I visit Weekly Geeks on occasion to check out the weekly topic. There have been some interesting ones, such as author picture quizzes, book hoarding behavior, and shiny book syndrome. I’ve never done a post before, but since this week’s theme is on book covers, naturally, I couldn’t resist. There are several suggestions, and I chose two I could answer with the same series.
#1 Compare/contrast covers in a series. Does it drive you crazy when the cover concept changes over time as a series is published?
Honestly, the perfectionist in me is driven nuts by inconsistency in cover concept design unless the change is for the better. Besides, consistent design (and size) looks much better on your shelf. Take the divine Lady Julia Gray series by Deanna Raybourn and the cover of the first book, Silent in the Grave as an example:
There has been an outrageous three covers in three years for this book. It’s obvious Mira was struggling to market it to its audience. I think they got it right with the second cover – romantic London below and the beautiful, independent Victorian women above a traditional crest and font type. The current cover design concept seems fair enough (the cursive font is nice), until it turns to this-
Scandalous! A man’s hand touching a bare back in the second book, Silent in the Sanctuary. While the inside is far from a romance, the outside says otherwise. The original cover is beautiful and mysterious, just like the inside. I’m not sure why they had to appeal to the romance crowd to get the readership it deserves. Unfortunately Silent on the Moor doesn’t get much better, and brings me to my next comparison:
#2 Compare/contrast international book covers. Which do you like best?
Oh, the cleavage bursting out of a corset, the man embracing her from behind! Yes, I got teased by anyone who saw this book for reading a trashy harlequin, despite my claims that it was only an innocent mystery.
The UK cover on the right, however is quite exquisite. Too odd or old-fashioned for Americans I suppose. I think it captures the whimsical and modern Victorian feel for the entire series. The profile shot reminds me of the opening credits of the old TV show Cheers. Here’s the rest of the UK covers for your viewing-pleasure:
I’m eager to see the UK cover for Dark Road to Darjeeling, the fourth book in the series which comes out October 1. The US cover for this book may be the best of the new covers yet:
The yellow ball gown, white gloves, and red rose are stunning and she’s refreshingly solo and covered up. The entire cover concept doesn’t inaccurately scream “romance” novel. It’s nice to see the publisher change things and get it right for once.
I’m with you. The UK covers are by far my favorite. Or at least return back to the original GRAVE cover. I actually liked that one a lot. Fun post Holly – I too can’t wait for book 4!
It’s just a Deanna Raybourn kind of day, isn’t it?
I adore the UK covers and would love to have them in my library. But nothing compares to the first two US covers for me. I actually prefer the paperback of the first, but that may be because it was the one I bought. I am *in love* with them and always will be. In fact, I’m going to have to hunt down a gently used copy of the first one as mine has been all but ripped apart after being lent out countless times. It’s okay, though. It’s been very loved and that makes me happy.
Great post!
Michelle, you’re right. I like both the original and the UKs and it’s hard to decide which I prefer. I choose both. Someday.
Angie, *runs off to angieville* Weird, we were on the same wavelength! And I’m green with jealousy btw. There is definitely something about the copy you read first. Awful or great, you’ll never forget it. I enjoyed your well-worn first edition too, and that was two years ago. It’s held up well.
We had another cover here and it was truly, truly hideous! (You can see it here
I do like the Road to Darjeeling cover but I do worry that they were trying to be a bit Twilight-ish in that cover.
Never heard or seen that cover, Marg. It is awful I’m afraid. I didn’t immediately think Twilight but I do see what you mean with the black background and the red/yellow, hands holding something. There are so many Twilight influenced covers these days, I think I’ve become blind to them.
I didn’t know you had another blog – will have to check it out.
O I definitely prefer the international covers. They’re so cute and fun.