One of the best things about books is that they have multiple versions of their cover.
Unless, you know, you happen to live in the wrong area, and you don’t like your area’s version, so then you have to look for it overseas, only to find that it’s in a language you don’t speak. And then you have to weigh the pros and cons of learning German just to have the cover you prefer.
Almost invariably, there is always one version I like out of the covers, and the rest I don’t, and I have no idea why that is, but it’s fascinating. Spoiler alert: it’s almost never the one that’s available in my area. Go figure. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is cover redesigns I loved/hated, except I really don’t generally follow cover designs and such. I generally have no idea if any of the books I like have had redesigns, so I have no opinion on that.
Me, without an opinion? Shocking, I know.
So today, I figured I’d take a look at some books and compare their alt covers and see which one I liked best instead. These books are pretty much chosen at random from either books I love or covers that caught my attention. There’s no rhyme or reason, like most things I do. Most of these, I’m also seeing the alt covers for the first time, after choosing them at random, with a few exceptions, for a little added fun.
Let the battle … begin!
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
US vs. German
Winner:
დ German Edition დ
I’ve actually owned the mass market paperback of Elantris for years, and I never even gave the cover a second look until recently. I had no idea what the heck was on it, and it’s kind of an eyesore if I’m honest. It feels so blah. Now that I looked closely, I can see how it ties into the story, of course, but I really went out of my way to notice.
But the German edition? Phew, I love it! I’m normally all about bright colors and sharp contrasts, but the black and gray is just working here. I love the crisp contrast and the focus on the image. It just catches my attention and looks so much cleaner and less busy than the other version.
Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
Original vs. Redesign
Winner:
დ Original Cover დ
Remember when I said I don’t really know if covers have been redesigned? Well, I know this one! Mostly because I absolutely fell in LOVE with the original cover. Phoenix made of fire? Yes. Throwing stars blended with flowers? Even more yes. The soft, feminine colors contrasted against the fire and the black. Yes, yes, yes. I 100% confess I bought this book solely for the cover (even though I did, obviously, think it sounded good, too).
The reason I know this had a redesign is because the second book follows the design of the second cover, which I’m not a huge fan of. I love the cherry blossoms and think they’re super pretty, and the contrast against the blue is gorgeous. But I have this really weird thing that I don’t like close-ups of faces on book covers. I find it a little creepy and disconcerting because I’m super weird.
This is also sort of a two-for-one, because I’m going to also add in the sequel, Smoke in the Sun, which unfortunately I won’t buy a hard copy of because the cover doesn’t match the first one. I’m super shallow like that. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ You know what cover does match, though? The Spanish version. And the cover is everything I’d hoped the sequel cover would be, and I read Spanish almost well enough to get through it, and I’m SO VERY TEMPTED to just read it in Spanish to have the matching covers. The struggle is real.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
US vs. UK
Winner:
დ TIE! დ
Wow, that took a lot less time than I imagined for me to have a cop-out. Pretty sure that’s a record. I really can’t decide on this one. What do you think?!
The American version is the one I have, and I kind of wish I had the UK version. But let’s be honest, they’re both pretty awesome. The US version is all sinister and creepy and assassiny, which is pretty kickass on its own. On the other hand, I absolutely love crows and ravens on covers, and having all the random things incorporated into the overall bird is really neat and attractive to me. Also, animal book covers with a really sinister twist is a pretty neat theme.
This one is also going to be a two-for-one because while I’m totally stuck on the first one, I’d say the series covers overall are definitely won by the UK version, since book two has a giant dog/wolf on the cover and the third book (shown below) has a giant cat made up by a skull, snake, and separating crows. I’m really not sure how we poor, naive Americans could compete with a cover with that much awesome in it. Also, THOSE TAGLINES. Yes, please.
Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa
US vs. UK
Winner:
დ US Edition დ
Not gonna lie, both covers are pretty amazing. I’m still giving this one to the US edition, though. The UK edition really invokes the Japanese influence to me, but almost in a sort of stereotypical way and without actually telling me really anything about the book. I don’t know what it is about UK versions, though, but props for having very clear, eye-catching taglines. I had to really search for the tagline in the US version.
So why do I like the US version better? It’s much more representative of the story, for one. Still has Japanese influence, but less in your face about it. Also, this book is about Haikomono, and I feel like he deserves to get a little screen time on the cover, okay? That seems fair. The sword and the fox pretty much sums up the 10,000-foot-view of the plot, but when you throw in the black smoke and the Japanese-esque scene, it’s really eye-catching and gives you a really good sense of what to expect from the book.
The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
US vs. Finnish vs. Danish
Winner:
დ Danish Edition დ
Sooo … I’m sort of surprised by how many different covers this book has? I didn’t even compare them all here, there were so many of them. These are the ones that really stood out to me. Well, the US is a given because that’s always my initial vantage point, being the silly American I am. But these three covers are so different.
The US version has an obvious focus on the fun and whimsy, with the traveling by umbrellas and such, which I think is neat, but to be honest, I don’t like it. I was a little confused by it when I first saw it and kept passing the book by until someone actually told me what it was about and recommended it. For some reason, it gives me Borrower vibes, which is so not even close.
The Finnish version has a little more reserved whimsy, which I almost like better. It still has the umbrellas, which is super cute, but it’s bold and eye-catching and a little bit less busy. I think it probably represents the actual story the least out of the three, because the story is really whimsical and busy and messy (in all the good ways), but I still just love it, and I imagine that it looks even nicer in person.
And then we have the Danish version. Oh my gosh, you guys. YOU GUYS! I’m so in love with this cover, I can’t even. It has everything and I’m dying inside because I can’t have a copy of this. I mean, I’m sure I could, but wow, learning Danish seems like a stretch, even on the best days. It’s still got the umbrellas, but it also shows the danger and the magic and THE HUNT, which oh my gosh I love, and look how dapper and tough Jupiter North looks. *swoons* It also represents Morrigan Crow so well on here, and middle grade books need more of that. Here’s a character who looks sure of herself, who’s facing danger and possible death and stands proud with her friends armed with … an umbrella and a giant cat? Really, what more do you need?! Be still, my heart.
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
US vs. UK
Winner:
დ US Edition დ
Remember when I said, a few covers up, that animal covers are really cool? Well, these ones didn’t work for me, for some reason. The animals feel … random, almost, and they sort of look like cheap Photoshop jobs to me rather than feeling like they actually belong on the cover. Poor little butterfly was just wondering along, doing its thing, and WHAM, slammed on the cover of a book. Yikes. I do really like the incorporation of the book into the butterflies wings, though. But it’s a little confusing what the book’s about.
Compare that to the US version, where you can obviously tell this is a bookish book about books. The font has a really old-school bookish quality, and there’s all those books at the bottom, with the corner burning. In case you couldn’t tell by the series title (which appears to be missing from the UK cover), this series is, indeed, about a library. That’s pretty clear. I also love the little lions with glowing red eyes coming out of the smoke on top as another little nod about what you’ll see in the book (though you may not know that until you read the book, as you do).
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
US vs. UK
Winner:
დ UK Edition დ
I’ve always thought the US version was okay. Not a jaw-dropping cover, but pretty enough with the bright colors and the bird, and I really liked the font. I didn’t know the UK one existed until today, but wow, okay, I definitely prefer that one.
