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Selkie Shares #1: Cover Changes

book covers Sunday, November 10, 2013

Selkie Shares is a sporadic blog feature of The Selkie Reads Stories, wherein we share our personal cogitations and insights about a particular issue or topic related to our passion for books.

Note: This post is in no way attacking any individual or group. It’s mainly the personal opinions of the author, meant to be shared and discussed.

One issue that has been bugging many bookworms (and has been quite a trend lately) is cover changes during mid-series. This is when a particular book in a series suddenly changes cover design; putting an end to the first and original look of the books—which some people have already bought.

There are two sides to this issue:

Publishers target another or a wider market. Aside from spreading the love for reading, publishers need to make money in order to continue doing the former. It’s a marketing strategy to reach out to more readers.
Book collectors (or simply book lovers) would often want their books to match. Others tend to get irritated by these cover changes. It might also affect their outlook of a book/series.

Having said that, I also have two contrasting opinions/reactions on this:

I like that publishers would want to reach out to more readers. It’s definitely a thumbs-up for me as I totally want the interest for reading to spread to more individuals.
Also, I appreciate the interpretation of another artist on a certain story. I value creativity a lot, and I love seeing what others have to say about a book (through art).
Admittedly, my view of a story changes the tiniest bit when the book covers are altered. I know “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but it plays a huge part when I purchase books. Of course it’s the first thing that entices me to see the book’s synopsis.
And it’s just really fulfilling and lovely to see your books on a shelf matching. Even if I don’t overreact that much when this happens (I am bothered, but I’m not the type to rebuy copies just to have them the same), I still prefer seeing the similar cover art for my series books.

However, in the matter of cover changes, there are those that go horribly wrong, and some, awesomely right.

I APPROVE! I prefer covers to stay the same until all books in a series have been published, but there are cover changes so good they’ve redeemed themselves already for me.

Anna and the French Kiss – Don’t argue with me. These redesigned covers that focus on the typography and setting are beyond GORGEOUS.
Curse Workers – It’s probably just me, but there’s and old-ish feel to the original covers—with that leather jacket complete with the gloves, as well as the typography. Like it could have been published before I was born. I prefer the redesigned ones with the cool face art. It’s more… YA.
Blood of Eden –I really just don’t like a full close-up of a face on my book’s cover. The new covers feel more symbolic and would definitely reach a larger target market.

UHH.. JUST NO. On the other hand, there are books that have gone a little bit too wrong with the cover changes.

Across The Universe – I like the attempt on the cover change. Actually, I really like that the new ones say a lot about what happens in each book, but I just ADORED the space-y and starry and lovely original covers. Why did they not release all the original covers until Shades of Earth?!
Starters – Apparently, they had to change the covers into close-up faces that have no significance to those who haven’t read them yet. Also, the cover of the 2^nd book matching the original one will only be released in another language. Talk about torture.
Dust Lands – I don’t know why they had to change the one with a more creative illustration and typography into an overly simple one with silhouetted figures. Well, I like the color choices, at least.
Shatter Me – Now don’t hate me. I like the art of the new ones with the eyes, but the silvery one is just striking and shouting FIERCE, and more dystopian (even if it’s a girl-in-a-ball-gown cover).

In this particular post, the intents of the publishers, authors, and design artists are openly understood and appreciated. We value the creative effort these people put into producing books. We do not mean to offend anyone in any way.

What can you say about Cover Changes? How do you react to them? Leave a comment below!

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Wow, Just Wow: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Book Review Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy
Published: May 7th 2013 by Square Fish
Source: Bought/Own Copy

Author's website | Goodreads

Alina Starkov doesn't expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, she is sure of only one thing: her best friend, Mal--and her inconvenient crush on him. Until the day their army regiment enters the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. When their convoy is attacked and Mal is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power not even she knew existed.

Ripped from everything she knows, Alina is taken to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. With Alina's extraordinary power in his arsenal, he believes they can finally destory the Fold. Now Alina must find a way to master her untamed gift and somehow fit into her new life without Mal by her side. But nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. As the threat to the kingdom mounts and her dangerous attraction to the Darkling grows, Alina will uncover a secret that could tear her heart--and her country--in two.

