Unveiling the Art

by annaguirre on Oct.01, 2009, under Ann Aguirre and Ilona Andrews

Today you’re in for a special treat. About a month ago, I got my new cover for Hell Fire, but I saved it so I can unveil it here. This is the cover art for book two in my Corine Solomon series. I like the moodiness of it; they’ve stopped the car at twilight, near a spooky woods (I know the exact scene this represents–it’s near the start of the book), and Corine is understandably creeped out. Once you read it, you will so go, OMG, this is from the cover!

But if you compare it to other urban fantasy titles, you’ll find this is quite different. They went for a more realistic style; they also avoided using tatts or leather, which is cover art shorthand for urban fantasy these days. I’m a little concerned by that choice. While I appreciate they want to create a distinctive brand for me, I’m not sure how new readers are going to find me. People who know of me and know what I write will buy my books regardless. It’s the random browsers I want to reach. And they’re looking for women with tramp stamps, tattoos and leather pants. Never mind that doesn’t really represent the series–it doesn’t in other cases too. But maybe this makes me stand out from the crowd? I’m hoping that’s the case.

I really love Karen Chance’s covers. Patricia Briggs has gorgeous ones too. I think the message of my covers is: this is a different kind of urban fantasy. And that’s certainly true. I have no werewolves, vampires or fairies. I do have shades, wraiths, warlocks, sorcerers, witches, genetically gifted humans, demons, fallen angels, and nephilim. And I have characters, like Chance, whose background cannot be explained by any of the above. (Yes, I totally know what his deal is. But you’ll have to keep reading the series to find out.)

So would you guess this was urban fantasy, based on the art? Would it make you pick it up? Comment on the new cover, art trends in urban fantasy, and/or what you’d like to see for my Shady Lady cover (I have my own ideas since I know what happens in the book). And I’ll pre-order Hell Fire for one lucky random commenter.

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Ann, thank you for unveiling your cover here! It looks sharp, and I like it, even if it does look like it could be an image for Fast & the Furious 4. The supernatural is downplayed more than I’d expect. Maybe instead of tattooing the girl, the artist could add...
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To dance from Ann’s topic on Steampunk: I get a lot of worldbuilding questions. Some of them are a little bit trippy. I once got an email explaining to me that the author of the email was writing an urban fantasy and could I please point out to him which...

59 Comments for this entry

Deidre
October 5th, 2009 on 9:25 pm
I don’t think I would guess based solely on the cover, that it’s an urban fantasy. The ROC name would point me in that direction though. Either way, it definitely looks appealing and I would definitely want to investigate it further.

Deidre
Karen
October 6th, 2009 on 2:46 pm
I love that the covers of your books actually look like scenes from the story!

Yes, the Roc logo would key me in that this is fantasy, and the mini-review by Patricia Briggs is a dead giveaway. Besides, since I’ve read and loved the first book, I’ll be keeping an eye out for the second. And I’m sure the bookstores will have you shelved in the sci-fi/fantasy section, so no worries!
Jackie Burris
October 6th, 2009 on 4:03 pm
Think the book is UF by the cover art, not really. Like the cover of the 2 books so far, you bet. Like many other people who commented will say that if had not read the 1st book probably would not pick up the 2nd based on the cover art. Having said that rest assured that when I read “Blue Diablo” my first thought was that you better continue the series because wanted so much more than just the one glimpse of a very well written and fascinating world with very likeable characters.
I have no idea what most people think of when they see a perfectly normal book cover like the ones you have for the 1st and 2nd installment but when you do book 3 am of the same mind as Moth in her comment that maybe the thing to do is have a really lovely shot of the Corinne and Chance characters embracing with the twist of them actually also being fully clothed in their respective ensembles as described in the books, more tasteful than the nude shots most people use….
erin
October 6th, 2009 on 4:07 pm
I love the color themes…Blue Diablo… Hells Fire… the cover is different, like you mentioned, from the typical urban fantasy so it works in your favor…different is always eye catching… As far as not being leather clad/tatted up… look at Rachel Caines, Jim Butcher… as a reader it’s fun to have scenic covers… when you get to that point, it’s fun to compare your verson w/ mine
Christine
October 8th, 2009 on 12:03 am
Love the new cover art for Hell Fire! It’s stunning–the colors really pop and are quite a unique combination. I would definitely surmise this is an urban fantasy just by looking at the cover and actually think that it would stand out MORE because the heroine doesn’t have the almost all too common tattoos, leather and weapons. Not to mention the cover quote from Patricia Briggs!
Jennifer
February 9th, 2010 on 9:38 pm
I really like the cover and I like that it’s differnet. I love the colors that were chosen and I think it will stand out “in the crowd”. I am not always attracted to covers with half naked and tattooed heroines on the cover,nothing against those books, but it does get a little old to see the same basic cover scheme on this genre. I had never bought a book by this author before “Blue Diablo” and it’s cover was more subtle too. Like the cover-love the books!
Maribeth Amberg
March 25th, 2010 on 5:39 pm
So many tattoos to choose from. I search the net looking for the best pictures! Great site!
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