There are some really gorgeous covers this week (both with and without gorgeous people on them). There are many covers that deserve to be discussed, above and beyond Best/Worst. Lara Avery’s ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY is a gorgeous use of light and perspective, and Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series gets a new style. Keri Arthur’s Dark Angel books got my favorite cover of the series and I’m seeing hints of Supernatural boys in cover models again (thank you, ANGEL IN CHAINS). Enjoy! |
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| These covers say “Thriller” and “Summer Blockbuster”, and I think the cinematic style matches the series tone. | I like the perspective here. It feels like we're trapped behind the fence. But otherwise, I don't really think this is a memorable cover. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: Will Besting and the other teens who were “cured” at Fort Eden are still experiencing the strange signs of aging that were a part of their recovery. Now they are being called back to Fort Eden because Mrs. Goring is dying, and for some reason she wants to see the seven teens together again. But once Will and the others arrive at Fort Eden, they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous plan to finally end the reign of Rainsford. Will must lead the group through a perilous underground trap masterminded by two devious souls. Can he outwit both Rainsford and Goring and find a new cure?
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I like that they give the series a face on this round. Continuing the color scheme makes these two compliment each other without being too “matchy matchy”. | Definitely an improvement over the first--rather forgettable--cover. I like the curling, branch-like details on the title. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: Audrey Whitticomb has nothing to fear. Her mother is the superhero Morning Star, the most deadly crime-fighter in the Twin Cities, so it’s hard for Audrey not to feel safe. That is, until she’s lured into the sweet night air by something human and not human—something with talons and teeth, and a wide, scarlet smile. Now Audrey knows the truth: her mom doesn’t fight crime at night. She fights Harrowers—livid, merciless beings who were trapped Beneath eons ago. Yet some have managed to escape. And they want Audrey dead, just because of who she is: one of the Kin. More…
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| This cover reminds me of a Retrievers cover, and that’s not a bad association. I like the angle and the attitude, one part superhero and one part rock star. | This isn't the kind of cover I've come to expect from Disney/Hyperion. It looks like a a Dark Angel fan art cover |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: An inspiring, bittersweet love story about making every day count. When she wakes up in the hospital, all Bryce can think of is her disastrous Olympic diving trial. But everything is different now. Bryce still feels seventeen, so how can her little sister be seventeen, too? Life went on without her while Bryce lay in a coma for five years. Her best friend and boyfriend have just graduated from college. Her parents barely speak. And everything she once dreamed of doing—winning a gold medal, traveling the world, falling in love—seems beyond her reach. More…
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I love the use of light and the blurring of the “lens”, gorgeous (but not paranormal). | I really like the water smear affect on the title. It does give me a mermaid vibe, but otherwise, I like it. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: The intriguing Beauchamp family, introduced in the New York Times bestselling Witches of East End, returns in Serpent’s Kiss, with dizzying plot twists and spellbinding magic. Joanna and her daughters, bookish Ingrid and wild-child Freya, are just settling into the newfound peace that has been cast over their small, off-the map town of North Hampton. With the centuries-old restriction against practicing magic lifted, casting spells, mixing potions, and curing troubled souls has never felt so good for the three witches. That is, until everything gets turned upside down—from Joanna’s organized kitchen to Ingrid’s previously nonexistent love life to Freya’s once unshakeable faith in her sexy soul mate, Killian Gardiner. More…
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| A little more cohesive than the prior “color/texture” cover, I like how this came together. Not particularly distinctive for this character or the series, but well done in general. | The toule is interesting. It makes me think of the Delirium covers, but it's pretty. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels. When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world ...
