Hi All! Julia’s taking another much needed week off from the Cover Art Coverage post (there have been scads of cover reveals lately and this is a time consuming post to put together each week). Several great covers to gush over this week including a new one from artist Gene Mollica that get’s my Best pick, as well as a very promising new series from Anton Strout. And it seems that no week is complete without a disappointing PNR cover and Julia and I agree on below. Let us know which ones you love and hate in the comments or via Twitter @Abigail_ATUF
Savage Hunger (Heart of the Jaguar #1)
by Terry Spear
Expected publication: October 2012 by Sourcebooks
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: In the heat of the jungle, jaguars are clawed, dangerous, and hungry for love. With hopes of overcoming night terrors and thanking the man who saved her life, Kathleen McKnight returns to the Amazon. A jaguar at heart, Connor Anderson doesn’t just protect her, but wants to claim her for his own. |
Abigail’s Thoughts  |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| This looks a lot like some of Christine Feehan’s Leopard People covers. Not nuts about the colors, but it is fun to see the new series is going to feature couples. | The male cover model looks a little derpy to me, an impression that is not helped by the moon-faced jaguar popping out of the trees. |
Shadowborn (Lila Gray #2)
Expected publication: October 1st 2012 by J. Taylor Publishing
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: Intended audience: 18+, strong language, adult themes, some violence. |
Abigail’s Thoughts  |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| He looks a little squat for some reason. It’s a little hard to tell where his leg ends and the shadow begins. It’s not a bad cover, but there is nothing really amazing about it. It’s not as striking as the debut either. | A little too plain for my tastes, and the crisp lighting doesn’t offer as much suspense as they’re probably hoping for. Also, pretty genre neutral. | N/A |
Alchemystic (The Spellmason Chronicles, #1)
by Anton Strout
Expected publication: September 25th 2012 by Ace
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: N/A |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Looks very cool. Wish there was a description up too, but this cover is ticking all my UF check boxes all on it’s own…very curious about whether or not the gargoyle is a character. | A cool look and feel, I like how this cover hovers between cartoon and painted. The statue and the cover model are both visually appealing. | N/A |
Haunted (Anna Strong Chronicles #8)
Expected publication: August 28th 2012 by Ace
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: Anna Strong—kick-ass bounty hunter and vampire—has made some enemies in her time. But it’s not just her old foes she should be worried about… |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I love all the covers for this series. They are all subtly sexy, but Anna always has wicked cool weapons. So cool. | A recognizable part of the series, they’ve done a good job with the colors across these covers. | N/A |
Envy (The Fury Trilogy #2)
Expected publication: October 1st 2012 by Simon & Schuster (first published August 30th 2012)
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: Em struggles to untangle what it means to be forever bound to the Furies, while new-girl Skylar will find out just why it’s so dangerous to covet thy neighbor’s (or new bestie’s) goods… |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Not as striking as the FURY cover, but the colors are really beautiful. The blue/grays pulled from her eyes for the sky and title are especially lovely. | Pretty plain YA, but I like the title detail. Also, this cover model’s eyes are a striking contrast to the bright petals below her. | N/A |
Burn for Burn
Expected publication: September 18th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: The start of a brand-new young adult trilogy about three very different girls who overcome their differences and band together to seek revenge on those who have wronged them, uncovering a supernatural secret about what brought them together and why in the process. Each book will rotate back and forth between the perspectives of all three characters. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I don’t love this style, but there is something compelling about the three girls | Wow, this cover made me double-take. Anyone get the impression of quite a lot of skin at first glance? I’m not sure I like the suggestion of nudity with such a young (and obviously meant to be vulnerable) cover model, but definitely distinctive. Don’t think I’d peg it as anything paranormal, though. | here she is, in all her beauty! BURN FOR BURN!honestly, you guys, we just about died the first time we saw this cover! it was perfect! and it’s even hotter in the full jacket wrap-around version. |
A Witch Before Dying (A Wishcraft Mystery #2)
Expected publication: August 7th 2012 by Signet
