Cover Love #20

How is your day going? Can't believe it's week 20 already. Without further ado let me unveil the top 8 covers this week and remember if you want to see a cover featured here, you just have to comment the book title down below.

The first is an animated cover. It lookes so cool.

 Inia: This is obviously an e-book cover. Now this is the kind of innovative covers that e-book cover designers can take inspiration from. The mechanical moving heart is such an impressive touch to the already noteworthy cover design. I love the light purple, black and white colour theme. The title font is cliche yet a good kind of cliche. All in all, this is a pretty well-done cover.

Inia: This cover looks kind of bare somehow. I'm all for minimalism but this is bordering on too plain. Other than that, the pop-out effect brought about by the cover art is quite cool and the colour palate with just primary colours is soothing.

Inia: Wow. Such a creepily beautiful cover. I'm drawn in by this cover yet it is giving me the chills. Amazing cover art, gorgeous effects and a haunting aura; I would definitely give this book a try just by judging it by its cover.

 

 Inia: This screams fantasy novel to me a very unappealing way. I don't really like colour scheme or the artificial look the cover art is exuding.

Inia: Damn, this is a seriously cool cover. So unique as well. I don't think I've ever seen such a cover design before. The butterfly with the pretty, fragile looking top wings and blades for its bottom wings...the symbolisms and the metaphors that are springing to my mind right now are countless. I love the fiercely sharp title font that is perfectly matched with the title meaning.

Inia: I love glittery, shiny things and as subtle as the shimmer in this cover art is, I'm still attracted to it like a magpie to a shiny silver spoon. The gold liquid seeping through the midnight blue walls in the cover art and the captivating title all have me hooked.

Inia: Is this a book on black magic? *shudder* No thanks, anyway. I can't even look at this book cover for long, it's disturbingly horrifying. How did this make it into our cover love session, Zoe?

Inia: Ahh what's with all the creepy covers in this session? This is at least a well-done one. I can imagine people wanting to buy this cover seeing the cover art(though I'm definitely not one of those people). The colour scheme is really nice, I have to say. Working with a dark theme, this book still manages not take on a completely dreary colour palatte.

So, which was your favourite cover?

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Cover Love #18

Jordan and Inia are back with Cover Love! We know you've missed us, so let's get right to it.

Inia: Hmm. It's a nice cover but I feel like I see similar ones all the time. That heart made from red broken glass pieces is brilliant though.

Jordan: I love the detailing on the unpolished white hardwood planks. And I'm in awe of the way the glass shards have been arranged. Heartbroken at it's best. I truly like this one.

Inia: I didn't know Joey Graceffa wrote books! This is such a cool cover. It's so unique too.. I love the vertical placing of title and the futuristic cover art. Great blend of colours as well; it's striking and it stands out yet there is nothing overpowering about it.

Jordan: While I like the font and the placement of the title, I don't like the cover in its entirety. With its futuristic approach, I feel the image presented could have been better.

 Inia: That's a very beautiful mix of blues on the cover page but somehow this book looks boring? I think it's just that HTML font giving me flashbacks to my very boring 10th grade programming classes. The cover page is quite pretty albeit a bit too plain.

Jordan: While I appreciate blue, this is too much blue for me. The cover doesn't not stand out to me in a good way.

 

 Inia: I saw the the word 'Crows' in an vintage swirly font and my mind immediately went "Game Of Thrones!!!". I know it is in no way connected to GOT though it does look like it's also a fantasy novel. Look at that silhouette of a castle against the backdrop of the moon and the clouds. I like the subtle details in this one.

Jordan: I like the cover with its amazing font, that 'art-that-changes-with-perspective' thing they have going on here, and are those sparkles I see? Ooh, I like that.

 

Inia: Those beautiful intricate designs on the wolf has me mesmerized!! This is such a beautiful cover! That gorgeous font and the striking gold-black colour scheme.. everything is absolutely eye-catchy.

Jordan: I swoon whenever I see the perfect balance of delicate intricacy and wholesome simplicity, and this is definitely one of those swoon-worthy situations. The font, the colours, the sheen, and the details are all remarkable. I would love to get a hard copy of this one.

