It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these but we’re in the age of illustrated covers and some of our faves are getting a whole new look
Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally
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| Old Cover New Cover |
This cover changed before the release and it’s a blink and you miss it type change. The playful models have been switched out for illustrated characters in similar poses. When the original cover was revealed the models were used in some of the marketing and honestly, the male model looked a bit too old for YA. I’m all for this new cover. Also, as Kat pointed out, the illustrated models change clothes showing the passage of time.
You’d Be Mine by Erin Hahn
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| Hardcover Paperback |
Having read this book I’m partial to the hardcover, I think it captures the free-spirited nature of the young country singer heroine who lands a place on tour with country music’s favorite bad boy. Brightly light stock photos with the colorful font used to be the status quo for YA romance covers but illustrated cover reign now and this one…IDK. Something about the faces looks a little rushed and there is no “flow” to the artwork. I will say the scene does tell you more about the book than the original does…unless you think that’s a school bus instead of a tour bus.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
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| Old Cover New Cover |
This was one of the first books we talked about on the blog and it takes me back to 2012. The cover of Cinder was unique and the red shoe was iconic, but it didn’t quite capture the rompy space adventures in the book. I like that the new cover kept the signature font and the mood of the artwork but, and this my personal opinion, I’m not a fan of the artistic style. It’s very gritty, sharp and stylized in a way that looks more grim and dystopian than I think the story is. I will say I really like this trend of YA books having stepbacks ! (I’m looking at you, paperback Grisha series)
Hungry Hearts
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| Hardcover Paperback |
This YA Anthology’s hardcover is light, warm and cozy. The new cover is a little bolder and the hands give it a more communal feel. Something about it seems more fun. I like the details on the hands like the nail polish and rings. This is a situation where I like both covers equally but the paperback cover is a nice upgrade.
I’m a lifelong reader who started blogging about YA books in 2011 but now I read in just about every genre! I love YA coming of age stories, compelling memoirs and genre bending SFF. You can find me talking all things romance at Romance and Sensibility.