The Cover Story...
I saw a cover for an upcoming paranormal. The design rang some bells for me and I thought to myself...
First there was Eclipse...
Then The Dark Divine...
....And Bleeding Violet
And here's Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready due in May.
I like the cover and it definitely struck me as a composite of Eclipse, The Dark Divine and Bleeding Violet. It has the purple swirly stuff and a body part - but you can't see the face - both from Dark Divine and Bleeding Violet, and the red ribbon from Eclipse.
What do you think? And do you like having so many similarities in covers or are you looking for something fresh and ori
ginal? It can be done.I'd say Hush Hush is one of my all time favorite covers - powerful, creative and original. What's your favorite?
Shade looks like it has promise. Here's the synopsis:
Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.
And remember to check out the books we're offering in our MegaBook Giveaway. Hope you ENTER and Good luck!
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74 comments:
You're very observant there, Alyssa! I can see clearly that "Shade" seems to combine the elements that the other three covers exhibited! And I've to say that it is rather cool.
i see that too..different colors of ribbon..Shade looks like a good book too.
It's a very interesting cover, but I don't see how the red ribbon fits into it. If they had the ribbon any other color, then I don't know that it would stand out. It looks like a good book nonetheless.
I love the cover, but it almost feels as though it's trying too hard...if that makes sense. I bet it's a brilliant read though!
Design trends come and go, they're will be a rash of a ton of things that look alike, whether it is book covers or web sites, or advertisements. If something works, copy it!
All of those covers are beautiful, my fav is Dark Divine. The book sounds good, just hope that the contest is fresh, unlike the cover. LOL.
- Parajunkee
I am a cover junkie! Luckily I haven't read too many crappy books based on beautiful covers.
I love the cover of Hush Hush.
I really like all those covers. I definitely see how they sort of combined everything. I also love the cover for Hush, Hush. I can't wait to see what they'll do for Crescendo.
I definitely love the hush,hush cover, it's one of the reasons I picked it up in the first place! I'd say I like the bleeding violet, dark divine, and shade covers more than eclipse, there's just so much more to them than just a ribbon. I actually really like the Shade cover, it may combine elements from all the other covers but it is very interesting! :)
interesting..like they've combined them all together..prettyyy <3
My favourite cover is The Everafter <3 White flowers on a purple background = definitely beautiful <3<3<3
The similarites are interesting. I do like them all though. And I am looking forward to reading Shade when it comes out.
Wow, I know all these covers yet I've never noticed how similar they are! :O I like Bleeding Violet best I think... but I'd have to see them all in real life to really tell. I don't mind if covers are a little similar like they are in this post but I prefer it if the designer's try to be original and different and new. Naomi and Ely's No-Kiss-List is one of my favourite covers.
Wow, those are really some similar covers. I think it's a bummer when they do this, because it makes the books seem less individual.
I love the wispy material covers :)
hush, hush is definitely a striking cover!
My latest fav?
*scratching chin*
Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn
or
Hannah (Daughters Of The Sea)Kathryn Lasky
or
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
Ironically all the covers I'm mentioning I haven't read yet ;)
I probably wouldn't have put the similarities together. I think that Shade looks good. As always, this contest is good!!!
Aw. Hush, Hush has one of the best and most beautiful cover of all time indeed! My favorite. But there are others I like, like Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. It's stunningly beautiful! :)
I like the cover for Shade, even if it is a composite. The story sounds familiar too, but it also seems like it could be pretty good.
I like all the covers. Hush Hush is definitely one of my favorite covers too :)
~Raelena
I love the covers of the Shifters series by Rachel Vincent, while very simple I think they are eye catching and sassy and I like it =P
Huh, very interesting! I never really compared them before. I definitely like an original cover, it sets the tone of the book before you read it! I agree, Hush Hush has an amazing, original cover!
Shade does sound really, really good, btw! :)
Nice covers, love them. Hush, hush is my favorite *O*
Oooooh! Shade looks and sounds like a great book! I can't wait to read that, The Dark Devine, and Hush Hush. Too many good books!!
That is one gorgious cover! I adore The Dark Divine cover.
That's interesting. It looks like the covers of Eclipse and The Dark Divine breeded and evolved. Cool post. :)
I hate when covers look alike.Show some originality.I've seen covers that are exactly the same but maybe the colors different.
As for favorite cover I too love Hush,Hush.