Inia: I smell a mystery brewing. I hope that blonde woman is that little girl's mother and not the Stranger in Town who is luring the child away into that horrifyingly omnious looking forest. Oh, who am I kidding? That's probably exactly what's happening. I love covers that allow me to play guessing games from the cover art and the byline. This one has a very pretty covert art as well. It looks like a painting, all soft shades and a hazy glow. There is a very appealingly mysterious aura around this book that is making me want to read it.

Jordan: I adore the backdrop, but I find that the blonde pair look as though they were badly photoshopped into the picture. I don't like it.

Inia: Aah, the standard Danielle Steel cover. Most of her covers, like this one, are so comforting. It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And knowing the story inside will almost always turn out to be good in a raw, emotional way just heightens these feelings.

Jordan: I love the soothing colour palette used here. The image on the cover links beautifully with the title, while the eggs represent a new life. Danielle Steel at her comforting best.

 Inia: Another vintage book!! I love the detailed little roses lining the border and the dainty cover art. This is the type of beautiful books that come into my mind usually when I think of our Cover Love feature. I would buy this book just for the aesthetics alone.

Jordan: I chose this one to feature here, so obviously, I'm charmed by this. Vintage books have that timeless appeal, and whenever I think of curling up into a blanket with a book and a cup of a tea on a cold, rainy day, it is a book like this with yellowed pages and that wonderful, indescribable scent of old parchment that come to my mind.

I'm pretty sure that our favourites this time are quite predictable: Adrian Tchaikovsky's The Wolf and the Tiger and Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

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Cover Love #17

And it's time for another Cover Love. This is Hira again! I hope you are not getting tired of me...I just love this feature a lot. Also today Inia is gonna be joining me here (bet you missed her sarcasm, huh?) and we are gonna do what we do best-- judge the book by its cover.

Let's start, shall we?

The Bees by Laline Paull

Hira: Objectively this is a nice enough cover. I can't find much fault with it. The black, yellow and white looks good together. But I don't like it. It doesn't have anything which draws me in. It's too dull, I guess.

 Inia: I love the simple elegance of this cover. Look at the pretty teal floral design meshing beautifully with the black background! Look at that yellow ocher scattered honeycomb! So pretty. And combined with that font, the book has such a pleasant vintage feel to it. I'm in love.

WildWood by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis

Hira: Again, this one also looks a bit too dull for me. Maybe the right word is abstract. I can't even make a wild guess about the book's genre and that throws me off, I see the Harry Potter like guy at the top, some animals, a lot of trees. What is going on? This is definitely not something I would spare a second glance to at a bookshop.

Inia: This book doesn't attract me enough to want to read it but I would probably buy it for the aesthetics. It's a complex cover with a lot of elements and the colour palette is such soothing mix of blue, white and soft brown shades. Again this book too has a vintage feel to it and reminds me of my childhood bedtime storybooks. 

The Black Key by Amy Ewing

Hira: You guys know by now that I am not the biggest fan of fantasy. But I freaking love this cover. She looks like an ice princess- cold hearted and mean, a total badass. I love the font, the details in the background...everything. Quite a good cover.

Inia: Meh. Pretty enough, I guess but I have seen a million covers which look similar to this. I need something more that a pretty girl in a frilly gown to attract me to a cover. The colours are quite nice  albeit a bit dull.

Burned Deep by Calista Fox

Hira: The combination of red and black- my kryptonite. No need to elaborate, right. Also, it seems I have a thing for flowers these days. I was browsing covers for this section and I swear every cover I was drawn to had a flower or a heart on it. What does that even mean? 

Anyway, that flower is captivating. Its too gorgeous. I might just read this one for the cover.

Inia: That's one fiery looking flower! It looks amazing against the plain background. I just wish that font had been a swirly, curly one and not this boring comic sans imposter. The fiery flower deserves better. I think if the font had been different, this would have been a really catchy cover.

A Sprig of Blossomed Thorn by Patrice Greenwood

Hira: This has the look of a proper British novel which you actually read out with a proper British accent (Jordan's words, not mine.) You gotta admit that it looks all prim and proper. It's a cozy cover. Something which you will read while sipping your evening tea on the verandah of your Indian-themed mansion.

