WELL LOOKEE WHAT WE GOT HERE...
I am partial to number 5. The darkness gives the hint that we're in for a bumpy ride and the sword lets us know we're stepping into a historical period. I like Reader Writer's idea of putting the scarab on the sword, either etched in or crawling on. I'm looking forward to reading "Abomination".
I would like to vote for the beetle. It visually pops!