Friday Face Off: Traitors’ Nest by Frances Hardinge
24 July 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Frances Hardinge, Friday Face off, Traitors' Nest
Today I’m returning to the Friday Face Off, originally created by Books by Proxy). This is an opportunity to look at a book of your choice and shine the spotlight on the covers. Of course this only works for those books that have alternative covers (although sometimes I use this to look at a series of books to choose a favourite). So, if you have a book that has alternative covers, highlight them and choose your favourite. If you’re taking part it would be great if you leave a comment/link so I can take a look at what you’ve chosen.
This week I’ve chosen a book by an author that I really enjoy. Traitors’ Nest by Frances Hardinge which is due out later this year. This sounds really good – here’s the description and check out the two covers below:
My favourite:
I find both of these covers interesting for different reasons but I really like the font for this one and the more explosive colours.
Which is your favourite this week?
Books and travelling with Lynn 
Wow, I haven’t seen that first cover, I’m assuming it’s the US cover? That’s definitely my favorite!
Yes, I like the drama.
Lynn 😀
I agree with your choice, but this is actually a really difficult one to choose!
It is a difficult choice.
Lynn 😀
The green on the second cover reminds me so much of the green on Josiah Bancroft’s The Hexologist hahaha!
Haha, yes, I can see that.
Lynn 😀
I think my favourite is the other cover as I adore the shade of green thats been used and feathers. Although your choice does capture the castle dynamic best and I love the chess pawn I.
TBH I like both but I like the drama of the first and the second feels like a book that I would naturally normally choose so it felt good to go with something different this time.
Lynn 😀
Not knowing anything about the book itself, I find my eyes drawn more to the 2nd cover. I like the simpler design and the sharper contrasts! Both are terrific.
It was definitely a tough choice.
Lynn 😀
This is a tough choice. I might like the second one just a tiny bit more because I love the color theme and art style!
Yes, I completely understand. They’re both good covers – which is always a good thing.
Lynn 😀