be final*

Get you wish lists ready! Click author names to visit their webpages & click titles to pre-order from The Book Depository or Goodreads if it isn’t available for pre-order. 

Downpour by Kat Richardson

Series: Greywalker #6 Date/Publisher: August 4th 2011 by Piatkus Books Cover Artist: Chris McGrath  Cover Source: Sordid Fantasy Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: There’s no mistaking a Chris McGrath novel.  Grit, smoke, muted colors.  I actually like that Harper is in a rural area this time.

Description:

After being shot in the back and dying—again— Greywalker Harper Blaine’s only respite from the chaos is her work. But while conducting a pre-trial investigation in the Olympic Peninsula, she sees a ghostly car accident whose victim insists that he was murdered and that the nearby community of Sunset. Lakes is to blame.

Harper soon learns that the icy waters of the lake hide a terrible power, and a host of hellish beings under the thrall of a sinister cabal that will use the darkest of arts to achieve their fiendish ends…

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Mysteria Nights by Anthology

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: July 5th 2011 by Berkley Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Sordid Fantasy Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: I do like the smeared effect of this cover, but I wish it wasn’t nearly identical to MYSTERIA LANE.

Description:

Stories from P. C. Cast, MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and more…previously published in the novels MYSTERIA and MYSTERIA LANE

Welcome to Mysteria, Colorado, home to a vegan vampire, a neighborly werewolf, a pair of sisterly witches, a demon nanny, and more. Passions run high in this hot two-in-one omnibus edition of Mysteria and Mysteria Lane.

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Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #1 Date/Publisher: August 23rd 2011 by Razorbill Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Goodreads Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: Obviously this is an early version, I’m sure the final will be significantly different, but the title font/detail looks great.

Description:

(from author)

Last Sacrifice will be the last book about Rose, but it'll be followed by a spin-off series still set in the Vampire Academy world. Side characters we know from the current series will now be our main characters, and there'll be a whole new storyline (not the last one told from a different perspective). So far, there is no exact release date, but you can expect it near late summer/early fall of 2011.

At the moment, I'm not allowed to reveal the title, premise, or full cast of characters. I can tell you that it'll be written in third person, so we'll get a number of characters' perspectives. One of them will be Sydney. The others are a secret for now. Also, expect a cameo from Rose.

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Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

Series: Ghost and the Goth #2 Date/Publisher: June 7th 2011 by Hyperion Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Stacey Kade Author Comments:  I really love it and am so excited to share it with you guys! …If you’ve seen the previous version, you’ll note that the main difference is in Will’s expression. He looks just a little bit more annoyed, which delights me. Though his life is certainly better than it was before, Alona still drives him crazy on a regular basis. That’s just part of who they are together. And I think this image reflects that better…Also, aren’t the models both so gorgeous? They do such a great job representing Alona and Will. I love it! My Thoughts: I was surprised at how much I liked the first book, so this playful fun cover for book two is perfectly in keeping with the tone of the series.

Description:

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare–former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead–finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this, ugh, “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.

Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello?! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.

Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately signs her name in the “clearly not” column. But Will is, ahem, willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth.

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Dead Iron by Devon Monk

Series: The Age of Steam #1 Date/Publisher: July 5th 2011 by Roc Trade Cover Artist: Cliff Nielsen  Cover Source: Wits and Pieces Author Comments: I have the final cover for my steampunk novel, DEAD IRON! I LOVE it with a passionate swooning love! My Thoughts: Love the tag line, love the gun, love the guy, all of it.  No description yet, but word is there is a fantasy element.

Description:
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Bloodhunt by Shannon K. Butcher

Series: Sentinel Wars #5 Date/Publisher: August 2nd 2011 by Signet Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Wicked Scribes Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: Is it me or does he look like Ryan Philippe? The first cover in the series is my favorite and I prefer the ones where we can’t see his face.  And I’m not a fan of the shirtless vest look.

Description:

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Bound by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon

Series: Moonlight #4 Date/Publisher: July 26th 2011 by Pocket Star Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Cover Lover – Bound By Moonlight « Wicked Scribes Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: I like the different colored backgrounds they use in this series, but overall they don’t grab me. Plus I’m starting to feel sorry for this poor guy’s back

Description:

They swore they’d be together forever...
Detective Charlotte Caissie is suddenly sharing drawer space and making media news with her shape-shifter lover Max Savoie. Knowing the reformed mobster is determined to be accepted by her peers, how can she ask him to return to his criminal roots to help her solve a complex case?
But those they trust the most . . .
Going undercover to find the vicious serial killer who kidnapped a colleague’s daughter, Cee Cee is caught between the partner whose integrity she relies on and her fiercely possessive lover. In calling on Max to use his preternatural talents to aide a hated enemy, she crosses a line that strains their relationship to its limits.
Will do anything to tear them apart.
With his secret spreading beyond those he can trust, Max is forced to make dangerous alliances to protect his family and his clan. The only certainty he has is his love for his human mate, until the loyalties that define them threaten to divide them forever

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Always the Vampire by Nancy Haddock

Series: Oldest City Vampire #3 Date/Publisher: May 3rd 2011 by Berkley Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Wicked Scribes Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: Best one yet in the series, but why does she have to look so pissed off?