It’s perhaps not as bright (which in my mind is good, overall, because really loud colors hurts my eyes), but it’s bright enough. The red of the feather leads to splotches that look like both blood and paint, which is a great tie-in to the content of the book. Also, not just one red bird, but lots of little ones, borne of the feather, and even though this is a thing I see often on book covers, I’ve never gotten sick of it. It also has this sort of teenage grunge feel about it, which really grabs my attention and feels kind of edgy? Which I think captures the book’s atmosphere pretty well.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
US vs. Bulgarian vs. Polish
Winner:
დ Bulgarian Edition დ
YOU ALL HAD TO KNOW THIS WOULD BE HERE. Don’t even act like you didn’t. When I first considered this topic, of course I thought I’d see what the alternative covers were for the Arc of a Scythe series. I’m sort of surprised that I’ve never looked at them before.
Confession: I actually had no idea what was on the cover of Scythe until, like, Thunderhead came out and I realized they were obviously … you know … scythes. The US cover is okay. It’s nothing to write home about, though, if you know what I mean. Although, I’m not always a fan of the flat painted covers, so I’m sure that affects my opinion.
The other two certainly feel like more traditional, almost stereotypical, “scythe” type covers. Really elicits feelings of death and this looming dread, which is so appropriate. I like the Polish one. The gray clouds are so ominous, and they really make the blue robe of the Scythe pop and immediately catches my attention. But I like the Bulgarian one just a little bit better. I love the spooky trees and floating debris, and I think the red cloak on the blue-gray sky really pops. Plus, I’m a fan of solar flares. I have no idea why. Maybe because I’m a simple person who likes shiny, and that’s pretty close?
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
US vs. Serbian vs. Indonesian
Winner:
დ Indonesian Edition დ
I’ve always loved the US cover for Children of Blood and Bone. I love the fact that there’s a girl of color on the cover. It’s something we really need more of, and it seems like the industry is still so resistant to do so, even when the main character is, indeed, a minority, which is a shame. I love all the contrast of it, the severity of the girl’s stare, and the dark, muted colors. The Serbian version is interesting, with brighter colors and a more cartoony style. For me, personally, it looks a little too upbeat and doesn’t quite fit the tone of the story itself. It feels decidedly contemporary to me, maybe even rom com, versus a dark fantasy.
The Indonesian cover, though? Oh my gosh, I’m in love. Again. This happens a lot. Don’t mind me. This cover just looks so much more Afrocentric to me, and it immediately catches my eye and makes me want to check it out. I can’t even say exactly what it is that I love so much about this cover, but just everything. It almost gives me African epic fantasy folklore vibes.
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King
US vs. UK vs. Polish
Winner:
დ US Edition დ
I own the US version, and let me tell you, it’s soooo much prettier in person. I re-discovered it when looking through my shelves the other night, and it partly inspired this post, because it’s just so gorgeous and perfect.
Look, I don’t even know what the heck happened to the UK edition. They clearly took a wrong turn somewhere. Have they even read Stephen King before?! What’s with the happy rainbows and sunshine?! The only thing it’s missing is, like, a cuddly kitten or a unicorn. The Polish cover does a really good job of capturing the spooky atmosphere and the nightmare aspect. I’m also really partial to flames, for some reason. The hands reaching up the comforter was a nice touch, too.
Not that I’m biased or anything, but I have to say this goes to the US one, hands down. I can’t even pinpoint exactly what it is I love about the cover, except everything. The colors blend so well together, and nothing about it is overtly scary, per se, but it really captures the eerie, almost surreal atmosphere of the stories within it. I will forever be partial to reapers on the cover, but hiding it in the background is a good choice. Plus … fog! Foggy woods are always ominous and spooky. I also really like the way the cover seems to be suggesting that all these dark, mysterious things exist within humanity. Whether that’s supposed to be in their minds or under the guise of a “human,” I don’t know, but it has this interesting double-meaning to me.
You did this one up well. Super fun!
Thank you!
Awesome post, Sammie! I love your examples. I do have to say I love the US Nevernight covers just as much as the UK. For me it’s a good example of both countries doing a really good job😁
That’s so true! Both covers are totally killing it.
Stephen King with unicorns and kittens just made me laugh!!
I was really surprised when I saw that cover. I just couldn’t help it. xD
Yeah, the Danish version of Nevermoor was definitely the best!
