| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 25 Aug 2011 : 14:30:24
A similar post has probably been done in the past but: What is your favorite Forgotten Realms book cover of all time? (old cover art and new). A tough decision to be sure, but for me it is probably either the original Shadowdale, or the original Darkwell. When i look at both they remind me of great stories, but they also just remind me of some good old fashioned roleplaying. :)
On the flip side: What is your least favorite cover of all time? This one for me is much harder to answer because much of the new cover art doesn't appeal to me. I prefer the older classic cover styles. Many of the new covers seem too flashy and busy for me.
Thoughts?? |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ayrik |
Posted - 08 Oct 2011 : 11:52:15
quote:
Erik Scott de Bie
Maybe I'm mostly thinking of my original title for Depths of Madness, which is very different from what it ended up being. Not that I have any complaints--I do rather like the final title.
The original title, Erik? Just curious, now that you've brought it up. Also surprised; I would've thought a book's title was most definitely decided by the book's author. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 21:26:42
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
While the title is very important to me, ultimately, it's the blurb and/or the prologue/first chapter that make me decide whether to buy the book or not. A Darkness at Sethanon and Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist come to mind. Such boring-sounding titles should have kept me away from them, but I knew better...
And of course, when an author is my favorite, I hardly care for the title, cover, nor blurb. I would buy any book that has his/her name on it.
There aren't many books that I'll pick up purely based on who wrote them, but there are a few authors that I trust enough to do that.
Same here. In fact, I can count them by my fingers. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 20:32:07
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I heard some people comparing that series to GRRM's.
When large epic fantasy books are in question I believe people will always compare between the authors. I love George R R Martin's series so far, and i love John Marco's as well. Both had a distinct flavor for me and were great in different ways. Some of the huge war scenes in Marco's Tyrants and Kings were amazing. I think i might have to re-read those soon  |
| Dennis |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 19:19:47
I heard some people comparing that series to GRRM's. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 18:56:13
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
I am probably going to start the Malazan Book of the Fallen series...and have noticed that those covers are great.
That's one of the many series I read out of order. Some of the books are good, some are great, and some are very forgettable. Sometimes I wonder if it really deserves all the praises it's been receiving.
Have you read the Tyrants and Kings series by John Marco? The first book was The Jackal of Nar.
Not yet. But it's in my To-Buy List.
I loved that series, and really hope that Marco returns for a follow-up series in the same setting. His other series was good too, but the Nar books are GREAT...IMHO of course |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 18:44:55
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
While the title is very important to me, ultimately, it's the blurb and/or the prologue/first chapter that make me decide whether to buy the book or not. A Darkness at Sethanon and Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist come to mind. Such boring-sounding titles should have kept me away from them, but I knew better...
And of course, when an author is my favorite, I hardly care for the title, cover, nor blurb. I would buy any book that has his/her name on it.
I'm the same way. I discovered Feist by chance in my school library. The cover art (Magician: Master) appealed to me, so I picked it the book. The back cover blurb was interesting, so I checked out the book. My school only had that book and Silverthorn, but I enjoyed them both, so I looked for more. It took me a while to find any of the other books, but by the time Prince of the Blood came out, I was willing to read anything by Feist. And I still am.
There aren't many books that I'll pick up purely based on who wrote them, but there are a few authors that I trust enough to do that.
Incidentally, when I discovered Feist, I was just discovering the fantasy genre -- I might have ignored the cover art on that book, otherwise. I'd dipped my toes into fantasy before, but that was mostly with the Endless Quest books and other variable-ending types. On that long-ago day in 8th grade, I decided to see what other fantasy books (other than Elfstones of Shannara) my school had. And I've read mostly fantasy since then.
And the only reason I looked into Elfstones of Shannara was because I was looking for something to read, and I'd overheard a couple of friends at my previous school discussing the book. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 18:39:14
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
I am probably going to start the Malazan Book of the Fallen series...and have noticed that those covers are great.
That's one of the many series I read out of order. Some of the books are good, some are great, and some are very forgettable. Sometimes I wonder if it really deserves all the praises it's been receiving.
Have you read the Tyrants and Kings series by John Marco? The first book was The Jackal of Nar.
Not yet. But it's in my To-Buy List. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 18:28:39
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
I am probably going to start the Malazan Book of the Fallen series...and have noticed that those covers are great.
That's one of the many series I read out of order. Some of the books are good, some are great, and some are very forgettable. Sometimes I wonder if it really deserves all the praises it's been receiving.
