15 March 2011

Cover Art Coverage: 12 New Covers!

*Cover art may not be final*

 
  

Nightshine: A Novel of the Kyndred by Lynn Viehl


Description:
N/A
  • Series: Kyndred #4 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: Signet Select
  • Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
  • Source: Author’s Blog



  

“Here's a first look at the cover art for Nightshine, the fourth and final novel in the Kyndred series, which will be released on November 1, 2011.” – Lynn Viehl
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up
Not yet available for pre-order. Love the turtle tattoo, though I need to catch up on this series so I know how well the model’s appearance fits the story.

I didn’t even realize it was a turtle…I wonder if she’s a turtle shifter.  I think that would be a first.


Previous Covers in This Series
Shadowlight (Kyndred, #1)Dreamveil (Kyndred, #2)Frostfire (Kyndred, #3)
   
  
M. J. Scott by Shadow Kin 
 

(click to enlarge)
ShadowkinFinalfullbigweb (1)


Description:

Welcome to the Half-Light City.

Imagine a city divided. On one side, the Night World, ruled by the Blood Lords and the Beast Kind. On the other, the elusive Fae and the humans, protected by their steadfast mages. A city held together by nothing more than a treaty-and even then, just barely...

I was born of a Fae mother, but I had no place amongst her kind. They called me "soulless." An abomination. Perhaps they're right...I'm a wraith, a shadow who slips between worlds. I was given into the service of a Blood Lord who raised me to be his most feared assassin. Still, I'm nothing more than a slave to my master, and to the need that only he can fulfill...

Then he orders me to kill Simon DuCaine, a powerful sunmage. In the blaze of his magic, my own disappears. Instead of seeking revenge, Simon shows me mercy. He wants to free me. But that's one thing my master and his kind will never allow.

And even if I thought I could trust Simon, stepping from the shadow into the light isn't as simple as it sounds...

  • Series: The Half-Light City #1 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: Roc
  • Release Date: Sept. 6, 2011
  • Source: Tez Says



  
And lo, there was a cover for Shadow Kin and it was kind of awesome!   I’ll be the one staring at my computer screen for the next little while and grinning….” – M. J. Scott
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up
Not yet available for pre-order. I have to agree with M. J., this cover is fabulous.  I love the high fantasy background of towers and scrollwork coupled with a very modern, very fierce heroine front and center.

This one I would have bought for cover love alone, but the description sounds equally awesome.


Previous Covers in This Series
N/A
   
  
The Vampire Next Door by Ashlyn Chase
 

(Click to enlarge)
August 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Casablanca    The Vampire Next Door (Strange Neighbors, #3) by Ashlyn Chase

Description:
In this third installment of Chase's lively, sexy, paranormal trilogy, we meet witch Morgaine, who is deathly afraid of the dark, and her vigilante vampire neighbor Sly, who has his reasons for hating sunlight. Sly needs Morgaine's magic to help heal a broken fang, but with further help, and sometimes hindrance, from the wacky apartment dwellers around them, they may become each other's last hope for a normal life...
  • Series: Strange Neighbors #3 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  

No Author Comment
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up
The Book Depository I love these bright, fun, cartoony covers.  I’m a little concerned about why the Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man is in Sly’s coffin, but over all, very cute cover.

This series has been consistently cute and fun with the covers.  I think this is my favorite so far.


Previous Covers in This Series
Strange Neighbors (Strange Neighbors, #1)The Werewolf Upstairs (Strange Neighbors, #2)
   
  
The Guardian by Sherrilyn Kenyon
 

(Click to enlarge)
November 1st 2011 by St. Martin's Paperbacks      The Guardian by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Description:
N/A
  • Series: N/A
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
  • Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
  • Source: LovLivLife Reviews



  


No Author Comment
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up
The Book Depository I accidentally scrolled right past this one, thinking it was another Shadowfever cover post.  The light rays and background are very similar, but the key is a nice addition. I think this is part of the Dream Hunter series.  I like the key too.  At least it’s not the same abstract graphic that they’ve be using lately.

