A Reader of Fictions

Book Reviews for Just About Every Kind of Book

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Cover Snark (42): In Which All of the Covers Look Like Other Covers

Welcome to Cover Snark, where the people are snarky and the covers quiver in fear. Since I don't write many snarky book reviews here on A Reader of Fictions, Cover Snark is my outlet. If you click on the title of the book, where possible, I've linked to Goodreads. Clicking on the cover itself will show you the cover in a larger size, in most cases. Feel free to love covers I hate and vice versa. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Commenting pro tip: The easiest way to comment on such a long post is to open the post in two windows (really easy if you use Google Reader). Comment in one and scroll the covers in the other. That's actually how I comment on other people's reviews too. I can't remember all my comments by the time I get to the box!

1. Heart of Venom (Elemental Assassin #9) - Jennifer Estep

Thoughts: Fantasy bird plus cheesy font plus unfortunate illustrations. I'm sure many people will love this, but I can't get past the O that looks like a sun or a ship's wheel.

2. Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures - Kate DiCamillo

Thoughts: This is really beige. Maybe I'm yawning because I'm tired or maybe this is just that boring. You decide.

3. Endless (King Series #4) - Tawdra Kandle

Thoughts: I'm thinking of this song. Also, pretty much every part of this should be reconsidered: the fonts, the poorly-photoshopped background, the image of the couple...

4. A Very Exclusive Engagement - Andrew Laurence

Thoughts: Don't you like how the series is "DAUGHTERS OF POWER: THE CAPITAL" with a phallic building (Washington Monument) as its symbol. Nice. Also, I am pretty endlessly amused by the fact that VERY is italicized.

5. Steam - Jessica Fortunato

Thoughts: I appreciate that they resisted putting a cheesy tag line about love on this cover. I actually do rather like the clockwork heart, but they need to do something to make the font pop more. This is not rocking monochromatic-ness.

6. Crimson Flames (The Crimson Series #2) - Ashley Robertson

Thoughts: Looks like a shitty video game that will devolve into barely dressed ladies mud wrestling in an arena.

7. The Fallen Stars (The Fallen Child #2) - Stephanie Keyes

Thoughts: This looks really familiar... Are those the models from Easy? That aside, there is way too much purple mistiness happening, and the blurb does not belong in the middle of the cover. Do you want it to be the focal point? Because it is.

8. Me Since You - Laura Wiess

Thoughts: Well, this is boring. I wish I could see more of the background, because it's probably more interesting. Oh well, it does at least successfully send the heart-wrenching contemporary vibe.

9. Unbeautifully Loved - Emma Grayson

Thoughts: I'm pretty sure this is another one from this photo shoot. Guys, stock photos are not your friends, because we look at your book and think of another one.

10. Cutest Couple (Girls Most Likely to...) - Kate Davies

Thoughts: Girls most likely to...what? Get drunk and make bad decisions? Date assholes? Slay dragons? Don't leave me hanging here! In other news, if they are the cutest couple, this place needs to step it up.

11. The Chocolate Touch (Chocolate #3) - Laura Florand

Thoughts: Can I have those boots? Awkward kiss is unfortunate, as is the placement of the title box. What's going on back there? PSA: GUYS, THIS BOOK IS SET IN PARIS!!!

12. Forevermore - Cindy Miles

Thoughts: Ew. I don't think I've ever liked a cover like this. This pose just always looks awkward. Pretty sure they copied this one too, based on the border, the castle and placement of the tag line (though on an opposite side).

13. Rebel Spirits - Lois Ruby

Thoughts: I'm getting this kind of vibe. Seriously, every cover today makes me think of another cover. I feel like this cover is taking itself too seriously.

14. Pooka in My Pantry (A Monster Haven Story #2) - R.L. Naquin

Thoughts: Baaaaaaahahahahah. Pooka up in your pantry eating your Easy Mac. Nooooo! What is up with that eye in the bottom right corner?

15. Eternity (The Fury Trilogy #3) - Elizabeth Miles

Thoughts: Seriously, the only thing good about the first book was the cover, so why would they switch to these boring ass Delirium Trilogy-imitating covers?

