Cover Art Coverage: 12 New Titles!!

  

Rebirth by Sophie Littlefield 

Description: The end of the world was just the beginning. Civilization has fallen, leaving California an unforgiving, decimated place. But Cass Dollar beat terrible odds to get her missing daughter back—she and Ruthie will be happy. Yet with the first winter, Cass is reminded that happiness is fleeting in Aftertime. Ruthie retreats into silence. Flesh-eating Beaters still dominate the landscape. And Smoke, Cass’s lover and strength, departs on a quest for vengeance, one that may end him even if he returns. More…   No Author Available.

Series: Aftertime #2 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Luna Books Release Date: July 19, 2011 Source: Tor.com Urban Fantasy’s Facebook
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This one is a little bit too much like the first one, if I didn’t look at them side by side I would have though they just changed the color.  A good over all theme for the series, though.	I love how stark this cover is.  It really suites the tone of the series.  The green is a nice switch too.

 

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     No Hero by Jonathan Wood 

Description: "What would Kurt Russell do?" Oxford police detective Arthur Wallace asks himself that question a lot. Because Arthur is no hero. He's a good cop, but prefers that action and heroics remain on the screen, safely performed by professionals. But then, secretive government agency MI12 comes calling, hoping to recruit Arthur in their struggle against the tentacled horrors from another dimension known as the Progeny. But Arthur is NO HERO!   Can an everyman stand against sanity-ripping cosmic horrors?   Of all the little odds and ends involved in getting No Hero from typo-riddled manuscript I banged out on the train to finished book, receiving images on the various states of the cover is still my favorite. It somehow makes everything seem more real. – Jonathan Wood

Series: N/A Artist: Erik Gist Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Night Shade Books Release Date: July 19, 2011 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This cover reminds me of Gini Koch’s Kitty Katt series cover art, in the best possible way.  I love how this cover so obviously introduces characters and parts of the story, very well done.	I had the same thought about Koch’s series. And I totally agree about how nicely each character is introduced.

 

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     Lightbringer by D.D. McEntire 

Description: For ages twelve and up, Lightbringer is a YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance set in a world a breath away from our own. Similar in tone to Tithe by Holly Black and Unleashed by Kristopher Reisz, Lightbringer tiptoes down the line between love and horror with the tale of a young girl discovering love with a long-dead ghost.   No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: Sam Weber Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Pyr Release Date: December 13, 2011 Source: Tor.com Urban Fantasy’s Facebook
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This cover is a mix of good and bad for me.  It’s over all a bit too washed out for my liking (which may just be the digital image), but I love the skeletal chandelier in the background.  It seems odd to see a girl so young with tattoos all over her chest, but perhaps that’s plot appropriate.  On the whole, I give it a thumbs up.	The skeleton chandelier is about the coolest thing I’ve ever seen on a YA cover.  I just keep staring at it…

 

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      Brightest Kind of Darkness by P. T. Michelle 

(Click to enlarge) No pre-order available.

Description: Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore. After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate. More… I’m excited to share the cover for my YA Brightest Kind of Darkness. What do you think? – P. T. Michelle

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: ?? Release Date: July 2011 Source: Odd Shots
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I thought I was over girls in ball gowns, but the color in this one really caught my eye.  After a closer look, I could swear you see a hint of a bare foot behind the title… *swoon*, love it!	This reminds me of Fall in Pennsylvania.  Really beautiful.

 

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   Sperpent’s Kiss by Thea Harrison 

Description: In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, a Queen on the brink of sanity has no one to rely on except the Wyr warrior whose conviction is every bit as strong as his passion… In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling—without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge. Recently, Carling's Power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpent's kiss—the vampyric disease that's killing her. More…   I’m delighted to post the gorgeous cover for SERPENT’S KISS! – Thea Harrison

Series: Elder Races #3 Artist: Kim Killion Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Berkley Release Date: October 4, 2011 Source: Author’s Facebook Photos
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I loved DRAGON BOUND so much, I’d be picking up SERPENT’S KISS no matter what the cover (and in the case of STORM’S HEART, the cover really did need a boost).  I think the arrangement and man on this one is wonderful, however.  I love his fitted t-shirt (not too muscular, not too naked).  Just super hot.	Soooo much better than the two previous covers.  This one has nice warm colors and  I love the griffin graphic.

 

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     My Very UnFairy Tale Life by Anna Staniszewski 

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Description: "You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies." Twelve-year-old Jenny has spent the last two years as an adventurer helping magical kingdoms around the universe. But it's a thankless job, leaving her no time for school or friends. She'd almost rather take a math test than rescue yet another magical creature! When Jenny is sent on yet another mission, she has a tough choice to make: quit and have her normal life back, or fulfill her promise and go into a battle she doesn't think she can win.   Yay! I'm so glad my book finally has a face! – Anna Staniszewski

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Release Date: November 1, 2011 Source: The Elevensies
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
The cover is too cutesy for my taste, but the blurb sounds interesting.  I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for this one.	Yep. Cuteness vomited all over this cover.

 

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      Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart 

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Description: I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me. When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated. Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess.  More…   I'm so happy with the cover and can't wait to meet it in person. – Rhiannon Hart

Series: Lharmell #1 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Random House Australia Release Date: September 1, 2011 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Wow, what a study in contrasts.  The skirt so red it’s black, the gorgeous highlighting over her collarbones… I’m not sure if it all quite matches the amber title and the hawk, but they certainly create a striking effect.  I’m a fan.	The colors are so rich.  It looks like an oil painting.  Beautiful.

