Under Suspicion (Underworld Detection Agency #3) by Hannah Jayne
Shenanigans! I call shenanigans on this book cover! This is a flagrant case of false advertising! This book presents something resembling a dangerous, competent protagonist - it builds on an entire genre of weapon-wielding, sexy leather be-decked, scantily-clad, arse presenting heroines (and well done getting ALL of those problems in there) who storm through their respective books kicking arse and not even bothering to take names
Sophie is not one of them. I can’t imagine Sophie owning leather trousers, let alone being able to pull on any item of clothing that tight without either help or someone thinking she’s recreating the three stooges. And as to weapons? Not only does she not wield weapons, but she should not wield weapons! This woman is so lacking in basic competence that allowing her near a butter knife gives me a bad case of the dreads - an actual short sword? She would kill herself, no doubt about it
Of course, maybe the artist realises this and that is why she is depicted stabbing herself in the buttock.
I am annoyed by this cover - and not just because of the usual silliness. I am annoyed because what is depicted is so very far from what Sophie is that it feels like a cynical lie to trick readers
Archangel's Consort (Guildhunter #3) by Nalini Singh
These book covers continue to beggar description by being pretty decent (but nothing special) for what they are. We see a pretty decent depiction of Elena (albeit, a rather pale one). Some nicely rendered wings - it shows us exactly what’s in the book. of course, they do seem to be overly attracted to the crouch. I know they want to fit her wings in but I still question why anyone - especially someone with massive wings that drag on the floor, would decide to squat into battle.
The Renfield Syndrome (Rhiannon's Law #2) by J.A. Saare
This cover is kind of awesome. The colours and background scream dystopian. The figure front and centre is dark and mysterious and pretty ominous. The whole thing has a beautiful dark feel that I adore (though, it has to be said, I think the cover nails the tone way better than the actual book does). This cover is one of the good ones - this shows us how a dystopian cover should look.
Twas the Darkest Night by Sophie Avett
Generic romance cover is generic. We have a couple hugging and enough hints to show it’s Christmasy, which is all kind of disappointing. There’s no suggestion of the supernatural, of the particular unique nature of Elsa or Marshall - nor even any indication of their relationship. In fact, I find Elsa’s eyes-cast down, head-on-his-chest slightly submissive pose to be a complete reversal of who she is
Speaking of - I got the impression Elsa was a bigger woman - certainly fatter than this woman.