16. How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True - Sarah Strohmeyer

Thoughts: "Not your typical Cinderella story." I didn't realize this was any kind of Cinderella story. This cover's a bit pastel, even for me. I think I actually like the cover on the ARC better, and I wasn't a huge fan of that. Biggest problems? 1) His hair. 2. Her hair. Seriously, they both have the ends of their hair frosted or something. 3. The cotton candy. If they make out with that between them, they're going to have pink sugar fibers on their chests for the rest of the carnival. It's just awkward.

17. Adapting Instincts - S.J. Frost

Thoughts: Another stock image! What I really don't understand is why anyone would use this for a cover anyway. This isn't sexy, guys. Unless I'm wrong. Does anyone find this pose hot? Anyone.

18. The Redeeming (Age of Faith #3) - Tamara Leigh

Thoughts: Girl, you've got a little something in your hair.

19. Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy - Michael Knost, ed.

Thoughts:Oooh, shiny. The fact that this robot has eyelashes is really freaking me out.

20. Prophecy of Solstice's End (Oracle of Delphi #3) - Diantha Jones

Thoughts: Would make fun of her Medusa hair, but based on the series title she might actually BE Medusa. Okay, actually, the hair is still hilarious.

21. Lighting the Way Home - E.M. Lynley & Shira Anthony

Thoughts: Children have no place on romance covers. It always looks creepy.

22. Scandalous, Book 2 (Scandalous #2) - H.M. Ward

Thoughts: Bahaha, this author continues to use unattributed blurbs, which means that she wrote them herself. Even if the blurb's from your mom, still better to attribute than not to. That's a little free advice from me to you, H.M. Ward. Some more free advice: give your books titles.

23. The Space Between - Victoria H. Smith

Thoughts: This is how I stand all the time. I really want to know where this is, because the background is odd. Does it have bearing on the story? Also, the space between what?

24. Inheritance (Adaptation #2) - Malinda Lo

Thoughts: Don't love, don't hate. In the reflection, she looks like she has a Cro Magnon forehead, which is pretty funny.

25. The Only Exception - Magan Vernon

Thoughts: "...she is his Only Exception" What does that even mean? Guess in the comments! The amount of patriotism in this cover is way too much for me.

26. Stained - Cheryl Rainfield

Thoughts: Yikes. The tag line's pretty bad ass: "sometimes you have to be your own hero." I am very scared for this heroine.

27. Castles in the Air - Ilana Waters

Thoughts: Ngl, the shiny font's kind of working for me. The castle and land illustrations are lacking a little something, but this isn't too bad.

28. Freshman: Uncut - Daisy Harris

Thoughts: I'm not even going there.

29. Flame (Fireborn #1) - Mari Arden

Thoughts: Lady, your dress is on fire. STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!

30. Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) - Ilona Andrews

Thoughts: This cover model is so pretty. Just saying. Not a big fan of the photoshopped kitty or the random red symbol in the top left corner.

31. Beverly's Secret - Eden Glenn

Thoughts: Beverly apparently has the same secret as Victoria.

32. The Final Piece - Maggi Myers

Thoughts: The puzzle piece thing is not working out like you want it to. Why are there two pieces? Shouldn't there be all of them with one missing or just one visible? Otherwise, I rather like this.

33. The Final Pleasure - Linda Mooney

Thoughts: Floating in the sky with some shiny sheets is the final pleasure. I guess I'm okay without that. She looks like Katy Perry, right? Now I have to go listen to E.T. BRB.

34. Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog (A Breed Apart #3) - Ronie Kendig

Thoughts: Turner and Hooch have a book series now!

35. The Legend of the Blue Eyes (The Blue Eyes Trilogy #1) - B. Kristin McMichael

Thoughts: What color were those eyes again?

Cover Reveals:

1. Kissed - Tanya Anne Crosby

Paperback vs. ebook: Wow. They didn't even try back in the day apparently.

2 . Frozen (Heart of Dread #1) - Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston

Take 1 vs. Take 2: Wow, this new one is BORING. The dragon is intriguing though. Are there dragons? Winner: Take 1.

3. Control - Lydia Kang

Leaked Cover vs. Actual Cover: You know what? I'm not really sure which cover I like better. The blood cells are pretty unique, but I also love the color blue and shiny things. I deem both of these perfectly acceptable. Winner: Lydia Kang.

4. The Originals - Cat Patrick

Take 1 vs. Take 2: Wow, I'd forgotten how bad the first one was. This is a definite improvement. Winner: Take 2. I like when they actually make the cover better.

