r/BookCovers • u/josephmkrzl • Sep 17 '25
Feedback Wanted [Book Cover] Would you pause if you see this?
Even if the art is good, they say text can make-or-break a good design. What do you think about this? Is it sci-fi? Fantasy? Both?
PS: copyrighted material.
Artist: Ivan Debs
37
u/NakedRyan Sep 17 '25
At first glance, it reads as TRAVIELERS.
12
u/Srt101b Sep 17 '25
I agree, mostly due to the added kerning between “TRAV” and “ELERS”. OP, I would try a version without said kerning or even try moving the whole title at the top, see if some of those options work.
Also, it bothers me a little bit the your name is not centered within the page, but that might be just me. I’d also try an off-white color for that text instead of the super bright white it has now, just to make it feel part of the image like the grey (instead of 100% black) on the title.
3
u/joiedelesprit Sep 18 '25
I agree with the note of trying the title across the top. The way the title is aligned with the horizon is great but imbalanced and the name of the book is not what I see first. If the title were flush across the top, same horizon theory just swapped, it could feature the art while balancing the name at the bottom. I’d have to see it though to know if that’s the right move. As-is looks good but somehow distracting.
3
2
18
u/LostCosmonaut1961 Sep 17 '25
Sci-fi/fantasy/post-apocalyptic/fucking awesome man, holy shit.
Where do I buy?
4
u/LostCosmonaut1961 Sep 17 '25
Never mind, found the Amazon page. No promises on turnaround, but this looks sick, and I intend to eventually read and review 😁
Bravo!
5
u/josephmkrzl Sep 17 '25
That's amazing! I will be happy to send a high-res poster for it! keep in touch!
1
1
10
u/Good_Captain8766 Sep 17 '25
Now I am looking at my next book cover like... Do better man. :p
13
u/josephmkrzl Sep 17 '25
I hired an artist for that... talent costs money but they know what they are doing
1
6
u/cutcutpastepaste Sep 17 '25
I would, I love the bright colors and the alien looking flora. As others have said it looks a bit comic book-y, but I like comic books so that wouldn’t be a turn off for me. My first instinct says sci fi but I could see it being fantasy too
6
u/Ok-Noise9312 Sep 17 '25
Adding to the other comments, I feel the contrast of background and title is not nearly as strong as the one of your name, making the latter stand out first and had me look for the title second, which is not something I love for high profile authors and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for less well known ones. In short, I’d consider giving your title more oomph and focus
1
4
u/TheWanderingWind Sep 17 '25
I would pick it up for sure to check the blurb! Love the colors, and it strikes me as sci-fi, but maybe not hard sci-fi (or even with a small dash of fantasy added to the mix).
I think maybe the title needs some work though. It blends in with the background, so maybe bigger and a brighter color and different place? You could darken the author's name a bit too, as right now it draws the eyes more than the title. But yeah, for sure it would make me pause and reach/click for it!
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 17 '25
here you go:
Life was slow… A typical day in Ahm's life meant tending to the herd of the tribe and being close to his beloved Naya. His ambitious wish during the Shukur celebration gave birth to a unique purpose. A mark on his chest, a sudden arrival of a wiseman, and a strange alignment in the skies lit fire in his heart—signs to follow his calling as he thirsted for change.
"Curiosity killed the cub." Warned Hakim, the old sage, softening his hurry, "You need to pass the rites." His temporary hold-back by the rites of passage were his first step to face the elements, he learned a golden rule: “Those who master the elements may still fall, if they forget that the fifth element is choice.”
Thus, Ahm began his journey to the edge of the world. A travel of wonder through ancient lands and initiation into early mystical secrets.
The world was much more than he once thought. “Magic!” Half-beard explained. The wiseman guided his path sideways to Gaia’s words: "I love the courageous, even the unexpected will help you finish the path."
And… the unexpected happened.
3
u/dragonsandvamps Sep 17 '25
The art is breathtakingly gorgeous.
The title placement is in a spot that's cluttered visually, the text doesn't stand out from the background, and as a result, it's very hard to read. To me, it looks like travielers.
Could you have the artist move the position of that big sun and put the title where it currently is? If you can't do that, I would at least pull the title up so it's out of the horizon line, which should help some.
