They say you should never judge a book by its cover, and that’s true for the most part. I’ve seen some amazing covers for books that sound like something I’d never read, and some really lackluster covers for books that turned out to be amazing. Still, when you’re browsing through thousands of offerings trying to find the perfect read, we all know that the cover is what entices us to click in the first place!

You should never judge a book by its cover, but some covers are so stunning that you can't help but be drawn in! Check out 11 of my favorite gorgeous book covers!

Before the age of ebooks and self-publishing, cover art was a driving factor in whether or not I picked up a book. I always felt that if you poured your heart and soul into a story, you’d want the cover to reflect that hard work! With self-publishing more common, I give a lot more leeway for cover art. I know not every amazing author out there can afford the costs of designing a cover. I still feel like covers deserve a good amount of attention, but I’m not going to turn away from a book because I don’t love the artwork.

Back to the main point. While we know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, some covers are just so stunning that I think “I need to read that, I don’t even care what it’s about!” Of course, I still end up reading the synopsis and reviews before buying. I don’t have a money tree, after all, and my book habit is already out of control!

Want to check out the covers that I’m proverbially drooling over right now? Of course you do, why else would you be here? Let’s get to it then!

11 Absolutely Stunning Book Covers

Affiliate links included below. You can flip through the sample of the books right here, then click the “buy” button if you decide you want it.  🙂

The combination of red against a midnight blue background always draws me in. I probably have more books with some sort of red color on my wishlist than anything else!

This cover just fascinates me, and I don’t even understand math. It’s a pretty simple cover, just a girl laying on the ground, but it draws me in right away.


I actually did read this one! The cover drew me in (again with the red on dark), and the story is fabulous if you like YA vampire fiction. I’m anxiously waiting for the 3rd book to come out now.

All the swirls and the retro font make me want to read this one. It’s on my Kindle, waiting for me. I think I grabbed it when it was free. If you’re a Kindle Unlimited member, it’s still free.


I loved her Paranormalcy series (and their covers), but Kiersten White has really outdone herself with this one! The Egyptian mythology story sounds fresh and intriguing, so I’ll probaby buy this one soon.


I don’t know what it is about this cover, but it keeps calling to me! I’m not really into fantasy (except urban fantasy), but something about this book is begging to be read!

So many gorgeous colors, and the intrigue of the girl sitting in the bottle. Just so pretty!


Another one that I read based on the cover and enjoyed. It’s a great urban fantasy, as long as you’re okay with very detailed “romantic” scenes. Like very detailed and rather plentiful.


I love all of Riordan’s covers (and most of his books, although I couldn’t get into the Heroes of Olympus that followed after Percy Jackson ended). I read this one back at the start of the summer and have the next one on pre-order. It’s a fun spin on Norse mythology!


This one is on my Kindle right now, but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I just really love the muted colors. I’m not usually a pastel type of girl, but they work here.


There’s something about the font mixed with the mysterious shadows and the books that makes me want to grab this one. The plot sounds pretty awesome, too. I love books about books!


Ships in bottles fascinate me. Entire little cities riding on ships in bottles are even neater!

It seems like fantasy and YA books have all the best covers, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s the genre, or maybe the fact that the authors are trying to reach more teens (who tend to browse quickly).

Have you read any of these books already? Do you have a favorite cover that just sings to you? Tell me in the comments!