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I always had a hard time reconciling Andrea’s tiny good looks with her sharpshooting, bimbo-dunking attitude. This cover model brings it all home, I love her! | Andrea looks wicked fierce (Courtesy of the always awesome Tony Mauro). I love that this spin-off is getting a distinct look & love that she is totally ready for war with the bullet proof vest and holster etc. Can't wait! |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: You can't choose your family ...living or dead. Trapped between two very different worlds, newly made vampire Moth is struggling to find her place in either. Not only does she have to answer to her strict Irish-Catholic Dad, but her over-protective maker, Theo, is intent on making her the star attraction in his powerful Boston vampire clan. Moth will have to pull off the double-act of the century to please both of them... Adding to her problems is the dangerously attractive Jason Murdoch, a trainee vampire hunter who loves to play cat and mouse in his spare time (Jace = cat; Moth = mouse). But when the teenagers of Boston's wealthiest families start to disappear, it forces Moth and Jace into an uneasy truce. Will they be able to solve the mystery behind the disappearances - before someone winds up undead?
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I like this style, a combination of haunting and antique that fits with the vampire frontier. I’m really looking forward to reading this one. | The MC is named Moth, so I love that they used them frequent on the cover. And while it is really beautiful, I actually thought it was historical before reading the description, and I had no idea it was about vampires. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Pinning fluffy white wings onto a scruffy man looks a little incongruous me. While I like the staging of this cover model’s posture, I don’t find him particularly sexy. | I like everything about this cover except the wife beater tank...almost makes the a thumbs down, but the fluffy wings are saving it. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description:
A VAMPIRE IN CHAINS Held captive in a basement prison, wrapped in silver chains, the vampire Gideon is too weak to fight the monster who enslaves him. For years, she’s tapped his precious blood like a fountain of youth—sustaining him with human females she captures for his pleasure. But with the latest victim she brings him, he senses something intriguingly different. Something dangerous, yet oh so tempting. Kay Alissano is no ordinary woman. Every full moon, she must answer the call of the wild—unleashing the wolf within. As daughter of the Shadow Pack’s Alpha, Kay is extremely powerful—and when she’s offered up to Gideon, she doesn’t surrender easily. In wolf form, she might be able unchain Gideon’s heart and set them both free—if only he can resist the urge to consume her, body and soul, before the next full moon…
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| She’s so fierce she makes her hero look a little young… but I like that in a man. Nice scruff and t-shirt. | I really liked the previous two covers in this series except for the fact that they used the same couple even though the characters were different, so I'm very happy to see that they've chosen a new couple. Looks good. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Definite tension with these cover models, I’m loving the scruff. I am a little concerned about the *number* of men on the cover, but I’m willing to reserve judgment until I get a description. | Great step up from the first cover. This one has beautiful warm colors and the character composition is very intriguing. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: Vigilance. The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her independence and battling his own darker inclinations. At the same time, Nikki finds it harder and harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never have. Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defenses hold up to master manipulator Damon Vessler and the powerful secret he holds regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true purpose and destiny?
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| SUPER creepy faces in the background, not finding these boys charming (with or without the love triangle). | Nice that they've continued the transparent quality of the girl and the wings made of light. What isn't working quite as much is the two guys floating in the wings. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: A century after a devastating volcanic eruption forced Iceland’s inhabitants to abandon its shores, the island has become enshrouded in legend. But the truth behind the legends is mechanical, not magical—and the mystery of the island a matter of life and death for a community of women who once spilled noble blood to secure their freedom. Five years ago, Annika unwittingly endangered that secret, but her sister Källa took the blame and was exiled. Now Annika serves on an airship, searching for her sister and longing to return home. But that home is threatened when scientific expedition leader David Kentewess comes aboard, looking to expose Annika’s secrets. Then disaster strikes, leaving David and Annika stranded on a glacier and pursued by a madman, with their very survival depending on keeping the heat rising between them—and generating lots of steam