Previous Covers in This Series
N/A
   
  
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
 

(Click to enlarge)

Compare with Previous Cover:
Nightshade (Witches War #1)

Description:
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers.
 
But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

  • Series: Witches War #1 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  


Penguin decided to try out a fresh take on NIGHTSHADE for the paperback release and I absolutely love it. I also loved the original cover, but I think the new cover truly embodies the novel and depicts Calla so perfectly. When I was first mulling over NIGHTSHADE I came across a poem by Margaret Atwood (one of my favorite authors)* and was struck by its first stanza:

Not you I fear, but that other
She who can walk through flesh
Queen of the two dimensions

These lines reflected the essence of Calla and were the inspiration for this new cover. I love it!” – Andrea Cremer
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs down
The Book Depository The new cover is much more upfront with the werewolf aspects of the story, but on a purely artistic level, I prefer the old hardback cover. nope, not a fan when compared to the original cover.  The new one has no finesse and the wolf overlay is a little creepy.

Previous Covers in This Series
N/A


 
The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen
 

(Click to enlarge)

Unearthly

Description:
Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father.  When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger – Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.
A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant – God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo.  After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.
With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over.  But can he?  Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?
  • Series: The Mephisto Covenant #1
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  

My joy, let me show you it! I have a cover!– Trinity Faegen
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up
The Book Depository My first thought was, “THE VESPERTINE and TORMENT had a baby!”  A generally nice example of this type of cover, but nothing memorable or emotional.  I think its from the same shoot as the AU version on UNEARTHLY… It is pretty, but I’m growing weary of the girl in a gown from behind look.

Previous Covers in This Series
N/A
   
  
Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter
 


Description:
Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.

Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him.

When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She's drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she's ever craved...
  • Series: Royal House of Shadows #1
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  
No Author Comments

Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs down Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs down
Not yet available for pre-order. First off, this man’s posture is a bit too proud, he’s really sticking those pecs out there.  And while I appreciate that stallions are usually associated with virility, pairing that posture with that graphic says “I’m a pretty pony” loud and clear.  And what is he wearing?  Is that some sort of backpack cloak?  Why does it look like he has a little, um, let us say “flower” in his armpit?  Generally forgettable, I think we all would have been better off if I hadn’t taken a close look at this one. Julia said it all.  It’s like someone said “I want it to be the opposite of sexy.”  Yep.  That about covers it.

Previous Covers in This Series
N/A
   
  
In The Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton
 

(Click to enlarge)
In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars, #2)

Description:
Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends.

Teagan knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich.

And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win
  • Series: Goblin Wars #2 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: Clarion
  • Release Date: Oct. 3, 2011
  • Source:



  

No Author Comment
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs down
The Book Depository I’m not a big fan of the “Book Two” and “The Goblin Wars” styling at the side and top, but I do like the background graphics.  Very impressionistic and unique. The text styling is about the only thing I do like about this.  The pastel/watercolor head is just uninspiring.  But I wasn’t nuts about the first cover and the book was wonderful, so…

Previous Covers in This Series
Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars, #1)

 

  
Torn by Erica O’Rourke
 


Description:
Golden Heart winner Erica O'Rourke's debut paranormal trilogy, in which a girl must choose between two guys and two equally dangerous worlds: mob-connected Chicago and a magical underground society in New Orleans

  • Series: N/A
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  


No Author Comment
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs down Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs down
The Book Depository This cover doesn’t say much (other than what is actually written on it).  Luckily, the blurb from Goodreads sounds interesting enough to warrant a second look. Bleh.  Too much purple and what is it?  Is she looking through a peephole?