 Inia: This cover is so...Victorian. Look at the handle of the dainty little teacup that only a pinkie finger would fit through and those tiny little spoons that would probably break in any hands other than a prim and proper Victorian lady's. That perfect little rose completes the setting. The book looks so inviting and I just want to curl up on my bed on a rainy day and read this.

Closed Casket by Agatha Christie

Hira: Red and black again. God why am I such a sucker for this combo? It's too clique . This is a very simple yet eye catching cover. Look at the detail on the key. I bet it is important. And it's Agatha Christie, so it's obviously a mystery. Also I have always loved the author's font for Christie's novels. So double points.

Inia: Ahh yes the generic Agatha Christie mystery novel  cover. It's intriguing, it gives absolutely nothing away and mystery fans like me are a sucker for these types of cover.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Hira: I love the name of the book. But I wish it was a more real looking hand. I am not a fan of illustrations. The font of the title is quite cool. But somehow it seems to be young adult...maybe?

Inia: Is it just me or does anybody else see those creepy faces in the background? Please tell me you do. I'm not a fan of this cover either way. 

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Hira: Pretty! Inia...look at this. We were fawning over pretty pictures of eyes just last night and look what appeared here. Did Zoe read our minds when she picked the covers or what? This cover is just too pretty. The blue iris, and all those colours around it, the lashes shaped to look like flowers...very very interesting and I would say unique. And the title..I love the title. So good. Definitely gonna check this one out.

Inia: Damn! This is gorgeous! I actually gasped when I saw this cover; it is that striking. I agree with everything Hira said about this cover. Definitely gonna check it out.



Hira: My favorite of the week was Ignite Me. Inia what about you?
Inia: Mine is a tie between The Bees and Ignite Me.

That's it for this week's Cover Love, folks! Which was your fav covers? Comment below.

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Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L. James | Review | #reviewfriday

I am so excited to review this book finally.

Name: Fifty Shades Of Grey

Author: E.L. James

Genre: Erotic Romance

So, unless you live under a rock in a remote island, you would have definitely heard of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. The name itself might make some of you excited and the others shudder. Personally, I am in the category of people who cringe into the next century when I hear the name Fifty Shades of Grey. The trailer for the movie of the second part of the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker, just got released and that gave me war flashbacks to the time I attempted to read the trilogy. Attempted is the operative word since I didn’t even make it to the end of the first book. In celebration of the trailer release, I have decided to make this week’s review a DNF one of Fifty Shades of Grey where I will be basically telling you guys why I didn’t manage to make it halfway through this notoriously hyped book.

Remember that time when you couldn’t go a day without hearing something about FSOG?  It was either in the news for breaking some sales record or the other or it was being discussed and pages from it being read aloud in interviews and talk-shows by celebrities, random people on the streets, politicians, you name it. Whenever I visited my favourite bookshops, there would always be about 10 copies of the book displayed in the front of the shop. Apparently they sold off like hot cakes. Okay then.

One day I decided I needed to know what all this hype was about and got hold of an e-book  version of FSOG.  I knew the author originally wrote the story as a fanfiction for Twilight. Now, I’m someone who lives and breathes fanfiction. I have read fanfictions that would put novels of established authors to shame. Some of the fanfictions are better written, have more thrilling plotlines, better humour and way better sex scenes than any published novels I have ever read. So I would never judge a book solely on the basis that it was initially written as a fanfiction. In fact, I would have supported the hell out of it. But FSOG is not a remotely supportable book, I’m sorry to say. I would go as far as to say that I’m ashamed of it ever being linked to my beautiful fanfiction world. It is fanfics-turned-books like these that give the vast amount of good fanfictions out there a bad name and reinforce all prejudices against them.  

   

The novel starts off unpromisingly. Meet the lovely (that’s sarcasm at its peak) protagonist, Ms. Anastasia Steel, damsel-in-distress extraordinaire. One paragraph into the book and I got tired of her whining and insecure ramblings. The fact that FSOG is written in the 1^st person doesn’t help matters either. It makes it feel like she is directly moaning to me about how unfair her life is. Keep in mind I hadn’t even finished the first chapter and I was already annoyed by the protagonist.  I prefer my protagonists to be strong, independent women who don’t need no man but I understand it’s a bit irrational to expect such women in erotic romance novels whose entire plot depend on the woman not being self-sufficient and needing a man for validation. But Ana becomes a particularly desperate specimen on her first meeting itself with the hero of the novel.