1
3
u/The_Midnight_Editor Sep 17 '25
I love the art style, but I’m not sure if the distressed font fits. Like others mentioned, the word “travelers” was hard to read with the I-like city spire in the center.
Minor nitpick, but those pink oval tree things on either side distract the eye and stick out, maybe because they’re so sharply outlined. I’d remove them or ask for the outline color to change to see if that makes them less incongruous.
3
u/ravenkult Sep 17 '25
Although it's nice to look at, I'd probably pop the title out and put it at the top. Not a fan of the texture on the title either. I would instead do bold type with one of the more neon colours from the art.
7
u/NancyInFantasyLand Sep 17 '25
Honestly, on first glance I'd think comic book.
No other genre springs out at me.
7
u/josephmkrzl Sep 17 '25
It's a novel and planning on turning it into a comic book
3
u/LostCosmonaut1961 Sep 17 '25
Strikes me as a fantasy novel with pulpy/comic-book sensibilities, LOL. Not a bad thing!
2
u/Beneficial_Sun_9399 Sep 17 '25
This is really good. Definitely getting sci-fi fantasy from this.
2
2
u/trainsoundschoochoo Sep 17 '25
It looks cool! It definitely looks sci-fi, like on an alien world. I think the art is great.
2
u/Selina42 Sep 17 '25
I think the illustration is lovely. Font choice is good, love the texture you’ve given it too. Not keen on the title placement. As another poster has said, it doesn’t read well. But also it makes a beautiful clean image now seem too cluttered and unbalanced - and detracts from the immediate visual impact. Having it sit on the horizon line doesn’t work for me. I’d move it elsewhere, probably to the top of the image.
2
u/josephmkrzl Sep 17 '25
I have tried that, and honestly the way it is now felt more unique and different. thanks for the comment though, much appreciated.
2
2
u/blueeyedbrainiac Sep 17 '25
Definitely gives sci-fi to me because of the shapes and colors. The only thing slightly off to me is the circles. They kinda look like they could be moons, but they’re slightly transparent which throws me off. Definitely wouldn’t put me off the book though. I think it’s super cool
2
u/Forgott3ndaydr3ams Sep 17 '25
I’d pick it up to read the back at least. The cover is beautiful! It’s somehow both vibrant yet soothing in its colors.
2
2
u/bookwormch Sep 17 '25
It is good. It reminds of some of the latest editions of Dune. I really like it and I’d definitely stop myself scrolling to read the blurb.
-1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 17 '25
here you go:
Life was slow… A typical day in Ahm's life meant tending to the herd of the tribe and being close to his beloved Naya. His ambitious wish during the Shukur celebration gave birth to a unique purpose. A mark on his chest, a sudden arrival of a wiseman, and a strange alignment in the skies lit fire in his heart—signs to follow his calling as he thirsted for change.
"Curiosity killed the cub." Warned Hakim, the old sage, softening his hurry, "You need to pass the rites." His temporary hold-back by the rites of passage were his first step to face the elements, he learned a golden rule: “Those who master the elements may still fall, if they forget that the fifth element is choice.”
Thus, Ahm began his journey to the edge of the world. A travel of wonder through ancient lands and initiation into early mystical secrets.
The world was much more than he once thought. “Magic!” Half-beard explained. The wiseman guided his path sideways to Gaia’s words: "I love the courageous, even the unexpected will help you finish the path."
And… the unexpected happened.
2
u/JarlFrank Sep 17 '25
Dude that's awesome, reminds me of Morrowind, great exotic fantasy stuff. I'd pick it up immediately.
2
u/ZeoW- Sep 17 '25
Looks great as a poster. Not sure how the small the font will be in a book? I'd prefer the title font to be bigger.
2
u/Tea0verdose Sep 17 '25
The illustration is amazing, I'd definitely pick it up to read the back.
But the title needs to be easier to read. I suggest placing it a bit higher so it's not hidden by that mountain. And lose the weird kerning.
Also, the author's name doesn't need to be so bright and so big. it's currently the strongest element in the design, and steals the show. Unless the book is by Stephen King, an author's name should be smaller and in a more discreet color.
