What we’re about
This meetup is for the Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Club, which is sponsored by and takes place at Quail Ridge Books, at North Hills in Raleigh, NC.
The Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Club reads both science fiction and fantasy novels, new and old, with a focus on diverse characters and authors. Moderated by Quail Ridge staffer and eternal super-geek Amber Brown.
Readers of all ages are welcome, but please note we will likely discuss mature themes.
You don't have to buy your book at Quail Ridge Books, but if you do, all book club books are 21% off! Just tell your cashier it's for a book club.
Group Guidelines
Respect each group member and their opinion.
Each group member will have their own opinion since reading and text interpretations are subjective. We respect and elevate all opinions.
Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions and attempt collaboration before conflict.
We may discuss topics that can become heated, particularly as they relate to different identity groups. It’s important to understand everyone is at a different point in their own knowledge journey. Don’t assume that a person has bad intentions, and instead, offer ways to collaborate and help them advance their own thinking. However, being mindful of your own energy is important. Don’t feel an obligation to educate others.
Minimize interruptions.
While you aren’t expected to raise your hand, be mindful of interrupting other group members, even if you disagree with the point being made. Ensure that everyone has a full uninterrupted opportunity to voice their opinion.
Work to limit side conversations.
Keep in mind that side conversations can be distracting to other group members. Additionally, it’s likely that you have something that the whole group would love to hear. Make sure you let the group know what you’re thinking.
Focus on the book at hand, though related books are acceptable.
Our meeting is focused on one book each month. Members may relate themes, concepts, or writing styles to other books they have read or other books read by the group. In fact, this may help other members pick their next read! However, there’s time before and after the meeting to discuss unrelated books and genres.
Pause of frequent speaker.
We love to hear your opinion, but keep in mind there are other group members. If the moderator notes that you’re frequently contributing, you may be asked to pause for a short time (a few minutes) to allow other group members the opportunity to speak. Please note, this is not a punishment. We just want to provide conversation space for everyone.
Assist others to ensure they are heard.
If you’re sitting next to someone and they’re having trouble voicing their point, advocate for them and let the group know they have something to say. Sometimes points are coming rapid fire and it might be difficult to interject. Offer others agency.
Provide space for fringe opinions that disagree with the majority of the group.
For a book that has a majority opinion, we will pause during the conversation and offer ample space for those with dissenting opinions to discuss their thoughts.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Danielle L. Jensen, author of A CURSE CARVED IN BONE *TICKETED EVENT*NC State Campus Cinema, Witherspoon Student Center, Raleigh, NC
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/danielle-l-jensen-a-curse-carved-in-bone-offsite-tickets-1234013590869
ABOUT THE EVENT
Tickets required. This is an offsite event in partnership with NC State University Libraries.
One ticket per one person includes a signed copy of A CURSE CARVED IN BONE and guaranteed entry to the event. After the program, Danielle will take photos, personalize one book, and sign up to three books total. Backlist may be brought from home, however, we will have books available to purchase in the lobby.
All live author event details are subject to change. More information about our events can be found here.ABOUT THE BOOK
A shield maiden fights to break the shackles of prophecy—and to overcome the betrayal of the man who broke her heart—in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the bestselling A Fate Inked in Blood.
The stunning first edition hardcover will feature foil page edges, a custom-stamped case, and a premium dust jacket!
The secret of her divine heritage revealed, Freya finds herself on a path that will see thousands of lives lost to the magic in her blood. Desperate to avoid this dark fate, she risks an alliance with Skaland’s greatest enemy to seek answers from the seer who foretold her future—the same seer who sent Bjorn to kill her.
While Freya still seethes with rage over Bjorn’s betrayal, the blood oaths that bind her demand that she keep him close as she hunts for a way to avert the looming war. Her magic draws her to the front lines of an old enmity, embroiling her with Nordeland’s Unfated—children of the gods who serve the king she was raised to fear. The same king who, unlike Bjorn, is now willing to fight at her back. For despite the desire that burns hot between Bjorn and Freya, his growing distrust of her chosen path threatens to drag them further apart.
As war approaches, gods and mortals must choose their weapons. Yet the fiercest battle will be the one Freya wages within herself. With the magic of two goddesses burning in her veins, she must weave the threads of destiny to decide her own fate: Will she be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them? - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: GODKILLER by Hannah KanerQuail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
Buy your copy from Quail Ridge Books and get a 21% discount! https://www.quailridgebooks.com/science-fiction-fantasy-book-club
Kissen’s family were killed by zealots of a fire god. Now, she makes a living killing gods, and enjoys it. That is until she finds a god she cannot kill: Skedi, a god of white lies, has somehow bound himself to a young noble, and they are both on the run from unknown assassins.
Joined by a disillusioned knight on a secret quest, they must travel to the ruined city of Blenraden, where the last of the wild gods reside, to each beg a favour.
Pursued by demons, and in the midst of burgeoning civil war, they will all face a reckoning – something is rotting at the heart of their world, and only they can be the ones to stop it.
- EVENT: Brittney Arena, author of A DANCE OF LIESQuail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
https://www.quailridgebooks.com/event/brittneyarena25
ABOUT THE EVENT
Tickets include a copy of A Dance of Lies, guaranteed entry to the event, and a seat in the reserved section. Brittney will be in conversation with Kate Dramis and will sign books after the program.
Get tickets below. All live author events are subject to change. All important information about our event and ticketing policies can be found here.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A debut epic fantasy filled with hope after heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal, as a dancer-turned-spy must decide how far she will go to secure her freedom.
My protector is gone, revealed to be a monster. But I remind myself that I am not a damsel. I’m no princess bound within a tower.
I am a shadow.
Vasalie Moran was once a dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she’s suddenly called to face her king. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the six-week royal Gathering and he’ll grant her freedom.
As Illian’s orders grow bloody and dangerous, forcing her to harm and betray those around her, Vasalie discovers that the monster she serves may be aligned with a bigger monster—one far closer to home. With her world threatened, Vasalie enlists the help of Illian’s brother and greatest adversary, the infamous King of the East.
As the rivalry between brothers escalates, with Vasalie caught in the middle, the horrifying truth of her past comes to light. If she wants to survive, she must decide who to trust, who to fight for, and how much of her soul she’s willing to damn in the process.
