15 February 2012

Cover Art Coverage: 13 New Titles!

There’s some interesting series covers today.  What’s better, a series that keeps changing cover styles while trying to get it right, like Anita Blake?  Or a recognizable cover that fits the overall theme but isn’t great on it’s own, like the latest installment for Deadtown
 
 
Black-hearted Betrayal by Kasey Mackenzie

(Click to enlarge)

Black-Hearted Betrayal (Shades of Fury, #3)

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Description:

N/A

“Every time I think Judy York and the Ace Art Department can’t amaze me more, they prove me wrong!  I love this new
cover SO much!” – Kasey Mackenzie

  • Series: Shades of Fury #3
  • Artist: Judy York
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

This is my favorite cover of the series, I love this top and her pose.  Also, her green eyes look superhero-badass with the cool, blue background. Hands down my favorite cover for the series.  The black and blue colors with that pop of neon green are perfect.  Love this!
Previous Covers in This Series

Red Hot Fury (Shades of Fury,...Green Eyed Envy (Shades of Fur...

  

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean. At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

No Author’s Comment Available.

  • Series: Edelstein Trilogie #2 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Love the movement in this cover, her skirt swirls into the horizon and the skyline.  This cover is beautiful and dramatic, love it. Gorgeous dress, and the clock tower in the background is a perfect nod to the time travel plot.
Previous Covers in This Series

Ruby Red

  

Tarnished by Karina Cooper

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

It’s a Steampunk urban fantasy set in Victorian London, featuring a heroine who straddles the line between Society miss and underground bounty hunter. The genre has a decided historical flavor, undercut with elements of Steampunk sci-fi and classic Victorian adventure stories.

No Author Comment Available.

  • Series: The St. Croix Chronicles #1
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

This is a dark cover, very gritty and depressed.  It may fit the description, and the blood drips and “torn photograph” quality are very well done, but it doesn’t attract me. I honestly don't know if I love or hate this.  I like the overall composition especially the blood splatter and obvious Victorian background, but there is something about her (face? expression?) that is turning me off...
Previous Covers in This Series

N/A

  

Kiss the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

When a fifteen-year-old girl is abducted by vampires, it’s up to U.S. Marshal Anita Blake to find her. And when she does, she’s faced with something she’s never seen before: a terrifyingly ordinary group of people—kids, grandparents, soccer moms—all recently turned and willing to die to avoid serving a master. And where there’s one martyr, there will be more. But even vampires have monsters that they’re afraid of. And Anita is one of them...

No Author Comment Available.

  • Series: Anita Black, Vampire Hunter #21 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

This cover has been all over the place as far as covers go, and this is a big improvement from HIT LIST.  I think I still prefer the sensual body close-up covers, but this has a thriller feel that matches the series.  No paranormal elements, but at this point, if you don’t know who Anita Blake is you’re just not paying attention. I've never been a big fan of the Anita covers, regardless of the many styles they've tried.  KISS THE DEAD is actually one of the better efforts IMO, although I just don't understand why a series as prominent (and profitable) as this doesn't get better covers.  I mean can you imagine what Dan Dos Santos (the Mercy Thompson series), Tony Mauro (the Elemental Assassin series), or Chris McGrath (the Dresden Files) could do?  Would be amazing!
Previous Covers in This Series

Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake,...The Laughing Corpse (Anita Bla...Circus of the Damned (Anita Bl...The Lunatic Cafe (Anita Blake,...Bloody Bones (Anita Blake Vamp...The Killing Dance (Anita Blake...Burnt Offerings (Anita Blake,...Blue Moon (Anita Blake, Vampir...Obsidian Butterfly (Anita Blak...Narcissus in Chains (Anita Bla...Cerulean Sins (Anita Blake, Va...Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake, V...Micah (Anita Blake, Vampire Hu...Danse Macabre (Anita Blake, Va...The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Va...Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampi...Skin Trade (Anita Blake, Vampi...Flirt (Anita Blake, Vampire Hu...Bullet (Anita Blake, Vampire H...Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire...

