Cover Art Coverage: 13 New Titles!

2012-02-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

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

Black-hearted Betrayal by Kasey Mackenzie

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Description:

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

Series: Shades of Fury #3 Artist: Judy York Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Ace Release Date: June 26, 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This is my favorite cover of the series, I love this top and her pose. Also, her green eyes look superhero-badass with the cool, blue background.	Hands down my favorite cover for the series. The black and blue colors with that pop of neon green are perfect. Love this!

Previous Covers in This Series

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

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Description:

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

No Author’s Comment Available.

Series: Edelstein Trilogie #2 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Release Date: October 30, 2012 Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Love the movement in this cover, her skirt swirls into the horizon and the skyline. This cover is beautiful and dramatic, love it.	Gorgeous dress, and the clock tower in the background is a perfect nod to the time travel plot.

Previous Covers in This Series

Tarnished by Karina Cooper

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Description:

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

No Author Comment Available.

Series: The St. Croix Chronicles #1 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Avon Release Date: June 26, 2012 Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This is a dark cover, very gritty and depressed. It may fit the description, and the blood drips and “torn photograph” quality are very well done, but it doesn’t attract me.	I honestly don't know if I love or hate this. I like the overall composition especially the blood splatter and obvious Victorian background, but there is something about her (face? expression?) that is turning me off...

Previous Covers in This Series

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Kiss the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton

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Description:

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

No Author Comment Available.

Series: Anita Black, Vampire Hunter #21 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Berkley Release Date: June 5, 2012 Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This cover has been all over the place as far as covers go, and this is a big improvement from HIT LIST. I think I still prefer the sensual body close-up covers, but this has a thriller feel that matches the series. No paranormal elements, but at this point, if you don’t know who Anita Blake is you’re just not paying attention.	I've never been a big fan of the Anita covers, regardless of the many styles they've tried. KISS THE DEAD is actually one of the better efforts IMO, although I just don't understand why a series as prominent (and profitable) as this doesn't get better covers. I mean can you imagine what Dan Dos Santos (the Mercy Thompson series), Tony Mauro (the Elemental Assassin series), or Chris McGrath (the Dresden Files) could do? Would be amazing!

Previous Covers in This Series

Immortally Yours by Angie Fox

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Description:

IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE GODS…

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

NOTHING IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN LOVE

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

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

– Angie Fox

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks Release Date: August 28, 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I think I might have liked this better with a midnight blue background, but the red certainly fits a vampire theme. Cute and well composed.	It's a little light for me, but that's fitting since it's supposed to be funny. I do like that his tattoo is part of the title & that I can't tell if he's biting or kissing her

Previous Covers in This Series

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Natural Evil by Thea Harrison

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Pre-Order from Samhain

Description:

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

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

Series: Elder Races #4.5 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd. Release Date: March 20, 2012 Source: Heroes & Heartbreakers
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Holy crap, this is visceral. I love that he’s staring right at us. Nothing tops the gorgeous Rune from SERPENT’S KISS, but these novellas are a much more erotica vibe. This is the kind of cover that makes me happy for eBooks… of course, I’d still flip back to look at it every once and awhile.	Somebody needs to cool it with the baby oil. This poor guy is greased to within an inch of his life.

Previous Covers in This Series

Revelation by Erica Hayes

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Description:

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

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

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

“Is he not scrumptious?” – Erica Hayes

Series: The Seven Signs #1 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Berkley Sensation Release Date: October 2, 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Hahaha, this cover completely misjudges it’s effect. I was scrolling down and as soon as I hit his midriff armor his intense stare became ludicrous. I love that there’s a male version of the “fighting crime in a bra” ridiculousness, but not enough to give this a thumbs up.	Beautiful moody colors and I love the blue flames licking his sword...but why did they have to stick him in a midriff? Completely kills the look for me.

Previous Covers in This Series

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Bleeding Out by Jes Battis

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Description:

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No Author Comment Available.

Series: OSI #5 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Ace Books Release Date: May 29, 2012 Source: Tez Says
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
These covers are just eerie enough to work as a paranormal, with a hard-edged crime vibe that fits the series. Great job.	Another solid cover for this series. The bright red/range wash of color is very eye catching, and I appreciate how capable Tess always looks.

Previous Covers in This Series

The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

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Description:

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

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

No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Amulet Books Release Date: May 1, 2012 Source: The Book Smugglers
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Eeek! This cover is so close to gorgeous, but these chicken wings completely creep me out.	I wish I had more thumbs up to give this cover. It's so lush and the muted pastel colors look so rich. Plus I love when a cover so clearly communicates key parts of the book, in this case, it screams paranormal steampunk. Love it!

Previous Covers in This Series

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Sadie Walker is Stranded by Madeleine Roux

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Description:

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

No Author Comment Available.

Series: Zombie #2 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin Release Date: January 31, 2012 Source: The Books Smugglers
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I knew immediately which series this cover belongs to, love it!	Lost as sea with zombies...that what the cover says and the description agrees. It's not amazing, but overall, it works.

Previous Covers in This Series

A Patch of Darkness by Yolanda Sfetsos

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Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description:

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

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

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

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

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

– Yolanda Sfetsos

Series: Sierra Fox #1 Artist: N/A Goodreads: N/A	Publisher: Samhain Publishing Release Date: May 15, 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
This cover has the same campy/trashy feel as True Blood to me, I like how dark her eyes are.	For a smaller press, Samhain produces decent covers. The model is well integrated into the background and the lighting is consistent.

Previous Covers in This Series

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Darklands by Nancy Holzner

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Description:

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

Series: Deadtown #4 Artist: Don Sipley Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Ace Release Date: July 31, 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Vicky’s hair looks a little silly from this angle. As much as I like the progression, this one doesn’t work for me. It’s like they photoshopped a baseball card photo.	Overall, I've enjoyed the covers for this series & Don Sipley is one of the big names in paranormal art...but it looks like something crawled onto Vicky's head and died. I keep trying to look at the cool sword but my eyes keep getting yanked back to her hair...really unfortunate.

Previous Covers in This Series

Silver by Talia Vance

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Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description:

Beauty is pointless when no one's looking.

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

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

No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Flux Release Date: September 8, 2012 Source: Lindsay Cummings Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
The crispness of the image and title make this look a little homemade, but I do love the vista she’s looking over.	Beautiful lettering and the super saturated purple is lovely. The description doesn't say, but the little pearl swirl & the fishtail font detail has me thinking mermaids

Previous Covers in This Series

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And our picks for Best & Worst…

Best	Worst

Which are your Best and Worst?

All Things Urban Fantasy

Cover Art Coverage: 13 New Titles!

Winners: ALPHA INSTINCT by Katie Reus