     

Meet Mr. Christian Grey, part-time business tycoon, part-time sexual-deviant and full time megalomaniac. Their chance meeting happens when Anastasia steps in for her friend, who had conveniently fallen ill, and agrees to conduct an interview with Mr. Grey for an article. Ana shows up for the interview in her full naive, hapless, bumbling glory and literally face-plants into his office. Smooth. Actually that was a smooth move because it probably triggered Mr. Grey’s saviour complex and immediately attracted him to his newest prey. He is definitely amused by Ana and gives her a leering once-over that makes her “flush crimson”. Their dynamics throughout the entire first meeting scene made alarm bells go off in my head. He makes her uncomfortable and awkward but she’s still completely enamoured by him. Why? Because he’s “freaking hot” and apparently that is enough of a redeemable quality for her to overlook how condescending and predatory he was throughout their first interaction. She’s insecure about her looks, her abilities, everything. She believes he’s superior to her in all aspects and seems about ready to lick his Gucci boots if he asked. The power imbalance that arises in such a situation provides the perfect backdrop for a spectacularly abusive relationship, which of course is what it ends up being.

 I made it to about 1/10^th of FSOG before I gave up. By then, the sexual tension between Ana and Christian had reached suffocating levels with all the intense stares he keeps giving her and her responding hot flushes. And he was becoming more and more of a patronizing jerk, well on his way to upgrading to an abusive boyfriend.

  

Before I waved the rest of the novel goodbye, I was curious enough to want to check up on the infamous sex scenes in the book; the sex scenes that had taken up the world by a storm and was apparently so hot people started taking tips from those to spice up their own sex lives. And.... I have no idea how people could stand to read it without cringing, let alone get actually turned on by this sorry excuse of an erotic novel. The sex scenes weren’t sexy, neither the scenarios nor the acts. The BDSM scenes, which are what made everyone go crazy, are so horrifically and incorrectly portrayed that these scenes bordered on being considered actual abuse. While practising BDSM, full consent and understanding between all parties involved is required with a complete knowledge of the risks and safety issues engaging in these sexual acts pose. Half of these requirements are NOT met in the BDSM scenes in the novel. Most of time Ana has no idea what’s going on and there are several instances of dubious consent throughout.   

   

You would think this book couldn’t get any worse. But wait, I haven’t yet mentioned what irked me most about FSOG. The language. It has a well-deserved place in my Top 5 Worst-Written Books of All Time list. E.L James’ writing induces the same feelings in me that fingernails on chalkboard would. I’m pretty sure Anastasia seemed more annoying than she really was because of the author’s ridiculously written dialogues and monologues. Most of E.L James’ descriptions and word usages were toe-curling(from embarrassment). She has given Anastasia a very limited vocabulary consisting of mainly 5 usages :  Holy, holy hell, oh my..., holy crap, holy shit. Riveting stuff, I know. These words are incorporated into every scene of every situation diligently. I have to hand it over to James for her ability to express wide-ranging emotions with just “holy hell”, though. “Holy hell, I have an assignment tomorrow”, “Holy hell, I am coming”, “Holy hell, someone I know just died”.  See, very effective. Most of the cringe-worthy dialogues come in during their sexy times. Allow me to quote a scene:  [“Does this mean you’re going to make love to me tonight, Christian?” Holy shit. Did I just say that? His mouth drops open slightly, but he recovers quickly.“No, Anastasia it doesn’t. Firstly, I don’t make love. I f**k… hard.] *APPLAUSE*

   

I can go on and on about every single thing wrong with Fifty Shades of Grey but I guess I better stop now. I hate this book with a passion even though I never completed it. I did watch the movie though (just for Jamie Dornan) and I am glad to say everything I mentioned in the review without fully reading the story did turn out to be true. Theirs is very much an abusive relationship, no matter how romanticised it is by some people. Fifty Shades of Grey is a terribly written book, with a terrible plot and terrible characters and I won’t recommend anyone ever read it.

