
This week’s crop of covers is an interesting survey of the craft, as from the Best to the Worst Abigail, Kristina, and I all seem to react to different elements. I couldn’t stop giggling over the nipple-chomping tattoo of IMMORTALLY EMBRACED long enough to compliment it’s authentic look, and Abigail was too turned off by the cheesy, vintage look of SENSHI to give it more than a thumbs down. Laughter goes a long way towards making me like a cover, but only if I feel the art is trying for that particular reaction. Do you thumbs up for “laughing with”? For “laughing at”? Which cover tickled your funny bone this week?
Broken by A. E. Rought
Expected publication: January 8th 2013 by Strange Chemistry
Source: Author’s Blog
Covers in Series
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Imagine a modern spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where a young couple’s undying love and the grief of a father pushed beyond sanity could spell the destruction of them all.
A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry’s boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell mechanically moving through her days. She and Daniel had been made for each other, complete only when they were together. Now she restlessly wanders the town in the late Fall gloom, haunting the cemetery and its white-marbled tombs, feeling Daniel everywhere, his spectre in the moonlight and the fog.
When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she’s intrigued despite herself. He’s an enigma, melting into shadows, preferring to keep to himself. But he is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely… familiar. From the way he knows how to open her locker when it sticks, to the nickname she shared only with Daniel, even his hazel eyes with brown flecks are just like Daniel’s.
The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there’s something very wrong with Alex Franks. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque and terrifying menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks’ estate, creatures she surely knows must have died from their injuries, she knows.
“This is almost perfectly ripped right from a scene in the book. Emma, her dress, the cemetery… I know it wasn’t planned that way, but it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s like the artist Steven Wood reached into my brain and plucked it out for y’all to see. Eerie, and beautiful! And look at that title!! I friggin love how the artist worked into the cemetery gate! LOVE IT *happy sigh*” – Author’s Comments
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I love the shock of white in the sea of red. Reminds me of Nekro’s cover art. Integrating the title into the gate is also beautiful.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I agree with the author, the wrought iron title is just gorgeous. I’m a big fan of the entire frame of this cover, though the main model is glowing so bright she’s almost washed out. Perhaps she’ll have more detail in person, overall very well done.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I love the gothic look on this cover. And the white definetly stands out. The title being in the gate is very neat.
The Lost Prince (Guardians of Aandor #2) by Edward Lazellari
Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Tor
Source: Book Chick City
Covers in Series
No Description Available.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I’m such a fan of Chris McGrath so of course I love this. You guys see the centaur, right? How cool does she look!
Julia’s Thoughts 
I love the pairing of a gun and a sword. The woman in the background looks a bit awkward (is she standing behind something? I can’t make it out), but the model in the foreground is perfect. A modern-day knight to the rescue! (PS – Post Abigail’s comment, I need a closer look at this centaur) **From Abigail** – She’s not standing behind anything, she’s a centaur
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Cool cover! Love the bluish tint and the angle the cover is set at. It kind of reminds me of a thriller movie or book cover except most thrillers don’t have that awesome woman with the bow.
Touch of the Demon (Kara Gillian #5) by Diana Rowland
Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by DAW
Source: The Bookoholic Zone
Covers in Series
No Description Available.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I’ve been looking at this for a while trying to figure out why it isn’t working. I think it’s the eyes. Dan usually captures human eyes so amazingly well that this glowing portrayal–though true to the book–brings it down.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Wow, this is an awesome cover. I love how powerful Kara looks mid-summon, stabbing the ground. Her appearance and the background hint at some exciting demon related developments, can’t wait to get more of this series!
Kristina’s Thoughts 
This one looks odd. I don’t really like the weird red glowing things coming from her body…Or are they going towards her. The eyes are creepy too. Its missing something for me.
The Gathering Dark by Christine Johnson
Expected publication: February 12th 2013 by Simon Pulse
Source: Author’s Blog
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Keira’s hallucinating. First it’s a door hovering above the road; then it’s a tree in her living room. But with her parents fighting and her best friend not speaking to her, Keira can’t tell anyone about her breakdown. Until she meets Walker. They have an electric connection—and somehow it’s as if he can see the same shadowy images.
The more Keira slowly confides in Walker, the more intense—and frightening—her visions become. Trusting him may be more dangerous than Keira could have ever imagined. Because Walker is not what he appears to be—and neither are her visions.
“I have been waiting FOREVER to show you the cover of The Gathering Dark. . . . . . and here it is!!!! The super-amazing cover for The Gathering Dark!” - Christine Johnson
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Pretty. The brick red and forest green are nice compliments.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I’m not sure how these different elements were supposed to come together. I like how this model adds a little extra attitude to the “girl in pretty dress” look, but I feel like she looks out of place with the snow in the background (as there is no snow on her). Is the attitude because she’s cold? This cover is eye catching but empty, I don’t get any strong emotion from it.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I like the hair covering her face and her pale skin looks beautiful against the dark green.
