[bearhat]

There's a lot of talk in this forum about artwork, good and bad, on fantasy books and how bad art can make you cringe but may hide a great read inside. Another thing that makes me a little embarrassed is the titles given fantasy books sometimes.

So, I'm interested in what people think are the worst titles for fantasy books that have turned out to be fantastic reads. You know the kind of books you wrap in the dust jacket of another so noone on the bus can see the title. The kinds of title that do no favours to those of us who would dispell the misconceptions of the genre.

I'll throw one out there. A book that's still on my shelf and I plan to read but the title puts me off. Friends seeing it on my shelf even laugh at it:

Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb. No doubt it's going to be fantastic like her Farseer Trilogy, but the title... Ship of Destiny isn't a lot better.

Another is Scrutator by Ian Irvine. It was released as 'Alchymist' is other countries I think, which is heaps better.

Titles can be poetic, striking and beautiful in fantasy. My favourite title has been 'Across the Nightingale Floor' by Lian Hearn. Now that's something captivating. Steven Erikson, R. Scott Bakker and China Mieville also have good titles.

So, titles, good vs titles bad. The worst and best in your opinion?

[Miriamele]

I was a bit embarassed when I was seen at work reading Stackpole's When Dragons Rage. The following book, The Grand Crusade, has a pretty cheesy title too.

I agree that Lian Hearn's titles are beautiful: Across the Nightengale Floor, Grass For His Pillow, The Brilliance of the Moon, The Harsh Cry of the Heron.

Guy Kay's titles I like too, especially the Fionavar books: The Summer Tree, The Wandering Fire, The Darkest Road.

[(sic)]

friedns though i was holding onto some erotica books when they saw a book of the Dragonlance series called: The Companions

[kiriel]

his conquering sword by Kate Elliott.

[JonLaidlow]

No contest:
Servants of the Wankh, by Jack Vance (Planet of Adventure sequence)

Vance can be a great writer, but I haven't read this one and won't comment. I do enjoy his Demon Princes and Lyonnesse sequences, and the first Dying Earth book is genius.

J

[bearhat]

Are you serious? :eek: That's a fantastic title!

Perhaps I could put Servants of the Wankh by Jack Vance on the mantle shelf right beside His Conquering Sword by Kate Elliott and Scrutator by Ian Irvine. See if any of the dinner guests notice next time we have company.

[JonLaidlow]

Well it's "great" but not great, if you see what I mean. Love the title, but mainly cos it is comedy gold...

[Miriamele]

No contest:
Servants of the Wankh, by Jack Vance (Planet of Adventure sequence)


LOL! Yeah, that one probably wins, although Scrutator has got to be a close second.

[Gildor]

his conquering sword by Kate Elliott.

* giggles *

That just sounds so rude

;)

[Anthorn]

his conquering sword? i did'nt know kate wrote erotica.

"I've got you now villian, cower as i pull out my conquering sword....wait...wait....(fumble. fumble) its in here somewhere."