Description:

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Blood Law by Karin Tabke

Series: Blood Moon Rising #1 Date/Publisher: May 3rd 2011 by Berkley Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Wicked Scribes Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: I wonder what his tattoo is that she’s covering…Beautiful detailing on the title. FYI, Tabke also writes PNRs as Karin Harlow

Description:

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged…

The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.
One woman stands at the center of it all…

As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law

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Chosen by Blood by Virna DePaul

Series: Para-Ops #1 Date/Publisher: May 3rd 2011 by Penguin Group Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Wicked Scribes Author Comments: I'VE GOT A COVER!!! And it's gorgeous!!!!  Except for a moment when I first got it on my Blackberry and the little screen made me think my vampire hero was wearing a black silk robe with red lapels (he's not!), I've been deliriously happy!  It's obvious the art department read the book and pulled the most symbolic elements into the cover.  The background represents the tone of my paranormal world (a combination of modern convenience and old world charm) AND the cover model  reflects my hero's aristocratic elegance, but also his primal, highly passionate nature. A few tweaks have to be made… My Thoughts: I’m not loving the duster, but the black/red colors are great and the medallion he’s wearing has me curious. Plus the world building sounds awesome from the description.

Description:

United by fate. Bound by desire.
Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and otherborn— humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.
Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting

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Warrior Betrayed by Addison Fox

Series: Sons of the Zodiac #3 Date/Publisher: May 3rd 2011 by Signet Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Cover Lover – Warrior Betrayed « Wicked Scribes Author Comments:  Got my book cover-I love it! The designer did a great job! My Thoughts: I always love when these covers feature urban landscapes.  That and the glowing sword tells me everything I need to know.

Description:

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Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Covenant #1 Date/Publisher: September 15th 2011 by Spencer Hill Press Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Book Whispers Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: So beautiful.  Smoke orchid…wow

Description:

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi—pure-bloods—have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals—well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.
Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:
Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.
Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the pure-blooded Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck

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After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

Series: Standalone Date/Publisher: April 12th 2011 by Tor Books Cover Artist: Peter Lutjen Cover Source: Tor.com | Science fiction and fantasy | Blog posts Author Comments: I finally have permission to post the cover.  And OMG, the cover.  I love this.  The first thing I thought of when I saw it was the cover on The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, Michael Chabon’s supremely excellent, Pulitzer Prize winning novel about the early days of comic books in New York City.  The vintage feel, the vintage colors, like it really is an artsy version of an old comic book cover.  It’s just perfect, it really is. My Thoughts: Check out the Tor post above to see some of the very different early versions of this cover.  I completely agree with Carrie about the vintage quality of this cover.  Very cool

Description:

It’s not easy being a superhero’s daughter. The only daughter of Captain Olympus and Spark, the world’s greatest champions, Celia West has no powers of her own, and the most exciting thing she’s ever done is win a silver metal in a high school swim meet. Meanwhile, she’s the favorite hostage of every crime boss and super-villain in Commerce City. She doesn’t have a codename, but if she did, it would probably be Bait Girl, the Captive Wonder.

Celia has worked hard to create a life for herself beyond the shadow of their capes. But when her parents’ arch-enemy, the Destructor, faces justice in the “Trial of the Century,” Celia finds herself sucked back into the more-than-mortal world of Captain Olympus–and forced to confront a secret that she hoped would stay buried forever . . . .

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Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Series: Haunting Emma #2 Date/Publisher: Published March 1st 2011 by Bloomsbury Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Confessions From Suite 500 Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: I loved the first Haunting Emma book, and while I’m not crazy about this cover, but I do think it’s an improvement over DECEPTION.

Description:

Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great when she's battling the wraith-master Neos, but terrible when she's flirting with fellow ghostkeeper (and soul mate) Bennett. When ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power, and that's not something Bennett can handle. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school with fellow ghostkeeper, Natalie.

When a new team of ghostkeepers arrive—one a snarky teen
boy, the other a British scholar—Emma finds solace in training for the battle against Neos. But as the team grows stronger, they are threatened by an unknown force. One they thought was good.

As chilling and page-turning as Deception, this sequel will grab readers and hold them to the last page. No one is safe from suspicion as Emma closes in on the traitor

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Real Vampires Don’t Wear Size Six by Gerry Bartlett

Series: Glory St. Clair #7 Date/Publisher: August 2nd 2011 by Berkley Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: VampChix Author Comments: N/A My Thoughts: I do like all the bat accessories liker her hair clip and bracelet, but I’m just not a fan of the chick-lit style covers.

Description:

Curvy vampire Glory St. Clair kicked out the demon that had set up shop in her body, but she had some serious fallout, mainly to her relationship with longtime lover Jeremy Blade. Before Glory can win him back, she has a few issues of the hellish variety to deal with.
First, some visitors from the Dark Side want to make her their hell-buddy, and they definitely like to fight dirty. Second, the local vampire council is after Glory to clean up her act, or they'll run her out of town. To pacify them, she has to mentor a vamp fledgling, a computer whiz with a fashion phobia. And to top it all off, Lucifer himself offers Glory the ultimate temptation: work for the devil and he'll make her the size six she's always lusted after.
Glory's not sure if she can resist such an offer, but there are a few things the full-figured vamp knows for sure. Somehow, she's going to get back the man she loves, keep the business she needs, and teach her nerdy newbie that size doesn't matter.

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And my picks for Best & Worst…

Best Cover: DEAD IRON

Worst Cover: BOUND BY MOONLIGHT

So any new to you covers? Which are your Best & Worst picks?