Right now I am facing possibly one of the hardest predicaments I would ever have in my life. That is, formulating a review for Shadow and Bone.

***Warning: This review was written right after I finished the novel. It might; be lengthy, contain incoherent expressions, burst due to all the feelings I have for this book. But… whatever. I want the feels raw and unbiased.***

Let me begin by stating that I was absolutely intimated by the thought of reading this book. There was so much hype, so many good reviews, and so many friends convincing me to read it ASAP. I was afraid of not liking it unlike how much others did. Also, I was scared because I knew it was somehow high-fantasy and I might have a hard time getting through the writing and setting. AND PLEASE SLAP ME FOR HESITATING ALL THIS TIME!

Just after I read the short prologue, I was sure I was in for something fantastic. Contrary to what I feared, the writing flowed soundlessly, caressing my mind as I read on. Now I do realize why the word “fantasy” was invented—just for this sort of stories. I thought I would have a hard time absorbing the unfamiliar world, but I wasn’t confused at all. It was so easy to lose myself in the world Leigh has created. I owned it. It was mine and I was there. I fell in love with the place and story Leigh Bardugo has crafted. I would not be surprised if she told me it really existed.

“The problem with wanting," he whispered, his mouth trailing along my jaw until it hovered over my lips, "is that it makes us weak.”

The writing was not any different. It was utter magic. It was melody to my ears and brain. The names, places, and language felt peculiarly familiar. Even if they were, they didn’t sound or seemed foreign at all. I was only planning to read a chapter, and the next thing I know, I was closing the book. I wouldn’t say though that I devoured this book. I savored and relished every stroke of letter inked in its pages.

Alina Starkov was a likeable character. More than that, it was so easy to root for her; to feel glad when she’s glad and to grieve when she’s sorrowful. When she fails, I feel down. And when she succeeds I feel triumphant, too. Every step in her journey, I was there—supporting her, asking her to not give up, shouting at her, shaking her to put some sense in her brain. Personally, I was looking for a little more resolve in her, although aside from that, she definitely was a strong girl. I admire her firmness and her fierceness, and her will to stay upright when all else fails.

"I love you, Alina, even the part of you that loved him.”

And inside this book is, folks, a love triangle that actually works! The choice isn’t obvious (it was a fair battle), and you’d actually find yourself sympathizing for both the Darkling and Mal. It wasn’t the focus, but the dilemma Alina had of choosing between the two was always there. Admittedly, it was hard to choose who I prefer Alina to be with. It was heartbreaking even for me to see Alina’s heart torn between the two gentlemen. It wasn’t being slutty, but rather genuine confusion and the want and need to belong.

And if you’re asking: I am Team Mal. I AM TEAM MAL 5EVER. (Especially after I read the lost letter of his, really, my heart just went out to him and Alina. <3 p="">

The plot was thoroughly engaging. There was a constant flow of happenings and it didn’t bore me one second. Something would always pique my curiosity and something would always catch me by surprise. I haven’t had a single idea of what was to happen next. I was somehow dreading every chapter because each time, more disastrous things occur. But that was what hooked me and, well, ripped my whole being apart when I turned the last of the book’s pages. Every chapter finished and every chapter started was a pain. I didn’t want it to end, yet I just couldn’t put the book to rest.

This is exactly that kind of book so precious you want to keep it to yourself, to own, to never share. It has become a part of you so much that the mere act of telling it to somebody makes you feel robbed. This is the kind book that makes you afraid to read your next one because it might disappoint you.

“A moment later the boy whispered, "I don't think you're ugly."
"Shhhh!" the girl hissed. But hidden by the deep shadows of the cupboard, she smiled.”

If you still can’t see how much I’m recommending this book, no person is as dumb and blind as you. It’s Game of Thrones and The Selection and Beautiful Creatures and everything else, but still distinct in its own. It’s the best work of art yet, painted with enchantment and a unique kind of power. This one’s for YA people who don’t like high-fantasy, and for those who fancy high-fantasy but don’t prefer YA. In short, it’s for everyone and, if you haven’t, read it NOW!