BOOK NEWS: Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre announced on her blog today that her YA novel got a complete make-over. And by complete make-over we’re talking new cover and new title.

Here’s the book blurb:

In Deuce’s world, individuals become adults—and earn the right to a name—only if they survive their first fifteen years. By this point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups: breeders, builders, or hunters. As the names imply, each group has definite roles to play for the survival of the group.

As a Huntress, Deuce’s purpose is clear—to roam the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading the ferocious humanoids known as Freaks. This has been the status quo for as far back as anyone can remember; this is, the elders tell everyone, the way it has to be. With the introduction of Fade, a male hunter a couple of years older than Deuce, who had been adopted into her enclave a few years earlier, she becomes aware of the hidden realities of the Orwellian society in which she was born. Deviation from the norm is punished quickly and harshly.

As Deuce’s perception of her world shifts, guided by her complex partnership with Fade, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival in the tunnels. The Freaks, considered dangerous only due to their sheer numbers and ferocious appetite, have long been held as incapable of any level of thought. And yet, as Fade and Deuce encounter them in the tunnels while in a reconnaissance mission to the nearest enclave, the creatures’ behavior is evidently cunning, and therefore more dangerous. It is evident that the danger is imminent, and yet Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.

Here are the titles & covers:

Razorland vs. Enclave

   

(Click on covers for bigger view. Do it. Trust me. I completely missed something in the cover for Enclave the first time around.)

Razorland was the original title/cover.

Enclave is new title/cover.

Ann Aguirre wants to know what you think about the new cover and title so go over to Ann Aguirre’s blog and leave her a comment.

I want to know what you think about books getting a complete make-over like this? I personally think it could be a bit confusing for readers, especially with a new title. We see new covers all the time but change the cover and the title and that’s throwing readers a curve ball. I haven’t read the book yet so I can’t tell you which title is more suitable. I like both covers but I already grew fond of the original cover. If I were to see both of these books side by side at the book store, I’d pick up Razorland.