Hi Guys, Abigail here. I’m filling in for Julia this week (although her comments are still included). We’re introducing some new changes to the Cover Art Coverage posts including an updated graphic, a new layout for the covers, and the Cover Submit form is linked at the bottom instead of being embedded (let us know in the comments if you’re not a fan of the changes).  There are two series that are featuring new looks, one of which I’m a big fan of, the other gets my pick for Worst this week.  We’ve also got several highly anticipated reveals including Kresley Cole’s first YA, and the first in Gail Carriger’s new series.  And the busiest man in paranormal romance adds yet another cover to his resume.  Can you spot model Paul Marron below?

Thank you all for entering this giveaway to win Black Howl by Christina Henry

The winner is…

Giveaway provided by Ace

One copy of BLACK HOWL by Christina Henry

 

Title: Black Howl Author:  Christina Henry Series: Madeline Black #3 Cover Art: N/A Genre: Urban Fantasy Excerpt: Yes Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Julia Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Ace; October 30, 2012 ISBN-10: 1937007332 ISBN-13: 978-1937007331   Sexual Content: References to sex and attempted rape. Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

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This week is a fascinating example of how changing a few details can sometimes make all the difference on a cover, or no difference at all.  Just a few minor changes to J. R. Ward’s LOVER REBORN tightened up the whole composition to make a good cover great, but changing the entire cover model wasn’t enough to get TANGLE OF NEED a thumbs up in my book.  

Black Heart by Holly Black 

Description: Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love. No Author Comment Available.

Series: Curse Workers #3 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Release Date: April 3, 2012 Source: Tez Says
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This run of covers is much less cinematic than the ones with real models, a much more fantasy feel.  Given the edgy feel of the series, I think the live action covers fit the series better.  This one is rather generically YA.	This has to be the UK cover…it looks nothing like the US versions, but I still think the purple almost disco vibe is a wrong fit for this series in any country.

Previous Covers in This Series

Thank you all for entering this giveaway and to Christina Henry for guest blogging and providing a copy of BLACK NIGHT for the winner!

The winner (chosen by Random.org) is…

Lexi

Beezle you would get along FAMOUSLEY with my husband! Your culinary tastes (or lack there of) suggest a distant relation! And as I love to bake you would be more than happy at my home....=)

Congratulations! I’ll be emailing you soon.  Please respond with your address within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

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Didn’t win?  Buy your own copy of BLACK NIGHT with free shipping from The Book Depository:

Today we’re welcoming back Christina Henry, the author of the Madeline Black urban fantasy series from Ace Books, about a Grim Reaper.  The series continues this summer with BLACK NIGHT which is available now (read Julia’s review). One of my favorite characters from this series is Maddy’s smart-aleck gargoyle guardian, Bezzel, who was kind enough to drop by and tell us all what it takes to keep him happy.  Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of BLACK NIGHT.  See details below. 

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A GARGOYLE CARE & FEEDING MANUAL
by
Christina Henry’s Beezle

My name is Beezle, and I’m here to instruct you on an extremely vital topic – the correct way to care for your gargoyle.

Gargoyles have incredibly important jobs and their services are often unappreciated by the residents of the homes that they guard. A gargoyle can see the true nature of things. That means if a demon shows up at your door disguised as the electric meter reader I can see through all the layers of reality down to its true essence. Now, don’t you want to know if that handsome guy knocking on your door is really from ComEd or if he’s there to yank your intestines through your nostrils?

I, for one, would prefer to have that information in advance, and given the value of such information I think that the humans (especially a certain Agent of death) that live with gargoyles should provide them with the following:

1) A steady supply of popcorn, preferably freshly popped at 15-minute intervals,

2) As many Boston cream doughnuts as I want without arguing about saturated fat content,

3) The so-called “emergency” chocolate stash should be redefined as “for all occasions” chocolate. Additionally, more quantity and variety in this stash would be welcome. Ghirardelli has many, many flavors of chocolate squares and there is no reason to be stingy.

4) Cinnamon rolls from Ann Sather should magically appear in the kitchen at least twice a week. I do occasionally enjoy surprises so the days of the week can vary as long as my minimum cinnamon roll needs are being met.

5) When we order pizza, we should also order buffalo chicken wings and mozzarella sticks. I don’t see why we have to have a loud discussion about this every time.

