The big news today? The Deathly Hallows covers are out! And I love, love, LOVE them. (Click on the pictures if you want to make them bigger--and you know you do!)
First, and I think my favorite, is the American cover:
Initial thoughts?
- It's sunset--goes well with it being the end of the series.
- There are curtains on the edges, which are also present on the U.S. cover of Sorcerer's Stone (but not on any of the books since then--I checked). A very nice opening and closing of the "play".
- The coliseum-like-thing in the background. Lest you've forgotten, from HBP: "It was, [Harry] thought, the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death, and walking into the arena with your head held high."
- The shadowy figures in the background. Are they Death Eaters? Members of the OOP? Perhaps a mix of both, all set to watch the final showdown?
- What's with the broken wood?
- This really is a change from the monotone OOP and HBP covers. It reminds me much more of the covers from the first few books.
Next, the UK version:
- The stag and the snake on the inside flaps are fairly obvious (I think?).
- The glowing castle (presumably Hogwarts) on the back is a little more ominous--dark clouds and thorny branches aren't good. But I wonder if the full moon is a Lupin reference?
- On the front, it looks like the trio is being sucked into some kind of portal.
- Notice Ron and Hermione are wearing brightly covered (and slightly archaic looking) robes, but Harry's wearing black. Could this be a signal that Harry will die?
- Ron is holding a sword--perhaps Gryffindor's?
- Harry and Hermione both have puncture-ish looking wounds on their arms--perhaps from a snake?
- The symbol on the spine is (as with everything right now) pretty much anyone's guess. I tried to do some research, but all I could find are some not particularly helpful mathematical symbols.
And finally, the UK adult cover:
- The markings on the locket are inconsistent with "Slytherin's mark" as shown in the COS movie, however . . .
- I'm so having Sweet Husband (jeweler) make me a mock up of the locket to wear to the book release!
And last, but not least, the relevant bits of text. From the flap of the UK edition:
"Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety, and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him...
"In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectacular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again."
And from the back cover:
"Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing--if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfill the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him with?"
*Sigh*
Most days I don't really believe this, but today is one of the days I do: Sometimes the anticipation is absolutely wonderful! And the guessing!
My take on the text? I think the book will start out at Privet Drive, with some slightly tension building, but not too bad scare as the OOP gets Harry away. Then to the Burrow, possibly for the wedding. Then off on the Horcrux hunt--but maybe not to Hogwarts--although I do think Hogwarts will be involved in this book, if only for the fact that it's pictured on the UK cover. I'm betting the final battle will take place there . . . maybe?
Can't wait for the next teaser!