5. The New Hunger (Warm Bodies #0.5) - Isaac Marion

Take 1 vs. Take 2: Woo, another one has gotten better. This makes it less obviously the Battle Royale cover. I like how the buildings make a mouth full of teeth. Menacing! Winner: Take 2.

6. The Shining Girls - Lauren Beukes

Take 1 vs. Take 2 vs Special Edition: I actually like all of these covers in really different ways. The Special Edition is seriously terrifying to me, though. From what I can tell this is a horror story, so that fits. Winner: Lauren Beukes, who gets only awesome covers.

7. The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1) - Gena Showalter

Original vs. Redesign: Much as I'm not a fan of shirtless dude covers, I feel like the butterfly alone is kind of boring. Winner: Original, grudgingly.

8. The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld #2) - Gena Showalter

Original vs. Redesign:Tag line on the left: "He is ultimate darkness....and all consuming desire..." *snorts* Winner: Redesign.

9. The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3) - Gena Showalter

Original vs. Redesign: Oh, that's a sickening shade of green they put on that guy. He looks like the Lizard King. Winner: Redesign.

10. The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld #4) - Gena Showalter

Original vs. Redesign: Yikes, the pink and smoke is not working for me at all, so I'll go with butterfly man wearing Mardi Gras beads. Sure. Winner: Original.

11. While He Was Away - Karen Schreck

Original vs. Special Edition: I do not like either of these, and they express perfectly that I would not like this book one bit. I feel like the special edition is trying to lure in fans of the Abbi Glines books. I'm also really wondering if they edited out his nipples... Winner: Original, because I really doubt this is risque and sexy like the new cover suggests.

12. Fighting to Survive (As the World Dies #2) - Rhiannon Frater

Trade Paperback vs. Mass Market Paperback: This comes as no surprise, because I've been a fan of the trade paperback covers all along. I like the look of them, and the mass markets are a little too generic for me. Plus, I really like the color scheme on this trade paperback. Just depends on your taste. Winner: Trade paperback.

WTF of the Week:

1. Circles Divided - Victoria Adams

Thoughts: Don't you just love when they photoshop four completely unrelated pictures into different corners of a cover? Yeah, me neither.

2. Opposites - T. M. Smith

Thoughts: I had a My Little Pony with hair just like hers! We're hitting pretty much every bad indie cover element here: Weird facial expressions, obviously fake tattoos, lame tattoos, weird eyes, sparkles, hard to read title font...

3. A Specials Love - Jennifer Blaney

Thoughts: I am not convinced these people know what books are, because this is obviously a CD cover. A grammatically incorrect CD cover. Nice.

Outstanding Cover of the Week:

Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy by Michael Knost, ed.

Learn More:

Kickstarter

Labels: Cover Snark

42 Comments:

Emily Blake said...: I really hate the new While He Was Away cover because you're right, it isn't a risque novel at all, it's actually extremely sad, and I don't like that the new cover makes it look like that kind of book. I think the original cover fit perfectly with the book; January 31, 2013 at 11:02 AM
Rhiannon Frater said...: I have noticed that women like the trade paperback covers for AS THE WORLD DIES more than the mmp and vice versa with the guys. Weird, huh? I love both sets of covers for different reasons. You should check out the Italian cover and Danish cover for THE FIRST DAYS. They went uber-creepy.; January 31, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Katie said...: I'm not really loving anything this week. And I'm kinda amused by the new While He Was Away cover, as from what I can tell, it markets the book totally I accurately. Also, I still sat I don't like shirtless dudes on YAcovers, just like I don't want to see ladies clutching bed sheets, know what I mean? Lol; January 31, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Kimberly @ Midnight Book Girl said...: 5. I really like this, but I think it might look better with a white background, it'll make the red stand out better. It's just very dark.

6. I'm not even sure of what's going on here.

7. I was waiting for this cover as soon as I saw it a couple days ago. I kind of feel that this cover is screaming "read me if you liked Easy" only it's clearly nothing like easy. And yes, the blurb should not ever be in the middle.

8. I like this cover!

9. I think they use popular stock photos to ride that books success a lot of the time. Like #7.

11. I feel like there could have been a better picture of the Eiffle Tower to use.

12. He looks like he's fading away. Does he fade away in the book?

15. Because people will associate this book with the awesomeness of Delirium and buy it.

17. No. Just no.

19. Just the eyelashes freak you out? This whole cover freaks me out!

22. I don't think I've ever seen an unatributed blurb. Probably because I don't read those kinds of books.

24. I love this cover. Do you know why I love this cover? Because it MATCHES the other cover. I approve.

25. She is his only exception to a monogomous relationship, obviously.

31. Lol.

35. At least the made sure that the cover model actually has blue eyes (though they are cleary not her natural blue eyes).