  

Immortally Yours by Angie Fox

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE GODS…

No one patches up the incoming wounded like Dr. Petra Robichaud. Recruited by the gods for her uncanny medical skills, she’s the best M*A*S*H surgeon in the army. Along with a nosy guard sphinx, vegetarian werewolf, and other paranormal paramedics, she bandages soldiers who are built like Greek gods (literally.) But when one sexy immortal ends up on her operating table—half dead and totally to-die-for—Petra’s afraid she’ll lose her patient and her heart…

NOTHING IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN LOVE

Commander Galen of Delphi is one gorgeous but stubborn demi-god. When his spirit tries to slip out of his fatally wounded body, Dr. Petra has to slip it back in—unwittingly revealing her ability to see ghosts. Now that Galen knows her secret, he’s convinced she’s part of an ancient prophesy. If the oracles are right, Petra could lead Galen’s army to peace. And if he seduces her on the way to hell and back? Heaven knows—all’s fair in love and war…

“It's a dark comedy/urban fantasy about a group of paranormal MASH surgeons and frankly, I think it's the best book I've written to date. I absolutely love this one and want it to come out tomorrow. Since that is unlikely to happen (boo), I can at least bring you all the cover.”

– Angie Fox

  • Series: N/A
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
  • Release Date: August 28, 2012
  • Source: Author’s Blog

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

I think I might have liked this better with a midnight blue background, but the red certainly fits a vampire theme.  Cute and well composed. It's a little light for me, but that's fitting since it's supposed to be funny.  I do like that his tattoo is part of the title & that I can't tell if he's biting or kissing her
Previous Covers in This Series

N/A

  

Natural Evil by Thea Harrison

(Click to enlarge)

Naturally Evil by Thea Harrison

Pre-Order from Samhain

Description:

Author Thea Harrison announced today, that her Elder Races novella, NATURAL EVIL will be released as an ebook by Samhain Publishing on March 20th, 2012.
NATURAL EVIL focuses on two totally new characters, Claudia and Luis. The story is a little longer than her latest ebook-TRUE COLORS, at around 29,000 words.

“I'm delighted to share with you the fabulous cover of Natural Evil, my Elder Races e-novella that will be published by Samhain on Mar 20th. Meet Luis. You're welcome.” – Thea Harrison

  • Series: Elder Races #4.5 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Holy crap, this is visceral. I *love* that he’s staring right at us.  Nothing tops the gorgeous Rune from SERPENT’S KISS, but these novellas are a much more erotica vibe.  This is the kind of cover that makes me happy for eBooks… of course, I’d still flip back to look at it every once and awhile. Somebody needs to cool it with the baby oil.  This poor guy is greased to within an inch of his life.
Previous Covers in This Series

Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1)Storm's Heart (Elder Races, #2...Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races, #...True Colors (Elder Races #3.5)Oracle's Moon (Elder Races, #4...

  

Revelation by Erica Hayes

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

A fallen angel with a mission and a medical examiner who’s lost her faith are fighting for their souls in a glittering, near-future Manhattan…

Blind faith is for fools. That’s what Dr. Morgan Sterling believes. And she’s going to prove it by curing the zombie plague ravaging her city’s slums. She’s certain it’s not a sign of the End of Days, but a nasty disease — until an angel appears in her morgue in a flash of glory.

Luniel is not just a fallen angel. He’s a powerful warrior sworn to fight evil in hopes of a chance at redemption. More…

“Is he not scrumptious?” – Erica Hayes

  • Series: The Seven Signs #1
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: Berkley Sensation
  • Release Date: October 2, 2012
  • Source: Author’s Blog

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Hahaha, this cover *completely* misjudges it’s effect.  I was scrolling down and as soon as I hit his midriff armor his intense stare became ludicrous.  I love that there’s a male version of the “fighting crime in a bra” ridiculousness, but not enough to give this a thumbs up. Beautiful moody colors and I love the blue flames licking his sword...but why did they have to stick him in a midriff?  Completely kills the look for me.
Previous Covers in This Series

N/A

  

Bleeding Out by Jes Battis

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

N/A

No Author Comment Available.