Huh, kinda funny how it looks like someone took 3 different aspects from 3 different covers and made it into one. Great observance!
But yes, I'm definitely a big supporter of originality. (ie: Hush, Hush) And I especially love it when a cover uses art/artwork as well (ie: Boneshaker) or flowers (ie: The Body Finder). But in essence, creativity is key.
Hehe, I liked the order you placed the books in. It had be wondering what cover you were going to mention... Wouldn't have guessed Shade, but it definitely shows resemblences now that you point them out!
As for similarities, as long as they're not TOO similar (ie. same photo stock - ick) and gorgeous, it's all good in my book. :)
I think Twilight has inspired a lot of covers lately but I like Bleeding Violet the most ;)
I never really thought about it...but you do have a point. At least they aren't exact copies, like Jenn said (because that totally bothers me).
I like the blurb - sounds like something I'd like to read. I do wish they'd come up with original covers though
Wow I never really made that connection before but yeah they are pretty similar.
It definitely looks like they made a nice little collage of the three. The cover looks great, but that's because it took elements of some very existing, popular & captivating covers - doesn't seem too original does it?
I would have no problem adding this lovely cover to my shelf, but I think authors should really strive for originality in their cover art as well as their stories. To me, a great cover is essential to the success of a book.
One of my very favorite covers is Fallen by Lauren Kate.
I instantly fell in love with it! I love the colors, the melancholy feel to it that really fits in w/ the story, even the title font. I received an ARC and still bought a copy when it hit shelves simply for the cover. And I even love the paper the cover is printed on :)
♥Isalys
PS: I agree that Hush Hush has a fantastic cover too!
Obviously marketing has gotten wind of how to make a cover appealing. :) I love the designs of these. Great eye!
I don't overly mind similar titles but I love when a book comes out with something super orginal. It's just makes it stand out more. The one that really comes to mind for that is The Hate List.
also I keep getting Swoon and Shade confused because, in my opinoin, they look a lot alike.
I love cover talk! You're right, Shade is a mix of all those cool, original covers, mixed together! I think whoever made the cover needs to be original, though!
I totally agree with you. Shade is a mix of all three books' covers but I like how it's a mixture but it also stands out on its own! I think a little more originality wouldn't have hurt here!
I like the purple swirly stuff - all nice covers.
I agree with the cover of Hush, hush, though - WOW.
Yes, the likeness is uncanny. Why does everyone feel the need to jump on the Twilight bandwagon?
Wow!
I'd think that having different, distinct covers would be more beneficial but maybe they're trying to tap into customer's subconscious (i.e. the red ribbon) to get them to buy a book.
And I also love the cover of Hush, Hush. The Hallow has a beautiful one too :D
You're right. I think they are all good covers, but I'm kind of tired of all the "twilight" things. Its time to move on...xD
Anyway, my favorite, as always, is Hush, Hush. Its an excellent cover, very eye-catching.
Hush, Hush definitely had one of the best covers of 2009. It's simply breathtaking. I cannot wait to see what the cover for Crescendo will look like.
LOL, I would have never noticed that. I love the gorgeous use of black and rich, vibrant colors, but yeah, I suppose it is time for a change. It's always fun to see new and unique book covers. :D
Hush, Hush's cover is amazing! Absolutely stunning! I'm so in love with it!~
I guess they think that if it works why change it.
i love the cover of Shade.
And you are right, The Hush Hush cover is very different :)
I too love the Hush, Hush cover. Also the UK cover for the sequel at Hearts At Stake has a red ribbon and hands.
Good catch! I don't like similar covers much, but since this one is a combination, it's ok. Very mysterious!
Ooh, those three do have similar covers. And I agree with Hush, Hush being my favourite cover! It's just marvelous. Even my dad likes it :P
The cover is pretty, but I wonder how much it even goes with the book. I didn't think the cover for The Dark Divine had anything to do with the story.
I like the contrast of colors in the The Dark Divine's cover. It is interesting.
But my favorite cover is Hush, Hush. It makes you want to pick it up!
Great observation! Covers always call to me, it's usually the first thing that draws me in to want to read any book. I love all the covers you've shown here, Hush, Hush is a fav of mine from them all.
And your so right, Shade does sound like a great read. I'm looking forward to it the more I hear about it.
