Anyone who says they don’t judge a book by its cover is obviously lying. However, I’ll admit I probably do it more than most. If a book can set up its atmosphere before I even have to read it, it already has a leg up. As someone who judges book covers quite frequently, here are ten books from this year that I picked up because of their stunning covers, or ones I would have picked up had I seen them. My credentials: liking pretty colors.
The Compound by Aisling Rawle
This was my most recent cover buy, and it did not disappoint. I tend to gravitate toward literary fiction cover styles because they usually give me a sense of the book’s themes or messaging, and this one sets up the story beautifully. I also love the strong color contrasts and how vibrant everything feels, despite the story taking place in a desert. Overall, it’s a great example of what I look for in a book cover, both aesthetically and thematically.
Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
I haven’t read this book yet, but I feel like I already know what it’s about. The cover instantly gives me old Hollywood mystery vibes with just a hint of magic, and from what I’ve seen, that’s exactly what it delivers. I usually don’t love it when real people appear on covers, but this one does it right.
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
I hope the trend of literary fiction novels featuring bright, bold titles paired with painterly covers never goes away. For lit fic especially, it does such a good job of setting the vibe of the story before you even open the first page. As an art lover, books like Hungerstone scratch my brain just right, and I’ll always pick one up.
The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
This cover is so hauntingly gorgeous. The colors, the title, the girl, everything just works. It has that perfect mix of realism and artistry that makes it feel alive. The lighting and shadows make it look like an old painting you’d find in a haunted mansion, which fits the vibe perfectly. I rarely buy hardcovers, but this one looks like it should be a hardcover; it just feels right. After seeing it, I definitely want to pick it up.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
This is a contender for one of my favorite covers of the year. Fall is my favorite season, and this cover perfectly captures the magic of it, the colors, the coziness, and that in-between feeling of change. I also love that it breaks from the usual romance-cover formula where the characters are separated by something; here, their connection is front and center. As a casual romance enjoyer, I’m so beyond excited to get my hands on this book.
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
I don’t really have a thoughtful analysis on this one; I just think anyone with eyes can see that this is stunning. The colors on this cover make it feel so emotional, and I love how the sunset creates the entire atmosphere of the cover. I don’t know what this is about, but I want to display it on my bookshelf immediately.
Heart the Lover by Lily King
As you can see, I have a pattern when it comes to what I like in a cover. This is really simple but super bold. Anything with a standout cover I am going to love, even if not much else is happening. However, there is still enough on this cover where I don’t feel like I know enough, and I need to read more to find out why she’s crying rose petals.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
This is a visual outlier amongst the list, but everything about this cover is so mysterious and interesting to me. I love the font choice, the red, and the eye peeking out from the buffalo, which is slightly unsettling. A big draw for me when it comes to horror is the cover, and this one nails it. Setting the atmosphere is everything when it comes to being properly spooked.
Loved One by Aisha Muharrar
Obviously, we all know why I chose this one, but it’s the color choices and font that make this cover so alluring. The unique palette and bold contrast make it stand out instantly, and it feels like the vibe is already set, even before knowing what it’s about. I’ve seen this cover everywhere online with Gen Z readers, and it feels perfectly in tune with what the generation gravitates toward: bold, expressive, and impossible to scroll past.
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
This cover immediately caught my eye. It’s eerie but also very pretty. The doll face mixed with that bold, dripping yellow font makes it hard to look away. I love how the old-fashioned portrait contrasts with the modern, grungy text; it feels classic but still a little unhinged. It fits the title perfectly and gives you an idea of the unsettling vibe before you even read the blurb.
These are just a few of my favorites, but I always love discovering more. There’s rarely a cover I don’t like (except photorealistic ones, usually). All I need to see is a vision, and I think we shouldn’t underestimate how important that is when you’re putting your art out into the world. It’s not superficial, it’s necessary!
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