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- 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. - Triangle Tolkienists: The Silmarillion (virtual)Link visible for attendees
This spring and summer, the Triangle Tolkienists are revisiting The Silmarillion as a group. Whether this is your first time tackling the Sil or your 20th reread, I hope you’ll join us!
For this meeting, we will be discussing the chapters Of Túrin Turambar and Of the Ruin of Doriath.
You can read any edition of the book. As usual, you can purchase a copy with a 21% discount from Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh; just tell the bookseller (or write in your online order notes) that it’s for our club. This is a good opportunity to pick up a pretty new edition with a discount, if that’s something you’re interested in!
For our virtual book club meetings, you don’t need a camera or a microphone to participate – most of us prefer to type. If you want to hop into voice chat during the meeting, you are welcome to do so, but the voice channel will not be moderated.
For more information about the group, visit https://triangletolkienists.org/
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: MICKEY7 by Edward AshtonQuail 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
Mickey7 is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous—even suicidal—the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it.
On a fairly routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by native life, Mickey7’s fate has been sealed. There’s a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties. The idea of duplicate Expendables is universally loathed, and if caught, they will likely be thrown into the recycler for protein.
Mickey7 must keep his double a secret from the rest of the colony. Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans, food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native species are growing curious about their new neighbors, and that curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.
- Triangle Tolkienists: The Silmarillion (virtual)Link visible for attendees
This spring and summer, the Triangle Tolkienists are revisiting The Silmarillion as a group. Whether this is your first time tackling the Sil or your 20th reread, I hope you’ll join us!
For this meeting, we will be discussing the chapters Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin and Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath.
You can read any edition of the book. As usual, you can purchase a copy with a 21% discount from Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh; just tell the bookseller (or write in your online order notes) that it’s for our club. This is a good opportunity to pick up a pretty new edition with a discount, if that’s something you’re interested in!
For our virtual book club meetings, you don’t need a camera or a microphone to participate – most of us prefer to type. If you want to hop into voice chat during the meeting, you are welcome to do so, but the voice channel will not be moderated.
For more information about the group, visit https://triangletolkienists.org/
