I hadn't even heard of this book until a few days ago, when suddenly it — and its shiny new cover design — were suddenly everywhere. The cover in question is for Gated by Amy Christine Parker, and the whole things was restyled in advance of the sequel, Astray (which cover I kinda love). I don't know how this one wasn't already on my radar, 'cause CULTS, but rest assured, it is now.
I've included the synopsis below, since the covers are so different, so you can use it (if you want) to help you make your decision on which cover you like better. Which suits the story best for you? Which would you rather have on your shelves?
Which one did it better?
A fast-paced, nerve-fraying contemporary thriller that questions loyalties and twists truths.
Appearances can be deceiving.
In the Community, life seems perfect. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pioneer invited Lyla’s family to join his group and escape the evil in the world. They were happy to be chosen, happy to move away from New York and start over in such an idyllic gated community. Now seventeen, Lyla knows that Pioneer is more than just their charismatic leader, he is their prophet . . . but his visions have grown dark.
Lyla is a loyal member of the Community, but a chance encounter with an outsider boy has her questioning Pioneer, the Community—everything. And if there’s one thing not allowed in the Community, it’s doubt. Her family and friends are certain in their belief. Lyla wishes she could feel the same. As Pioneer begins to manipulate his flock toward disaster, the question remains: Will Lyla follow them over the edge?
From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why anyone would join a cult. But Gated tells the story of the Community from the inside looking out, and from behind the gates things are not quite so simple. Amy Christine Parker’s beautiful writing creates a chilling, utterly unique YA story. Perfect for fans of creepy thrillers and contemporary fiction alike.
Appearances can be deceiving.
In the Community, life seems perfect. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pioneer invited Lyla’s family to join his group and escape the evil in the world. They were happy to be chosen, happy to move away from New York and start over in such an idyllic gated community. Now seventeen, Lyla knows that Pioneer is more than just their charismatic leader, he is their prophet . . . but his visions have grown dark.
Lyla is a loyal member of the Community, but a chance encounter with an outsider boy has her questioning Pioneer, the Community—everything. And if there’s one thing not allowed in the Community, it’s doubt. Her family and friends are certain in their belief. Lyla wishes she could feel the same. As Pioneer begins to manipulate his flock toward disaster, the question remains: Will Lyla follow them over the edge?
From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why anyone would join a cult. But Gated tells the story of the Community from the inside looking out, and from behind the gates things are not quite so simple. Amy Christine Parker’s beautiful writing creates a chilling, utterly unique YA story. Perfect for fans of creepy thrillers and contemporary fiction alike.
Last Week on FFO: The ARC version took on the finished version of Jennifer Mathieu's upcoming The Truth About Alice, and to be honest, it wasn't really a fair fight, considering the one wasn't the final cover anyway... But it was a good cover in its own right, and it did have its share of supporters. But in the end, that wasn't enough to stop the amazingness that is the final cover.
Winner --------->
I much prefer the new cover, hands down! I dunno what it is about the old one, but it says "sci-fi" to me, which would make me less inclined to read it. Not that I don't like a good sci-fi now and then, but I dunno. It says "cheesy sci-fi" to me.
ReplyDeleteSo to make this ramble short, the new cover wins for me, by far!
I like the new cover too. I read the book when it had the old cover, but I think the new cover catches the tone of the book better. Also, the original cover looks like a horror novel.
ReplyDeleteHrm. As creepy (in a more subtle way) as the new cover is, the sideways font bothers me (it's difficult for me to read, both the color-on-color variations and the fact that it's sideways). But the font on the old cover looks way too Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the repeated, fading style to it seems unnecessary. So, if I take them both as covers sans font...the new one gets my vote. It's got a stillness to it, and I like the lack of tagline (always makes me thing of a movie poster when they do that....ugh).
ReplyDeleteI like the first cover better. It looks much creepier.
ReplyDeleteMy vote's for the cover on the left. I've never been a fan of all the "girl with her hair in her face" covers out there.
ReplyDeleteI love the new cover. Granted, I haven't read it but I think the new cover is much creepier the way her hair is covering her face.
ReplyDeleteI like the new cover way better!
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer the new cover.
ReplyDeleteI like both covers but I feel that the second one is more suiting to the story because it's simple. The synopsis for this story sounds like it's trying to say that the community is simple and pure... but I also feel like the first cover could be fitting because it's dark and there's a darker side to this community. Either way I would buy the book with either cover. I like them both
ReplyDelete