1
2
2
u/WyvernWriting Sep 17 '25
This is good! I like it. I will say, it gives heavy graphic novel vibes, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
2
u/lecohughie Sep 17 '25
Oh! I love this. A part of me wants the title to be a little darker, to create a stronger contrast. But I love the art and the aesthetic. I would definitely grab it to read the back.
2
2
Sep 17 '25
For me it is fantastic! one of my biggest gripes with most fantasy is that the actual fantasy world is a carbon copy of Earth, there is nothing weird or otherworldly, no special biomes. I am a big fan of the mushrooms and weird plant life...crystals? you have going on in the 2nd photo. I think the Travelers writing is kinda cool because of how it sort of fades into the back, but simultaneously with the city and smoke and it being blocked its a bit messy, id maybe move it down below with your name or perhaps make it smaller and shift it into the cloud area away from the city!
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 18 '25
Thanks for the advice.
I'm also fascinated by fauna and flora. mushrooms have a big role starting the adventure. Although I describe plant life like the regular plants we are used to, this is how i imagined them.
2
u/TriggertheDragon Sep 17 '25
Really like the cover. I'm getting Space Opera vibes from this. Very cool
2
2
u/kidnuggett606 Sep 17 '25
Looks great. I would def pick it up and read the back cover.
0
u/josephmkrzl Sep 18 '25
Here you go:
Life was slow… A typical day in Ahm's life meant tending to the herd of the tribe and being close to his beloved Naya. His ambitious wish during the Shukur celebration gave birth to a unique purpose. A mark on his chest, a sudden arrival of a wiseman, and a strange alignment in the skies lit fire in his heart—signs to follow his calling as he thirsted for change.
"Curiosity killed the cub." Warned Hakim, the old sage, softening his hurry, "You need to pass the rites." His temporary hold-back by the rites of passage were his first step to face the elements, he learned a golden rule: “Those who master the elements may still fall, if they forget that the fifth element is choice.”
Thus, Ahm began his journey to the edge of the world. A travel of wonder through ancient lands and initiation into early mystical secrets.
The world was much more than he once thought. “Magic!” Half-beard explained. The wiseman guided his path sideways to Gaia’s words: "I love the courageous, even the unexpected will help you finish the path."
And… the unexpected happened.
2
u/Subject_Edge3958 Sep 19 '25
Could I ask what the tags would be for this book? Also the thing about his beloved Naya. What I think reading that Naya is the love interest and think they are together? Is she part of the story or is it more at the start and she is something he goes forth for?
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 19 '25
tags would be: call to adventure, metaphysical, elemental magic, good and evil, sci-fi (there is a side story).
Naya is his love and actually a strong reason behind his adventure. her role is secondary in the first book but i would like to develop her further in part 2.
2
u/mrb4ttery Sep 17 '25
Do you have a link to the artist? I’d love to see more of his work! The artwork is very eye catching!
1
2
u/BrandpulseAnalytics Sep 17 '25
Do you have just one draft or multiple? If you have multiple we could test which one grant attention best on the bookstore shelves. We call it Stopping Power Rating.
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 18 '25
I have multiple ones, but they are only variations in sky color and big tree shape. this is def the best one.
2
u/WilmarLuna Sep 17 '25
This is a win. Not sure how well the pinks and reds will print but this looks awesome. Assuming Sci-Fi based on the cover, not sure if I'm right.
2
2
u/zkstarska Sep 17 '25
I don't think you should have both "Part 1" and "A novel." It makes it visually cluttered and also implies two different things.
"A novel" on a cover implies stand alone and is usually used for literary rather than genre fiction.
I don't think you need "part 1" either, but that's less of an issue since it's informative.
Otherwise it looks good.
2
2
u/pacificblues87 Sep 17 '25
Overall I really like it. It's a bit busy and overwhelming but it would catch my eye. I'm a little confused by it though--specifically the genre, but that sense of curiosity might be a benefit? I'm not sure the text really works. Like, where it sits on the page, it seems abnormally low and it blends into the background too much rather than standing out. Have you tried shrinking it to thumbnail size and looking at it b&w? I would remove 'a novel by'. Needless clutter on an already busy image. But I just went down to read your blurb and I think it needs work. That would turn me off. If you can't afford an editor, maybe try to get some free beta readers.