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: When Darcy is hired by Elodie Keaton to clean up her missing mother’s disorderly home, the Wishcrafter is certainly up for the task. After all, the motto of her Aunt Ve’s personal concierge service As You Wish is “No Job Impossible.” But beneath the piles of old newspapers and knickknacks, Darcy discovers something much more disturbing: Patrice Keaton’s body. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I’m not normally a fan of chic-lit style are, but I like this one quite a lot. It’s on the cutesy side, but the bold colors help toughen it up. | These colors really leap off the screen, and I’m impressed that they don’t clash. The fine detail in this drawing makes me want to spend time studying it. | Isn’t it so pretty? My cover artist, Bella Pilar, does such an amazing job.Every where you see swirls has glitter embossing, some of the baubles in the window are glittery, and Missy’s collar and Darcy’s necklace are also glitzy. So fun! Absolutely love this cover–couldn’t be happier! |
Blackwood
by Gwenda Bond
Expected publication: September 2012 by Strange Chemistry (first published August 21st 2012)
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: On Roanoke Island, the legend of the 114 people who mysteriously vanished from the Lost Colony hundreds of years ago is just an outdoor drama for the tourists, a story people tell. But when the island faces the sudden disappearance of 114 people now, an unlikely pair of 17-year-olds may be the only hope of bringing them back. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Ooh…very cool. I love the green and the super edgy feel this has | Chilling! The snake on her cheek almost looks like a tattoo, but it bulges out over her shoulders… this cover art drew me back for several looks, very compelling. | I truly think it’s striking (no pun intended–the artist is Steven Wood), and I love that it’s also thematically right and will be even richer in meaning for actual readers.The basic concept comes from the fact that protagonist Miranda Blackwood’s father has a strawberry-colored snake-shaped birthmark that symbolizes the Blackwood family’s supposed curse. |
The Goddess Legacy (Goddess Test #2.5)
by Aimee Carter
Expected publication: July 31st 2012 by Harlequin Teen
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: N/A |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I agree with Aimee that this is the best cover yet. The the bolder Greek key pattern and her pose looking up into the light are really working for me. | A recognizable addition to the series, I like the lush background and pattern. I’ve never been a big fan of the blond, washed out cover model, though. | [B]y far my favorite cover of the series (so far – haven’t seen the cover for book three!)…Seriously, how gorgeous is that? I LOVE this cover so, so, so much. Who do you think that girl is – Calliope, Ava, or Persephone? (There is no right answer!) |
Heart of Brass (Wardens of the Realm #1)
by Kate Cross
Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by Signet Eclipse
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: Arden is an undercover agent for one of the most powerful organizations of this steam-powered world—the Wardens of the Realm, a group with extraordinary abilities, dedicated to protecting England against evil. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I like the gears in the background, but the overall effect is a little too sweet. It’s missing the edge factor that the description calls for. | Flirty and fun, this is a live-posed steampunk that actually works for me. | N/A |
Blaze (Phoenix Rising #2)
by Joan Swan
Expected publication: October 1st 2012 by Kensington
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: The hotter they come, the harder they fall… |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| The superhero pose and the background give this a sci-fi vibe. Not loving it compared to FEVER. | Oh, no! This cover doesn’t look finished at all. FEVER was so hot I couldn’t look away from it, BLAZE looks like this cover model is waiting for the cover to show up… | N/A |
Heaven (Halo #3)
Expected publication: August 21st 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: Only sixteen when she started the series, Ally Adornetto knows how teen hearts beat, and this long-awaited conclusion is certain to be her most popular book yet. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Neither of the sequels have been able to top the first cover, but this one is the second best. Did you notice the heart shape their arms make? | Gorgeous, I love the translucence of her wings! I never would have noticed their arms if Abigail hadn’t pointed it out, but that makes me love it all the more. | N/A |
Love on the Run (Nola O’Grady #4)
Expected publication: August 7th 2012 by DAW
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: N/A |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| My favorite in the series so far. It looks like the romance is getting ratcheted up in this book. Oh and I really love that she wears red in every cover. | For a book entitled LOVE ON THE RUN, there’s no movement in this cover! These models must match the book, for someone new to the series, there’s nothing here to attract me. | N/A |
Primal Possession (Moon Shifter #2)
by Katie Reus
Expected publication: September 4th 2012 by Signet Eclipse
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: As his pack’s second-in-command, lupine shifter Liam Armstrong gives orders and takes what he wants—until he meets red-headed, blue-eyed December McIntyre. Liam knows the human beauty is his intended mate the moment he sees her, but December is far too strong-willed to accept his protection. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| So glad the sequel got an original image (the first cover used the same image as a Marjorie M. Liu cover). Look how buff she is! Love that. | Neutral hand… there’s a lot going on on this cover, between the background and the cover model and the title/author treatment. Nothing really flows together, other than the colors, which gives me a low production value vibe. Not bad, but not special either. | I’ve got to say I’m extremely pleased with it. The NAL art department is absolutely amazing. |