  • Series: OSI #5 
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link
  • Publisher: Ace Books
  • Release Date: May 29, 2012
  • Source: Tez Says

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

These covers are just eerie enough to work as a paranormal, with a hard-edged crime vibe that fits the series.  Great job. Another solid cover for this series.  The bright red/range wash of color is very eye catching, and I appreciate how capable Tess always looks.
Previous Covers in This Series

Night Child (OSI, #1)A Flash of Hex (OSI, #2)Inhuman Resources (OSI, #3)Infernal Affairs (OSI #4)

  

The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance.

On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. More…

No Author Comment Available.

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

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Eeek!  This cover is so close to gorgeous, but these chicken wings completely creep me out. I wish I had more thumbs up to give this cover.  It's so lush and the muted pastel colors look so rich.  Plus I love when a cover so clearly communicates key parts of the book, in this case, it screams paranormal steampunk.  Love it!
Previous Covers in This Series

N/A

  

Sadie Walker is Stranded by Madeleine Roux

(Click to enlarge)

Sadie Walker is Stranded (Zombie #2)

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Description:

Roux delivers the lurching, laugh-filled sequel to "Allison Hewitt Is Trapped." Spring is in the air, and a radical group of "Repopulationists" is restless. Unfortunately, these zealots destroy a crucial barrier in north Seattle, unleashing the undead into the city. It's not good news for Sadie Walker, who's trying to live a normal life.

No Author Comment Available.

  • Series: Zombie #2
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

I knew immediately which series this cover belongs to, love it! Lost as sea with zombies...that what the cover says and the description agrees.  It's not amazing, but overall, it works.
Previous Covers in This Series

Allison Hewitt Is Trapped (Zom...

  

A Patch of Darkness by Yolanda Sfetsos

(Click to enlarge)

Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description:

In a perfect world, Sierra Fox would have stayed away from the Council she left years ago. But in this world—where spirits have the right to walk among the living—it’s her job to round up troublesome spooks and bring them before that very same Council.

Though her desk is piled high with open cases, she can’t resist an anonymous summons to a mysterious late-night meeting with a bunch of other hunters, each of whom seems to have a unique specialty. The news is dire: something is tearing at the fabric of the universe. If the hunters can’t find who or why in time, something’s going to give in a very messy way.

As current cases, family secrets, new clues and her tangled love life slowly wind themselves into an impossible knot, Sierra finds herself the target of a power-sucking duo intent on stealing her mojo. And realizing she holds the key to the last hope of sealing the widening rift.

Warning: Spook catching: may contain traces of ectoplasm and otherworldly nasties. Not recommended for those with allergies to ghosts, demons, and with boyfriends who think your power is theirs. While reading, avoid dark patches and stay to the light.

“Isn't it AWESOME? I absolutely love it! Sierra looks so cool on this cover.
Yeah, I'm very excited!!”

– Yolanda Sfetsos

  • Series: Sierra Fox #1
  • Artist: N/A
  • Goodreads: N/A
  • Publisher: Samhain Publishing
  • Release Date: May 15, 2012
  • Source: Author’s Blog

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

This cover has the same campy/trashy feel as True Blood to me, I like how dark her eyes are. For a smaller press, Samhain produces decent covers. The model is well integrated into the background and the lighting is consistent.
Previous Covers in This Series

N/A

  

Darklands by Nancy Holzner

(Click to enlarge)

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Description:

N/A

“I just got the OK to share the cover for Darklands, which shows Vicky up-close and personal. Over the course of the series, we first sawVicky from the back on the cover of Deadtown, as she clutches her flaming sword and looks out over the city. Then in Hellforged, we saw her profile as she watches to the side.Bloodstone shows her from the front, but at a distance. Now, for the cover of Darklands, artist Don Sipley (who’s created all the art for the series) moves in close to show Vicky wielding her sword.” – Nancy Holzner

