[BigBadMick]

What does everyone think of the new L.E. Modesitt covers, for his new Recluce novels being published in the UK? They feature pictures of lightning and coloured clouds that look more at home in one of those coffee-table books about extreme weather than they do on the cover of a fantasy novel.

I personally think they're terrible. This probably sounds pretty shallow, but I find that a books cover makes a BIG difference to whether or not I buy it. When I go to buy a fantasy novel I want to see battles and warriors and excitement, something that indicates what I'm going to get when I start reading the story. I don't want a picture of lighting and nothing else. The new covers have actually put me off buying the new Recluce novels, which is unusual because I like L.E. Modesitt's books.

I have a feeling that other fantasy readers may feel somewhat similar when they see the new covers in the shop and the new covers might even have an adverse effect on sales. This whole thing smacks of some new editor's bright idea to do something different and radical - perhaps even arty - but it simply doesn't work for me. This may be true for other fantasy fans as well. As far as I'm concerned, the sooner they get back to putting good fantasy artwork on the cover of Modesitt's novels in the UK, the better.

I'd love to know what Modesitt himself thinks of the new covers. If I was the author I'd be pretty horrified at the publishers putting something so bland and featureless on my books.

Perhaps I'm overreacting. I'd be interested in hearing anybody else's opinions, if they've seen the UK covers I'm talking about. Does anyone else share my opinion or do you think differently?

BigBadMick
(bigbadmick2000@hotmail.com)

[ChrisW]

::fitz mode::

You can find the answer to your question HERE (http://www.sffworld.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2492&highlight=orbit) :D

::/fitz mode::

:p