How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days, How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days, How to Seduce an Angel in 10 Days (10 Days, #1-3)
Published by Kensington Brava (first published Late 2012/Early 2013)
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: GOT DEMON? |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Drastic makeover for this series (see the original cover here). The new look has the same feel as the Charley Davidson series for me. HOW TO SEDUCE AN ANGEL is my favorite. Really love the pitch fork and halo | These dresses are sexy an fun, a cute look for the series. | N/A |
Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4)
by C.C. Hunter
Expected publication: 2013 by St. Martin’s Griffin
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: N/A |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I don’t love the introduction of a man made feature (the gate). The previous covers were all so striking with the natural elements featured so prominently. | Not crazy about the placement and font on the author/title, but I like how the hole in the gate gives you the impression that the cover model is out of reach. | N/A |
In the House of the Wicked (Remy Chandler #5)
Expected publication: August 7th 2012 by Roc Trade
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: Remy Chandler is about to go where he’s not wanted… |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Hands down my favorite of the series. Normally we see a lot of beefcake angel guys on PNR covers, so I’m loving this not overly sexualized straight UF depiction. | Something is a little off with the model’s expression/jaw, but I’ll forgive that for how much I like his wings. Lovely movement, and that color is downright touchable. | N/A |
Broken Illusions (Midnight Dragonfly #2)
by Ellie James
Expected publication: May 8th 2012 by St. Martin’s Press
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: The next exciting novel in the thrilling new Midnight Dragonfly series from Ellie James! It’s almost Mardi Gras, but for 16 year-old psychic Trinity Monsour this is no time for celebration. Another girl is missing. Tormented by visions she doesn’t understand—of an empty street lined by crumbling old buildings, a terrified voice warning her to be careful, and a body lying m…more |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Very pretty. I remember there were some photoshop issues with the first cover, but not seeing any problems at all this time. The glowing effect is especially well done. | The placement of the necklace registered as a tattoo at first, a simple but effective cover. | N/A |
Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2)
Expected publication: July 10th 2012 by Viking Adult
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: “Together we lifted our feet and stepped into the unknown”—the thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestseller A Discovery of Witches Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford schola…more |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| It’s a little busy, and I wish they’d kept it more monochromatic like the first cover. | Very different and striking, this cover reminds me a bit of THE YIDDISH POLICEMEN’S UNION. | N/A |
Just for Fins (Fins #3)
Expected publication: July 3rd 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: When Lily Sanderson decided to remain Crown Princess Waterlily of the mermaid kingdom Thalassinia, she knew she couldn’t just coast along in the current. But since she’s spent the last couple of years on land—with gorgeous human Quince by her side—Lily’s not sure she has the fins to lead a kingdom. Even her maddeningly pretentious cousin Dosinia seems to know more about ru…more |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I really wish they’d gone in a different direction with this series overall. I want something pretty with YA mermaids, and this series, this cover in particular, is just too loud. | Still not a fan of this cover model, these colors looks so harsh on her. | This cover uses the same model as FORGIVE MY FINS (I have a sneaky suspicion that the girl on the cover of FINS ARE FOREVER is actually Dosinia) and I think it’s just magical. Plus, I love the purple lettering. |
Neferet’s Curse: A House of Night Novella (House of Night Novellas #3)
Expected publication: July 17th 2012 by St. Martin’s Press
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: With more than 12 million books in print, rights sold in almost 40 countries, and over two years on the New York Times bestseller list, the House of Night series is an international publishing sensation. Now, the excitement continues as the Cast mother-daughter duo shares the back stories of a few of the House of Night’s most important – and mysterious – characters. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| The tattoo around her eye is striking. I also think they may have simplified the title font ever so slightly to make it more legible. Good call. | Exotic and recognizable as part of the series, this cover works really well, especially considering how much it has going on. | N/A |
