• Title: Ink
• Author: Alice Broadway
• Illustrator: Jamie Gregory
• ISBN: 978-1407172842
• Extent: 366
• Spine width: 25mm
• Format: 129 x 196 mm
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Genre: YA magic/fantasy/dystopian

Ink has one of the most eyecatching covers with its use of foil. The background is a matte black which contrasts with the bronze foil of the patterns. Foil is typically used to add magic or to make the book seem more luxurious, and in this case it reflects the fantasy elements in the story. It is a surprising choice to use foiling on both the front and back as it is particularly expensive to make and is often not in the book’s budget. Considering the title is a debut YA novel, it is even more interesting that this was chosen as a design choice.

The images on the cover tie in with the plot of the book; in the dystopian world your actions are tattoo’d onto your skin. From the images we get an idea of the protagonist’s personality: birds, a feather, leaves, nature. All these elements in turn provide a magical, dreamy depiction of the story, and will attract a younger generation who have big imaginations. It suggests also that it is aimed at a female audience who are typically more attracted to a shiny, flowery looking cover.  The cover is a wrap-around image, providing imagery on the spine and back cover.

The image of the protagonist is drawn in white which draws the eye and stands out against the dark background. It ties in with the title on the spine, the authors name and the tiny blurb. Yet the title on the front cover is done in the same foil as the pattern.

The blurb is an interesting aspect of this book. It seems the blurb on the back cover is merely a tagline, and the extensive blurb is featured on the inside cover of the book, a common feature of a hardback with flaps. It makes the imagery the focal point of the story.-

The use of serif typography is quite simplistic in contrast to the illustrations, making it stand out well. It is also interesting that the title does not begin with capitals which downplays it, perhaps appealing to a younger audience.