CB2. Why did they do a take 2? Take 1 was pretty awesome.

WTF 2. Ummmm, seriously?; January 31, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Steena said...: 25. The Only Exception
George Washington McSixpack has always been a 'Murican. The only thing he loves more than his weights and a protein shake is his country. He believes in Freedom, Guns, and, most importantly, strict immigration laws. But his life is changed forever when he meets Carmen Foreigndoza, a sultry, racially-ambiguous, illegal immigrant. Will she be his exception to the rule? His Only Exception to the constitution he holds dear?; January 31, 2013 at 11:53 AM
Ashleigh Paige said...: In my head, I'm calling this edition Cover Snark (42): In Which Ashleigh Paige Feels Her Pockets Emptying.

6. The girl on this cover looks like even SHE'S tired of this bullshit.

9. Christina, I have seen THIS EXACT IMAGE on at least five different covers in the past few weeks. If we add photos from the whole photo shoot, that count skyrockets even further. They aren't even interesting photos!

11. You'll have to fight me for those boots because I want them too. Shoe battle to the death! Or at least until the heels on our shoes break. Mine have been well-worn, so I might lose. :(

15. I agree, these covers are so blah. The only thing I like about this one is her hair/expression combination. If I could work blonde hair (I can't; I tried that when I was fourteen and it failed epically because I'm sexier as a brunette), I would totally want her hair. I like my short hair too much, though!

16. The cover for this and the paperback of Smart Girls Get What They Want are way too pastel and boring. Blaaaaaaaaaaah. I didn't like Smart Girls, but I loved the sass of the cover. It matched the attempted sass of the book.

17. I see that dude and I think he's getting a blow job. THAT'S what his pose makes me think of.

23. HER PINK SHOES. MINE. NOW.

29. Yes, can I have her dress without the fire, please?

31. You know where I've seen this cover before? As the cover for a lactation erotica story.

33. SPARKLY SHEETS? MINE NOW.

2. Yeah, the first cover was a LOT better. It would have looked fantastic on the hardcover with textures and stuff, I'm sure.

3. I vote cover 2. Something about cover 1 strikes me as off and always has.; January 31, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Kayla Beck said...: 16. That looks like Spinner from Degrassi.

That's all I have to say about them this week, I guess. There is nothing excitingly artsy or terrible this week. Control is alright. *shrugs*; January 31, 2013 at 1:47 PM
Kat said...: 4. LOVE the symbolism of the monument hahaha!

5. Aww that's cute, and kinda edgy. I like it.

6. Holy **** that's horrible.

10. She really DOESN'T look like she's enjoying kissing him.

14. What a mess *shakes head*

15. She certainly looks like she knows what you did, and lady is not happy.

24. Botox, anyone?

28. hahahahahaha. hahahahaha. oh man!

31. Beverly needs to cover up a little....

WTF1. Ponies, ballet, mansions and tattooed guys. Totally connected....

WTF2. The eyes! Nuff said!

WTF3. Again with the eyes, this time they are goggly too!

Thanks C, I love Thursdays!; January 31, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Wendy Darling said...: Awkward poses (especially kisses) are among my most hated cover issues. I randomly came across an ARC of FOREVERMORE in a secondhand bookstore and I couldn't even finish reading the blurb--I tried three times--because the cover was SO bad and SO distracting. I feel bad for the authors, but what can you do...

Wendy @ The Midnight Garden; January 31, 2013 at 2:48 PM
kara-karina@Nocturnal Book Reviews said...: *sputtering* 30 - kitty in the corner is Curran! :))) he is in every Kate Daniels cover (almost like an inside joke). I am so glad Ilona and Gordon are getting decent covers and redesigns at last. The previous covers were pretty awful apart from Gunmetal Magic (which was drawn by Tony Mauro).

Majorly because of your feature? Christina, I have 22 redheads ready to be aired out. If I don't do it soon they'll start breeding like rabbits :))); January 31, 2013 at 6:16 PM
Maji Bookshelf said...: haha I always enjoy reading your Cover Snark posts! Especially this one! some great covers and some *WHAT THE HELL???* covers! love your commentaries too!!

- Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf; January 31, 2013 at 8:47 PM
Brandy said...: 2. This book will probably be awesome because it's Kate DiCamillo but we will have to whack kids over the head with it to get them to read it due to that cover.

4. Hahaha. I would have completely missed that symbolism if you hadn't pointed it out.

13. The other book has a waaay better tagline though. At least it's not trying to take itself seriously.

31. I had the same thought an instant before I read what you wrote. :)

34. What kind of title is that????

WTF 1: She is clearly a rich ballerina, while he lives in a world of gangster thugs and horses. Is that not what the book is about?; January 31, 2013 at 9:46 PM
Lynn K. said...: 1. Heart of Venom - Hee, I actually like this one a lot. Minus the 'ship wheel' (which is the shape of the scar on her hand or something if I'm not mistaken..)

3. Endless - Blah

7. The Fallen Stars - Yep, the same models. I don't like it at all. Too many swirls and that font, ugh.

11. The Chocolate Touch - Boots! I can focus on nothing else. *__*

13. Rebel Spirits - Yeah, it does remind me of Dearly. But I quite like this.

15. Eternity - She reminds me of the actress in Warm Bodies (idk her name)

30. Magic Rises - The series can have crap covers and I will still buy it (but I love it). Favorite UF series <3 The 'A' is the logo for the publisher...not sure why they need to stick it there though. o.o

The New Hunger - Definitely digging the new design more!

Gena Showalter redesigns - As cheesy as the old covers were I don't like the new ones even more. They all look the same. -__-

While He Was Away - LOL! I keep seeing the new cover being posted all over the place and I had no idea it was the same book. Thought it was a self-pub.

Fighting to Survive - Trade paperbacks ftw.

WTFs:

Circles Divided - I thought there was something wrong with the girl's shoulder until I realized it was her leg.

Opposites - I misread the title as Octopuses. Lame hair. -.-; February 1, 2013 at 5:14 AM
Christina said...: I think the first cover looks really cheesy, but I agree that it's worlds better than the new one.; February 1, 2013 at 12:27 PM
Christina said...: That does not surprise me. It's a good call to have both, because then people can get whichever they like better.

I JUST LOOKED AT THE ITALIAN COVER...AHHHHHHH!!! The Danish isn't so bad. But that Italian one...no.; February 1, 2013 at 12:29 PM
Christina said...: Yeah, this week's was not particularly thrilling so far as good covers go. I agree. I don't even like the shirtless dude covers in adult titles, so let's keep them out of YA. Sadly, they're only getting more popular, probably to lure in the adult readers, but that's creepy!; February 1, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Christina said...: 5. Something needs to change. I would change the colors of the title, author, etc. I like the way the heart stands out, but it's not working for the rest.

7. Yeah, definitely not like easy, based on the series name.

9. Hmmm, I wouldn't think it would actually help them. I would love to see stats on that.

11. Probably so.

12. Fuck if I know. He's probably a ghost haunting that castle.

15. And if the other two are anything like the first book, that is a LIE. A VICIOUS LIE.

19. Pretty much just the eyelashes, yeah.

22. I never paid much attention to blurbs til I started doing these posts.

24. It does. It's true. I didn't love the other cover either.

25. Ohhhhh. That's probably true. Bleh.

CB2: I wonder that myself.; February 1, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Christina said...: You win for best comment.; February 1, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Christina said...: Because you do or do not want to buy all of these?

6. She's actually about to cut the head off of the cover designer with her flaming sword.

9. This one's EVERYWHERE. I feel the same. She's pretty, she has a hood: big whoop! Stop using the same dang photos!

11. Ha! I almost never wear most of my heels, so you're on!

15. I do not like her expression. She's perilously close to sexy duckface. Her hair is pretty. I've been tempted to dye my hair in the past, and I might go for a sort of gold color. I was blonde when I was younger.

16. I liked Smart Girls a lot, but the cover is meh. I prefer the simpler covers to this pastel monstrosity. Oh well, I have an arc with the sassier version that matches.

17. Probably so. But, without that context, he just looks ridiculous.

23. Oh good. You can have the pink shoes and I get the boots. Deal.

29. I wish I could shop from book covers.

31. EWWWWWWWWW

33. Go right ahead.

CB@. Agreed. The textures are purty.