Arcadia Burns (Arkadien #2) by Kai Meyer
February 2013 by Balzer + Bray
Source: Molly Frenzel Pinterest
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Romeo and Juliet meets shape-shifters amid an exotic—and very dangerous—Sicilian setting in this thrilling sequel to Arcadia Awakens.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I like how they brought the snake skin texture to the title, and keeping everything B&W but the snake makes it all the more eye catching.
Julia’s Thoughts 
The overly bronze color of the snake and title versus the flat black background looks a little too harsh and self-pub for me, but I like the creepy juxtaposition of the curves of her face and the snake’s movement.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Awesome snake! That really makes the cover stand out.
London Eye (Toxic City #1) by Tim Lebbon
Expected publication: October 2nd 2012 by Pyr
Source: Love Liv Life Reviews
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Two years after London is struck by a devastating terrorist attack, it is cut off from the world, protected by a military force known as Choppers. the rest of Britain believes that the city is now a toxic, uninhabited wasteland.
But Jack and his friends — some of whom lost family on what has become known as Doomsday — know that the reality is very different. at great risk, they have been gathering evidence about what is really happening in London — and it is incredible. Because the handful of London’s survivors are changing. Developing strange, fantastic powers. Evolving.
Upon discovering that his mother is still alive inside london, Jack, his sister, and their three friends sneak into a city in ruins. Vast swathes have been bombed flat. Choppers cruise the streets, looking for survivors to experiment upon. the toxic city is filled with wonders and dangers that will challenge Jack and his friends… and perhaps kill them. But Jack knows that the truth must be revealed to the outside world or every survivor will die.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
How powerful is the image of the crumbling Ferris Wheel? Beautiful dark colors too
Julia’s Thoughts 
I realize that the green symbol will anchor the series on each cover, but I feel like it detracts from the over all perfect dark, foreboding background. Love the how the grey sky bleeds into a fiery skyline.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Beautiful imagery here.The dark colors really help with dystopian feel of this book.
Sealed with a Curse (Weird Girls #1) by Cecy Robson
Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by Signet Eclipse
Source: Author’s Blog
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Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they’re products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…
The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren’t aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?
Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha’s family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, he’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.
“Special thanks to my editor at NAL, Jhanteigh Kupihea, and the talented artists at Penguin.” - Cecy Robson
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I love all the visual clues that scream shifter (that’s Celia on the cover who is a tiger shifter): the scratches, the moon, the glow on her skin. Can’t wait to read it.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I like the framing of the cover model with the pretty title font, and the glow works for me here. I was so taken with the way she’s holding her arms, I almost missed the claw marks.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Nice touch with the rips on the shirt. I like that they didn’t decide to put a tiger on the cover to show that this is a shifter themed novel which is pretty typical for those types of urban fantasy books. I love the moon in the trees background.
This Case is Gonna Kill Me by Phillipa Bornikova
Expected publication: September 4th 2012 by Tor Books
Source: Publisher’s Website
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What happens when The Firm meets Anita Blake? You get the Halls of Power—our modern world, but twisted. Law, finance, the military, and politics are under the sway of long-lived vampires, werewolves, and the elven Alfar. Humans make the best of rule by “the Spooks,” and contend among themselves to affiliate with the powers-that-be, in order to avoid becoming their prey. Very loyal humans are rewarded with power over other women and men. Very lucky humans are selected to join the vampires, werewolves, and elves—or, on occasion, to live at the Seelie Court.
Linnet Ellery is the offspring of an affluent Connecticut family dating back to Colonial times. Fresh out of law school, she’s beginning her career in a powerful New York “white fang” law firm. She has high hopes of eventually making partner.
But strange things keep happening to her. In a workplace where some humans will eventually achieve immense power and centuries of extra lifespan, office politics can be vicious beyond belief. After some initial missteps, she finds herself sidelined and assigned to unpromising cases. Then, for no reason she can see, she becomes the target of repeated, apparently random violent attacks, escaping injury each time through increasingly improbable circumstances. However, there’s apparently more to Linnet Ellery than a little old-money human privilege. More than even she knows. And as she comes to understand this, she’s going to shake up the system like you wouldn’t believe…
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
The slightly blurry background is what’s really grabbing me, but I’m still glad they changed the model from the original version
Julia’s Thoughts 
I felt like the original cover was more noir and tongue in cheek (the visual pun with the briefcase made me laugh), but this one is much more solidly urban fantasy. This cover model looks kick butt in ordinary clothes, which is impressive, and I like how the lights and dark shapes both seem to be swirling around the skyscraper in the background.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Wow. She looks kind of badass with her stance there.