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| As much as I love these books, I’ve never liked these covers. The more abstract covers let me ignore most of the elements other than man-chest and swords, but I’ve never been a fan of live action steampunk. All I could focus on was his eyepatch and their ornate clothes, I never get the sexy or dangerous vibe. | Ooh...like this. It is a departure, but the steampunk elements are very clearly portrayed. And did you read the description? Yeah, I so want this. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I’ve only read Erin McCarthy’s contemporary romances, but I’m looking forward to what this duo will create. As for the cover, I like this guy’s face (liking his chest goes without saying, I’m sure). I don’t think the gritty effect goes well with a cutesy title like “The Fangover”, though. | One little detail is totally making this cover for me...the bottle of blood. Love that. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I like how the landscape blends into overlay on the cover model. | These covers are always quite pretty and this one is no exception. I do really like the branches superimposed on her skin, adds that perfect little creepy vibe. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Woof, this cover is a whole mess of backwoods sexy. This aesthetic reminds me of the True Blood tv show, definitely in your face but well done for all that. | I kind of hated this cover at first glance, but it's really grown on me. I like the lasso style author font, the belt buckle title detail, and his shadowed face. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Much more overt than THE SHAPE OF DESIRE, I like the punkish cover model surrounded by such a natural setting. I can’t believe I’m one behind in this series, time to catch up! | This series is so against type when it comes to typical paranormal covers, and I think it really works well. There is a softness, an earthiness that I'm really responding too. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town. That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get intense Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind. Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything she once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Oh wow, I’d hang this cover on my wall. Despite those broad shoulders, he looks so vulnerable with her hand cupped on his neck and tucked in his waistband. For just pure imagery, that would be the focus, but having her looking so fierce over his shoulder makes her the character that catches my attention. Instant buy, (love the cover and the description works for me, too). | The black & white colors are striking here, and I love the light emanating from his tattoo. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: Bobby Dollar would like to know what he was like when he was alive, but too much of his time is spent working as an extremely minor functionary in the heavenly host judging recently departed souls. Until the day a soul goes missing, presumed stolen by ‘the other side’. A new chapter in the war between heaven and hell is about to open. And Bobby is right in the middle of it, with only a desirable but deadly demon to aid him.
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Wow, it took me a moment to see him floating in the center there. Behind the bright title and author font, this cover model haunting. | I like the idea behind this composition, but the execution is lacking. The title font is just slapped on there, and I wish the model was better integrated too. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: The outbreak tore the USA in two. The east remains a safe haven. The west has become a ravaged wilderness, known by survivors as the Evacuated States. It is here that Henry Marco makes his living. Hired by grieving relatives, he tracks down the dead and delivers peace. Now Homeland Security wants Marco for a mission unlike any other. He must return to California, where the apocalypse began. Where a secret is hidden. And where his own tragic past waits to punish him again. But in the wastelands of America, you never know who - or what - is watching you.
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Something about a deserted and broken road definitely sets the stage for post-apocalyptic fiction. | This has a nice movie poster feel to it. I will admit that I thought that was a dog walking down the road at first glance :) |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: In the small university town of Redwood Grove, people are succumbing to a lethal strain of flu. They are dying—but not for long. Ashley Parker and her boyfriend are attacked by these shambling, rotting creatures that crave human flesh. Their lives will never be the same again. When she awakes Ashley discovers that she is a “wild card”—immune to the virus—and is recruited by a shadowy paramilitary organization that offers her the chance to fight back. Fatally attracted to her gorgeous instructor, and bonding with her fellow wild cards, Ashley begins to discover skills she never knew she had. As the town falls to ever-growing numbers of the infected, Ashley and her team fight to contain the outbreak—but will they be enough?
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I’ve been watching Firefly this week, this cover brings up all sorts of River Tam awesomeness. | You had me at 'Buffy meets The Walking Dead', but even without that line, the cover is suitably dark and atmospheric. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: Risa Jones, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, can enter the realm between life and death. She can speak to the dying and the dead, and she can see the Reapers, collectors of souls. What she can not yet see is the identity of a stranger murdering women and draining their blood. Now Risa must summon her gifts to find him, even if it means putting her own life in danger. But Risa needn’t look far. The killer knows who she is. He tells her his victims are infected by darkness and he’s fated to destroy them. Fascinated by Risa, he engages her in a sinister game: the chance to save the life of his next victim by deciphering his series of clues. In a race against time, she enlists the help of the Reaper Azriel. But as an attraction between them grows, so does the fear that the stranger’s motives are only part of a larger, more dangerous scheme—one that has lured Risa and Azriel into the dark.
