Friday, March 25, 2011

Slow Boat to Purgatory by Vernon Baker

What's the genre? What is it you like or don't like about this cover? Does it make you want to know more about the book? Does it make you want to BUY the book? Discuss.

10 comments:

  1. This is an interesting one! To start with, my first guess for the genre is fantasy, though in truth the title and image could go a number of directions. I like the colors and this is an intriguing and beautifully rendered image, and the layout works nicely. I had expected the cover might lose detail in reduction but it holds up well. The title is also surprisingly readable even at a thumbnail size - my only suggestion there might be to give the words surrounding 'PURGATORY' a bit more weight.

    The only suggestion I might offer here is a hint of the genre. I'm completely in the dark there, though I personally find the cover eye-catching and unique enough that I am headed off to learn more.

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  2. The genre is a little unclear. I read a lot of fantasy and sf, and this might fall into the serous literary sort of fantasy, the sort written by John Crowley or Audrey Niffenegger or Gene Wolfe.

    However, I could also see it as a political thriller, between the classical allusions and the strong red-white-and-blue color scheme.

    It catches the eye, but without a context it's hard to see what it might be about. Serious, certainly, not a light read, maybe even Miltonian in some way.

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  3. My hand would reach for this. I'd have to check it out.

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  4. I haven't got a clue to what the book is about or what it's genre is. If I wasn't busy I might read the blurb but if I was I would pass it on by.

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  5. The colors and typography grabbed me. Nice balance of light and dark, and it has a feeling of deep texture. Like the others, I have no clue what the genre is—but because the cover is so attractive, I'd definitely check the blurb to see if that grabbed me too.

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  6. I initially thought the genre was fantasy because the cover reminded me of Frank Frazetta's artwork. But it could be mythological or literary, as well. Hard to say.

    I like the artwork. I like the colors. I like the overall presentation. I have no idea what it's about. But it's interesting enough to make me read the description...so...good job!

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  7. I love this cover. It was so good it made me shiver. It's so striking! The colors and mood are rich and evocative, and I love the subtle reference to the aged boatman Charon ferrying souls across the river Styx... a clear reference to the title. Based on that and the notable subtitle, "a novel," I am guessing this is upscale commercial fiction/literary fiction.

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  8. Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.
    The art work was by Carl Graves using a Gustave Dore print that I supplied. I highly recommend Carl.
    The genre is a blending of thriller and fantasy.

    Should be out in mid-June.

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  9. This. Is. Awesome. I so rarely get the opportunity to say that about indie covers!

    :)

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  10. Thanks sefirosukuraodo.

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