The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories
by Brenna Yovanoff, Tessa Gratton, Maggie Stiefvater
Expected publication: October 2012 by Carolrhoda Books
|
|
Previous Covers: N/A Buy/Add links:
Description: From acclaimed YA authors Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff comes The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories. A vampire locked in a cage in the basement, for good luck. Bad guys, clever girls, and the various reasons why the guys have to stop breathing. These are but a few of the curiosities collected in this volume of short stories by three acclaimed practitioners of paranormal |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| Any one of these authors would be enough to make me crazy happy, but all three together has me pretty ecstatic. The cover is very reminiscent of some of Maggie’s art. The birdcage head is just odd enough to be intriguing. | Portlandia meets Alice in Wonderland, this cover puts a bird on a very trippy image. Perfect for a curious collection. | We are so happy with the cover, and with the final product! |
Second Chance (The Slayer Chronicles #2)
Published October 16th 2012 by Dutton Juvenile
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: The stakes are life or death
The summer after Joss failed to kill the vampire Vladimir Tod, he gets a second chance to prove himself as a Slayer. He is sent to New York City to hunt down a serial killer that the Slayer Society believes is a vampire. It is up to Joss to lead his Slayer team, and through their detective work, they discover that there are actually four vampire brothers who are on the killing rampage. Joss must use all his skill to save the innocent people of New York City from the murderers. Joss’s status as a Slayer depends on it. |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| He totally looks like a young Johnny Deep to me…that’s enough for a thumbs up, but the whole look is so unique and ‘pop’ that it’s doubly effective. | Johnny Depp, vampire slayer. Love it or hate it, this be-fanged smiley makes these books instantly recognizable. | So…what do you think? I just love the cover. Joss is more confident now, and I love how the colors of TSC follow CoVT. |
Blood Crime (Graphic Novel)
Expected publication: October 30th 2012 by Random House Publishing Group
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: N/A |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I’m assuming that’s Ivy again. I like her reflection in the window, but the whole cover is a tad forgettable for me. | Very piercing and theatrical, more cinematic than graphic novel (but I like the change up). Anyone else see a little Eliza Dushku in the cover model’s profile? | I have a cover to show you now. Isn’t it beautiful? |
Lord’s Fall (Elder Races #5)
Expected publication: November 6th 2012 by Berkley
|
|
Previous Covers:
Buy/Add links:
Description: In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them… |
| Abigail’s Thoughts |
Julia’s Thoughts |
Author Comment |
| I first saw this without the stepback and thought ‘oh no, it’s like a bad Christine Feehan cover’ but the stepback behind the die-cut front is gorgeous. Best in the series. | Well crap. The title already had me worried enough, now with the whole “prison theme” for the cover I’m terrified for Pia and Dragos. I still would have preferred a sexy, understated cover like SERPENT’S KISS, but everything about LORD’S FALL seems to be focusing on tension. This image doesn’t look all that great digitally, but as die-cut bars that show the stepback underneath, it sounds like it will be eye-catching in person. | I’m utterly excited to share with you the awesome covers for LORD’S FALL…[it] will have a step-back cover, which means there will be a front cover and an inside cover, or a “step-back.” The front cover will have a die-cut at the top so you can see the step-back through the bars. |
And our picks for Best & Worst…
| Best | Worst |
  |
  |
Which are your Best and Worst?
Have a cover we should include in an upcoming post? Or want us to reveal a cover? Fill out our Cover Submit form
About the author
Cover Art Coverage: 15 New Titles!May 8, 2013
- Cover Art Coverage: 17 New Titles!April 19, 2013
- Cover Art Coverage: 16 New Titles!April 10, 2013
Mega Mammoth Paranormal Giveaway–64 books!April 13, 2011
Deadly Destinations: Gina Rosati & win AURACLEAugust 8, 2012
4 Responses to Cover Art Coverage: 27 New Covers!
Gosh, the covers for the Halo books are so stunning!! If only the books could be better written.
Took the words right out of my mouth. If it was up to me, I'd switch these covers and the Unearthly covers
There are some really pretty covers I especially like Envy, Heaven and Neferet's Curse. All YA books mmm…guess you know what genre I read the most.
My least favorites are Savage Hunger and Blaze. Loved Julia's comment "looks like this cover model is waiting for the cover to show up…" I'm still laughing at that, but it's so true.
The FEVER cover was so hot I couldn't take my eyes off of it, so I can see where they were going with BLAZE, but there's something missing. Such a gorgeous chest, I can understand why they made him the centerpiece… but throw the man a t-shirt or something. As much as I complain about photoshopped tattoos, at least it looks finished.