Inspired by What She Reads, Pure Imagination Blog, and Stacked.
I admit I’m a book cover snob. Who isn’t though?
Book covers are the first thing that attracts readers to a book. A good cover can draw someone is, just as a bad cover can easily draw someone away. It can essentially make or break a book. Holy, Mother Cover! is where I showcase the book covers that stand out (or make me cringe), and discuss cover changes.
(A big special thanks to Georgie at What She Reads for bestowing me this fabulous name and to Charlotte at The Simple Tales for creating the beautiful feature banner you see before you.)
COVER CHANGE: Under A Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
I love, love, loveeee the use of color in the hardcover of Under A Painted Sky. Look at those colors. It gives me a Western vibe. I love how it gradually changes from a clear blue sky to a red-orange color of a sunset, which is what people see when they’re traveling on the road—or trail for these girls. It’s like you expect something nice and pleasant, but then it changes into something terrible, which is sort of what happens when Sammy and Andy encounter problems on the trail. I also love the snake, rabbit, and dragon that’s positioned around the title. It’s a great touch.
I really like the three different typography that’s used on the cover. The typewriter-like font (Courier?) of the tagline, the rubber stamp title, and the slight cursive of Stacey Lee works in a way that doesn’t make it look jarring. I wouldn’t have thought to put these three different types together.
I’m not a big fan of the paperback, but it has some nice details I appreciate! The cover has a very rustic vibe to it (love the details of the background with the scuff and dirt marks). I love the Chinese knots on both sides of the “A.” I thought that was a great subtle nod to one of the character’s ethnicity. I love that the colors on the title gradually changes from red to blue (almost like the sky in the hardcover). That’s about it.
Final Verdict: What cover do I like better? The hardcover!
ICK!! I never understand why they change book covers when they are amazingly awesome like this one. What’s the harm in using the same design for both hardcover and paperback?? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The hardcover is definitely more eye catching. I don’t mind the paperback, but it is nowhere near as pretty as the hardcover.
I definitely prefer the hardcover. I love any kind of bright colors on a cover, especially sunsets and stuff. The second cover seems so harsh! Maybe it fits the story better, but I haven’t read it yet. I’m just going on what looks more appealing ;)
The hardcover is so beautiful! I own it, and I like to pet it every so often.
I definitely prefer the hardcover. The paperback is well designed but boring. The hardcover is just so colorful and beautiful!
Ahhh I am never going to understand why they change covers between hardback and paperback, especially when that hardback is so damn gorgeous! That sky is on point. THEM COLOURS. I’m in love. <3
The paperback is pretty, but a bit bland. For me, the colorful hardcover makes a better, bolder impression. Plus it, you know, actually looks like a painted sky!
Adore the hardcover. The colors really pop up
I still haven’t read this yet but I own the hardcover. I was surprised to see the paperback had a different cover, as I feel like that’s something that’s happening with increasing frequency lately (maybe to entice readers to buy two copies?) I actually like both of the covers!