My TTT.
I wish it was available in English, too. xD
So many beautiful book covers! The UK edition of “Nevernight” absolutely wins for me, but I’m a sucker for silhouettes and high contrast covers. And who decided “Flame in the Mist” even needed different art? The original is stunning.
I’m so glad I’m not alone with the Flame in the Mist thing. xD It feels like so many people like the new art, and I’m just here in a corner, clinging to the old cover for dear life.
I do really love the silhouettes and high contrast, too. But … assassins and shadowy creepiness is also pretty high on my list. I think Nevernight is just winning all around, if I’m honest. xD Clearly, the only solution is to own BOTH sets. 😉
Wow, that was an odd choice for the UK cover of that Stephen King book. I imagine it gets some odd looks sitting there on the horror shelves. Maybe that was their marketing idea?
I love the original Flame in the Mist covers, too. Why would you change to a fairly standard girl-with-flowers cover when you started with such an amazing mythological creature of flame? I just don’t get it.
You know what? I never even thought about that, but that is some pretty ingenious marketing. I guess you’d be pretty likely to pick up the oddly optimistic-looking book mixed with all the horror ones. xD
I’m not aloooone! I’m surprised, because I’ve seen quite a few people already who like the newer covers. But I will forever be bitter that they didn’t continue the series with the old cover lol.
On the other hand, if you picked up what looked like an optimistic book and got a horror novel, what would your reaction be? Could be even more traumatizing…
You’re definitely not alone! I hadn’t seen the Spanish cover for the second book in the series, though, so I had thought they abandoned the pretty version entirely.
I mean, that’s true, but if it was shelved in the horror section, I feel like you should’ve known. xD
Well, okay. Be logical then. 😉
Wow, I didn’t expect to see a Finnish cover! Delightful surprise (I’m a Finn :D) I agree with you, the Danish cover for Nevermoor is better than the others. I actually prefer the UK covers of Nevernight, but the other isn’t bad either.
And I’m ever so jealous of your lovely covers. xD I think Nevernight is one of those series where the cover artists just seem to have gotten it right, in general, even though they’re vastly different concepts.
Damn you woman! I love how you did this one <3 I love comparing the different covers across different countries/languages. I mean hey if you can read Spanish, you should totally get it (or I'll find a copy and get it for you one day, who knows).
Ha, thank you! I had way too much fun with this and will probably do another at the end of the year. xD
Muahaha, I can read it, but it’s so painfully slow. I’m not semi-fluent like I used to be. I’ve gotten rid of most of my Spanish novels now, since there’s a large Mexican population around who will read them and feel the same way about reading English. Better they get some use out of them, since they’re hard to find around here. I didn’t know it existed until I wrote this post, though, and I was so tempted when I saw it. <3
Oh you’re so sweet Sammie. I love that about you. I totally understand.
Aww, well thank you. :3
I love that you used different covers from different countries. That was such a cool way to do this prompt! I loved seeing all of the different versions of books I love. Great choices 🙂
Thank you! I didn’t realize there were so many different covers in other countries. It was really fun. 😀
These are all really cool, and so hard to choose between! That said, I adore the US version of Scythe — it just feels very iconic to me, stark and a bit abstract. (I love the book itself too!)
That’s the version I have. I love the book, too. :3
Such an awesome list, Sammie! There are sooo many editions out there and most I never even knew about (the editions, I mean). Like Morrigan Crow and Children of Smoke and Bone! I got a thrill of pride when I saw it was the Indonesian edition (not that I read books in Indonesian… but it is so gorgeous)! I also really like Bulgarian edition of Scythe! I mean, I don’t dislike the US version but I like the ‘real’ feel of the Bulgarian version; plus it’s just darker. Same as you, I think it’s a tie for Nevernight. Sometimes I find myself really loving the UK version more and then other times I’m so pulled to the US cover. Both are so interesting and pretty to look at 😍
My TTT post
Right? I never knew about most of these covers until I actually started this post, and it was so fun looking at all the different covers. Some of them are just so wildly different in their own ways! I do so love that Indonesian cover, but that’s not something I would’ve really just thought off the top of my head, like oh, I should check the Indonesian version LOL.