CB3. Is it the blood cells?; February 1, 2013 at 1:02 PM
Christina said...: Guess who's never seen Degrassi!; February 1, 2013 at 1:03 PM
Christina said...: 10. Would you?

WTF2. I make sure to include crazy eyes every week, just for you.; February 1, 2013 at 1:04 PM
Christina said...: Ugh, yes, I am not a fan of kissing covers. It pretty much always looks unbearable awkward, even before I think about how uncomfortable getting the shot must have been.

Photographer:
"NOW KISS. Okay. Hold it. Like that. Just stay still with your lips attached while I take six million photos. Good."

It looks pretty awful. But it could be awesome under all of that, so, yeah, it does suck for the authors.; February 1, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Christina said...: I love kitties, but he's not really rocking his appearance. The cats always just look so photoshopped. The covers for this series are definitely getting better though, which is awesome.

Gotta watch out for those redheads. ;); February 1, 2013 at 1:07 PM
Renae @ Respiring Thoughts said...: I keep meaning to comment on these because I get much laughs from them, but I never do because I’m not funny ever. So I’m commenting, but probably won’t attempt to be funny.

5. Yuck. I really hate how you can barely read the author’s name and the “love story” at the bottom. And, honestly, saying a book is “a love story” is almost as cheesy as a cheesy tagline.

6. Plus, it looks like the font was borrowed from the One Ring. I’m guessing Smeagol will show up somewhere in between the mud wrestling and naked sword fighting.

9. That’s probably the fifth cover I’ve seen with that stock photo. Don’t they ever check to see what everyone else is doing on their covers?

10. That boy looks about 13. OMG is this about a wicked queen locking her pre-pubescent lover up in a tower until the pretty princess climbs up his hair and saves him?! Because...I might actually go for that.

13. Both of the model’s expressions. Especially the guy’s “sexy lips”. Nuff said.

15. These new covers are so boring, and they all look the same. Eeww.

17. Nah, looks like the guy is trying to get a super sexy tan but it fainting from heat exhaustion.

21. Hahaha! I didn’t even realize this was romance until I saw “delectable”. I thought it was like...idk. A dad raising his son with the help of a friendly neighborhood cook. Weird.

24. Awkward forehead aside, I definitely like this cover better than the first one. That green water stuff didn’t nothing for me.

26. Knowing what I know about Rainfield’s novels, you should probably be very scared for this protagonist...

28. WHUT. (And what’s that orange squiggly thing on top of the camera in the corner?)

34. Thinks of Beowulf and gets read for serious butt-kicking. Looks at small dog being cuddled by constipated cover model. Yeah no.

35. Unless this takes place in an alternate world where the blue eye mutation has reversed itself and everybody in the world has brown, this sounds ridiculous.

Annnd, that’s it. I commented for realsies!!!; February 1, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Christina said...: 2. I could see that being an issue. Also, the girl is dressed like a librarian in her 60s.

13. Agreed. The other tag line is being cheesy on purpose!

34. A bad kind.

Actually, IT IS about that. How did you guess?; February 1, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Christina said...: 1. Ah, I haven't read them, but I'm glad it does have some meaning, even if it still looks cheesy.

11. Those boots are EPIC. They should do a contest: preorder the book for entry to win those boots. I would be REALLY tempted.

30. I thought it might be the logo, but it's not easy to read on the flames, so I wasn't positive it was an A. I've heard this series is among the very best UF.

Gena Showalter: They do look the same.

While He Was Away: Bahahahahaha

Octopuses would be a better title.; February 1, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Christina said...: 5. True. But I'd been feeling really bitchy as I commented on the first few and I was trying to chill out a little.

6. Ha! That's a way to kill the buzz of all the males in the audience.

9. Either they don't check or they think people will read it believing it to be Michelle Zink's book.

12. No idea!

13. These are my sexy, stern lips.

15. Which is why I also don't much like the Delirium redesigns, though they at least have a different color scheme in each.

17. "Must...tan...under...chin."

21. Pretty sure it's an m/m romance novel.

24. I'm tentatively liking this one more, just because I like blue more than green.

26. I mean, I don't think there's anyway for duct tape around wrists to be a good thing.

28. Probably some sort of indie publisher logo?

35. Who knows. I probably should read the blurbs.; February 1, 2013 at 1:41 PM
Steena said...: It was even better in Gizoogle. Thanks for that amazing addition to my life, btw.; February 1, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Christina said...: Yup. It's pretty much the most hilarious thing ever run through Gizoogle.; February 1, 2013 at 2:18 PM
Kara_Malinczak said...: 2. Yeah, it's beige but I also think it's really cute!

