Sarah Beth Durst's latest novel, Enchanted Ivy, is about two Princetons—the regular university and its magical parallel world, which main character Lily has to navigate as she tries to gain admission. The cover drew me in instantly. Maybe it was the unique, fade-in font... or the creeping, stately ivy... or, you know that gargoyle and his claw. In any case, I had to ask Sarah how she sees her cover, and it turns out she's enchanted.
Here's Sarah:
"You know the coolest thing about this cover? I mean, aside from the fact that it features a kickass gargoyle. And that the bird has just taken flight because the gargoyle is in motion. And that the girl looks completely nonplussed by this (which is perfect for the character—she’s a coper). And that it's all shimmery. (You can't tell from the cover image, but the actual book jacket has this pearl-like effect. Very pretty. I have a copy next to me right now, and I keep petting it.)
"Coolest thing is that it's a painting of a real person. She emailed me several months ago and said that she was the artist's model. I love knowing that there's a real person that looks like Lily out in the world!
"Similar thing happened to me with the cover for Ice (left). I received an email from the woman who was the model for that cover too. If the real Cassie and the real Lily were ever to meet, the universe might explode. Or maybe not.
"I did not receive an email from the gargoyle. But I haven't given up hope yet.
"Anyway, if you can't tell already, I adore this cover. I can't claim any credit for it—it was already gorgeous from the first moment that I saw it. I fell instantly in love with it and am so grateful to Simon & Schuster for giving me such a pretty, pet-able cover!
"I am also grateful that it's not bright orange. Enchanted Ivy is about magic at Princeton, and Princeton's colors are orange and black (plus one of the main characters is a were-tiger with orange-and-black hair). So I was a little worried that we'd end up with neon orange, but instead… behold the shimmery pretty!"
Thanks, Sarah! She's right—pick this on up off the shelf for a real look at its glow.
What do you guys think of this cover?
Melissa Walker is the author of four Young Adult novels, including the Violet trilogy and Lovestruck Summer. She is co-creator of the popular teen newsletter I Heart Daily, and her author blog, where Cover Stories originated, is melissacwalker.com.
