This meme was started by Books by Proxy, whose fabulous idea was to compare UK and US book covers and decide which is we prefer. This week the theme is keys, so I’ve chosen Keeper of the Keys – Book 2 of The Cycle of Fire series by Janny Wurts.
This cover, produced by Grafton in 1990 is really eye-catching with the limited colour palette of blues. The glowing key illuminating the face from below gives an otherworld, ethereal cast to the character and while I don’t much like chatter on the front cover – at least the endorsement isn’t too intrusive. This is my favourite.
This edition was produced by Ace in August 1988 and is far more dramatic. The protagonist is clearly in a desperate situation. I really like the unfolding drama with the sinister figure looming over the hapless lad. My problem with this cover is that the beautifully painted eagle somehow gets lost amongst the large golden lettering. Why on earth didn’t they choose another colour for the title font?
Published in October 1995 by HarperPrism, this is another beautiful detailed, action-packed cover. This time, the protagonist (he does get about, doesn’t he?) is hanging off the hull of a boat, moodily clutching the key around his neck as he gazes out across the seascape. I also thoroughly enjoy this one – but the eerily lit face just edges it. Which one is your favourite?
Brainfluff 
Yep. Agreed. The eerily lit face definitely has the edge.
Lynn 😀
I found it quite difficult to find a set of covers for this topic:)
Definitely agree with your choice. The light and shadows are so dramatic!
Yes – it’s really effective, isn’t it?
Totally agree with your choice of cover.
Thank you!
First cover indeed is more alluring to me 🙂
Yes – while the others aren’t bad, it pretty much nails it, doesn’t it?
yes , it most certainly does 🙂
Ahahah I love this meme 😀 The choice is cover is totally understandable !
It is fun, isn’t it? Yes… though to be honest, this week I found the subject choice a bit tough.
AND… we’re always happy for anyone to leap in and join in the fun!
I think I also prefer the first as the keys are most present there. It just seems to fit the title so well to have actual keys on the cover. But the second and third one does look great too and it’s interesting to see how different they are.
Yes – that struck me. The actual difference in approach with each cover is unusual – but they are all good I think.
Ah, that third is just so busy with the golden font over the brown boat. I do agree with the second cover. Maybe a pale silvery color for the lettering would have done it? Regardless, I’m with you on the first. The illuminated keys and face promise something more than a mere adventure. 😉
Yes, it does, doesn’t it? Thank you for swinging by and giving your verdict:)
I think the first is my favorite. The way the face is lit just pulls me in and makes me want to know about the character and those keys.
Yes… I really like the way it’s done. And it’s unusual, too.
I know these are all old-style covers, but the artwork on the last two doesn’t strike me as very good. The first one is much better, and it does have that eerie feel… which actually makes my instincts say there’s something wrong with it too, and I just can’t pin it down. But all in all this *is* the best one.