The Dead of Winter (Cora Oglesby #1) by Lee Collins
Expected publication: October 30th 2012 by Angry Robot
Source: Angry Robot Books
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Cora and her husband hunt things – things that shouldn’t exist. When the marshal of Leadville, Colorado, comes across a pair of mysterious deaths, he turns to Cora to find the creature responsible, but if Cora is to overcome the unnatural tide threatening to consume the small town, she must first confront her own tragic past as well as her present.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I’m all about that tagline…of course Chris McGrath art doesn’t hurt either. It looks like the same model from the Greywalker series.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Love the frown and this pair, gorgeous McGrath artwork. I’m not a big fan of the title font, though, it competes with the strength of the art to the overall detriment of the cover.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I like this style of text for the title. And yeah that tagline makes this cover even better.
She Returns from War (Cora Oglesby #2) by Lee Collins
Expected publication: 2013 by Angry Robot
Source: Angry Robot Books Pinterest
Covers in Series
No Description Available.
No Author Comments Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I wish there as a hint that this book contains paranormal elements, but I love the total western vibe.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Love the warm, arid colors of this one even more, though I dislike the use of the same tag line. The title font is even worse on this one, too “Return of the Jedi”. I’m also worried about where hubby went, did Cora pull a Sorcha?
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Nice western theme but it doesn’t really tell me much. Pretty but not grabbing me.
Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong
Expected publication: November 27th 2012 by Bantam
Source: Love Liv Life Reviews
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“New York Times” bestselling author Kelley Armstrong has bewitched audiences with her Otherworld series of supernatural thrillers. Now, in this new collection of shorter fiction, some of Armstrong’s most tantalizing lead characters appear alongside her unforgettable supporting players, who step out of the shadows and into the light.
Have you ever wondered how lone wolf Clayton Danvers finally got bitten by the last thing he ever expected: love? Or how the hot-blooded bad-girl witch Eve Levine managed to ensnare the cold, ruthless corporate sorcerer Kristof Nast in one of the Otherworld’s most unlikely pairings? Would you like to be a fly on the wall at the wedding of Lucas Cortez and Paige Winterbourne as their eminently practical plans are upended by their well-meaning friends? Or tag along with Lucas and Paige as they investigate a gruesome crime that looks to be the work of a rogue vampire?
Now devotees of the Otherworld can share these special moments with some of their favorite characters–as well as discovering deeper insights into the lives of some of the lesser-known players. But even readers new to the Otherworld universe will find much to love in these seven tales of friendship, adventure, and enduring romance. For when the superhuman men and women of the Otherworld set their minds to a task, they do so with fierce passion and an undivided sense of purpose that make them, in the end, very much human.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Kelley Armstrong’s WOTO covers have been all over the place, so the makeovers they’ve been unveiling are long overdue. This one is my favorite look for Elena. Very athletic and lean, plus a little gritty.
Julia’s Thoughts 
This cover model is the female twin to the ultra golden Tohr, I like the lighting but I can’t figure out who she is meant to be. Elena? I always imagined her more badass than angelic, but then again, this would be her younger, pre-were days…
Kristina’s Thoughts 
They do tend to make Elena a touch too soft and glam on the covers so this is actually a nice image of her. They definitely ’got’ who she is in this cover.
Immortally Embraced (Monster M*A*S*H #2) by Angie Fox
Expected publication: February 2013 by St. Martins
Source: Wicked Scribes
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IN THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES…
Even during a truce, Dr. Petra Robichaud has her hands full as the M*A*S*H surgeon to an army of warring gods—especially when Medusa herself turns up pregnant. Petra has no idea what to expect when a gorgon’s expecting, but she won’t let it turn her to stone. As the healer-hero of an ancient prophesy, it’s Petra’s job to keep the peace. But as the lover to a warrior demi-god, she knows how impossible some jobs can be…
IT’S EVERY GOD FOR HIMSELF.
Commander Galen is sexy, strong, and sworn to lead his team to hell and back. But when he announces to Petra that he can no longer risk her life for his love, the doctor is on her own…Until a mysterious new entity—in the form of a hot-blooded male—enters the picture. Can he be trusted? Can he be resisted? Meanwhile, an oracle delivers another prophesy that places Petra back on the frontlines with the man she may be bound to for eternity—in love, or in war…
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
A slight change up from the debut. This is a little sexier with more edge. I’m very curious about the tone of this series now given the two covers. I do like that they took time on his tattoo to eliminate that sticker feel that some covers have.
