Welcome to The Friday Face-Off, a weekly meme here at Books by Proxy. Join me every Friday as I pit cover against cover, and publisher against publisher, to find the best artwork in our literary universe.
The Builders by Daniel Polansky
Welcome to the Friday Face-Off! For this week’s comparison we’re on the look out for covers which feature mice (though all rodents are welcome!).
Published by Tor globally and by Acheron in Italy, The Builders by Daniel Polansky features two incredibly striking covers that just beg for you to turn the first page. Take a look at these two artistic beauties and see which one is your favourite.
Tor – Cover #1
Cover Art by Richard Anderson
Acheron- Cover #2
| The Friday Face-Off: Winner |
I’d like to say the choice was incredibly difficult this week – the runner-up is, after all, an absolutely amazing piece of art – but I can’t help but be seduced by the sheer beauty and atmospheric qualities of Richard Anderson’s artwork. Needless to say, due to my quite clear bias, it was an unfair contest from the start.
But let’s not overlook the details. The Tor cover is dramatic, gritty and gives the reader an immediate feel for the dark (if humorous) writing within while the Acheron cover speaks of comic western violence with its bold, selective palette and blocky typeface. I love the ink-like splatters and watercolour wash of the former and the styalised figures of the latter. But most of all, I love that both covers have instantly recognisable characters and that both transport you instantly into Polansky’s writing. Amazing covers. Amazing book.
Which cover wins your vote this week? Have a cover of your own? – Post the link below!
Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads
Next week’s theme is:
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars
A cover which features the moon
Remember to check The Friday Face-Off Feature Page for upcoming themes
| Links |
Ronyell @ RabbitEarsProductions
Books by Proxy 
I agree with your choice! I’m a big Anderson cover fan, so Tor.com all the way. That said, the Archeron one is really cool too, I hadn’t seen that one before!
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It is cool isn’t it, I’m so glad there was such a great alternative cover for this book! 😀
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Oh yes – I also agree with your choice:). They are both striking covers – but the details and mood of the Tor.com offering is exceptional.
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It’s a real beauty isn’t it! 😀
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Awesome picks! I agree with your choice here! The cover on the first cover looks so gorgeous!
Here’s my Friday Face Off:
https://rabbitearsblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/26/the-friday-face-off-1-mice/
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I definitely agree with your choice 🙂
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Both of these covers are excellent – but, your winner definitely has the edge I think. Not a book I’ve read but I fancy it now 😀
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I think you’d love it! It’s a short read but full of action and humour. I really recommend! 😀
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I def agree with your choice. My eyes immediately went to it. I love how dark and gritty and atmospheric it is. The characters seem more dangerous too.
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Definitely! It paints a perfect brooding atmosphere. Every time I look at it I love it a little more! 😀
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