Rating: TT/ 5

 (TT - Truly Terrible)

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Cover Love #13

Hello folks...this is me Hira! It seems like ages since I was last here. I hope Zoe and Jordan have not been boring you to death. Who am I kidding...those two have such opposite tastes that you guys probably had loads of fun watching them fight over book covers...lol.

Anyway, I am sorry I was not around much but my first book is in the editing process (Yes! I have a book...can you believe that?!)  and my editor has been kicking my arse. (*Did you know Zoe is a slave driver? I bet you all suspected it). Okay...more about that later, let me focus on Cover Love for now.

This week Inia is going to be my partner in crime as we judge a book by it's cover (I think I am very funny...the others don't). Also a small warning...Most of the covers for this week were chosen by me, so don't judge if you see a pattern (I know my tastes are a bit weird..but hey that's me).

So what are we waiting for....let's dig in!

Hold Me Like a Breadth by Tiffany Schmidth

 Hira: Isn't it pretty? Red and black is my favorite combo but you gotta admit that this one is really beautiful. See how the butterfly is breaking off into pieces....it's not very unique but for some reason I can't but be fascinated by it. Also the title, so poetic. If I didn't fall for the cover, I would have fallen for the title, that's sure.  And the tag line...I am so hooked! Definitely going into my reading list.

Inia: Ooooooh the cover art is quite pretty! The autumn colours against the dark background looks great. I'm not really digging the title font though...it's obstructing the beauty of the cover art from showing through fully. But the title is brilliant! The book has a very haunting feel about it with that butterfly evanescing against the iron gate and the alluring title.

This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab

Hira: Zoe would call this a very clean cover, I think. It's very minimalistic but still intricate. I love the font as well as the branch thingy which looks like a rose. Is it a black rose? If it's a black rose, double kudos from me because I am obsessed with black rose! Also the combo of red and black on a white back drop-love it.

Inia: This cover is so basic yet it works. From a distance and for a limited period of time. At first glance, I thought the cover looked cool and elegant but the more I stare at it, the more plain it seems. And it's so....empty? I can't deduce anything from this cover; the genre, what the story might be about, nothing. Also the review on the cover.... how is that helpful?

Black Widow by Margaret Stohl

                                                   

Hira: Okay, I don't really like this as a cover. But I had two reasons for picking it. That title (I am a Black Widow Baby! *Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea sings in the background*)   And the red head...I love the girl's pose, hair and attitude. A very kickass cover in every sense.


Inia: A spider on your back... this is the stuff of my nightmares *shudder*. Well anyway, the cover is pretty sleek. This looks like a mystery/crime novel. In fact, the aura of mystery surrounding this book is intense. The grey-black colour palate with the splash of red in the title, the byline and the author being secret all adds to the mystique.

Ever So Madly by J.R Gray

Hira: Looks like a very typical romance with a very predictable HEA plot line right? But all of us need a bit of predictability at some point. Looks like the kind of book you pick up when you are in the mood for some fluff and love. Lol...for all I know this could be a heart wrenching story which would make me sob into my pillow for a full day (A girl can hope...we have established that I am weird). 

By the way, I love the font and the small explosion thing at the bottom. Also the greenish black backdrop looks nice.

 Inia: This has such a pretty colour palette! I can't stop staring at it. I love the pastel hues splotched on the glittery midnight colours and I am mesmerized. I guess the cover is nothing exceptional but the colour scheme more than makes up for the minimalism of the cover art.

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

Hira: This is Zoe's choice. It took me a solid minute to understand what the picture was. I was like...is it a syringe? No...it's a feather, but no, the shape isn't right. And then I read the title properly, it's a tower and I am an idiot. Black and silver, nice combo. I love the font, but I think the color of it is wrong, it makes it blend too much with the picture.

Inia: Nice title font. I like the black and starry background too. There is nothing much to analyze about the cover. It's clean, well-done and nothing striking.

The Comeback Girl by Katie Price

Hira: Okay I can guess what you are thinking...finally she has put a cover with some colors in it! Yes, and I love this one. I read the synopsis and you guessed right again..it's about a pop singer. I like the whole vibe the book creates...a typical concert scene. I love the shadow play here. Also, I am a huge music fan and is kinda obsessed with the inner workings of the music industry (I can thank One Direction for that), so definitely giving this one a try.

