Pretty Books That I Don’t Know the Plot Of

It is a very well known fact that I, among most of the book community, judge books by their covers. And in a time when so much work and thought is put into the design of a cover, why shouldn’t we!

Looking up and down the shelves at the bookstore like

I wish I had the ability to look at a cover and analyze why the cover designers decided to put certain elements there. But alas. All I am capable of thinking is, ooh pretty!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I don’t usually read the synopsis of books. Generally, I do this to avoid being spoiled, but I also really like judging a book ~ solely ~ on its cover. Does this practice work out for me in terms of successfully acquiring good reads? Not always. But what kind of system has a 100% rate of efficiency? Almost none! To illustrate my (almost) foolproof practice I’ve decided to list some books that I’ve read only based on the cover, and some books I plan on reading, only based on the cover. All covers are linked to Goodreads, so if you’re one of those people that are interested in synopses, you can click on the cover to get more info.

…to defeat the hunsss

 

So as pretty as the dust jacket of the book is, I believe that the true beauty lies within. I have to admit that every time I’m in a bookstore before I even consider spending money on a book, I always check what lies beneath the dust jacket. Because, sure, maybe I was going to buy the book anyway. But if it’s also pretty under the jacket, then I’m even more excited to buy it!

 

 

I mean just look at that! I love the intricate engraving like designs. It’s so elegant and lovely and shiny!

 

 

 

 

Aaah, this whole series has B E A U T I F U L covers!! There are of course the illustrated covers for COBAB and COVAV, and then there are the gorgeous exclusive editions! What I love about the original covers for COBAB and COVAV is how badass Zelie looks on the cover. And of course, we love real diverse representation on covers.

 

 

Am I slightly obsessed with illustrated covers? Yes, absolutely. I’m currently in the middle of this book, and it’s really good! I love flipping back to the front of the book every now and then so that I can gaze upon the pretty cover. As can be seen, by the previous book and the ones upcoming, I love illustrated badass females on covers. What stood out specifically about this one was the gold overlay and intricate details in Guinevere’s cape.

 

Over here I think that we really just have to credit all of Charlie Bowater’s cover designs. Every cover that she’s designed is so pretty. I can just stare at them forever. I like this art style very much, it feels sort of flowy? And I also like how the main character’s face acts as a focal point for both covers.

 

What’s this? Another illustrated cover? I love how the figures on the cover are sort of graffitied onto the background, the imagery is really cool. I’m also really excited for this book in general since I love historical fiction!

 

 

 

LOOK AT THAT HAIR! It was the first thing that caught my attention about the cover, but the entire cover is just all-around gorgeous. But, yes. The beautiful flowy underwater hair as a concept is 😍😍

 

 

We all know about the book snake that has been occupying the covers of all our favorite books the past few months, but The Midnight Lie does not have one book snake. No! It has two! I also love the lettering on this cover and the rest of the watercolor-y sketchy art style.

 

What are some cover buys that you made recently? Are there any upcoming releases that you’re excited about solely because of their covers?