  • Series: Deadtown #4 
  • Artist: Don Sipley
  • Goodreads: Link

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs down

Vicky’s hair looks a little silly from this angle.  As much as I like the progression, this one doesn’t work for me.  It’s like they photoshopped a baseball card photo. Overall, I've enjoyed the covers for this series & Don Sipley is one of the big names in paranormal art...but it looks like something crawled onto Vicky's head and died. I keep trying to look at the cool sword but my eyes keep getting yanked back to her hair...really unfortunate.
Previous Covers in This Series

Deadtown (Deadtown, #1)Hellforged (Deadtown, #2)Bloodstone (Deadtown, #3)

  

Silver by Talia Vance

(Click to enlarge)

Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description:

Beauty is pointless when no one's looking.

Brianna Paxton has been invisible to guys since the eighth grade. She’s pretty enough, it’s just that no one bothers to look. There’s almost nothing that can’t be explained with science, and Brianna has a theory: she’s missing the pheromone that attracts people to one another. Brianna’s theory is shot to hell in one frozen, silver moment, when time stops and Blake Williams not only sees her, he recognizes something inside her that she’s been hiding from even herself.

Before Brianna fully understands who and what she is, she accidentally binds her soul to Blake. Forced to find a way to reconcile forbidden love and her bloody heritage, Brianna discovers that there's nothing pointless about her, and Blake may be in the most danger of all.

No Author Comment Available.

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

Julia’s ThoughtsThumbs up

Abigail’s ThoughtsThumbs up

The crispness of the image and title make this look a little homemade, but I do love the vista she’s looking over. Beautiful lettering and the super saturated purple is lovely. The description doesn't say, but the  little pearl swirl & the fishtail font detail has me thinking mermaids
Previous Covers in This Series

N/A

  

And our picks for Best & Worst…

Best

Worst

sapphire-blueThe-Peculiars-204x300 Revelation cover 1darklands-final

Which are your Best and Worst?

 

13 comments:

  1. There's quite a few great covers this week! I'm really diggin' Black-hearted Betrayal and the cover of Laurell K. Hamilton's new book isn't too shabby either.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's fun when established series surprise you, and both BLACK-HEARTED and KISS did that for me. KISS felt like it could be a thriller/mystery, though, doesn't really say anything about the Anita series in particular.

      Delete
  2. There are some great covers this week! I have to agree with Carmel, the LKH cover is pretty nice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ooooh... I love these posts, not only b/c you're the first "reveal" for me on new covers, but most of the time, your the first "reveal" for me on new releases :) Went and added a few to my new release wish list! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin, I'm doing the same thing as I build the post, glad to be of help!

      Delete
    2. Finding all the new cover art is a big part of how I gather all the new releases for our Hot Off the Press posts :)

      Delete
  4. Revelation made me burst with laughter. Yes, powerful immortal warrior, let's leave all your vital organs like liver and kidneys unprotected. Who cares, you can't die, right? :)) I've added few titles I didn't know about on my wishlist. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cracked up, too. It was a perfect "scroll down to reveal" moment. Honestly, what is the fashion climate of heaven that a fallen angel things this look is ok?

      Delete
  5. Some great covers! I agree that Laurell K Hamilton's covers have pretty much sucked for the last couple of books because of the new concept they went with but I really like this new one so thanks for showing that. I love the cover for Thea Harrison's new Elder Races novella coming out next month - YUM!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your comments on each book, yeah I was laughing. I totally agree with you on Revelation. Either wear a whole shirt or none at all but don't compromise it just doesn't look good. I also agree with Abigail on Darklands it does look like something died on top of her head. Okay enough bashing I really liked the cover for Sapphire Blue. The color of the dress is really pretty and I like how the city looks in the background.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny because apart from the bad hair and midriff, both of those covers would have gotten thumbs up from me.

      Delete
  7. Awesome selection of books. The one for Revelations cracks me up and I don't like the angle on the Anita Blake cover, but I love the covers for Natural Evil and The Peculiars.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The chicken wings in The Peculiars are disturbing. And Revelations made me laugh!

    ReplyDelete

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