What we’re about
Group Goal: To provide a safe and thoughtful literary discissions featuring a wide variety of contemporary and classic science fiction and fantasy novels.
Kristy Cutsforth is a passionate and voracious reader who has previously run the Des Moines Women’s Science Fiction and Fantasy group pre-pandemic. She and her husband Kerry Cutsforth are starting up the group again in the hopes of connecting like minded readers in the Des Moines metro.
Each event will feature guided book discussions on a selected book in the science fiction and fantasy genres. If the group has over 7 attendees, we will split up into seperate groups to facilitate more immersive discussions.
This group is LGBTQ and neurodivergent friendly and bullying and disrespectful behavior towards members will not be tolerated. You will be barred from the group and upcoming events.
Please get your Covid vaccine prior to attending and wear a mask if you may be sick to protect other members.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Book Discussion: 4 H.P. Lovecraft Short StoriesGrounds for Celebration and Ashby Park, Des Moines, IA
H.P. Lovecraft, as a person, was often problematic; he was openly a racist and xenophobic. Our group acknowledges his problematic past, but Its important to separate the art from the artist so that can objectively critique his work and acknowledge the influence he had on modern sci-fiction and horror as we know it. Several famous authors have cited his work as being influential to their own writing (Stephen King, Ramsey Campbell, Laird Barron, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Michael Shea etc...)
For our book discussion, Zac, Kerry, and Kristy have hand selected 4 short stories that are some of our personal favorites and give an accurate representation of the scope of his creativity. These are all public domain stories, meaning they can all be found for free on the internet (I have linked all of the stories under each story's description.
If you prefer a physical copy, this is the physical copy we will be referencing at the group discussion: https://shorturl.at/mlCpR
The Haunter of the Dark:
TW: Cosmic Horror, Psychological Distress, Supernatural Horror
"The Haunter of the Dark" by H.P. Lovecraft tells the story of Robert Blake, an artist and occult enthusiast who becomes obsessed with an abandoned church in Providence, Rhode Island, rumored to be haunted by a malevolent entity.Read Here: https://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/fiction/dh.aspx
At the Mountains of Madness:
TW: Body Horror, Violence, Gore, Racism, Problematic Depictions of Disability,Call of Cthulhu:
This short story features a monstrous entity (Cthulhu) and explores themes of cosmic horror and the insignificance of humanity.
Read Here: https://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/fiction/cc.aspxThe Dunwich Horror:
TW: Body Horror, Violence, Gore, Racism, Depictions of Mental Illness, Outdated Language (Insensitive Language)"The Dunwich Horror" is a novella by H.P. Lovecraft, first published in 1929, that explores themes of cosmic horror and the dangers of dabbling in forbidden knowledge. The story revolves around the Whateley family in the secluded, decaying town of Dunwich, Massachusetts, and their attempts to summon ancient, extraterrestrial beings known as the Old Ones
Read Here: https://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/fiction/dh.aspx - Book Discussion: Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. CoreyGrounds for Celebration and Ashby Park, Des Moines, IA
Leviathan Wakes is the first novel in The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey, introducing a future where humanity has colonized the solar system but faces growing tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt (the "Belters"). The story follows two main characters: Jim Holden, a ship's officer, and Joe Miller, a cynical detective, as they investigate a series of events that threaten to ignite a system-wide war. They uncover a conspiracy involving a dangerous alien technology called the protomolecule, which could destroy all of humanity.
TW: Body Horror, Death, Gore, War, Murder, Gun Usage, Suicidal Thoughts, Police Brutality, Genocide, Vomit, Alcoholism, Racism, Misogyny, Classism, Sexuality, Confinement, Medical Trauma
- Book Discussion: Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirGrounds for Celebration and Ashby Park, Des Moines, IA
Gideon the Ninth
is a 2019 science fantasy novel by New Zealand author Tamsyn Muir |. It's her debut novel and the first book in the critically acclaimed and best-selling Locked Tomb series. The book has been lauded for its unique blend of genres, characters, and writing style.Here's a breakdown of key aspects of Gideon the Ninth:
- Genre-bending: It defies easy categorization, combining elements of gothic horror, science fiction, fantasy, humor, and even murder mystery. It's often described as a "necromantic space opera" or "lesbian necromancers in space". The novel is notable for its sharp humor and snarky dialogue, particularly from the protagonist, Gideon.
The World: The story is set in a vast and ancient Empire spread across nine planets, each ruled by a House that practices its unique form of necromancy. The Emperor, worshipped as a god, invites the heirs of these Houses and their sword-wielding cavaliers to a deadly trial at Canaan House, aiming to select powerful, immortal servants known as Lyctors.
- Characters:
- Gideon Nav: The witty and irreverent protagonist, a skilled swordswoman indentured to the Ninth House.
- Harrowhark Nonagesimus: The powerful, enigmatic necromancer heir of the Ninth House and Gideon's childhood nemesis.
- Other Houses: The story features heirs and cavaliers from the other Houses, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.
- Reception: Gideon the Ninth was a critical success, winning the 2020 Locus Award for Best First Novel | and receiving nominations for other prestigious awards like the Hugo and Nebula. It has been praised for its originality, characters, and writing style, although some readers found the initial worldbuilding and pacing challenging.
Fanart: The Houses - Gideon the Ninth. [fan art] by marceline2174
Trigger Warnings:
Age gap (18/27)
Body horror (graphic)
Death (including children)
Gore
Injury
Murder
Mutilation
Necromancy
Self-harm
Suicide (depicted and referenced)
Trauma
Violence
