I'm sure I'm not the only one with this opinion, but there have been some amazing covers in 2012 and we're only into September. I know we're always told not to judge a book by it's cover, but let's face it...it's the first impression more than anything else that readers have to go on outside of knowing the author or having been recommended to read the book by someone else. So with an unlimited number of talented authors out there, and more than enough titles that have readers excited and rushing to the bookstores, it's just a fact that there's got to be something that sets them apart from the others.
Everyone has their own way of sorting through their TBR pile, wending their way through the stacks of their libraries or bookstores, and if you're anything like me, half the time you want to pull your hair out or bite your nails because it can be incredibly overwhelming. What if I pick the wrong book? Pass up a great title and never come across it again? I get anxiety just thinking about all the decisions that come into play sometimes when you're looking for your next read. So for me, a cover sometimes is the only way I can decide between one read and another. It doesn't mean I'm not going to read a book if the cover isn't amazing or anything, but if a book has fantastic cover art I might read it sooner rather than later.
So here are a few of the amazing covers of 2012 that rank up there among my favorites...
Cover #1: The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
This has definitely been the year of weddings! So when I first saw this cover I was drawn to it because it reminded me of a wedding gown with color. All the tulle and feminine flair to it had me squealing on the inside like a little girl. You can't help but want to know what it would be like to wear that dress? What's this character all dressed up for? And what fabulous place will she be going when she gets to wear it? It's colorful, eye catching, and pulls you in for a closer look which inevitably is impossible to turn away from.
Cover #2: Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2) by Laini Taylor
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she’ll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.
So to be honest this cover didn't have to be anything out of the ordinary to make me want to pick this sequel up. It was happening regardless after falling in love with the series opener. But when I got my first look at this cover I was spellbound all over again just like with the first book. There's something about this girl featured on the cover and the masks she wears. Her eyes draw you in and you hear that saying about them being the windows to one's soul, etc... You want to know her story, learn more about her and what she's got going on. Don't you want to get to know this girl and see what the author has in store for her readers?
Cover #3: Glitch (Glitch, #1) by Heather Anastasiu
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.
Whether it's the colors, the depths and shadows, the fonts, or maybe the glimpse of what's going on with the female lead on the cover, regardless it's all encompassing and irresistible. I love it all! The book was fantastic too!
Cover #4: Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols
A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.
When I was fourteen, I made a decision. If I was doomed to live in a trailer park next to an airport, I could complain about the smell of the jet fuel like my mom, I could drink myself to death over the noise like everybody else, or I could learn to fly.
Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.
But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.
By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. And they’re determined to keep the banner planes flying.
Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.
The title of this read says it all. When you picture things you can do to get that "rush" for me it's heights, flying, perhaps falling? Either way there's a lot of wind where these things are involved and that's what struck me about this cover. I loved seeing this girl's hair blowing all over the place and covering her face so that you're left wondering what she looks like, and what she does for a rush?
Cover #5: Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly, #1) by Susan Dennard
The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…
Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.
And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.
Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
You don't know what to think about this book based on the cover. I couldn't tear my eyes away from it and wanted to know more. There's definitely something dark about the cover but there's beauty there too and that throws you for a little bit of a loop. There's just nothing about this cover that I don't just love!
I agree with #1 and 2. Kiera Cass got my attention every time.
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