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 18 '25
Thanks for the advice! what part of the blurb didnt you like? i did not meet expectation as to what the story is? or it did not excite you enough?
1
u/pacificblues87 Sep 19 '25
Too much exposition, loses momentum. Too many names. Blurb should hint at mentorship and challenges, not provide a summary of the lessons learned. It tells the reader the moral ("the fifth element is choice") instead of letting them wonder what secrets Ahm will uncover. People don't care yet about your story. You have to give them a reason to think they might. What is the compelling factor here? It's pretty trope-y, which can work, but does it? I don't know. It also only comes across as purely fantasy, and dated, which feels incongruent with the modern sci fi vibe of the cover.
Ultimately, it just feels like the quality and content of writing in the book doesn't match the quality and content of the cover. I'm not saying this to discourage or demean you. But I think nowadays people are so fixated on professional level covers, and it can potentially really hurt you if the readers feel bamboozled. I think it's more important to get beta readers than focus so much on the cover. At the very least, the first chapter, so you can get a feel if it's "landing" or not. Just keep in mind, one person's opinion is one person's opinion. That's why beta readers is plural.
2
2
u/Getevel Sep 18 '25
Kind of a cool cover, but the cover will be hard to read when it shrunk down to a thumbnail on Amazon consider making the type more legible
2
2
u/PaperParentDinosaur Sep 18 '25
YES
AND I bothered to comment about it. Text is great. Scifi and fantasy already overlap so much...I don't think the genre matters much
2
u/International-Day674 Sep 18 '25 edited Sep 18 '25
This looks gorgeous. The colors easily caught my eye first and then all the details pulled me in, It feels both sci-fi and fantasy. I'd stare at it on a bookshelf and keep staring at it as I buy it lol. Though, I agree that it looks 'Travielers' at first glance, maybe editing the top portion of the 'city' cluster to be closer to the color of the background can make it less distracting.
Like this: tried to edit a little
1
2
2
2
u/AlexisJordanGFlame Sep 18 '25
I saw this yesterday without the book title (maybe in the fantasy sub) and I loved it, but did wonder how the wording would change it.
Happy to say it works very well! It's a unique style the choice to use an artist who specialises in this style was a good choice.
I would pull this book from a shelf.
2
u/Ok-Practice-4955 Sep 19 '25
Please tell me this is an upcoming release 🙏
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 19 '25
It's on Amazon!
1
u/Ok-Practice-4955 Sep 19 '25
Amazing! Arriving in a few days and definitely my next read! I'm so excited
2
2
u/Kay_co Sep 20 '25
I love it. I’m someone who picks books based on their title or cover so this is perfect. I’d pick this up and read it immediately
2
2
u/BrentFindleyArt Sep 21 '25
Absolutely would. Cool concept and amazing art done by the cover artist.
2
2
2
u/Shiiyan Sep 22 '25
I really love the art style! I'd think the setting is a dystopian world with sci-fi and fantasy elements. I would definitely stop and read the synopsis, though personally I think the "part 1" is off-putting. I do like book series with one to three books, but I prefer that they contain a complete story even if part of a bigger story. "Part 1" sounds like the first book ends in the middle. I would rather give it a subtitle (e.g. "city of bla") and write on the first page that it's part 1 of a series.
Btw I love it when the back side of the cover is a continuation of the front cover. In this case it's like you get two covers in one because the artstyle is consistent but the theme is a bit different. Very cool!
1
2
u/stymiedforever Sep 28 '25
There a story right on the cover! Love it, the weird plants, the distant smoke show, the people walking, the COLORS!!
Are you looking for an art critique or a design critique?
1
2
2
2
2
u/ScreenwritingCommun Oct 16 '25
Yes. Love the colors. But I don't like the way the title is hidden. I think the text should be bigger and it should be the front layer, especially given the fact that it will display smaller on bookseller websites.
1
Sep 17 '25
What did you use? I tried chat gbt but I couldn't get it right.
1
u/josephmkrzl Sep 18 '25
This is not AI, an artist did it for me from scratch. I have all the sketches he made along the way.
