Wednesday 4 July 2012

Which cover would you go for? 'Shadow's Master' (Jon Sprunk)

Because sometimes I get sent two copies of the same book and it's only fair if both of them get a little coverage here :o) I've only read the first book of Jon Sprunk's trilogy (really need to catch up there!) but even so...

Have some blurb first,

A land of death and shadow where only the strongest survive. Yet that is where Caim must go to follow the mystery at the heart of his life. Armed only with his knives and his companions, he plunges into a world of eternal night where the sun is never seen and almost every hand is turned against him.

Only Kit, spectral vision and often unreliable accomplice, will stand by Caim in his darkest hour. But how much can he rely on her, when he can't even fulfil her greatest wish? Kit is in love with her companion, and he may not even know it. And even a Fae's tolerance will only last for so long...


Caim has buried his father's sword and found some measure of peace, but deep in the north an unfathomable power lays waiting. To succeed on this mission, Caim will have to more than just survive. He must face the Shadow's Master.

And here are those covers,

The UK Cover

The US Cover

This is a really close one to call for me, both look pretty darn good. In the end, it's the slight 'grainyness' (it's a word... well, it is now) of the UK cover that swung it for me. Makes things seem a little more 'rough' around the edges which is a little more in keeping with the tone of what I've read so far. That and the fact that Kit looks a little more 'Fae' in the UK cover rather than a lady in real need of some sun...

That's what I think anyway, what about you? Comments in the usual place please :o)

7 comments:

AntonisM. said...

I think I give the US cover a slight edge. Not sure why, it just feels like it says "fantasy" better.

sbp said...

Agreed. The UK cover by a smidgen.

Mohd Arief said...

I'm with the US cover though. It kind of fit Caim's "change" from the first two books and the darker feel of the book.

shaneo52 said...

The US wins for once! lol

Anthony Giordano said...

Personally I hate the trend of these "real model" covers. They remind me too much of Harlequin Romance covers of old.
The 'grainyness' does make it more palatable. Case in point: Paul Kearney's 'Corvus' cover.

Elfy said...

I prefer the US one, but I'm getting really tired of the ubiquitous hooded man.

jaltevers said...

I've gotta go with the US cover. I love the females look (reminds me of a Brom painting) . The man looks a little more ominous though I do agree with Elfy regarding the use of hooded men lately.