Have you read the Tyrants and Kings series by John Marco? The first book was The Jackal of Nar. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 18:06:10
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
My purpose in posting that earlier was just to suggest that authors may or may not get to determine their titles. Often, it's one of the things the editor will point out and tweak.
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I have the impression Richard is given such "freedom." I heard he was the one who chose The Masked Witches as the title of his up and coming Brotherhood of the Griffon novel. And I must say that title is quite interesting.
And Ed is, too, I guess.
My situation might also have to do with having written books that are tied-in to other standalone series. Ghostwalker was part of a series named after prestige classes. Downshadow had to conform to the naming convention they had for the Ed Greenwood Presents series, which is neighborhood/setting sorts of names. Now that I'm writing a series of my own (similar to what RLB is doing), I'm finding more freedom to name my books. Shadowbane and Eye of Justice were my original titles.
Maybe I'm mostly thinking of my original title for Depths of Madness, which is very different from what it ended up being. Not that I have any complaints--I do rather like the final title.
Cheers
I see.
While the title is very important to me, ultimately, it's the blurb and/or the prologue/first chapter that make me decide whether to buy the book or not. A Darkness at Sethanon and Into a Dark Realm by Raymond E. Feist come to mind. Such boring-sounding titles should have kept me away from them, but I knew better...
And of course, when an author is my favorite, I hardly care for the title, cover, nor blurb. I would buy any book that has his/her name on it. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 17:51:41
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
I am probably going to start the Malazan Book of the Fallen series...and have noticed that those covers are great.
That's one of the many series I read out of order. Some of the books are good, some are great, and some are very forgettable. Sometimes I wonder if it really deserves all the praises it's been receiving. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 17:46:34
My purpose in posting that earlier was just to suggest that authors may or may not get to determine their titles. Often, it's one of the things the editor will point out and tweak.
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I have the impression Richard is given such "freedom." I heard he was the one who chose The Masked Witches as the title of his up and coming Brotherhood of the Griffon novel. And I must say that title is quite interesting.
And Ed is, too, I guess.
My situation might also have to do with having written books that are tied-in to other standalone series. Ghostwalker was part of a series named after prestige classes. Downshadow had to conform to the naming convention they had for the Ed Greenwood Presents series, which is neighborhood/setting sorts of names. Now that I'm writing a series of my own (similar to what RLB is doing), I'm finding more freedom to name my books. Shadowbane and Eye of Justice were my original titles.
Maybe I'm mostly thinking of my original title for Depths of Madness, which is very different from what it ended up being. Not that I have any complaints--I do rather like the final title.
Cheers |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 16:28:17
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I have the impression Richard is given such "freedom." I heard he was the one who chose The Masked Witches as the title of his up and coming Brotherhood of the Griffon novel. And I must say that title is quite interesting.
And Ed is, too, I guess.
I am probably going to start the Malazan Book of the Fallen series...and have noticed that those covers are great. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 15:39:56
I have the impression Richard is given such "freedom." I heard he was the one who chose The Masked Witches as the title of his up and coming Brotherhood of the Griffon novel. And I must say that title is quite interesting.
And Ed is, too, I guess. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 15:15:50
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Indeed. For me, the title counts as much as the blurb. Given that as often the case, the author is given freedom to choose his novel's title, I must say that a boring title bodes a boring story.
Interestingly, in my experience, I find that the title of my books is most heavily edited throughout the process. If I felt "free" to determine my title, then all of my books would probably have different titles than they do.
This is not to say that I dislike my titles--quite the opposite. Only that my editor factored heavily into giving them the titles they have. The only one of my novels that had the same title from pitch to publication was Ghostwalker.
Cheers |
| The Sage |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 06:13:40
Stackpole's SW novels aren't too bad, but they do also tend to follow his usual and predictable paths of characterisation that he's well-known for in BT fiction.
Having said that, I will note that I've enjoyed his old authored "X-Wing" comic books for Dark Horse Publishers. |
| Ayrik |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 06:04:31
I haven't read Stackpole since ye olde BattleTech days. I recall his writing style was exceedingly contrived, dull, predictable, and plodding. Then again Stackpole may have changed in the intervening decades, and I know that I certainly have. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 01:36:53
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I've read the Timothy Zahn books, which start shortly after Return of the Jedi. They do an excellent job of capturing the feel of the Classic Trilogy. Can't speak on any other SW books, though, except for I, Jedi (which I read because I like Stackpole).