1
1
1
u/Aurorabig Sep 18 '25
Sci-fi, new planets, I love it. Lettering is awesome as well, I love the choppiness
1
u/Ok-Strawberry-4215 Sep 18 '25
I would take out Part 1 as a lot of people won’t buy a book that doesn’t have the sequel out already (I’ve known dozens of people who will reject a book that has no sequel yet), and it takes away from the impact of the title.
Art is fantastic.
1
u/throwaway_mybodice Sep 18 '25
This is STUNNING! As much I like to think I don't judge a book by it's cover, I am definitely judging this book by it's cover. *thinks how good this would look on my shelf o.O*
1
1
1
u/weirdbookfiend Sep 19 '25
This is a beautiful, eye-catching cover! Probably the most eye-catching one I've seen in a while! It's the colors, scenery, and camera angle for me!
1
1
1
1
u/Elmiinar Sep 20 '25
Yeah, the shape design is great, the colors are unique. It really draws you in, well done!
1
1
u/Recent-Song7692 Sep 20 '25
I like it a lot. But the title confuses me. Is it really TRAV ELERS or is it just poor kerning?
1
u/Weak_Hospital_7854 Sep 20 '25
I would probably buy 2. One for reading (because with that cover it has to be a good book, right?) and one that I would put somewhere where I can see and admire this AMAZING artwork!
So so so so well done!!
1
u/K-Argus Sep 20 '25
I would stop and pick it up to read the synopsis for sure. I love sci fi, fantasy, and dystopian, and this cover appears to be a blend of all three. Love it!!
1
u/_homofab_ Sep 20 '25
Gives be big Destiny and The Outer Worlds vibes, both sci-fi games that I loved a lot. I'd definitely pick up and look at the cover, if I was at a library I'd give it a try, if it was to purchase, I'd definitely look into it more. I try not to let a cover sway my purchasing decisions, but I am still a little bit of a crow
1
1
u/Any--Name Sep 20 '25 edited Sep 20 '25
I really like the colors, font and art style, but I'm not so sure about the composition. Too many elements seem to be centered, like the moon, the horizon, the city and the title. It makes it feel a bit cluttered and unbalanced. The coast being a perfect line threw me off too. And the people seem to be a bit too detailed compared to the other elements, which makes them also battle for your attention along with all the other centered elements. The two minor moons also look like they're on the same distance from the bigger one, which, again, calls attention to the center
In general though, I think I'd check it out
1
u/Ninelan-Ruinar Sep 20 '25
Maybe.
The title bothers me, it doesen't play nice with the art. I get the vision, but something in the execution doesen't quite cut it. The R is ambigous, could be quickly mistaken for a B, and the spacing between the Trav-Elers part is iffy. The 'the', is barely visible. I'd say to not be afraid to obscure more of the art with bolder text placement.
Author text is fine though.
1
u/courage_45 Sep 20 '25
Actually I did pause when I saw it so yeah… I will
And however I think the title can be improved as in it is bold to read alright just that I had to pause to get it
I had to pause to figure it out that it’s one word
Aside that, it’s great… really great
1
1
u/Astredamus Sep 20 '25
It gives me a sci-fi/dystopian vibe. I like the cover, it gives off some great vibes with the colors, it's not too trendy (and I say it in a positive way), but it kind of has a comic feeling to it also. The font sizes are good (that's one of the mistakes I mostly see with some covers, but this one is great)
1
u/lullaby-2022 Sep 21 '25
Yes, I like strange covers and this one captures my attention. I have no idea what the book is about but I would think it's about some kind of dystopian future.
1
u/Sphuny Sep 21 '25
Definitely pause. Might even stop. Perhaps even pick it up to read the back. But that's as far as the cover is gonna take you. When I read the back, i want to be intrigued and left wanting more but not in an obvious cliffhanger way.
Sooo, yes, i like the cover.
1
1
1
u/HeartThief13 Oct 01 '25
It would catch my eye, and I like what you're trying to do to here. I do struggle with reading the text with the gap between "trav" and "elers." Like others have mentioned, moving the text up should help. Overall, I like it though! It just needs a touch more tweakingg.
I did get more sci-fi vibes from this though.
58
u/Good_Captain8766 Sep 17 '25
Wow. It's rare that I am this impressed with a cover of Reddit. That is definitely an eye stopper!