By Chen Ying (25A01C) and Kavya Thirunavukkarasan (25S03I)
We’ve all heard of the idiom “don’t judge a book by its cover” at some point in our lives, right?
While it is true that the phrase is meant metaphorically, in the sense that the outward appearance of something should not be an indication of its value or worth, it can be applied very literally in one situation… the book retail industry!
As a reader, when we’re choosing our next book to read, the very first thing that catches our eye will naturally be the cover of a book.
A book’s cover serves a variety of purposes beyond just pleasing the eye: it can hook a reader or spark an emotional response, but most importantly, it can set the tone of the book before one even starts reading, swiftly signaling the genre. For instance, a reader looking for a light fluffy rom-com would be unlikely to pause at a dark-coloured book cover depicting an eerie-looking building.
So fellow book cover-judgers, without further ado, allow us to present…
Books with plots (almost) as nice as their covers!
Defy the Night Trilogy by Brigid Kemmerer
Synopsis:
Adapted from: Defy the Night Series by Brigid Kemmerer
The Defy the Night trilogy by Brigid Kemmerer is a young adult fantasy series set in the kingdom of Kandala, where a deadly fever ravages the land, and a rare elixir is the only cure. The story follows Tessa Cade, a courageous apothecary apprentice, and Prince Corrick, the king’s brother, as they navigate a world of political intrigue, rebellion, and moral dilemmas.
Tessa secretly distributes the scarce cure to the poor, but her actions bring her into conflict with the ruling powers. As they are drawn together, Tessa and Corrick must confront the harsh realities of power and justice in their fight to save the kingdom from devastation. The trilogy is a gripping exploration of love, sacrifice, and the battle between right and wrong in a world on the brink of collapse.
Review:
What draws me to the Defy the Night trilogy is not just the stunning, iridescent covers that immediately catch the eye, but also the captivating story within. The plot is rich and engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked, and the romance feels realistic and well-developed. I especially appreciate how the conflict is carefully built up throughout the series and resolved in a satisfying way, making the entire reading experience truly memorable.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Synopsis:
Adapted from: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna | Goodreads
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a magical tale about Mika Moon, one of the few witches in modern-day Britain. Witches must keep their magic a secret, and Mika has always lived a solitary life because of it. The story starts when she receives an invitation to teach three young witches at a mysterious house called Nowhere House.
There, she meets an eclectic group of characters, including the grumpy but kind librarian Jamie, who becomes an unexpected ally. As Mika helps the girls learn to control their powers, she discovers the true meaning of family, belonging, and love.
Review:
I love how the cover of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is both practical and aesthetic. It perfectly captures the essence of the story in one page, and the font and stylistic choices match the cozy, feel-good vibe of the book so well. This is one of those fantasy books that just makes you feel really happy, and I absolutely adored the plot!
The Loneliest Girl In The Universe by Lauren James
“Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met, never even spoken to – someone who is light years away?”
Synopsis:
Adapted from: The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James | Goodreads
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James is a gripping sci-fi thriller that follows Romy Silvers, the only surviving crew member on a spaceship traveling to a distant planet. Romy has been alone in space for years, with her only connection to Earth being emails that take months to arrive.
When she discovers that another spaceship, piloted by a boy named J, is on its way to join her, Romy’s loneliness is replaced by excitement and anticipation. But as the two ships get closer, Romy begins to uncover unsettling secrets, and she must confront her deepest fears in a suspenseful journey through space and isolation. The novel is a tense and emotional exploration of solitude, trust, and survival.
Review:
The cover of The Loneliest Girl in the Universe is striking, and perfectly complements the book’s themes. It features a striking space-themed design, with a mix of dark, starry backgrounds and vivid, contrasting colors. The fast-paced plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the suspense is absolutely gripping. I also love the poetic way the story is expressed, and the character development is spot-on. It’s such a thrilling and emotional read!
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Right: US version, Left: UK version
Synopsis:
Extracted from: Six Crimson Cranes #1
Shiori’anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally, she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, stopping the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.
A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one, for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to hide–no matter what the cost.
Review:
With two covers, one for the US version and one for the UK version of the book, readers get to choose between two gorgeous covers depending on their own preference! The US cover offers a beautiful illustration of a girl, but for those who dislike having people on their covers, the UK version offers a beautiful dreamlike scene made from pastels.
Similar to the cover, the plot of Six Crimson Cranes also takes place in a similarly dreamlike setting, as it puts a fascinating spin on a familiar childhood tale: The Wild Swans.
XOXO by Axie Oh
Synopsis:
Extracted from: XOXO by Axie Oh | Goodreads
Cello prodigy Jenny has one goal: to get into a prestigious music conservatory. When she meets mysterious, handsome Jaewoo in her uncle’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, it’s clear he’s the type of boy who will uproot her careful plans. But in a moment of spontaneity, she allows him to pull her out of her comfort zone for one unforgettable night of adventure…before he disappears without a word.
Three months later, when Jenny and her mother arrive in South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she’s shocked to discover that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled for the semester. And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world—and he’s strictly forbidden from dating.
When a relationship means throwing Jenny’s life off the path she’s spent years mapping out, she’ll have to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love.
Review:
Much like its cover, which looks like it came right out of a romance K-drama, XOXO delivers a truly adorable love story. While its plot is rather simplistic, and its premise perhaps overdone by fanfiction, XOXO will definitely offer you a few hours of entertainment as you take a break from reality.
Conclusion
In a world overflowing with countless titles, a book’s cover can be the deciding factor in capturing a reader’s attention. The cover’s design isn’t just decoration; it’s a powerful tool that can draw readers in and set the stage for the story inside. So the next time you pick up a book… maybe consider how the cover might have unconsciously influenced your choice!