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| This one is my favorite yet! This cover model didn’t work for me last time around, but she’s spot on in this one. | The covers for this series are starting to shift closer to the fabulous Tony Mauro covers for The Guild-Hunter series. Her pose is a perfect blend of casual readiness. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| No, no, no, no, no, *gah*. This is both too busy and overly crisp. I can’t for the life of me imagine what the hell kind of “vibe” they were going for with these reds, the top of a cover model’s head (bowed over a day-glow flower?!), and a dragon nearly hidden behind the crowded mess overlaying everyone else. | What exactly am I looking at? The top of some guy's head and a weird goldfish/dragon behind the author's name? |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: Kami Glass is in love with someone she's never met—a boy she's talked to in her head since she was born. This has made her an outsider in the sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, but she has learned ways to turn that to her advantage. Her life seems to be in order, until disturbing events begin to occur. There has been screaming in the woods and the manor overlooking the town has lit up for the first time in 10 years. . . . The Lynburn family, who ruled the town a generation ago and who all left without warning, have returned. Now Kami can see that the town she has known and loved all her life is hiding a multitude of secrets—and a murderer. The key to it all just might be the boy in her head. The boy she thought was imaginary is real, and definitely and deliciously dangerous.
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Fairy tale haunting, absolutely gorgeous. | I'm on the fence here which is ironic since I do like the fence element here, but the silhouette of the girl way too childish for a YA cover. I did read the the cover is made entire from cut paper, so I imagine the effect in person is more impressive. |
| |
| N/A |
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| I like this warmer look for the cover models and the tension of the almost kiss is lovely. | This is my favorite cover yet for this series. Very YA swoon worthy. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: STAR STRUCK Jesse James Dawson was once an ordinary man until he discovered that demons were real, and fighting them meant putting his own soul on the line. His new case is a beauty: Gretchen Keene, a Hollywood starlet who’s become an unwitting catalyst in an all-out demon war. It’s not her soul Jesse needs to protect, but the two-hundred-and-seventy-six others she’s carting around—all the souls sold to spend just one night with the blonde bombshell. That’s a lot of baggage, although it might explain her meteoric rise to fame. And it’s all up for grabs by the demon world. All Jesse has to do is keep her safe until New Years. Sounds easy. But darkness is casting a nasty shadow in the California sun—a new unseen enemy is closing in and leaving Jesse to wonder, how do you fight something you can’t see coming?
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| This is my favorite of the series, I love the light rays flowing along the line of his weapon. The expression on the cover model’s face is gorgeous. | The covers for this series all go so well together, and I appreciate the very clear masculine tone given that the protagonist is a guy. |
| |
|
|
|
| Description: N/A
|
|
|
| Julia’s Thoughts | Abigail’s Thoughts |
| Golden and healthy, wings that are merely a suggestion, and a little bit of a Jared Padalecki to round it out. Delicious. | Not personally a fan of the long hair, but I love that his wings are sort of blended with clouds |
| |
|
|
And our picks for Best & Worst…
| Best | Worst |
  |  |
Which are your Best and Worst?
Hah, it's funny that you said Serpent’s Kiss reminds you of the Delirium covers cause that's the first thing I thought when I looked at it.
ReplyDeleteAlso love the Gunmetal Magic cover too. Andrea looks about how I would picture her, tiny yet totally badass. :)
♥ Sarah @ I'm Loving Books
One look at Christine Feehan's cover and I thought...badly done imitation of K M Moning's "Shadow Fever" cover.
ReplyDelete(As if Feehan's Dark series could campare with with K M Moning's Fever series...)
Seeing the Feehan cover again and it's just as bad as I remembered. Seriously, what is the orange thing behind the text?
DeleteSo many great covers this week! I don't think I can pick a favorite but five or six really stand out to me. Cover artists are really outdoing themselves!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your best picks, love the cover for Gunmetal Magic.
ReplyDelete