For this week’s Top 10 Tuesday, we are looking at books with specific items on the cover. That made me think of magical swords, because that is one trend that never goes out of style. Here’s a list!
1. Stormbringer | series by Michael Moorcock
Elric’s sword has some really cool magical properties.
2. Excalibur | All the King Arthur legends
Also known as the sword in the stone.
3. Elder Wand | Harry Potter series
Hey, these guys use wands instead of swords.
4. The Blue Sword | Damar series
Historical legends cannot be created without a darned good sword.
5. Needle | Game of Thrones
Anyone remember Arya Stark’s nifty practice sword?
6. Verminfate | Redwall series
Death by the broadsword of the badger lord.
7. Brisingr | Eragon
A very cool name for a very cool elf-crafted magical sword.
8. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn | series by Tad Williams
All three are legendary swords, and the keys to our hero’s quest.
9. Isildur’s Bane | Lord of the Rings
One ring to rule them all. Who needs a sword?
10. God Slayer | The Sundering
A jewel masquerading as sword, this does exactly what the title says.
Any recommendations for this list of magical and legendary swords? And which book cover tokens have caught your eye recently? Let’s discuss!
32 replies on “Have Sword, Will Go On Quest: Books with Magical Swords”
This is such a fun theme. A friend of mine bought a replica of one of the Lord of the Rings swords and let me hold it once. It was so heavy! Do you own any swords?
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-with-curly-haired-characters-on-the-cover/
No, don’t own any swords (yet) — but you’ve just given me a brilliant idea!
Great choice of topic! I can only think of five books off the top of my head with swords (sadly not magical) on the cover but I agree, these are great!
Ooh, even non-magical swords will do!!!
I absolutely love the topic you chose, Lex! I would also add the Stele from the Shadowhunter books. It’s not a sword but close enough!
Hey, thanks for pointing that out! I haven’t read the books, but I’ve watched the show — great addition to this list!
Fun topic! I rarely read fantasy so I don’t come across many swords on covers, but I still enjoy them. They seem to say, “Adventure is coming!”
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Haha, yes, if there’s a sword we know that an adventure is coming (for the reader too)!
There are a lot more books than I ever thought about with magical swords. I guess I just need to read more fantasy. Nice topic!
I tried to add non-magical swords, but couldn’t think of any! I guess only the magical ones get properly “named”!
There are so many book covers with swords on them! This was a great topic, even if I didn’t know (or remember) the names of all of the swords you mentioned. 😉
My TTT this week: http://bookwyrmknits.com/2022/04/26/top-ten-tuesday-books-with-teacups-on-the-cover/
I qm still laughing about your teacups…
I had to wrack my brains quite a bit beyond Excalibur and Elder Wand. But we know why they call historical fantasy “swords and sorcery” genre! 😂
Great idea! Let‘s see what I can figure out… fun topic.
The fancier the sword, the better the cover, haha!
LEX!!!!!!! Hallloooo!!! How are you??? Ooh so glad I’ve spotted your name on the TTT linkup today.
I love your swords and I am ever so proud to report that I actually recognize a few of these.
Hope you are well!!!
Lots of Love,
Elza Reads
Hi Mareli, it’s been a while! I looked at the topmost fantasy book in my TBR pile and saw a sword there — it all went quest wise from there. I’m glad you’re liking SFF more and more now! 😀
Love that you included The Blue Sword! It’s the best book ever. 😀
Totally agree — and so glad to meet another fan! I liked The Hero and the Crown too, quite a lot!
Nice idea. I doubt I’d find that many pictures with swords let alone magical ones but it’s always great to see what others come up with. I absolutely love it.
My TTT this week has books with maps on the cover.
Stormbringer! And you used the cool Whelan cover too. 🙂 And excalibur! I always think of the movie…
Yay for Memory, Sorrow and Thorn too. I LOVED those books. I couldn’t get into his recent sequel trilogy though. I guess tastes change…
OK, I’m going to have to Google Whelan’s art — but if this Moorcock cover is the sample, I know it’s going to be awesome! And I haven’t really read Memory, Sorrow and Thorn — but it’s on my TBR because I know GRM loves it…
Oh my Whelan is phenomenal. I love the covers he did for Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Mars books back in the day…
Oh, so that’s Whelan’s work! I can see the similarities — and absolutely agree, what an amazing artist!
I think Percy Jackson’s sword, Riptide would be the first to come to mind for books with magical swords.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2022/04/26/top-ten-tuesday-365/
Oh, I haven’t read Percy Jackson! I heard there’s a show coming on that though (or is it out already?) — will keep a lookout for Riptide!
Ooo, I love this topic choice. So many great books with swords on them. Game of Thrones has like a thousand! haha
Haha, I couldn’t find with just Arya’s “Needle” on the cover!
What a shame that I haven’t read too many books with legendary swords. I always wanted to try The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. I really enjoyed some of her other books.
I like The Hero and the Crown better than Blue Sword — but hey, it’s the same sword in both books! 🙂
awesome idea!
I feel like the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit could probably fill this post by themselves.
Loved reading this.
Lynn 😀