Top 5 Tuesday || Covers of 2020

If you say you’ve never judged a book by its cover, I’m not sure I believe you.

Frankly, book covers do too much work for us not to judge them. Sure, the quality of the book inside may vary, but covers are so important in that initial moment of contact, and do so much work! These covers, though, are my favorite covers of 2020, and the topic of today’s Top 5 Tuesday post! Meeghan @ Meeghan Reads is the wonderful host, and is absolutely killing me with her excellent topic choices!

Now, let’s judge some covers. Some really, really good covers.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights #1)

Billelis never fails when it comes to book covers, which means that These Violent Delights is back for another week of Top 5 Tuesday! The sheer level of detail is incredible, and I can’t wait to hold it in my hands and marvel at all the little bits that are harder to see on a computer screen.

Really, though, I’m here for that red/black/gold aesthetic, along with the floral weaponry. I am such a sucker for slapping down some swords next to flowers, it’s not even funny. Can you blame me?

 

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (The Locked Tomb Trilogy #2)

When Tommy Arnold shares the cover for Alecto the Ninth, I’m probably going to keel over on the spot. He’s done a stunning job of making The Locked Tomb trilogy look suitably goth for a series about necromancers dealing with the vast loneliness of space and also war crimes, and I’m beyond impressed with his work! It’s unsettling in the way that this series deserves.

Also, it makes it really easy to visualize what Gideon and Harrow look like. Cosplay of our favorite lesbian necromancers in space is a go, folks. It’s a go. 💀

 

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

There’s no denying that Sasha Vinogradova knocked it out of the park with this one! I’m especially partial to the Fairyloot exclusive cover pictured here, too. Normally, the background of Girl, Serpent, Thorn is white, but this pink is just so soft, which is so lovely in contrast to a story about a girl who can kill with a touch.

I’ve yet to read this one, since I don’t yet have a copy, but even if I didn’t know what it was about, it could so easily be a cover buy!

 

Horrid by Katrina Leno

Tran Nguyen is making a name for herself with book covers, that much is certain. Her gorgeous painting style graces Six Crimson Cranes, Spin the Dawn, and You Must Not Miss, and it has me completely head over heels! I adore the texture she uses, and in this case, I’m in love with the OwlCrate exclusive edition of Horrid, which turns the black roses red for some extra pop.

Be right back, I need to go see if I can get my hands on this edition. 👀

 

Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

For someone who’s afraid of snakes, I’ve managed to include two whole covers with snakes on them. But honestly? Ghost Wood Song deserves it. Designed by Alix Northrup and Jenna Stempel-Lobell, it has such strong atmospheric vibes to it, really selling the bluegrass gothic vibes that accompany the book.

This is another one I’m hoping lands underneath the Christmas tree this year!

 

And there you have it! Of all the covers this year, these five are possibly my favorites. They’re just so visually appealing, and it’s a shame I only own one of them so far! Can you imagine getting to take pictures for bookstagram with all these beauties? 🤩

But which covers do you think deserve all the love this year? Do we agree, or do you think I’ve missed some notable contenders? Let’s chat!