It's often been said that if/when Lucas ever pens screenplays for SW films following the Classic Trilogy, that Zahn should be brought on-board to assist.
|
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 19:44:00
quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
The worst, in my mind, is when I pick up a book that - only after reading about five chapters - turns out to be the second book of the fifth trilogy in the third saga of the second Intercosmic Grand Historical Archive Cycle. I am sometimes angered that nobody bothered to mention any of that anywhere on the covers, blurbs, or inset pages. Like I wanna start my reading in the middle of an endless series.
[Edit]
... and just to add insult: quite often the first four trilogies are no longer in print, nor available at libraries nor even secondhand. As often as not they only existed during a brief window in time, so brief that not even the most avid fans possess them all, and they no longer circulate anywhere on our planet - no matter how essential their background reading might be in the context of the latest novel currently on shelf. Grrr.
I completely agree!! It's part of why I haven't read many of the Star Wars novels. All my friends tell me they're fantastic and that I should get on it but I don't wanna jump in on the 2nd trilogy after the 6th movie partway through the 3rd rebellion. It would just piss me off.
On another note...for me it's the combination of the cover art, the title and the blurb. If I see something with a cool looking cover I'll pick it up and read the title. Usually if the title and the cover art don't mesh well I don't even make it to the blurb but if I like the art and the title and the blurb I'll usually read the introduction and the prologue before I actually buy the book.
I've read the Timothy Zahn books, which start shortly after Return of the Jedi. They do an excellent job of capturing the feel of the Classic Trilogy. Can't speak on any other SW books, though, except for I, Jedi (which I read because I like Stackpole). |
| Seabus Mythforger |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 19:19:31
quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
The worst, in my mind, is when I pick up a book that - only after reading about five chapters - turns out to be the second book of the fifth trilogy in the third saga of the second Intercosmic Grand Historical Archive Cycle. I am sometimes angered that nobody bothered to mention any of that anywhere on the covers, blurbs, or inset pages. Like I wanna start my reading in the middle of an endless series.
[Edit]
... and just to add insult: quite often the first four trilogies are no longer in print, nor available at libraries nor even secondhand. As often as not they only existed during a brief window in time, so brief that not even the most avid fans possess them all, and they no longer circulate anywhere on our planet - no matter how essential their background reading might be in the context of the latest novel currently on shelf. Grrr.
I completely agree!! It's part of why I haven't read many of the Star Wars novels. All my friends tell me they're fantastic and that I should get on it but I don't wanna jump in on the 2nd trilogy after the 6th movie partway through the 3rd rebellion. It would just piss me off.
On another note...for me it's the combination of the cover art, the title and the blurb. If I see something with a cool looking cover I'll pick it up and read the title. Usually if the title and the cover art don't mesh well I don't even make it to the blurb but if I like the art and the title and the blurb I'll usually read the introduction and the prologue before I actually buy the book. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 15:19:13
Indeed. For me, the title counts as much as the blurb. Given that as often the case, the author is given freedom to choose his novel's title, I must say that a boring title bodes a boring story. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 14:30:45
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The cover art isn't part of the buying process, it's the thing that makes me pick up the book in the first place. If I don't know the author/series, and it's not something that's been recommended to me, then it's got to be something that stands out from the hundreds of other books on the shelf. If the cover art doesn't stand out, and I've got no other reason to pay attention to Random Book #31,417, then I'm not picking it up to look at the back cover blurb.
The blurb sells the book, but it's the art that makes me want to look at the blurb. Get my attention, then get my interest.
Agreed. The title is also important to me. If it doesn't stick out and grab my attention then it has a good chance of being passed over for something else. |
| Ayrik |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 06:39:09
The worst, in my mind, is when I pick up a book that - only after reading about five chapters - turns out to be the second book of the fifth trilogy in the third saga of the second Intercosmic Grand Historical Archive Cycle. I am sometimes angered that nobody bothered to mention any of that anywhere on the covers, blurbs, or inset pages. Like I wanna start my reading in the middle of an endless series.
[Edit]
... and just to add insult: quite often the first four trilogies are no longer in print, nor available at libraries nor even secondhand. As often as not they only existed during a brief window in time, so brief that not even the most avid fans possess them all, and they no longer circulate anywhere on our planet - no matter how essential their background reading might be in the context of the latest novel currently on shelf. Grrr. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 04:47:10
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
If I don't know the author/series, and it's not something that's been recommended to me, then it's got to be something that stands out from the hundreds of other books on the shelf. If the cover art doesn't stand out, and I've got no other reason to pay attention to Random Book #31,417, then I'm not picking it up to look at the back cover blurb.
