@fantasyfaction.bsky.social For old school epic fantasy readers - how important is the cover in your decision to read? I feel like a troglodyte but if a cover looks too modern, I am less inclined to consider a book if I'm looking for classic epic fantasy. - ThreadSky

quizzicalllc.bsky.social • 42 days ago

@fantasyfaction.bsky.social

For old school epic fantasy readers - how important is the cover in your decision to read? I feel like a troglodyte but if a cover looks too modern, I am less inclined to consider a book if I'm looking for classic epic fantasy.

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akaalias.bsky.social•39 days ago

I wouldn't buy any books with scantly clad armored females on the cover. Not because I'm a prude or opposed to sexual content (to the contrary) but because it pis....es me off. No respectable warrior would expose themselves in that fashion. I figure the cover is an indicator of bad plot and writing.

akaalias.bsky.social•38 days ago

And any cover statement referring to Tolkien or any other "great". Not that I object to Tolkien (again, to the contrary). I see it as a desperate attempt to sell the book.

kitvaria.bsky.social•42 days ago

Really depends on how I found the book.

Recommendations by friends? Cover doesn't count at all.

Random person recommendation? Cover helps me guess if it's for me.

Finding the book without recommendation? Cover is definitely a major selling point.

michaelsb89.bsky.social•42 days ago

A cover is never going to cause me to not read a book, but a great cover might make me pick up a book I hadn’t known about. I bought The Name of the Wind and the first book of the Coldfire Trilogy because I loved the covers (and book names), and thank goodness I did.

phelddagrifwings.bsky.social•42 days ago

I’m a because of the cover buyer. It’ll be the reason I’ll pick up the book then I’ll read the first page, then flip to the middle, read a page, determine if the writing will do, and read the back cover info. Then decide.

drmspixie.bsky.social•42 days ago

I don’t really have an issue with “modern” covers but cover design absolutely influences whether or not I pick it up. Ex. I hate real people on covers

quizzicalllc.bsky.social•42 days ago

Me too! I would much rather imagine the character myself.

alimelacy.bsky.social•39 days ago

I’m so over the pop art-like covers that are popular of late (I don’t see it in fantasy).

I don’t really care about covers that much. I’m often interested in the original edition hardback version more than I care about cover.

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