I've just bought.... (Fantasy, version VI)

[Kazz Wylde]

I helped a friend with a yard sale this weekend and scraped up to get me a copy of God's War, been pretty wound up over this one for a couple weks, so as soon as I finish Retribution Falls, I'm getting on it!

[sullivan_riyria]

Shadow Ops: Control Point - Myke Cole (US edition, not the silly-looking UK one)

I actually like the UK version better!

[Loerwyn]

I actually like the UK version better!

No idea why anyone thinks that. It's so pathetically boring.

"Right, guys, we've got one of the hottest debuts of this year so far. How shall we cover it?"
"Get a bloke, make him pose, you know - sort of like those G.I. Joe posters - and then treat it as if it's a hooded figure cover"
"GENIUS"

It's supposed to be a very action-packed book (at least judging by the quotes), so why they've gone for a dull, run-of-the-mill, overdone shadowed figure instead of Komarck's fluid snapshot of a painting is beyond me.

[Randy M.]

Silent Voices by Gary McMahon
Masques by Bill Pronzini
A is for Alien by Caitlin Kiernan

And a thriller, The Bullet Trick by Louise Welch -- her first novel, The Cutting Room was terrific.


Randy M.

[Rob B]

Mike the UPS guy just delivered from amazon.com two books I am really looking forward to reading:

The King's Blood by Daniel Abrahm
Spirit War by Rachel Aaron

[Hellions]

Since the last post:

Beth Bernobich - Passion Play
Lynn Flewelling - Casket of Souls
Christina Henry - Black Wings
Matthew Hughes - Costume Not Included
N.K. Jemisin - The Kingdom of Gods
E.E. Knight - Dragon Avenger; Dragon Outcast
Fiona McIntosh - The Vasilar trilogy
Kalayna Price - Grave Witch
Alison Sinclair - Shadowborn
Anthology (Wild Cards) - Aces High; Fort Freak

[sullivan_riyria]

No idea why anyone thinks that. It's so pathetically boring.

"Right, guys, we've got one of the hottest debuts of this year so far. How shall we cover it?"
"Get a bloke, make him pose, you know - sort of like those G.I. Joe posters - and then treat it as if it's a hooded figure cover"
"GENIUS"

It's supposed to be a very action-packed book (at least judging by the quotes), so why they've gone for a dull, run-of-the-mill, overdone shadowed figure instead of Komarck's fluid snapshot of a painting is beyond me.

I like the drama of the lighting - the fact that you can't see the face the US cover looks more "campy" to me whereas the UK (imho) looks more sophisticated.

[Loerwyn]

If there's one thing a silhouetted (or near-silhouetted) figure isn't, it's sophisticated.

[sullivan_riyria]

If there's one thing a silhouetted (or near-silhouetted) figure isn't, it's sophisticated.

Well for me the lighting, highlights, and even the typography is more appealing to me in the UK version. I'm not trying to convince you to come around to my opinion, and I'm not denouncing yours. But please allow that what we are discussing is a matter of "taste" and "preference" so it is subjective. Just because you don't like my opinion doesn't mean that I'm wrong in my opinion.

And while this neither here nor there - Ranting Dragon is having a vote between the two covers right now and Uk is winning 70 % / 30%.

[Loerwyn]

I didn't say you were wrong, nor your taste was. I'm just saying there's nothing sophisticated about a dark figure.

[sullivan_riyria]

I didn't say you were wrong, nor your taste was. I'm just saying there's nothing sophisticated about a dark figure.

As with anything it's about the execution, and the eye of the beholder. Another great example of the sophisticated use of a silhouette:

[Randy M.]

Brian Stableford: The Werewolves of London & The Angel of Pain

Michael Cadnum: The Judas Glass

Ramsey Campbell: Demons by Daylight (somewhat used old Arkham House edition to replace my old pb)


Randy M.

[Rob B]

Mike, Loerwyn,

We're moving a bit away from the thread's topic. We've got a few threads out here discussing covers and artwork.

I recently downloaded some things to my Kindle:
Machineries of Silence by Steve Savile
Wheel-Mouse vs All The Crazy Robots by Celyn Lawrence
Four in the Morning by Tim Marquitz, Edward Erdelac, Lincoln Crisler, and Malon Edwards

[JohnH]

The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There
by Catherynne M. Valente (arc)

The Dirty Streets of Heaven
by Tad Williams (arc)

The Last Policeman
by Ben H. Winters (arc)

The White Forest
by Adam McOmber (arc)

Queen's Hunt
by Beth Bernobich (promo copy)

The Prisoner of Heaven
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (promo copy)

Thieftaker
by D. B. Jackson (David B Coe) (promo copy)

Some Kind of Fairy Tale
by Graham Joyce

Sharps
by K.J. Parker (promo copy sent instead of Caliban's War)

Wurms of Blearmouth
by Steven Erikson (pre-order)

[NickeeCoco]

The Hammer by K. J. Parker

The Kingdom of Gods by N. K. Jemisin
The Killing Moon "
The Shadowed Sun "

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Going to give him a try.

The Bandit King by Lilith Saintcrow