The original Flame in the Mist cover is so pretty! Why did they have to change it? I agree I’m not so keen on the faces, and the original just stands out so much more.
I don’t knoooow. I’m with a lot of other people with the whole I hate when they change covers after I already have a book. Drives me crazy when they don’t match. It usually means that unless it’s a series I really love, I’ll end up donating the books instead of keeping them.
I love that you used covers from other countries! I agree with you on Flame in the Mist! The new cover is okay, but it looks like a contemporary book to me.
Thanks! And yes! It definitely loses any of the fantasy charm of the original.
I don’t know if I’ve ever said this before, but wow, I love your commentary in your posts! And doing a cover battle post–that’s so cool! I also thought it was really interesting how you picked books you read, and made your decision not on what was most aesthetically pleasing, but what best represented each book!
And I totally agree on Flame in the Mist! I get what they were trying to do with the paperback redesign and I think it’s cool to see an Asian girl on the cover, but knowing about the gorgeous original cover (which I also bought mostly because of the art!), the quality of the cover still feels like a step down on something? And wow, I didn’t realize the Spanish edition matched the original! Ahhh, given that everything I’ve learned in Spanish classes went in one ear and out the other, I don’t think I could read that version! I think it would be so cool if you read the Spanish edition and got it to match your set tho!
Ha, thanks! I had a lot of fun with this one. xD And tried to choose covers I hadn’t seen before so that it was a surprise for me, too, which was doubly fun.
I’m so torn because of course I think POC should be featured more on colors. But I don’t like close-ups. I feel watched. It wigs me out.
Yeah, but it’s been so loooong since I’ve read a book that large in Spanish. xD I’m not sure I still could do it so easily. Maybe I can buy the English version and use a printer to make a lovely bookjacket of the Spanish cover so it looks like they match. Is that cheating?! xD
Oooh, I see what ya mean–close-ups can be creepy!
And omg do it, that’s such a smart idea!
I definitely dig your take on this weeks topic! It is really interesting to see various redesigns that are in different countries and languages. LOVE the different versions of Children of Blood and Bone. I agree. The original US print is super gorgeous but I REALLY love the Indonesian one. It is so breathtaking and different and fits the novel itself wonderfully. I’m kind of obsessed and am just staring at it?
They should just … make it super easy to order prints of book covers. Because I would totally order a print of that and hang it on my wall or something. xD Now I’m kind of curious what they’ll do for the Indonesian version of book two, and I’m going to have to watch out for that.
The UK Elantris is kind of similair to the German one in case you wanted to have a look. Or at least it has the same vibe with the white.
Yeah, I think the UK one was in color, though, wasn’t it? I think that’s the one that was. Honestly, I like the UK covers of most of Sanderson’s books more than the US covers, which seems unfair. The UK shouldn’t hog all the pretty Sanderson covers.
Thank you for visiting my TTT.
As I mentioned on my page, I love how you included covers from different countries. We’ve always had fun with that in our international book club where everyone had a different cover.
Thanks! Oh, an international book club sounds like a lot of fun! And I imagine seeing all the different covers is part of the uniqueness of it.
I like your take on this topic. These covers are beautiful! It’s too hard for me to pick winners for some of them.
Thanks! Some of them sure are hard to pick. I think we should just be able to choose them all. 😉
[…] Top Ten Tuesday is a book cover freebie. I previously did a Battle of the Book Covers: Alternate Cover Showdown, and I had so much fun with it and fell in love with so many new covers that I decided to go ahead […]
[…] Battle of the Book Covers: Alternate Cover Showdown || Who Wore It Best? […]