6) Please stop buying vegetables. Nothing green will ever pass my lips unless it’s a sour apple Jolly Rancher.

If you have any further questions or suggestions on this topic, please direct them to my human, Madeline Black. She seems to be off in mortal peril at the moment (that happens a lot around here) but I will have her get in touch when she returns. If she returns.

If she doesn’t come back, who would like to adopt an incredibly adorable gargoyle? If you know how to bake, I’m all yours.

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About Christina Henry

CHRISTINA HENRY is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time.  She lives in Chicago with her husband and son. Visit Christina Henry online: Website|Facebook

Want to read more from Christina Henry?

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Giveaway provided by Christina Henry

One copy of BLACK NIGHT by Christina Henry

Description:

Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...

If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves-her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms.

Read our Review

Pre-Order from

GIVEAWAY GUIDLINES

1. Open US only
2. Leave a comment that includes a way to contact you
3. Winner will be announced on August 11th
4. See our Giveaway Policy HERE

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Interested in guest blogging on All Things Urban Fantasy?  CONTACT ME

*This title will be released on July 26, 2011*

Title: Black Night Author: Christina Henry Series: Madeline Black #2 Cover Art: Kris Keller  Genre: Urban Fantasy Excerpt: No Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Julia Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Ace; July 26, 2011 ISBN-10: 1937007065 ISBN-13: 978-1937007065 Sexual Content: Kissing,an attempted rape, oblique reference to rape. Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

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Description

Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...

If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves-her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms.

Review

The Madeline Black series employs a blend of two great, common urban fantasy tropes: the “big reveal” (where a mundane character discovers magic exists) and an open world where magic is commonly accepted.   The mix of these two story-lines creates a chemistry that adds new zest to familiar concepts, an energy that I thoroughly enjoy.

In BLACK WINGS, Maddie is an Agent of Death, living and working with people who use magic, but living in a closed world.  Like any average (though magical) citizen, Maddie doesn’t know everything there is to know about her world, and in BLACK NIGHT she is still coming to grips with her heritage from the fallen angel side of the family.  Maddie’s blind spots and areas of expertise make everything more interesting, and despite all of the revelations of book one, I was excited to find that BLACK NIGHT still found new ground to intrigue and surprise.

As much as I enjoyed Maddie and her gang, however, the narrative structure made surprises harder and harder to find as the book progressed.  At regular intervals throughout BLACK NIGHT some knowledgeable person would point out a danger or give Maddie advice, just to have her do the exact opposite.  Inevitably, Maddie would survive by the seat of her pants (or the convenient intervention of her new, half-breed magic).  Though my complaint is definitely not Maddie’s survival (she’s great), I did grow tired of the predictable pattern of something being  “impossible” or “dangerous” or “ill-advised”, and one paragraph later Maddie would charge straight into it the thick of it and live.   This repetition had the unfortunate side effect of making it difficult to take any of the magical threats she faced seriously (and ultimately that knocked the book down from Four Bats to Three). 

Political threats are the only things that seem to slow Maddie down, and BLACK NIGHT does give us an opportunity to see her hold her own in that arena through skill rather than chance.  By book's end, Maddie sounds confident, savvy and adult, and I am very excited to see how events unfold in BLACK HOWL (look for it on February 28, 2012). My fingers are crossed that the entourage will acknowledge that Maddie is going to keep kicking butt and taking names no matter what they say and dial back the fruitless doom and gloom.  Maybe they’ll surprise me.   

Previous Books in Series	Also Reviewed By:
Black Wings  – 4/5	Errant Dreams – 4.5/5 Lisa P. at Goodreads – 4/5

*Cover Art may not be final*
Click author names to visit their webpages

The Breaking by Marcus Pelegrimas

Series: Skinners #5 Date/Publisher: June 1, 2011 by Eos Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Dark Faerie Tales Author Comments:  “Woo HOOOO!!  Check it out… In the original version I was given, the gargoyle's eyes were glowing red. That was cool, but I'm definitely not complaining. I love it. Also, I do kind of miss the hot, butt-shot of Paige from the last one. That's just me. Heh. Let me know what you think. This one hits shelves on May 31.” Julia’s Thoughts: I wish I had a neutral hand…this cover is an interesting tableau, but no one feature really stands out.  As Marcus mentions above, perhaps they should go back to the butt-shot (something to focus on, at least). Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up for me. I like how it’s a group shot with Paige and Cole fighting back to back.