Definitely a trend going through book covers right now. Shade even though maybe a lil less unoriginal in cover sounds like it will be a great read. And Hush,Hush is one of my favorite covers as well. But I really love "The House of Night" series covers. I like the intricate designs/tattoos that shroud the book. And the little pop of color give each book it's own identity while relating to the storyline.
You definitely spotted a trend!! It doesn't really bother me that much as long as people are picking up books and reading!!
I feel slow for not noticing this before. But your write it is becomming a trend. Personally I dont mind the trend as long as they have new twists to them that make them stand out against the trend!!! Ande I love covers of Hush Hush, The Seven Rays, and Nevermore the best!!!
I like the the cover of Shade. It has all of the interesting elements of the other 3. It sounds like a good read so I have added it to my TBR pile. Hush Hush has been at the top of my list for a while. Hopefully I will get to it soon.
Oh yes Alyssa, It is definitely a nice blend of all the other covers !
The publisher must have definitely thought that this cover won't be recognized by anyone !
You are definitely an observer !
They do look similar. I think they are all pretty though.
Breezy silk swirls all over those books. :D I definitely noticed that after Twilight proved to be a gargantuan success, other books started having similar-looking covers. The re-releases of Vampire Diaries and Wuthering Heights for example.
The cover looks like a mix of the other covers :) I think those covers are beautiful though, so I don't mind! ;)
And the book sounds really good toO!
Hush Hush did have a good cover, although the plot reminded me so much of Twilight.
I'm loving the Iron King cover and I'm a fan of Jessica Day George's covers for the princess series (Princess of the Midnight Ball...and the one Princess of Glass coming in March, I think. Or is it May?)
I saw in another blog where copies of Wuthering Heights and other classics also had this style of covers.
Very sad!
Hush Hush's cover is definitely beautiful. It is very bold and instantly recognizable.
I do like all the other covers though, they just don't have the same flair.
There seem to be a lot of covers out there right now using a mostly black background and a single contrasting color. Maybe this is nothing new, but I've really been noticing it a lot lately. The thing that gets to me about this... is that this contrasting pop of color on the stark black really does grab my eye. When it is well done, I find that I am more likely to pick up the book to check it out.
Everything goes through trends, right? I'm just glad that I like this one.
Thanks for pointing out Shade, though. It looks interesting, and might well have been lost in the mix for me otherwise.
I've been meaning to read Hush, Hush. The cover is what draws me in.
Haha! I did notice Dark Divine and Bleeding Violet has similar covers. They're all great covers, but I'm not a fan of similar covers. Hush, Hush has a great one! Any other books with similar covers to that? :p
I hadn't noticed the similarities before. Huh. I still love all of the covers you featured, and I agree with you about Hush, Hush's cover. Great post! (I cannot WAIT for Shade!)
This is such a cool little post. Lately, I have seen a lot of book covers that have similar elements and I have to agree that Shade looks like a combo of the three other books. It still looks awesome though. Both the book cover and the synopsis have me wanting to read it, so I'll be on the lookout for it in May.
They really all do seem similar, maybe they didn't want to go all crazy with the cover designs but with a more simple and classic look.
tirachii@yahoo.com
http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/
Definitely true! It seems there's a similarity in covers for a while before things change again. I'm curious what the "next big thing" will be ;-)
LOL! Good catch, Alyssa! XD
Shade, despite being clothed the hand-me-downs of other books, sounds really good. Dark, with a chance of hilarity. ;)
My fave cover is either Hush, Hush (♥ that hot angel guy! And the angle is totally original.) or Nightlife by Rob Thurman. It's sorta a generic paranormal cover, but I love the profile of the guy on the cover. He looks sorta wistful and sad, and he's the spitting image of the protagonist.
I prefer orginal book covers but these aren't bad. There's something about Dark Divine that I really like though.
I think your hunches are right on about those covers getting ripped off!
Heather
http://www.2manygoodbooks.blogspot.com
I hadn't seen the cover for Shad yet, but it does appear to combine all the elements of those three covers. It is beautiful, but I do like original covers. Hush, Hush got tons of notice from its cover alone.
I never really noticed that! I think they're all gorgeous covers. I don't mind if covers are similar like those three, unless two or more are near identical, then it's a little annoying. I totally agree about Hush, Hush - best cover I've seen! Crescendo will be smokin' :)
They all do look alike, but I still think they all are amazing. I love the Hush, Hush and Dark Divine covers!
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