 

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     Vacation with a Vampire… and Other Immortals by Maggie Shayne & Maureen Child 

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Description: Let's face it—vacation is great! We could all use a warm summer night on a beach, the sand still hot from the sun, with the moon rising on the horizon. If it could be paired with a handsome, sexy man—an immortal man—wouldn't that be the icing on the cake? Nothing says holiday quite like a walk in paradise with a gorgeous vampire...or spending a twilight eve with a charismatic Highlander. And the best part? While you may get a sexy bite or two, it's guaranteed that you won't get a sunburn! Don't be afraid to dip your toes into these two seductive and enthralling stories from Maggie Shayne and Maureen Child. Come on in and leave your cares behind....   No Author Comment Available.

Series: Harlequin Nocturne #115 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Harlequin Release Date: June 21, 2011 Source: LovLivLife Reviews
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Cute guy, pretty beach, forgettable cover.	Too generic.

 

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      Soul Bound by Mari Mancusi 

(Click to enlarge) Pre-order Not Yet Available

Description: Sunny McDonald and her vampire boyfriend Magnus are on the run—accused of treason and wanted alive…or undead. And her own twin sister is the slayer sent to track them down. Rayne would do anything to save her sister Sunny from the Vampire Consortium dictator who wants her dead. Instead, she’s been commissioned by Slayer Inc. to bring her twin back for justice…which Rayne knows means certain death. She also knows that if she and her boyfriend Jareth go against orders, they’re not only signing their own death warrants, but those of every vampire in the Blood Coven. More…   No Author Comment Available.

Series: Blood Coven #7 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Berkley Release Date: March 2012 Source: LovLivLife Reviews
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
For a simple cover, this one manages to be very eerie.  The crackled overlay on her shoulder, combined with her expression, give the impression of creeping decay.	I like the cracked effect too.  It looks like she’s breaking apart.  Very intriguing.

 

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      Devoted by Hilary Duff 

Description: Description: Since Sage was kidnapped, Clea has no way of knowing if he is alive or dead. And even though she has only just discovered they were soulmates, she feels like a part of her is lost forever. What’s worse, she can’t even turn to her best friend Ben—because every time she looks at him, all she sees is his betrayal. But waiting for something to happen is not an option, so Clea is ready for action. Suffering through dreams of seeing Sage with another woman, she makes an uneasy alliance with Sage’s enemies and sets out to be reunited with Sage . . . in this life or the next.   No Author Comments Available.

Series: Elixir #2 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Simon & Schuster Release Date: October 11, 2011 Source: Life After Twilight
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
A very different feel from ELIXIR, I prefer this cover immensely.  The movement of the model’s hair and the detail of the necklace are lovely (and I’m hoping for Abigail’s sake that the necklace actually shows up in the book!).	Ha, ha Is it wrong that I like the covers to make sense with the story? This necklace is beautiful, where can I get an orchid pendant like this?

 

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     The Onyx Talisman by Brenda Pandos 

(Click to enlarge) Pre-order not yet available.

Description: All was perfect in Julia’s life until Nicholas had his vampire blood-lust activated by his mother Alora, her immortal enemy, turning him evil and bent on revenge. Heartbroken and out of choices, Phil and Julia ran away in the middle of the night, with Scarlett on foot, to Orange County to warn and plead Nicholas’ Godfather for help. Once arriving at Harry’s though, the local coven accosted them and they narrowly escaped. After they returned home, there was a huge showdown between Phil, Nicholas, Scarlett, Alora, Katie and Julia. Alora almost got what she wanted—Julia’s vampire warding talisman—but Preston, Nicholas’ father, and Harry came to the rescue. They escorted Nicholas and Alora back to Beverly Hills, pledging to return Nicholas free from his blood-lust.   More…   “Drum roll..... tada! Squee!!!” – Brenda Pandos

Series: Talisman #3 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing Release Date: November 16th 2011 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I would have liked this cover more if they let the lovely “Onyx” graphic have all the focus, rather than included a faded necklace in the background.  I think they were just fighting about what color to make that same damn necklace for “onyx”, and gave up and faded it.  Give it up, series continuity be damned!	I haven’t read this series yet, but the author said that the faded necklace had a significant connection to the story.  I appreciate knowing that.  The cover is just okay for me otherwise.

 

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     Southern Gods by John Horner Jacobs 

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Description: Recent World War II veteran Bull Ingram is working as muscle when a Memphis DJ hires him to find Ramblin' John Hastur. The mysterious blues man's dark, driving music - broadcast at ever-shifting frequencies by a phantom radio station - is said to make living men insane and dead men rise.  More…   “Behold, the absolutely stunning (and preliminary - they asked me to say that) cover art for Southern Gods.  I cannot be happier about it. The folks at Night Shade have really outdone themselves with this one. My thanks to them all.” – John Hornor Jacobs

Series: N/A Artist: Rodrigo Luff Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Night Shade Books Release Date: August 16, 2011 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Definitely working the horror angle, very creepy.	So cool. The chill, southern vibe is so strong. Perfect for the story.

 

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Best	Worst

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