Description: N/A

Previous Book in the Series:

Black Night by Christina Henry

Series: Madeline Black #2 Date/Publisher: July/August 2011 (some conflict between sites as to which to expect) Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Author’s blog Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: I like how the gates behind her mimic wings, a strong cover art follow up to the lovely BLACK WINGS. Abigail’s Thoughts: They suggested wings in the first cover too.  Very nice.  Plus Maddie looks less like Hillary Duff in this one

Description: N/A

Previous Book in the Series:

The Eternal Sea by Angie Frazier

Series: Everlasting #2 Date/Publisher: June 1 by Scholastic Press Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Author’s blog Author Comments:  “All I can say is...I LOVE IT! It's creepy and moody and perfectly captures the danger and intrigue of Camille's continuing adventure!” Julia’s Thoughts: I haven’t read EVERLASTING, but this cover appeals to me much more than it’s predecessor.  The point where I want to go back and start this series from the beginning. Abigail’s Thoughts: It’s so beautiful until you notice the skull in the clouds.  I love that touch of spooky.

Description:
After the thrilling journey that led Camille through the dangerous discovery of love, secrets, and a magical stone that grants immortality, Camille has everything she wants. She's escaped the men who wanted her dead, and now she is ready to build a new life with Oscar, her one true love. But things are not to be so simple. Oscar is acting strangely, and before they can even board a ship from Australia back home, to San Francisco, Camille learns that the journey is not over. If she does not follow the magic of the curse of Umandu, her life and Oscar's could be in grave danger.

Previous Book in the Series:

Anthology: Angels of Darkness
by Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn

Series: Includes Guardians #7.5 and Guild Hunter #4.5 Date/Publisher: October 2011 by Berkley Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Brook’s blog and Singh’s blog Author Comments:  Brook: “What do you think?” Singh: “Love, love, LOVE!!!”  Julia’s Thoughts: I love the concept of this cover, and the line up of authors just about knocks me out of my chair.  There’s just one creepy detail about this cover, that once notice, ruined it for me.  The feathers are growing out of his *arms*.  I love the imagery about an angel wrapping his arms around his love, but ick, feather arms… Abigail’s Thoughts: You’re nuts!  It’s gorgeous, like an old Renaissance painting.  It could be that his wings are just wrapped around his arms…maybe?  Either way, I love it.

Description: N/A

Previous Book in the Series:

N/A

The Lost by Caridad Pineiro

Series: The Sin Hunter series #1 (spin off from Sins series) Date/Publisher: July 26, 2011 Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Wicked Scribes Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: This cover does pretty well with the “face close up/ornate title” layout.  I like the light across the model’s face, leading the eye right to that intricate “O.” Abigail’s Thoughts: These kind of covers are just ‘meh’ for me.  There are too many that look like this.

Description:
Adam Salvatore is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .

Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.

Previous Book in the Series:

N/A

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #2 Date/Publisher: August 30, 2011 by Simon & Schuster Cover Artist: Cliff Nielsen  Cover Source: Author’s blog Author Comments: “…the background shows Temple Bar, on Fleet Street, near the Institute. "What desperation drove you to me, in the middle of the night, in a rainstorm? What has changed at the Institute? I can only think of one thing..." ~Magnus” Julia’s Thoughts: I know it’s only a placeholder, but it does a great job of getting me excited.  I love imagining which character is just out of view, waiting to step onto this cover. Abigail’s Thoughts: Only Cassandra Clare could get two thumbs up for a placeholder cover.  Can’t wait til May.

Description:
In Clockwork Prince, with the Magister vanished and the clock counting down on how long Charlotte can keep control of the Institute away from Benedict Lightwood, Will, Jem and Tessa must dig into the Magister's past to predict what he will do in the future, But secrets about the Magister aren't all they find buried — Tessa begins to uncover the truth about her own birth, and the ghosts of Will's past return to haunt him. As Tessa grows closer to Jem, and Will is driven further toward the brink of madness by jealousy and guilt, will they discover the truth in time to halt the next phase of the Magister's evil plan?

