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!
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!
Nice collection.
Amazing post indeed!
oh really these books covers are really amazing… great collection
Can’t argue with your choices, everything is beautiful and it definitely adds to your interest in the book. My favorite would be Inception and Scarlet!
Those really are some great book covers, glad you shared them! I will actually be looking into purchasing some, I need more books!
I’m guilty of sometimes reading a book based on the cover design alone. Like you, I do read the synopsis though too.
I think those book covers are very nice. I’ve never judged a book by its cover..although if I do find a book with an appealing cover, I do stop to look at it.
I’ve discovered so many great books and authors simply by choosing a cover. It’s amazing how graphics and design can draw you in and make you want to read this or that.
I totally judge books by their covers all of the time lol. It definitely pays off sometimes.
Haha! Eye-catching covers definitely tend to get my to read the description on the back. These are some really pretty ones.
Oh, this is really true! The first thing I notice is the cover of a book, I think it is very important to have a wonderful cover as well as a great content.
These are very interesting books based on the cover. Sometimes, I also based my perspective on the cover.
I have to admit that a good cover will catch my eye and at least make me look at a book. I would not purchase that book, though, without reading the description on the inside cover. Then I would determine if i would actually like to read the book.
I have to say that I am pretty guilty about judging a book by its cover when I go to read it. All of these are beautiful!
I am with you when it comes to judging a book by its stunning cover & most of my collections are based on that! The Sin Eaters Daughter and Inception are the ones I wanted to read for long!
These book covers ARE gorgeous! They would entice me to read all of them!
Wow I love these covers and I am writing an eBook so I am gonna look into the fonts and Imagery Superb!
Even as the Harry Potter series has evolved and expanded to film, stage, and a stunning series of illustrated editions, the books’ original covers will always have a special place in our hearts. They remind us of the first time we discovered J.K. Rowling’s spellbinding world, and the feelings of exc