There’ve been a few more YA cover reveals in the past couple
of weeks (or covers that I’ve just recently discovered), so I thought I’d share
the pretties with you and let you know what I think.
Publication
Date: March 6, 2018
Paperback, 304 pages, W.W. Norton Company
Genres:
Fantasy, Mythology
Neil Gaiman, long inspired by
ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a
bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though
their upheaval in Ragnarok. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths
in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise,
daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of
gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and
unsurpassable manipulator.
Gaiman fashions these primeval
stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary
nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants.
Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely
competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others,
and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago
myths breathe pungent life again.
My Thoughts
Okay, so this one isn’t YA. I just love this cover. It also
isn’t a new release; it’s just a new cover design. I haven’t seen a lot of
reviews or buzz for Norse Mythology, as
opposed to American Gods, but I know
Neil Gaiman is a big deal. I’m kind of hoping this book will be like his Stardust one, but we’ll see. Honestly,
though, this one might just be a cover buy for me. It’s gorgeous.
***
The Smoke Thieves
(The Smoke Thieves #1)
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Hardcover, 544
pages, Viking Books
Genres: YA, Fantasy
The beginning to an epic medieval
fantasy trilogy, perfect for Game of Thrones fans.
A shrewd princess whose father is
plotting against her. A brave soldier turned traitor. A loyal servant on a
quest to avenge his family. A streetwise demon smoke hunter in desperate need
of money. A charming thief with no clue about his true identity. Their lives
would never intersect, until a war between kingdoms bubbles up, and the
dangerous truth about demon smoke intertwines all their fates. Welcome to The
Smoke Thieves, a tangled web of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and
forbidden love, in a world where sometimes no amount of magic can keep you
safe.
My Thoughts
This one has a really pretty cover. However, I didn’t really
love Sally Green’s other series. Half Bad was more than half bad, in my
opinion. The Smoke Thieves also doesn’t have very good ratings on Goodreads
right now, and it’s not even out yet. Not a very good sign. I’m thinking I
might just check this one out from the library. Maybe…
***
(Flame in the Mist #2)
Publication
Date: June 5, 2018
Hardcover, 416 pages, G.P. Putnum’s Sons
Genres:
YA, Fantasy
The highly anticipated sequel to Flame
in the Mist—an addictive, sumptuous
finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The
Wrath and the Dawn.
After Okami is captured in the
Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice—to rescue him, she must return to Inako and
face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks
her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held
by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be
to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal
that almost left her dead.
With the wedding plans already
underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the
while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception
surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the
next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their
honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.
My Thoughts
*sigh* What can I say about this cover? That I’m
disappointed? That I hate cover changes? It never seems to matter.
Okay, so I know the author said that this book and the first
one match, but honestly, they won’t to me. I’ll know that the duology doesn’t
have consistent covers. I’m just super disappointed because Flame in the Mist had an amazing cover!
This one just isn’t my style at all.
I probably won’t be buying this book, as I only gave Flame in the Mist three stars. I didn’t
love it as much as I wanted to, so, now that the sequel cover has been
redesigned, I don’t think I’ll buy a copy. I’ll just check it out from the
library or something.
***
Bright We Burn
(The Conqueror’s Saga #3)
Publication Date: July 10, 2018
Hardcover, 416
pages, Delacorte
Genres: YA, Historical/Fantasy
Haunted by the sacrifices he made
in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building
an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as
emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this
mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . . . and would he even want it?
Lada's rule of absolute justice has
created a Wallachia free of crime. But Lada won't rest until everyone knows
that her country's borders are inviolable. Determined to send a message of
defiance, she has the bodies of Mehmed's peace envoy delivered to him, leaving
Radu and Mehmed with no choice. If Lada is allowed to continue, only death will
prosper. They must go to war against the girl prince.
But Mehmed knows that he loves her.
He understands her. She must lose to him so he can keep her safe. Radu alone
fears that they are underestimating his sister's indomitable will. Only by
destroying everything that came before--including her relationships--can Lada
truly build the country she wants.
Claim the throne. Demand the crown.
Rule the world.
My Thoughts
I still haven’t read the first two books in this trilogy
yet. I will. Probably closer to this book’s release date. I will say though,
that I was a little disappointed by this cover reveal. The whole pomegranate on
a cover thing has me a little wigged out. I don’t really know why. It just
does. I’m debating on whether or not I want to buy the UK paperbacks or the US
hardcovers. I think I’ll decide once the UK paperback cover of this book is
revealed.
***
Publication
Date: September 25, 2018
Hardcover, 352 pages, Imprint
Genres:
YA, Fairytale Retelling
The first time the Nightmares came,
it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she's trained to battle monstrous creatures
in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore
fighting skills. Yet even warriors have a curfew.
Life in real-world Atlanta isn't
always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance
best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the nightmares at bay is turning into
a full-time job. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned,
she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s
ever gone before. And she'll need to use everything she's learned in both
worlds to keep from losing her head . . . literally.
My Thoughts
Can we get rid of the stupid Entertainment Weekly stamp, please? Ugh. I hate it when covers are
revealed on EW. They always stick
that stupid stamp on there.
This cover looks so bada$$. I had no idea this book even
existed until the cover was revealed. I’m not really into Alice in Wonderland retellings anymore, but I think I might give
this one a try. I feel like if I don’t, the Alice on this cover will slay me down.
***
Those are some recently revealed 2018 covers. What do you
think? Do you like them? My favorite is probably Norse Mythology. My least favorite is definitely Smoke in the Sun.