Previous Book in the Series:

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Susan at Wastepaper Prose Author Comments:  “And I will say this, because I didn’t get it at first… did you realllllly look at it?  Like, turn your head sideways, look at it?”  Julia’s Thoughts: Wow.  True love.  This cover reminds me of the cover art on Jonathan Carroll’s work, surreal and haunting.  I’m going to try to track down the cover artists for both to compare.  I loved this even before I figured out McEntire’s comment above, and then just wow, wow, LOVE. Abigail’s Thoughts: I didn’t even get it at first and I loved it.  I want the print for my wall.

Description:
Since the age of fourteen, Emerson Cole has seen strange things – dead things – swooning Southern Belles, soldiers, and other eerie apparitions of the past. She’s tried everything to get rid of the visions: medication, counseling, asylums. Nothing’s worked.

So when Emerson's well-meaning brother calls in yet another consultant from a mysterious organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to give it one last try.

Michael Weaver is no ordinary consultant. He's barely older than she is; he listens like no one she's ever met before; and he doesn't make her feel the least bit crazy. As Emerson ventures deeper into the world of the Hourglass, she begins to learn the truth about her past, her future--and her very life.

A seductive time-slip novel that merges the very best of the paranormal and science fiction genres, Myra McEntire’s Hourglass is a stunning debut from an author to watch.

Previous Book in the Series:

N/A

 The Urban Fantasy Anthology Edited by Peter S. Beagle and Joe R. Lansdale

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: August 15, 2011 by Tachyon Publications Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Literary Escapism Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: Hey, I know her!  As much as I’m fond of our blog-model, the lighting on her skin seems completely different than the cold subway tunnel around her.  It makes her look unnecessarily cut-and-pasted, I think someone needs to adjust color values before I can give this one a thumbs up. Abigail’s Thoughts: So with you on this one.  Although to be honest, it could have a big, steaming pile of poo on it and I’d still buy it for the Patricia Briggs story.

Description:
Star-studded and comprehensive, this imaginative anthology brings a myriad of modern fantasy voices under one roof. Previously difficult for readers to discover in its new modes, urban fantasy is represented here in all three of its distinct styles—playful new mythologies, sexy paranormal romances, and gritty urban noir. Whether they feature tattooed demon-hunters, angst-ridden vampires, supernatural gumshoes, or pixelated pixies, these authors—including Patricia Briggs, Neil Gaiman, and Charles de Lint—mash-up traditional fare with pop culture, creating iconic characters, conflicted moralities, and complex settings. The result is starkly original fiction that has broad-based appeal and is immensely entertaining.

Previous Book in the Series:

N/A

Anthology:Chicks Kick Butt

Edited by Rachel Caine and Kerrie L. Hughes

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: June 7, 2011 by Tor Books Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Tor.com’s Facebook page Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: I love the book concept, but this cover was a bit too out there for me.  I feel like I have no idea what genre they’re aiming for, but given how many authors are contributing, maybe that was a strategic choice. Abigail’s Thoughts: I kind of like it.  It’s got sort of a sci-fi/superhero vibe that I wasn’t expecting.  But again, this one’s all about the authors.

Description:

Chicks are awesome & never more so than when they are kicking some serious vampire/werewolf/demon/monster butt. Chicks Kick Butt is an anthology that features one of the best things about the urban fantasy genre strong, independent, and intelligent heroines who are quite capable of solving their own problems, and slaying their own dragons (or demons, as the case may be).
New stories from Rachel Caine, L.A. Banks, Rachel Vincent, Karen Chance, Lilith Saintcrow, Cheyenne McCray, Susan Krinard, Jeanne Stein, Jenna Black, Elizabeth Vaughan, Carole Nelson, Douglas, P.N. Elrod, Nancy Holder

Previous Book in the Series:

N/A

Winging It by Deborah Cooke

Series: The Dragon Diaries Trilogy #2 Date/Publisher: Decebmer 2011 by NAL Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Author’s Facebook page Author Comments:  “No teasing today - eye candy! Here's the cover for the second book in Zoë's Dragon Diaries YA trilogy. WOW!” Julia’s Thoughts: I like this one much better than FLYING BLIND.  Zoë still looks tough, but there’s a lot more life in her face.  Also, I love the colors on this one. Abigail’s Thoughts: Where is my neutral thumb?  It’s fine.  Not great, not bad.  Story sounds great though.

Description:

Previous Book in the Series:

And our picks for Best & Worst…

Best Cover	Worst Cover

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