I was a big fan of Carolyn Turgeon's Snow White-meets-Rapunzel retelling, The Fairest of Them All, when I read it last year. (Indeed, I'm a fan of Carolyn's rich, layered, unexpected retellings in general.) And though the paperback cover (left) is very pretty online, and even more so in person, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I came across the ebook cover, which, though using similar composition and subject matter, conveys a totally different tone, and gives a much different feel, stylistically. I think both suited to the story, and though I at first thought the ebook cover a bit muted, maybe even bland, in comparison to the paperback, the more I look at it, the more I like it.
But what do you think? Take a look at the two covers below, and tell me which you'd reach for. Which would make you more curious about the story inside? Which would you most want to own for yourself?
Which one did it better?
Also, I thought this was interesting to note: near as I can tell, these covers were released simultaneously, both from Touchstone, both in the US, both on August 6th, 2013. The only difference is format, and yet they gave them completely different covers. I'm sure there's something all marketing-y behind it, but I found that interesting.
Last week on FFO: Three versions of Shannon Hales Books of Bayern series (the US hardcover, US paperback, and the UK paperback) went head to head, and though there were strong cases to be made for all 3, an overwhelming majority of you preferred the gorgeous artwork of the original hardbacks (much thanks to the amazing talents of Alison Jay!); you guys were passionate in your opinions and loves for this series and its covers! Many of you also noted that the hardcover editions are more universal in appeal, whereas the other two might drive away male and adult readership.
So the clear winner is ------->
(And now I need to pick up the rest of this series!)
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I havent' read the book, so I don't know which one suits the story best, but I definitely prefer the e-book one: the paperback one is a little too "barbie-ish", to me. And moreover, the castle on the distance that's on the e-book one gives a great vibe to all the cover :)
ReplyDelete*adds to TBR*
ReplyDeleteWhile I like the art style of the ebook, I love the rich colors on the paperback more.
The paperback cover is more immediately arresting, but the ebook cover grows on me the more I look at it. Long term, I prefer softness to glitter 'n' glam.
ReplyDeleteThere is a back story!! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah? Do tell!
DeleteThe softer photo..seems to fit better
ReplyDeleteI think the blue cover on the left captures the book much better than the ebook version does.
ReplyDeleteI like the ebook cover better! It's dreamy and ethereal, with fewer sparkles. BUT the ebook cover needs better font. Why create a misty gorgeous image like that and then kill it with Arial Caps?! These FFO posts are turning me into a total title font snob. ;)
ReplyDeleteYES! Font can make SUCH a huge difference. In fact, I've wanted to read some books entirely because of the font choice on the cover, so... don't know why this sometimes gets overlooked.
Delete