
The issue of A HOST OF FURIOUS FANCIES, Bedlam Bard #4-5, brought back happy memories of some of my first encounters with Urban Fantasy. Bedlam Bard #3, BEDLAM BOYZ, was one of my favorite books in high school (despite the “z” in the title). It was the first time I remember reading about a character that had both magic and homework. Vivian Vande Velde’s COMPANIONS OF THE NIGHT and Annette Curtis Klause’s BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE introduced me to modern vampires and werewolves, soon to be followed by Anita Blake. I circle back to all of these books again and again over the years. What are your Urban Fantasy comfort reads?
A Host of Furious Fancies (Bedlam’s Bard #4-5) by Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill
Published September 4th 2012 by Baen
Source: Goodreads
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Beyond World’s End: Sieur Eric Banyon, Knight and Bard to the court of the Queen of Elfhame Misthold, moves back to the Big Apple to take care of unfinished business. Mostly, he just wants to settle down to a normal life. However, he quickly discovers his Manhattan apartment has unique features, including a living gargoyle named Greystone and four Guardians who have sworn to protect New York from evil. And soon Eric discovers that unscrupulous researchers have created a drug that unlocks magical powers in humans—a drug that is 100 percent fatal over time. And now something evil from Underhill has other plans and seeks to use the temporary human powers to dominate World Above.
Spirits White as Lightning: Eric Banyon has more to worry about than passing his courses at Julliard. The evil elf lord Aerune, whose love was killed by mortal men, is determined to destroy the human race. Eric’s only hope of stopping Aerune is to trap him inside a magical maze, from which there is no escaping. Stopping Aerune once before was difficult. This time, the quest seems nothing less than impossible.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
How often do you get faeries, flutes, and leather jackets all on the same cover? I’m a fan.
Julia’s Thoughts 
A little updated from the original covers, but still in keeping with their retro style. I like the cloud of dragons.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I looked at this cover for a while trying to figure out if I liked it or not and decided that I do. The cartoonish style is whimsical looking and fits with the description.
Rebel Angels (Lady Lazarus #3) by Michele Lang
Expected publication: March 5th 2013 by TOR Books
Source: Goodreads
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The thrilling conclusion of the Lady Lazarus World War II urban fantasy trilogy
Magda Lazarus has twice come back from the dead to fight the Nazis’ devastating conquest of Poland. To prevent the Holocaust her sister has seen in terrible visions, Magda will need the Heaven Sapphire, a gem powerful enough to defeat even the demon Asmodel. With the future of all Europe in the balance, Magda and her husband, the fallen angel Raziel, begin a perilous journey to the Caucasus, the resting place of the fabled stone.
Surrounded by Germans, Russians, and mistrustful Azerbaijani tribesmen, Magda must summon all her magic to withstand the predations of the deadly supernatural foes. But more dangerous yet is the power of the Sapphire itself, which could stop Hitler… or destroy Magda.
Rebel Angels, the climactic book of the Lady Lazarus trilogy, filled with suspense, magic, and action, will have readers at the edge of their seats until the exciting conclusion.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Big style change for the series, but it’s an improvement. I love the illusion of flaming wings too.
Julia’s Thoughts 
This cover is a huge departure of the series, but I’m loving it. A tuxedo is definitely timeless, James Bond there looks dishy and modern despite his date’s period dress and his retro gun. My *favorite* detail is the fact that the fire surrounding them conceals attack rugs.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Are those wings of flame?! Awesome!
Deep Down (Hallie Michaels #2) by Deborah Coates
Expected publication: March 5th 2013 by Tor Books
Source: Goodreads
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Death stalks the haunted, windswept prairie in this chilling sequel to Wide Open
Now that she’s solved her sister’s murder, Hallie Michaels has left the army and isn’t sure what to do next. Her relationship with deputy Boyd Davies is tentative, there’s still distance between her and her father, and she needs a job. The good news is, she hasn’t seen a ghost in weeks.
All that changes when she gets a call asking her to help an elderly neighbor who is being stalked by black dogs, creatures from the underworld that are harbingers of death. When a black dog appears, Hallie learns, a reaper is sure to follow. And if the dark visions she’s suddenly receiving are any indication, it looks like the reaper is now following her.
