The Friday Face-Off was created by Books by Proxy, where each week bloggers can showcase books with covers centered around a weekly theme. You can visit Lynn’s Books for a list of upcoming themes. Join in the fun each Friday by finding a book whose cover is based on the theme!
This week’s theme: Train or tram.
This week I’ve chosen one of my favorite underrated books, Railhead by Philip Reeve. This is a YA science fiction story with sentient trains. Yes, you read that right. Even though trains are a big part of the story, I was surprised to find that not many of the covers available actually have trains on them. But I guess train gears count, right? Here are some of the covers I found:
U.S. edition Switch Press 2016 | UK edition 2016
Czech edition 2016 | Romanian edition 2016
Spanish edition 2018 | Italian edition 2016
I can’t say I’m blown away by any of the alternate covers, although I do like the Romanian cover, so my favorite is definitely the U.S. edition, which I love!
That rusty gear is a very powerful image indeed! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…BOOK BUYING HABITS TAG
I agree, I’d also pick the US edition for the grittiness of the gear, though it doesn’t say “train” quite as strongly as I’d expect. I suppose that’s what the title is for. 🙂
Sentient trains? I think I need to check this one out! I was looking through some covers for trains (before I remembered I wasn’t doing it this week, haha) and I agree, it was surprisingly how few trains there are? I think I have to agree with the U.S. edition choice, it really grabs me!
I prefer the UK edition, though the Romanian edition is also calling to me… What a great choice this week – indeed, I’ve just nicked across and bought this one as an Easter pressie to myself. It’s better for me than chocolate – right?? Thank you for sharing, Tammy!
I’ve got to say that the US edition is my favorite too. Also sentient trains sounds intriguing and also kinda scary? 😮
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up — March 2021
I think the design of your choice is the most interesting, though I really like the Spanish Edition too!
Wowza! The designs are so fascinating. I’d have picked the same as you too, Tammy! Great post! 😀
Lashaan Balasingam recently posted…My Monthly Anticipation | April 2021
I think I like that one too, it gives it a certain steam punk or railpunk look haha (is railpunk a thing? I guess not) 🙂
Greg recently posted…Sunday Post #396
I agree – the US version is my favorite. I do like the Spanish though. 🙂
I loved the US edition too.
I like the Spanish edition – I don’t know why but it puts me in mind of Ready Player One for some strange reason.
Lynn 😀