The real joy in curating this list of books with skull covers is the variety of genre and audience. Skulls are not tied to any one genre, though of course, they tend to be more popular in horror, fantasy, science, and crime books. In the land of middle grade covers, the skulls tend to be subtle or cartoonish, while young adult and adult covers go hard in trying to give you nightmares. I’m ranking these covers by prettiness to eerieness, because that’s how I roll. We have skulls of all styles here, from floral arrangements and abstract shapes to realistic illustrations and haunting manipulations. A note: I tried to track down the designers for these gorgeous skull covers, but a few were elusive. Apologies to those designers, and if you find this, let us know to add your name for proper recognition! If ranking book covers is your jam, be sure to check out the worst covers of classic books and ranking Batman covers. Designed by Jason Ramirez, lettered by Grace Han Designed by Elizabeth Turner Stokes Laura is a shipraider with one goal: find the ship that was blasted across the galaxy and holds promise for saving the human race. Tuck and his crew have been on the USS John Muir in stasis for centuries, and when Laura’s ship crashes into the John Muir, chaos ensues. She has to fight off alien monsters that kill with their voice. It is horrifying and relentless and will keep you up way past your bedtime. Designed by Kathleen Breitenfeld Gideon is ready to get off this planet and end this life of servitude. But her childhood nemesis, Harrow, Necromancer of the Ninth, has been summoned by the Emperor to the Lyctor Trials against the other House heirs, and she needs a swordswoman. Enter Gideon. The competition turns deadly fast as Gideon and Harrow realize each House has their own secrets. Designed by Tommy Arnold Look me in the eye and tell me this cover isn’t gorgeous. Full disclosure that I work for this book’s publisher, but just look at it. Designed by Jeff Miller, Faceout Studio Darling women disappear on the 18th birthday. It’s happened for centuries. Tonight is Winnie’s birthday, and she’s ready to tell her story of being whisked away with the Lost Boys in this dark, spicy romance. The more I look at this skull cover, the more it haunts me. And I can’t stop looking at it. Creepiest one of the bunch, for sure. The skull here is a little subtle, but also a character. I love it so. Designed by Mars Lauderbaugh