4. OMG I thought the same thing about the phallic symbol before I saw your comment! :D I love backless dresses like that though.

5. Yeah, I agree. I really want to like this and I live the heart but there is simply too much of one color.

7. OH YEAH!! They ARE the models from Easy! This cover is too busy for me.

9. Good catch on that photo shoot! Eyes like a hawk!

11. LOL that tagline just made me bust out laughing. Seriously?

13. Get that girl an iron, STAT!

16. Although I don't love the title font, I think the rest of this cover is cute. It definitely caught my eye. Though I do agree about the 90s hair.

20. Title font is TERRIBLE.

22. Why does she keep doing that? It's sooo tacky!

24. She looks like a MAN in the reflection. Is she supposed to be?

28. Yeah, don't. All sorts of bad thoughts spring to mind.

31. Ummm....those are some BOOBS.

32. I quite like this but I agree. Only one piece should be showing.

35. Seriously? That's the book's title? That is one of the least inventive titles of ALL time.

Cover Reveals:

1. Love the colors in the new one but it IS kinda busy.

2. I like the original a WHOLE lot more.

3. I like both of them but I like the new one better because the red blood cells gross me out. But I do like the title font on the old one better.

4. Definitely the new one but I am not a fan of both. I don't like covers like this.

5. Definitely like the new one better but the kid's pose is weird.

6. Definitely like Take 1 better.

7. LOL but yup, I agree.

8. Yeah I like the new one here because the guy on the old cover is kinda...UGLY.

9. LOL I agree. You can also tell the tattoo is really photoshopped.

10. Yeah, original. Guy on that cover is HOTTTTT.

11. Hate them both, but if I have to pick I pick the original. The new cover is way too adult looking for YA.

12. Yeah, I agree. I love the trade paperback cover here.

WTF of the week:

1.I couldn't even tell that was her leg at first. I thought that was her head put on a man's body. You can imagine the look on my face before I figured it out.

2. What the hell? That guy is supposed to be attractive? To who? And with that hairstyle? IDTS.

3. OMG. I am DYING. Over the grammar, over her bug eyes, over EVERYTHING.; February 1, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Rhiannon Frater said...: I love the Italian one, but because it reminds me of the Italian horror films by Dario Argento. It's perfect for the Italian market and the actual book is beautifully formatted and bound. That being said, I wouldn't like it for an American cover. I also think the Danish one fits that country, too.

I thought Tor was clever to do two cover sets that appeal to two different audiences. I must say I'm happy the cover change happened after all the trade paperbacks were out though! No mid-series changes!; February 2, 2013 at 4:50 AM
Lilian said...: Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy by Michael Knost, ed.: meh, no a fan of this one. But I suppose it is the best out of this crop. The typography is so indecisive ("I like this font, that font..and that font... I am going to use them all! oh shoot, I need to stick this list of writers! let's make their names super tiny and squish it on the side!"...ugh.
I don't mind the eyelashes, but whatever is coming out of her nose is really freaking me out. Are those...fangs? fangs that connect to her mouth?

WTF Cover of The Week:
01. At first I thought your comment was referring to the girl, who really looks like she's made up of four unrelated photos herself. I SERIOUSLY thought she had a deformed super muscular arm. Now that I realize it's just her bent leg, her awkward position still doesn't make me anymore comfortable.

Seriously...people are getting paid to make these things? Or did authors just ask their 5 year old nephew, because they "know how to use photoshop"? I'm going to hide in a hole now.

Lilian @ A Novel Toybox; February 3, 2013 at 7:34 AM
Unknown said...: 7. The Fallen Stars (The Fallen Child #2) - Stephanie Keyes
That's exactly what I thought. I was even looking for the tattoos in his wrist. Are they like, reciclying the photo shoot?

11. The Chocolate Touch (Chocolate #3) - Laura Florand
That kiss seems sloppy and wet ^^ and I think is kind of funny when you read "Life is a banquet..."

14. Pooka in My Pantry (A Monster Haven Story #2) - R.L. Naquin
THE EYE!!!

17. Adapting Instincts - S.J. Frost
I find it hilarious. I mean, I just imagine his little booty over the buildings.
"Guys, who left this buildings on my seat?"