Inia: Too much bling and glitz oh my god! This reminds me of my High School Musical books and since it's written by none other than Katie Price, I bet the novel is indeed very high school like drama filled. I can't tell if the cover is artistic or trashy since my judgement is very much being clouded by the fact that this is Katie Price's book.

Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat

Hira: What's with all the poetic titles, this time? It does no look like the kind of book that I would read until someone recommends it to me. It somehow gives the feel of a feel good romance. I love the mix of colors and the white backdrop. It's like a painting on a canvas. 

Inia: Pretty design but everything is cluttered and concentrated to a small space and I can't even make out the author's name from it. The cover art has a nice colour scheme though.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerry Maniscalco

Hira: Woohoo, that is one title, I already want to read it.  And I love the palette,that hue of green is gorgeous. Doesn't the girl look badass by the way? The story seems to be set a 19th century-ish time...or so I think from my detailed scanning of the cover. Love the details, the super imposing down at the bottom is nice. Also the font is certainly my favorite style. A really good cover.

Inia: I like the aquamarine shade against the black background. The title and cover art are both so intriguing and this seems like the type of book I would pick up to read. I'm all for crime thrillers and this looks like a good one.

Hira: Uhohhh, this is difficult...I have too many favorites this time around. But still I think, Hold Me Like a Breath and Stalking Jack the Ripper takes the prize. Come back Girl and This Savage Song takes a close second place.

Inia: You won't believe which cover is my favourite.. it is Ever So Madly! I know... usually this is so not my type of cover but something about it caught my fancy.

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Cover Love #11

Hello folks! Another week gone by...how is August treating you? This is Hira here and since the two knuckleheads who are doing this week's commentary are too lazy to come up with an intro (*can't blame them..they are drained writing the huge essays under each cover),  here I am doing the very important and in fact, the most important task of welcoming you to Cover Love #11

So let us start!

Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie

Zoella: Yes, I know, I was supposed to pick just one book, not an entire trilogy. But, how can you say no to these amazing covers. These have definitely been influential in getting me into the world of cover designing. The covers are simple, elegant and powerful and when placed side by side unfolds the whole theme in front of you. And the font is so unique and amazing. Love it.

Inia: Love love love love love. I love it!! Everything about these covers is absolutely brilliant. The colour transition from a mellow green to the fiery red seems so symbolic to the theme the pictures on the cover portray. Like, I would guess the meek, trapped girl on the cover has metamorphosed to a free, confident woman by the end of the trilogy. The font goes perfectly with the simplistic elegance the cover art exudes. These are definitely some of the best covers I have seen in a while!

   

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Zoella: This is the revamped version of the bestselling Delirium trilogy. I don't know about you, but this is so much more unique and better looking than the previous cover. Like the Matched trilogy, this also have a main focal point which is the heart made of stone. I haven't read the book yet, but from the blurb, I believe that this one represents the story better. (Roughly saying, it's about a dystopian society where love is considered dangerous and is prohibited)

But, the main problem is that it's hard to identify the genre or what age demographic the story is for in one glance. But, since this book is already a bestseller, it's relatively safe from being affected that much.

Inia: Objectively it's a pretty cover. But it doesn't stand out to me. Great colour scheme though. I like the aqua blue background. It complements that heart on the cover and makes it pop. Yellow for the font is a nice touch too.

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Zoella: If the title hadn't clued you in, on what the story is going about, then the cover surely will. It's about a rebel (a teenager) in the desert. Yep, that's a bad explanation, I know. First of all, I love the border designs, I don't what they represent, but I have this nagging feeling that they mean something. What do you think it is?

Apart from the beautiful border, we have a starry night sky, a palace, sand dunes, we also have a  rebel riding a horse. I am in love with all the details. Another detail you might have missed is the diamond shaped design which stand sentinel on the author's name. Just seeing this cover makes me so happy.

