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

*This title will be released on June 14, 2011*

Title: Hourglass Author: Myra McEntire Series: Hourglass #1 Cover Art: Lissy Laricchis Genre: Paranormal YA Excerpt: No Source: Amazon Vine Reviewed by: Abigail Reading level: Young Adult Hardcover: 400 pages Publisher: EgmontUSA (June 14, 2011) ISBN-10: 1606841440 ISBN-13: 978-1606841440 Sexual Content: Kissing Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now & put this author on your watch list.

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Description

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

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.

Review

I often end up regretting picking up books based solely on their covers, but having finished Myra McEntire’s ‘time-slip’ debut HOURGLASS, I’m not regretting a single thing.  The story is sort of like a YA version of THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE meets X-Men mashup.

The writing throughout HOURGLASS is very good.  Expressive without being overly detailed, provocative without revealing too much, and romantic without loosing sight of the perilous situation.  The mystery too was uncovered at just the right pace to keep me completely engrossed in the story without ever becoming impatient.  And there were several surprise revelations that flat out shocked me, in a good way.

Emerson was a little prickly for me through most of the book.  I understand why she was portrayed that way and even think it was probably very realistic for someone in her situation to be so irritable, but it did prevent me from liking her as much as I wanted  to.  I also wish that the middle of the book hadn’t introduced so many new characters as I ended up resenting the intrusion to the rest of the story and romance between Em and Michael.

Overall, this was a unique story that blended paranormal and slightly sci-fi elements into a character driven love story.  And not just romantic love, but the love between friends, the love between a brother and sister, and the between a father and son.   HOURGLASS started off great, lost a little momentum in the middle, but finished strong enough that I’m already anticipating the as-yet-untitled sequel which will be published sometime in 2012.

Previous Books in Series	Also Reviewed By:
N/A	Tiger's All-Consuming Books The Book Heist Bloggers[heart]Books

*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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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?

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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:

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 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.

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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

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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:

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And our picks for Best & Worst…

Best Cover	Worst Cover

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