Previous Covers in This Series
N/A


  
Conspiracies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill
 


Description:
The second book in the Shadow Grail series by the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill

Spirit and her friends Burke, Loch, Muirin, and Addie have managed to defeat the evil force that has been killing students at Oakhurst Academy for the past forty years—or so they think. When a series of magical attacks disrupts the school, Doctor Ambrosius calls upon alumnus Mark Rider to secure the campus—and start training the students for war. The only student without magic, Spirit doesn’t trust Mark or his methods. She knows that Oakhurst isn’t safe. And if Spirit and her friends want to live long enough to graduate, they have to find out what is really going on—before it’s too late.
  • Series: Shadow Grail #2
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  


Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs down
The Book Depository I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with all of that private school sass, but it looks better on Spirit than her boys.  Just the name “Mercedes Lackey” is enough to get me excited about reading this series, which more than makes up for the Gossip Girls cover. Stop stealing my thoughts!  Private school sass is it exactly.  And it does look like a Gossip Girl cover.   The previous cover rocked, this one is just mildly rebellious.

Previous Covers in This Series
Legacies (Shadow Grail, #1)
 

  
Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer by Maureen McGowan
 

(Click to enlarge)

Description:
In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.
  • Series: Twisted Tales #2
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books
  • Release Date: April 1, 2011
  • Source: Rex Robot Reviews



  
No Author Comment

Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs down
The Book Depository Cute and age appropriate.  I know I said I was done with cross-overs, but CINDERELLA NINJA WARRIOR is too funny to resist. I would have said that about the first cover, but this just looks too staid for me.

Previous Covers in This Series
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior (Twisted Tales, #1)


  
Desdaemona by Ben Macallan
 


Description:
Jordan helps kids on the run find their way back home. He’s good at that. He should be – he’s a runaway himself. Sometimes he helps the kids in other, stranger ways. He looks like a regular teenager, but he’s not. He acts like he’s not exactly human, but he is. He treads the line between mundane reality and the world of the supernatural, including the awesome Powers That Be.

Desdaemona also knows the non-human world far too well. She tracks Jordan down and enlists his aid in searching for her lost sister Fay, who did a Very Bad Thing involving an immortal. This may be a mistake – for both of them. Too many people are interested now, and some of them are not people at all!

Ben Macallan’s urban fantasy debut takes you on a terrifying journey, lifting the curtain on what really walks our city streets.
  • Series: N/A
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link



  

No Author Comment
Pre-Order From: Julia’s Thoughts: Thumbs up Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up
Not yet available for pre-order. Simple and gritty, I think this Alyssa Milano cover model can totally take on that werewolf.  A throwback to what looks like a more old-school brand of monsters, this cover seems to fit the description. Oh I like this.  A were that might actually be scary?  Very cool.  And I’m digging all the little details like the missing poster

Previous Covers in This Series
N/A


  

And our picks for Best & Worst…

We are in complete agreement this week:

Best
Worst
ShadowkinFinalfullbigweb (1)

Which are your Best and Worst?

7 comments:

  1. I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's bookcover but then I am a bit biased with anything she puts out :).

    I see what you're saying about Gena's book but I don't think its the worse though.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BLHmistress - Which one would you pick as worst?

    ReplyDelete
  3. l love having both of your opinions in this post, makes for an interesting read!
    l agree with a lot of your thoughts =)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey, thanks for the cover love! I think Roc have outdone themselves and nice to hear others agree : )

    ReplyDelete
  5. BooksforCompany - It is fun going back and forth, it's like a built in comments section (pre-posting). I wish we could add voting buttons for people to agree/disagree on each cover, perhaps in the blog of the future (which we read in our paper clothes while riding rocket cars).

    M.J. - The cover is wonderful, but Abigail is right, the description is awesome, too. Can't wait to read it!

    Abigail - Turtle-shifter comment made me snort coffee, thanks for that. Also, the UNEARTHLY cover is *totally* the same shoot, you hit the nail on the head wiht that one.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Julia - I would totally read about a turtle shifter...I can't even imagine how an author would pull that off.

    And yeah, I saw the MEPHISTO cover and thought it looked familiar. At least this time its a foreign cover copy. When they are both US I don't get how they can get away with reusing the same images...

    ReplyDelete
  7. The author for TORN is doing a contest where you can give an opinion on the cover.

    http://bit.ly/hIvvAq

    I think it's not good at all....

    ReplyDelete

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