In those instances, I look to the title, and then, I'll look at the cover art. If I'm intrigued by the title, I'll consider the cover art [always bearing in mind that what's presented on the cover isn't necessarily what I'll find in the book itself]. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 04:33:58
The cover art isn't part of the buying process, it's the thing that makes me pick up the book in the first place. If I don't know the author/series, and it's not something that's been recommended to me, then it's got to be something that stands out from the hundreds of other books on the shelf. If the cover art doesn't stand out, and I've got no other reason to pay attention to Random Book #31,417, then I'm not picking it up to look at the back cover blurb.
The blurb sells the book, but it's the art that makes me want to look at the blurb. Get my attention, then get my interest. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 01:44:48
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
You get my attention with the cover art, and sell me the book with the blurb. If the art fails in its job, the blurb (and actual content) are irrelevant.
I rarely look to the cover art as part of my decision process for buying a book. It's the blurb and the first few pages of the book that I'll look to instead. If I'm intrigued by what I've just read [I am, after all, one of those customers who will browse for long periods before I purchase {much to the frustration of the shopkeepers}], I'll make the purchase confident that I've made the right choice. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 05 Oct 2011 : 21:28:49
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
I do feel that older realms covers definitely wear their "paper and dice games" aspect on their sleeves a lot more than recent covers. Not so much with the new covers.
In my opinion, some of the more recent novel covers are going for the "Good luck figuring out what this is!" aspect. 
Yes, the many of the new covers are WAY to busy for my liking.
Even some of the ones that aren't busy have left me scratching my head... I really do not like the current art style, to the point it's kept me from buying FR novels.
I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the cover art is the hook that gets me to pick up the book and look at the back blurb. I got into BattleTech purely because of the Daishi on the cover of Way of the Clans -- the art grabbed me, and made me look at the back cover blurb, which sounded interesting. Without that artwork, I never would have read those 70+ novels, bought a few dozen BattleTech minis, or bought tons of BTech sourcebooks.
You get my attention with the cover art, and sell me the book with the blurb. If the art fails in its job, the blurb (and actual content) are irrelevant.
If i judged a book by its cover then i would never have picked up the Song of Fire and Ice series by George R R Martin. TERRIBLE covers. Fantasy book covers should be amazing considering the vast array of content found within. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 05 Oct 2011 : 21:25:16
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
You get my attention with the cover art, and sell me the book with the blurb. If the art fails in its job, the blurb (and actual content) are irrelevant.
I never would have been a fan of Feist if I'd judged his novels by their covers. Most of the first editions have terrible covers, most prominent of which is Shards of a Broken Crown. My 8-year old sister could draw better than that. So, no, I don't normally judge a novel by the covert art. It's usually by the blurb. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 05 Oct 2011 : 21:10:42
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
I do feel that older realms covers definitely wear their "paper and dice games" aspect on their sleeves a lot more than recent covers. Not so much with the new covers.
In my opinion, some of the more recent novel covers are going for the "Good luck figuring out what this is!" aspect.
Yes, the many of the new covers are WAY to busy for my liking.
Even some of the ones that aren't busy have left me scratching my head... I really do not like the current art style, to the point it's kept me from buying FR novels.
I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the cover art is the hook that gets me to pick up the book and look at the back blurb. I got into BattleTech purely because of the Daishi on the cover of Way of the Clans -- the art grabbed me, and made me look at the back cover blurb, which sounded interesting. Without that artwork, I never would have read those 70+ novels, bought a few dozen BattleTech minis, or bought tons of BTech sourcebooks.
You get my attention with the cover art, and sell me the book with the blurb. If the art fails in its job, the blurb (and actual content) are irrelevant. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 05 Oct 2011 : 20:41:17
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
I do feel that older realms covers definitely wear their "paper and dice games" aspect on their sleeves a lot more than recent covers. Not so much with the new covers.
In my opinion, some of the more recent novel covers are going for the "Good luck figuring out what this is!" aspect.
Yes, the many of the new covers are WAY to busy for my liking. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 05 Oct 2011 : 19:03:55
quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
I do feel that older realms covers definitely wear their "paper and dice games" aspect on their sleeves a lot more than recent covers. Not so much with the new covers.
In my opinion, some of the more recent novel covers are going for the "Good luck figuring out what this is!" aspect. |
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