Meanwhile, strange events herald the arrival of ghosts from Boyd’s past, ghosts the young deputy isn’t ready to face. Refusing Hallie’s help, Boyd takes off to deal with the problem on his own, only to find that he’s facing something much larger and more frightening than he’d imagined.
Stalked by a reaper and plagued by dark visions, Hallie finds she must face her fears and travel into Death’s own realm to save those she most loves.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Keeping with the tone of the previous book, this cover is understated, but it fits the tone of these books nicely.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Gorgeous colors and composition. I love the crisp contrast of the black figures against the layered sky.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Nice cover and the sunset is beautiful. The dark creeping in from the left corner is kind of ominous feeling.
London Falling by Paul Cornell
Expected publication: April 16th 2013 by Tor
Source: Goodreads
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The dark is rising . . . Detective Inspector James Quill is about to complete the drugs bust of his career. Then his prize suspect Rob Toshack is murdered in custody. Furious, Quill pursues the investigation, co-opting intelligence analyst Lisa Ross and undercover cops Costain and Sefton. But nothing about Toshack’s murder is normal. Toshack had struck a bargain with a vindictive entity, whose occult powers kept Toshack one step ahead of the law – until his luck ran out. Now, the team must find a ‘suspect’ who can bend space and time and alter memory itself. And they will kill again. As the group starts to see London’s sinister magic for themselves, they have two choices: panic or use their new abilities. Then they must hunt a terrifying supernatural force the only way they know how: using police methods, equipment and tactics. But they must all learn the rules of this new game – and quickly. More than their lives will depend on it.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I like the flipped tower as it’s intentionally disorienting, but otherwise there isn’t much here.
Julia’s Thoughts 
An interesting flip, with the image reflected downward towards the title with the author’s name prominent at the top. A little stark, but the lighting in the background adds depth and intrigue.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I like the reflection in the water. The greenish color of the water gives it an eerie feel to it. Although it looks like this could be a cover for a thriller or something not fantasy related.
Pandaemonium (Desdaemona #2) by Ben Macallan
Expected publication: October 30th 2012 by Solaris
Source: Goodreads
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Desdaemona has done a thing so so terrible that she has to run away from the consequences. Again. Where better to look for shelter than with the boy she was running from before? But trouble follows. And if it’s not Jacey’s parents who sent the deadly crow-men, the Twa Corbies, in chase of her, then who is it? Deep under London, among the lost and rejected of two worlds, answers begin to emerge from Desi’s hidden past. Answers that send her north in a flight that turns to a hunt, with strange companions and stranger prey. Dangers lie ahead and behind; inconvenient passion lays traps for her just when she needs a clear head; at the last even Desi has to beg for help. From one who has more cause than most to want her dead…
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Any time there’s a cover with something as cool as a skeleton ghost horse on it, it’s getting a thumbs up.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I’m not a fan, the Mesolithic horse body with floating skull head looks unbalanced on the cover, and the industrial cylinder in the background doesn’t balance that.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Is that a pony skeleton ghost? Nice! The cover gives off a dark gritty feeling with the grey coloring and the factory fires in the background.
The Farm by Emily McKay
Expected publication: December 4th 2012 by Berkley Trade
Source: Goodreads
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Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…
And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.
Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…
Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race…
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
For a premise a cool as this, I wanted something more chilling from the cover. Barbed wire isn’t enough (dying to read it though).
Julia’s Thoughts 
I wish the title font wasn’t quite so orange, but I love the red hood over her profile.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Okay cover but considering the premise I would have expected something creepier or just something more to get the sense of the plot.
Songs of Love and Darkness by Mary Jo Putney, M. L. N. Hanover, Lisa Tuttle, Yasmine Galenorn, & Carrie Vaughn
Expected publication: October 2nd 2012 by Pocket Star
Source: Lov Liv Life Reviews
Covers in Series
N/A
No Description Available.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Not crazy about the baby pink background, but the mix of blood and petals gets me everytime.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I like the warm colors in the stone and her skin, but sometimes branding works against the cover. That cute little kangaroo icon is really working against any sense of drama or suspense.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I like the contrasting tone of this cover with all of the lightness yet a dark feel with the red petals on the arm and what looks to be more red specks underneath.
