But allow me to explain.
My first response is that this was not the official topic this week for the meme. (Really, Kristen? Shocking. I know.)
My second response is that I know it is highly specific, but yes, there actually *are* a lot of covers that have exactly this on them.
I think it's an urban fantasy thing. And since I read a lot of urban fantasy, I come across this a lot. But, believe it or not, I'm not making fun of this little trend---I love these covers! (Hey, I never claimed to be original with what I like on covers.) The handful-of-glowy-magic thing always gets my attention and makes me interested. I think it makes for a great cover, hence this week's topic :-)
Cover Characteristics is a weekly meme hosted at Sugar & Snark. I went rogue this week, so my topic is:
Books Covers featuring People Holding Glowy Magic in Their Hands
*The site is having some problems displaying individual covers with links. Some of them may not show up. Hopefully you can still enjoy the collage!*
Pin the Collage!
The Wizard’s Heir by Devri Walls
This guy looks seriously badass.
Dangerous Waters by C.M. Michaels
I feel like this would’ve been better without the people in the background, but I like the mostly dark/black cover contrasting with the glowing blue.
Kris Chase Series by Gena D. Lutz
I’m not entirely sure what happened to all of this character’s shirts, but the covers are pretty nonetheless.
The Dia Chronicles by Tammy Farrell
Not only are these just pretty covers, the font makes them look so enticing.
Justice Calling by Annie Bellet
It’s just that gritty urban fantasy look I like.
Echoes of Eternity Series by Sydney Bristow
Not only do these have a badass looking woman and pretty coloring, they’ve even got skylines in the background.
Dragon Born Series by Ella Summers
These covers just have a great look to them. I like the style, the colors, the background, all of it.
Burned by Magic by Jasmine Walt
Another one that’s just great all around. I’m a little freaked out by her eyes though…
Soul Breaker by Clara Coulson
This one is also great all around with a great art style, but I love that there’s just a normal guy on it. I feel like few fantasy book covers have males, and the ones that do have either super ripped warriors, dark overlord types, really rough/gritty looking men with guns and weapons, or random shirtless dudes. Actually, it’s super fitting since the book is really great on the gender equality/non-stereotyping front.
My Favorite:
Soul Born by Kevin James Breaux
*Whispers softly into the wind* Dan dos Santos… No, but really, the DETAIL and the realism, like the cuts and reflection of lights on the buckles of her corset, so amazing.
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Nice showcase! I personally like glowing magical orb/sphere stuff (…because I wish I could do it, too?). Great covers 🙂
Thanks! Haha, it would definitely be awesome if I could do magic, so I’m with you on that 😛
Fun topic! Like the image too- very cosmic-y. I agree with Dangerous waters- the people in the background have to go, but otherwise it looks like she’s messing with something that could get out of control. The Darkness of Light isn’t bad, and Justice Calling reminds me of the Mercy Thompson books (both title and art). Silverthorn is cool.
Soul Born is clearly the best one (these things being subjective). 😛 And yeah it has that Dan dos Santos look! The crackling energies, the cuts on her arms… very nice. The split lip… great cover.
Yeah, the image is totally a photo of space, but finding a picture of magic was a little difficult 😛 I feel like the people in the background of that cover look like some random photo of people hanging out at a party or something. Their clothes don’t even fit with the main girl. It’s odd. And you’re right, Justice Calling does look a bit like the Mercy Thompson covers, but I like those too lol.
Soul Born really is a gorgeous cover. I’m glad you agree 🙂
These might be my favorite covers. I always loved covers of girls with visible power!
Yay I’m not the only one who likes the glowy magic thing! Lol. I never thought about that way, but you’re right, that is one of the great things about these covers!
omg, Kristen, OF COURSE you don’t need a shirt if you have awesome magicy hands. Magicy hands make up for any sort of wardrobe malfunction. *snorts* XDXD Just kidding. 😉
I have noticed this trend too!! And I’m okay with it? But it’s not my favourite. (I do love that Soul Born cover. LOVE.) But I do like how it’s usually contrasted with so much black…eeeeepic.
Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!
Well, I suppose she could just shoot magic at anyway who questions her wardrobe choices 😛
I love dark covers and contrast too! So you’re right, that is definitely a plus of the trend. (And I totally bought the Soul Born ebook for the cover even though idk what it’s about lol.)
Love the topic you picked for this week and yes there are a lot covers like that. I think the Dragon Born series is my favourite of these you listed here, those covers just look awesome and the colours are pretty! Soul Breaker is a great one too, it caught my eye when i saw it on netgalley, although i didn’t request it, I do like the cover. Oh and the Soul Born cover is awesome too, makes me curious about what the book is about.
Thanks! I agree that the Dragon Born series is so bright and pretty! Though it hurts my eyes a bit on the computer, haha. I’m pretty sure it was the cover that drew me in to Soul Breaker when I first saw it on Netgalley 🙂 I will totally let you know what Soul Born is about once I read it because I bought the ebook while it was on sale, but I did so based entirely on the cover and have no idea what it’s about either lol.
LOL I love glowy-magic in hands on a cover too, Kristen! My favorite on your list is Soul Born, hands down. I like the covers of Pale Demon, A Perfect Blood, Ever After, The Undead Pool, and A Witch with No Name – from Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series. 🙂
Hehe I couldn’t help myself when the glowy magic makes for such a pretty cover! Those covers you mentioned are great! I didn’t know about those. I especially like The Undead Pool 🙂