But then, the more I looked, the more I found I didn't like it.
I've created a handy chart to help explain why.
On top of that, the color scheme and overall layout is basically the same as every other paranormal out there -- you've got your dark colors, usually blue and black, with a girl doing something passive on the cover.
Seriously?
Allie's a badass hero, and the book is really good, especially among the giant slew of vampire novels out right now. So instead of trying to stand out and reflect the book, you're going to give it a cover that'll make it blend in?
Trends are nice, but sticking out on the shelf is better.
Next time, try something like these, quickly designed by me. They could undoubtedly be better, because again, I do not have Photoshop and am limited to the small selection of photos presented to me by Google, but I still like them better than the ones above. You have your crying, you have your title, but you get rid of so much of the unnecessary stuff and actually give me a model that looks like the heroine.
What do you guys think of the original cover? Does it annoy you as much as it does me? Do you prefer the kind of cover I drafted up or something along the lines of the original?
I totally agree with the cover, especially the Asian part! It's kind of disappointing that they couldn't POSSIBLY get an Asian model! Honestly, it's not that hard!
ReplyDeleteYou made some great covers though otherwise! I like the first one the best!
I LOVE your second cover. Totally different, striking, and overall bad ass. Though personally I dislike how the tear looks in all covers (though I've read the book and know it's relevant) but anyways, I totally agree with you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your second cover. Totally different, striking, and overall bad ass. Though personally I dislike how the tear looks in all covers (though I've read the book and know it's relevant) but anyways, I totally agree with you!
ReplyDeleteI actually loved this cover, until I read the book and realized she's Asian. As much as that bothers me, I still don't hate this cover.
ReplyDeleteI hate the Immortal Rules cover as well. I LOVE Julie Kagawa and her books to death, but they could have done so much more with the cover...
ReplyDeleteWhen the cover reveal happened for The Immortal Rules, I think my reaction was 'Really?' So yeah, not a fan =P But I love your covers!
ReplyDeleteWow, great analysis. Really enjoyed it and yes, I agree wholeheartedly. There's still a really disappointing trend out there of whitewashing book covers, and I love how expressive you've made the main character seem with her active poses. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%! I didn't like this cover in the first place and then when I realized that the main character was Asian, I got mad. Ha, the first thing I thought about when I saw this cover was that tear (or blood) come from the inner eye, where the tear duct is!
ReplyDeleteI know! It doesn't visually work on covers, though. Maybe vampires have super-special moved tear ducts? ;)
DeleteTo put it this way, I have a feeling that these books will be redesigned before the release of book two or three, so I am not spending any money on this cover.
ReplyDeleteI really like your first cover, although I feel like the blood-tear is horrible for any cover simply because a single tear never leaks out from the middle of the eye like that, but rather from the corner of the eye. Oh well, not important compared to how bad it is that they couldn't find an Asian model for an Asian character written by an Asian author.
I hate "white washed" covers - yours are much better!
ReplyDeleteOoh I love the second cover you made.
ReplyDeleteI love your first cover much more than the actual cover. I'm so tired of these generic faces on covers. Bravo you for coming up with something great :-)
ReplyDeleteOkay so I'm in the minority here but what's new about that. (LOL! ) I actually LIKE the cover! The dark colors go with the darkness of the story. The blood tear speaks to the humanity she retains despite becoming a "monster". The series title on the spine would be nice but personally I think it draws more notice on the cover....the spine can be overlooked. The image w/the katana while still prevalant would have actually put me off of reading the book. The fact that she's kick -butt is a bonus. Anywho...glad you enjoyed the story, but on covers...to each their own. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI never had any desire to read this book, until I saw YOUR covers. Now I totally want to read it.
ReplyDeleteIf your covers are at least 50% accurate, than the real cover does it a total injustice.
Oh my! Thank you! (I think my covers are far more accurate. At least in terms of character. And weapons. And setting. Most things, really. But I'm biased.)
DeleteDo pick it up -- I thought it was quite good!
Amen! I particularly like the last one.
DeleteI love the second cover you created.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely annoyed they didn't use an Asian model for the cover (seriously Harlequin Teen? SERIOUSLY?!) but other than that I think it's okay. That being said I definitely prefer the second cover u created. SO BADASS. :D
ReplyDeleteI like what you did with the second cover there! I haven't read this and declined a review copy because vampires aren't my thing, so I didn't know whitewashing was going on. I agree that a katana looks much more awesome! Maybe that would have changed my mind, lol!
ReplyDeleteNice job. You crush it. You could do this professionally.
ReplyDeleteThe first cover you created is great. But I'd put the words "a legend begins" below the weapon. Somehow it distracts from the impact of that.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't glance twice at the original cover or any similar, much less pick it up to read the back or first page. Your mock-ups however, would catch my eye at the very least! Nicely done.
ReplyDelete