Hotel Hex (Jazz Tremaine #5) by Linda Wisdom
No Information Yet Available.
Source: Lov Liv Life Reviews
Covers in Series
No Description Available.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
For a cartoon cover, this has a near perfect balance of sassy and sexy.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Jazz gets a head reduction, I like the sexy over Kewpie.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
These are really fun looking covers.I love the different little stylish witch clothes the girls are wearing in each of the covers.
Edge of Oblivion (Night Prowler #2) by J. T. Geissinger
Expected publication: October 2nd 2012 by Montlake Romance
Source: Publisher E-mail
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In a dark underground cell, Morgan Montgomery waits to die. A member of the Ikati, an ancient tribe of shape-shifters, Morgan stands convicted of treason. And Ikati law clearly spells out her fate: death to all who dare betray.
But there is a glimmer of hope. Thanks to her friendship with Jenna, the new queen of the Ikati, Morgan has one last chance to prove her loyalty. She must discover and infiltrate the headquarters of the Expurgari, the Ikati’s ancient enemy, so they can be destroyed once and for all. The catch? She has only a fortnight to complete her mission and will be accompanied by Xander Luna, the tribe’s most feared enforcer. If Morgan fails, her life is forfeit. Because Xander is as lethal as he is loyal, and no one—not even this beautiful, passionate renegade—will distract him from his mission. But as the pair races across Europe into the heart of Italy, the attraction blooming between them becomes undeniable. Suddenly more than justice is at stake: so is love.
Sensual, thrilling, and action-packed, Edge of Oblivion will enthrall readers with nail-biting suspense and heart-pounding passion.
“Here it is, and I couldn’t be happier! Drumroll, please…” – J. T. Geissinger
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Very different from the debut, but I really like it. Especially the hieroglyphs on her skin and the smokey blindfold.
Julia’s Thoughts 
I love everything but the flat eyes at the top. She looks gorgeous with those high cheekbones and hieroglyphics.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Nice creepy eyes on the top although it is kind of an odd contraast in tone to the blindfolded girl.
Night Resurrected (Envy Chronicles #6) by Joss Ware
Expected publication: February 26th 2013 by Avon
Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
Covers in Series
No Description Available.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I like the new direction that began with the previous cover. Plus I’m a sucker for guys in aviator sunglasses.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Good lighting on his abs and good staging.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Very hot looking. I like the owl. Does he shapeshift into an owl. Oh I hope he does!
The Chosen (The Legend Chronicles #3) by Theresa Meyers
Expected publication: March 4th 2013 by Zebra
Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
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Attorney/Supernatural Hunter Remington Jackson teams up with shapeshifter thief China McGee in the jungles of South America to uncover the hiding place of the last piece of the book of Legend in a race against time to join the Book together and close the Gates of Nyx.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Um…googles on a pith helmett…doesn’t work.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Oh my goodness, laughably bad. That helmet makes his head look completely out of proportion on it’s own, let alone with goggles on top. His bizarre dress is all the more hilarious with the crouching cover babe in the background. It reminds me of the pulp covers I saw painted in the movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
No. Just no. Is this a spoof or some humourous play on romance genre because this is just dorky looking…
Kitty Rocks the House (Kitty Norville #11) by Carrie Vaughn
Expected publication: March 26th 2013 by Tor Books
Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
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No Description Available.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Would have liked to see some of that ‘rocking’ on the cover, but Kitty’s confident pose looks cool as ever.
Julia’s Thoughts 
They’ve done a great job with these covers, Kitty is very recognizable. Cute vest, too.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Kitty is not only rocking the house but also rocking that outfit.
When the Night Whispers by Savanna Welles
Expected publication: February 5th 2013 by St. Martin’s Press
Source: Love Liv Life Reviews
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A riveting, modern-day gothic tale about a woman who succumbs and then must save herself from a dark lover
That night was the first time I tasted champagne—French he told me, and as I loved all things French I was enchanted. I barely remember what we said—only that I did most of the talking: about leaving the South, my dreams of becoming a writer, my thoughts of Harlem . . . and of you. He said very little, only this: “The moment I saw you I knew you would be mine forever. And even death, even that, could not part us.”
