Best Book Covers of 2021 – Judging Books by Their Covers

Today I went to Barnes & Noble because they were having a huge sale. All hardcover books were 50% off. It was a sale I knew I couldn’t miss. But I walked in there with no idea what books I wanted. I haven’t been keeping a wishlist recently, so I went in completely open-minded, looking only at the book covers that caught my eye. Because of this, I have decided today to talk about the best book covers of 2021.

The cover art of books is my favorite part of being a book lover. There are some really good ones and some really bad ones. But overall, I definitely judge books based on their covers, especially when buying physical books. Why would I want a physical copy of an ugly book cover when I can just read that book digitally? What a world we are living in!

Another thing I love about book cover art is how subjective it is. Although I might think a book cover is ugly, someone else might think it is the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. Just like art, what you find pleasing and what you find unattractive is completely personal.

So as I am creating this list, know that this is all my personal opinion. I personally think all books are pretty neat, despite what they look like on the outside, just because of the magic they can bring to people.

But anyway, let’s get into my list of the best book covers of 2021.

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The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur

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Firekeeper’s Daughter by

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All our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue

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The One’s Were Meant to Find by Joan He

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What big Teeth by Rose Szabo

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For all Time by

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Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé 

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Lore by Alexandra Bracken

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Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia

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Lost in the Neverwoods by Aiden Thomas

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House of Hollow by

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Phoenix Flame by Sara Holland

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These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy

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A Lesson in Vengence by Victoria Lee

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Is there a certain style of book covers that you are drawn to? For me, it is the book covers with florals, pinks, or abstract art. I also love artistic renderings of people as well (not real photographed people). this helps with my aphantasia. When I can’t imagine what a character looks like, it is nice to flip to the cover and see a visual representation of the main character.

This year brought come incredible artwork. Something about the best book covers of 2021 had me excited to read. This is why book cover art is so important! I am more motivated to pick up a book with good artwork than a book with a cover I don’t like.

Just based on this list of the best book covers of 2021, what books would you read if you had no idea what the plot was? Let me know in the comments below!

2 thoughts on “Best Book Covers of 2021 – Judging Books by Their Covers”

    1. I just looked this book cover up and oh my gosh! One of the prettiest book covers I have seen in a long time!

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