Inia: I like the font of the title and the picture inside the border. But the border design.... it is too overwhelming. It takes up most of the cover of the book and the huge font takes up the rest. I feel like they should have managed the space more judiciously. Judging by the cover, I would think it was an Arabian Nights type of thing but Zoe says it is about a rebel in the desert. What does that mean? I mean, why would you rebel in the desert of all places? Who's gonna see you? Camels? Sorry, I will get back to criticizing the cover now. I like the blue and gold colour combination on the border even though I don't like the border. It's an ok enough cover, I guess.

Summer Lost by Ally Condie

Zoella: Kiersten White and Ally Condie are two extremely lucky authors, in terms of the book covers they've got. I want to buy all their books, just for their covers, they are that gorgeous.

Disclaimer: I don't know if it's Summer Lost or Summerlost. So, for this post's sake, I'm going to refer to the book as Summerlost. 

First of all the typography, the way the title is treated is pretty spectacular. It gives a feeling of gentleness, of gliding clouds and summer breeze. It was the first thing I noticed about the book. 

The second thing were the two kids, which screams that this book is Middle Grade Fiction. I may never read the book, but the temptation is strong.

The cover promises me happy times, sorrow, heartbreak, friendship and contentment. So, if there are any lovers of Middle Grade here, then please try this book. I have read her Matched Trilogy and judging from that, I think this book will deliver on its promise.

Inia: This cover is evoking nostalgic feelings in me and I don't even know what I'm being nostalgic about. Childhood maybe. I love the cover but it is making me melancholic. It is tugging at my heartstrings probably because I'm getting some vibes from the cover telling me this book is going to be an angsty ride. Summerlost. Definitely sounds angsty. Hira would probably love to cry to death over this book. The cover art is all breezy and serene... too calm.. and that is exactly why I do not trust this book. It looks like something you would pick up thinking "awww look at the cute cover! this is perfect for a light read!" and the next thing you know your eyes are blotched red and snot is running down your nose. Nuh-uh. I'm not taking my chances with this.

Inia: Boring cover. Typical bestseller type cover art. I reaaally don't like it when the author's name and the title takes up the whole of the cover, especially when the font is so basic and unattractive.

Zoella: When I first saw the hardcover of this book(on Instagram), for a moment I thought the book was actually underwater. So, the cover scores a perfect ten on the reality scale, but I don't know how well it represents the genre. But, that said, I love the clean font and the colour gradient used. And the title is pretty self explanatory. Gah, who cares about the genre rules, I love this cover.

 

 Inia: A beautiful funeral? Good God! Hira selected this, didn't she? She's a dark soul. Beautiful cover though. Specks of colour in an otherwise grey, foreboding background. Goes perfectly with the title; beauty against a dark backdrop. 

Zoella: The background picture is very common and cliche, but the autumn leaves add a dash of colour and vibrancy to the cover. So, thumbs up for that.

Inia: The girl looks a cross between a Wildling and a White Walker (Whaddup Game of Thrones reference!)  Is this a fantasy novel, Zoe? I'm guessing it is. No wonder I don't find it appealing. Also it has such a dull and cold colour palate. I'm feeling chilly just looking at the cover brrr.

Zoella: This book is so my type. I have a soft corner for bluish hues and this one is right up my alley. The story seems to take place in some exotic location. Hmmm, I might try this book. Have you read this book? Would you recommend it.

Inia: Aww I love this! This is the kind of romance novel covers I like. Something which shows an actual relationship with all the cutesy stuff and not the usual 'Imma throw you into this waterfall and ravish you' kind of covers with half naked people all over it. I would read this even though I don't like romance novels(especially not heterosexual ones) just because it looks like it tells the story of a meaningful relationship.

Zoella: Bleh, the cover is too bland for my taste. Hira might like this though.

My favourite covers this week is Matched Trilogy and Delirium.

Inia: My favourite covers of this week are the Matched Trilogy ones.


Hira: Wow...lots of Hira references huh?  Inia, I don't think Summerlost is angsty enough for me...from the look of the cover it seems like the bleh kind of angst.
Beautiful funeral- the irony right? It was the name which attracted me...but also the background, like a cemetery in autumn. (Yes, Inia is right...my soul is dark.)
Artfully Yours- definitely my type of cutsey romance...Jordan may like it too.

So that's it for this week's cover love...go check out these books kids!

 

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