Jocelyn’s life feels empty, devoid of passion and purpose. After she finds a journal written by her “doomed” great-grandmother, Caprice, she is spellbound by her story: the escape from a loveless marriage, her seduction by a nameless lover who is both “demon and savior.” Then, as if stepping out of a dream, Jocelyn meets Asa, her mysterious next door neighbor.
Asa is charming, handsome, and daring and, as if by magic, she is drawn into his hedonistic lifestyle. Yet there is something unsettling about Asa. Luna is suspicious of this man, and although Jocelyn is dismissive of Luna and amused by her friend’s warnings, she can’t completely ignore them. She begins to wonder if things with Asa aren’t quite what they seem.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Girl, gown, forest. not a new formula, so there needs to be something distinctive to stand out. This doesn’t have that.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Gorgeous lighting and framing, I love how the title follows the silhouette of her dress.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I like the lighting on this cover and its a nice looking dress but its supposed to be a ‘gothic tale’. This doesn’t really say gothic so much as romantic and not even gothic romantic.
Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by R. L. LaFevers
Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Source: Lov Liv LIfe Reviews
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Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.
But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dun geons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?
This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.
No Author Comment Available.
Abigail’s Thoughts 
I love the deep, rich colors that give it an appropriate renaissance painting feel.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Very stark and gothic, I’m a fan.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Its a nice looking cover but kind of boring.
Silent Echoes (Games of Zeus #2) by Aimee Laine
Expected publication: March 11th 2013 by J. Taylor Publishing
Source: Author’s Blog
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For years, Ian Sands has enjoyed his life as a bachelor, taking advantage of singlehood and exploring his own definition of passion—whoever she may be. Blonde. Brunette. Tall. Short. Hot. Not. Five months ago, all that changed.
Ian’s been celibate, frustrated and desperately seeking answers to why one woman, who doesn’t play by girls’ rules, haunts his every waking moment.
As a renovations specialist, Taylor Marsh lives, works and breathes construction—a profession her southern belle of a mother would rather Taylor not touch. The same goes for Ian; Mama Marsh would never approve of him.
Like Ian, though, each time he and Taylor draw near, something compels her to get closer.
Something else tells her to run away.
Fast.
As much as their histories suggest they shouldn’t be together, neither Taylor nor Ian can deny the pull, and the two succumb, indulging in a relationship that brings pleasure to body, mind and soul.
Doing so, though, also ushers in a series of events both should have foreseen as well as one final outcome neither expected.
“So?? Whatcha think? Hunh? Hunh? Wanna read it now? Pretty, pretty, pretty please?” - Aimee Laine
Abigail’s Thoughts 
How beautiful is the blue/gray of the stormy clouds with the soft green grass? And the girl in front of the dilapidated house is so perfectly isolated feeling.
Julia’s Thoughts 
Very, very cool. A weird mix of childhood and foreboding (the dilapidated but pastel house, dark clouds and a mysterious silhouette)
Kristina’s Thoughts 
Beautiful old house yet its kind of creepy with the images in the windows. I love the little noose hanging off of the porch. It adds to the ominous feeling this cover gives off.
Alternity by Mari Mancusi
“Isn’t the cover cool? It just fits the book SO WELL! “ - Mari Mancusi
Abigail’s Thoughts 
Loved the debut cover, but the creepy/cheesy head in the moon ruins this for me.
Julia’s Thoughts 
More SciFi than Fantasy, the background is a little busy for me.
Kristina’s Thoughts 
I agree that head in the moon is cheesy.I tend to like the weird angles of cityscapes but its just too much especially with the moon.

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



Worst



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About the author
Review: London Falling by Paul CornellApril 16, 2013
Cover Art Coverage: 16 New Titles!April 10, 2013

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5 Responses to Cover Art Coverage: 16 New Titles!
Deep down in my favorite:)
Gorgeous cover, and I’m excited to read it, too! WIDE OPEN was ok, but it set up a lot of potential for future books. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
Oh Yeah! Squee! So glad you all liked the Silent Echoes cover. What an awesome surprise today!
Gorgeous colors, Aimee, can’t wait to read it!
I really liked first book of Game of Zeus series… So glad there is another one and cover looks great… Kitty cover-nothing new….