20. Prophecy of Solstice's End (Oracle of Delphi #3) - Diantha Jones
Besides, she's just a head. Why did they take away her body?

21. Lighting the Way Home - E.M. Lynley & Shira Anthony
It does look creepy oO

25. The Only Exception - Magan Vernon
she's always been faithful in her relationships but he's the only exception.

29. Flame (Fireborn #1) - Mari Arden
her left arm is gross. Like Dumbledore's hand.

31. Beverly's Secret - Eden Glenn
Thre's no much room for secrets there, hon.

34. Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog (A Breed Apart #3) - Ronie Kendig
what are they looking at??

*****

11. While He Was Away - Karen Schreck
So this book could be either about a sweet couple in the country or a hot guy who's trying to get into some chick's pants?; February 3, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Christina said...: 2. I just think she looks like a little old lady too. It's not working for me.

4. Bahaha! I'm glad it's not just me who went there. The dress is hot, though, I agree.

9. At least until there's some object everyone but me can identify.

11. OM NOM NOM. I'm eating your face!

13. I think they just put her in a dress that's way too big and cinched it in with the belt. I don't think it's wrinkly.

16. The font is too pink combined with the rest of the cover.

20. Sure is.

22. Which may be apt.

24. No clue, but yeah, she does.

2. What were they thinking?

3. True. The title font is why I'm not in love with the new one. Why didn't I put that together. I do love the blue shininess!

4. Nor do I. They're cool theoretically, but never seem to work for me.

5. HELLO!

8. What is up with his hair?

10. Hahaha! So funny that you agree with me on all of those.

11. I hate them both too, though that's good because I'd probs hate the book too.

1. That's a fun game.

2. No clue.

3. Yup. If she sells any books, I will be surprised.; February 4, 2013 at 9:38 AM
Christina said...: True. The crop this week wasn't great. Sad day.

Bahahahaha. Yeah, I think it's to sell the fact that she's a ballerina.

At least you shouldn't have trouble breaking into the cover design industry?; February 4, 2013 at 9:51 AM
Christina said...: 7. It's a stock photo. They show up a lot, and it pretty much never reflects well on the book.

11. Yeah, Kara pointed that out too. Blergh.

17. Oh man, that makes it sort of homoerotic, huh?

20. Hahaha.

21. Always does.

25. Ew. But that is a possibility.

29. Oh man, it does look shrivelled. Yuck.

34. You! RUNNNNNNN!

11. Pretty much.; February 4, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Lilian said...: I rather see ballerinas doing pirouettes, not contorting themselves in awkward positions. *shudders*

"At least you shouldn't have trouble breaking into the cover design industry?"
Except if publishers think these covers are awesome, then I think my tastes must not match their eccentric standards. "NO. I want you to add more random images in corners, because my story is about cats...and grapes...and peanut butter...and mansions...so throw them all in!"; February 6, 2013 at 3:08 PM
Christina said...: Mmmmmm, peanut butter. I like all of those things. That would be a very strange cover, though.; February 6, 2013 at 3:11 PM
Tez Miller said...: I love Cover Snark! Embarrassingly, this is my first visit to your blog. Was pointed in your direction by Lydia Kang. I shall definitely tune in for the next Cover Snark :-); February 6, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Christina said...: No reason to be embarrassed! Thanks for stopping by, and I'm very grateful to Lydia for linking. :) Cover Snark is every Thursday!; February 6, 2013 at 10:11 PM
Lynn K. said...: YEEEES. Awesome series! Kate and Curran <3
Maybe I should put it into Sadie Hawkins so you can get to it sooner? :P; February 7, 2013 at 4:39 AM
Christina said...: Probably a good idea, and, by probably, I mean definitely. :-p; February 7, 2013 at 8:24 AM

A Reader of Fictions

Book Reviews for Just About Every Kind of Book

: Name: Christina; Location: Norcross, GA, United States

I am a librarian in my twenties. I got my MLIS at the University of Pittsburgh in 2010, and, through the vagaries of the job market, ended up working at a software company, rather than a librarian. I still very much consider myself to be a librarian, though.

View my complete profile

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]

This Page

A Reader of Fictions

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Cover Snark (42): In Which All of the Covers Look Like Other Covers

42 Comments:

Post a Comment

A Reader of Fictions

About Me

Previous Posts