Is it truly awkward and a thing to be avoided? Or is it just a matter of personal preference?

Three out of four people pick out my apostrophied names as awkward. They're actually simpler to read than a lot of typical fantasy name, (IMO,) but everyone complains about apostrophes. I have been told, however, not to let that influence my own creativity. But if that many people have that much of a problem, is it something to seriously reconsider?

So I'm asking you. How do you feel about apostrophes?

(The names in my book are Ko'ar, Ia'tahz, El'kathu, and Tez'kai.)

I personally really like them. They don't bother me at all! I don't think it looks awkward.

You may move it wheresoever you see fit. I bow to all moderators in regards to moving threads. (My nickname should be "The-one-who-never-knows-where-to-post". )

It's a cultural thing with my names too. All the overworlder's have names with apostrophes, but the underground dwellers do not. It's significant.

I generally dislike it when books have bunches of names with apostrophes. However, if it is a cultural thing, it doesn't bother me much, since it is limited to the one culture. Instead of being random and annoying, it makes sense.

I generally like them. They add an exotic and unique flavor when used appropriately. I don't find them any more difficult than the average fantasy name. I think if you make it cultural, tying into your world, that makes it all the more solid.

As long as each name only has one apostrophe. It's names like fl'kd'jrk'kgrd that turn me off...how in the world are you supposed to say that? Personally, when there's one apostrophe, I just sort of pause there.

But if they have a purpose, I'd say it's fine for them to stay in.

eruheran

Right, eruheran.

I have a G'abba and a T'Vaschky. (I like the second name.)

I think that's where I got it from, Evening.

(Pick any work of mine and you can finally find connections to Myst and/or the Riddlemaster trilogy)

Ti'ana, for example, works fine as Tiana, except that people would be more likely to prounounce it Tianna. The reason for the apostrophe, I believe, is because it is two words melded together into one. (isn't it?) J'nanin, the apostrophe makes it pronouncable. Jnanin anyone? The j would end up silent and we'd all say it nanin. (which, for some reason, makes me think of bananas.) Ko'ar without an apostrophe would be Koar, rhymes with oar. The apostrophe seperates the syllables. So I guess, in some places, there are actual practical reasons.

Ko'ala, I believe, is properly spelled with an apostrophe, isn't it? (Okay, maybe now my fantasy brain is making thinks up.) Koala would tend to be said Ko-la. or Koa-la.

I agree, if the apostrophe serves to make the name more pronounceable, or to ensure correct pronunciation, leave it. If it's unnecessary, consider if it's making your narrative more complicated than it should be.