Julia’s Thoughts 
“Dragon wants nipple! *nom nom nom*” No really, I adore the nipple munching dragon tattoo, that’s awesome. I love this guys’s chin, too, he manages to be utterly winsome with just stubble and a smile.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Cool looking tattoo. The blank white background kind of works for the cover.
A Slither of Hope (Unnamed Series #2) by Lisa M. Basso
No Publication Date Available from Month9Books
Source: Mundie Moms
Covers in Series
No Description Available
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Pretty, even if she does look a bit bored.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I really like the sparks, but her expression is pretty derpy.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
So pretty! I love the light and the colors!
A Matter of Time (Unnamed Series #3) by Lisa M. Basso
No Publication Date Available from Month9Books
Source: Mundie Moms
Covers in Series


No Description Available
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Three covers and I still really love the embers everywhere.
Julia’s Thoughts 
More sparks and a little smile bump this one to a thumbs up.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Again another pretty cover for this series.
Dead River by Cyn Balog
Expected publication: April 9th 2013 by Delacorte
Source: Author’s Blog
Covers in Series
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My friends and I are spending prom weekend at a remote wooded cabin on the Dead. The Dead River.
I thought it was going to be just us.
I was wrong.
Nothing is what it seems in this creepy paranormal thriller by Cyn Balog.
“I get creeped out just looking at the cover and I’m a little amazed that I wrote something that would warrant a cover that makes me want to run and hide.” - Cyn Balog
Abigail’s Thoughts 
The top half would get an up, but the bottom with the white hands looks a little cheesy.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Creeeeeepy little hands, *shudder*.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Nice dreary feeling cover. It looks like a painting and I like the reflection in the water.
Senshi (Katana #2) by Cole Gibsen
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Obviously this is not the final version, but this doesn’t look promising so far. It looks like a 1980′s video game cover.
Julia’s Thoughts 
If they had shown a little hunk of blond hair falling where the throwing star cut it, I would have given this cover two thumbs up. As is, the staging and wash on this cover seems to wink at old, cheesy adventure movies and pulp fiction. I’m not blown away by the look, but it did get a snort out of me.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Is this a cheesy 80′s Kung Fu movie? I think I saw poster like this once…
The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams
Expected publication: April 16th 2013 by St. Martin’s Griffin
Source: Tez Says
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For the teens at The Haven, the outside world, just beyond the towering stone wall that surrounds the premises, is a dangerous unknown. It has always been this way, ever since the hospital was established in the year 2020. But The Haven is more than just a hospital; it is their home. It is all they know. Everything is strictly monitored: education, exercise, food, and rest. The rules must be followed to keep the children healthy, to help control the Disease that has cast them as Terminals, the Disease that claims limbs and lungs—and memories.
But Shiloh is different; she remembers everything. Gideon is different, too. He dreams of a cure, of rebellion against the status quo. What if everything they’ve been told is a lie? What if The Haven is not the safe place it claims to be? And what will happen if Shiloh starts asking dangerous questions?
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I really like this trend using small figures that really focus on setting. I think it’s especially effective for dystopian titles.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Ominous skies, suffocating walls, love the penitentiary feel.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Old creepy hospital is always a good thing to add to any dystopian book cover for that extra desolate and creepy vibe.
The Guardian of Bastet by Jacqueline M. Battisti
Expected Publication: August 20, 2012 by Carina Press
Source: Author’s Blog
Covers in Series
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Cat-shifter Trinity Morrigan-Caine has discovered a demon is killing supernaturals. Magically challenged, she has every intention of letting handsome Alpha werewolf Gordon Barnes handle it. But after a dying vampire gifts Trinity a mystical amulet, she is drawn into the fray as the legendary Guardian of Bastet, a warrior born when the need arises.
Though Trinity initially rejects the role, she warms to the idea when Gordon agrees to train her—and their passion for each other grows as he teaches her to embrace her animal instincts.
As she begins to accept her destiny and believe in her growing powers, Trinity realizes the danger is even closer to home than she ever imagined—and she and Gordon are going to have to face the demon in a fight to the death…
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
UP – Based on the title I expected this to look more Egyptian, but even without that, this is one of my favorite Carina Press covers.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I wish they had extended the bright sky of the graveyard up through the rest of the cover, the black background always makes things look unfinished.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
It’s nice and I like the amulet/necklace.

And our picks for Best & Worst covers of the week…
Best



Worst



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About the author

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2 Responses to Cover Art Coverage: 18 New Titles!
Ooh, awesome covers and comments! I always do a little breakdown of what I like/don’t like with my Waiting On post–I’m a little obsessed with covers. BROKEN might be my favorite of the above.
I understand the attraction, Mary. I read so much on eReaders, browsing covers on-line is often my only chance to get a cover fix these days.