Artist Emma Whiting really tried to top the weird factor of the US hardcover here. She tried very very hard but ultimately failed, because that first cover is just too freakin’ bizarre.

She failed, but not by a huge margin.

See, she gets more points for actually appearing to have read the book. Or at the very least, read descriptions of the characters. I don’t really get the stylistic choice here, but it was probably due to some idea that children like whimsical covers. Which may even be true, although when I was a kid I preferred photorealistic covers. Anyway:

I really enjoy the bottom 1/4 of this image. The four kids bicycling up the hill have the right hair colors; their relative sizes are kind of not there, but they’re teeny people, so it’s not a big deal. I love the shadow-mirrors of the trees and the kids on their bikes. The house itself is a bit small but otherwise looks like the house might actually look.

There are other things to like about this cover, too–the way Cadal and Morgana’s staffs are depicted, for example. I think that’s a pretty cool touch. Also, the really neato watercolory look to the sky. Conceptually, I like the way that Cadal and Morgana are both paired with their chosen familiars. The depiction of Briony isn’t as catlike as I would like, but overall it’s pretty imaginative and interesting.

But, okay, first: Cadal’s hair. I’m assuming it’s supposed to be windswept, but unfortunately it gives the impression of just being, like, fried. And most importantly, why the heck are Cadal and Morgana so freakin’ happy? They’re ENEMIES. EN. E. MIES. Yet they’re blissfully floating side by side, happy as clams. Clams wearing lots and lots of makeup.

I guess that’s really all I have to mock about this one, actually. Overall it’s pretty decent. I just wish it gave the impression of, you know, some kind of actual conflict. And a cameo by the Feathered Serpent would be nice, too.

Edited the same day to add: OMG! I can’t believe I didn’t write anything about Cadal’s totally sexy-looking, prominent, unnecessarily-detailed butt! Or the fact that he appears to be trying to peek under Morgana’s dress! Oh, he is a naughty one, he is.