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: Meet & Greet with Ania Ahlborn, author of THE UNSEENQuail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
TICKET REQUIRED
https://www.quailridgebooks.com/event/aniaahlborn25ABOUT THE EVENT
Tickets include a copy of The Unseen and access to the meet & greet. This is a meet & greet only (no seated program or talk). Ania will meet with you, sign and personalize your book (name only), and take photos. Please bring no more than two additional books from home.
Get signing line tickets below. More information about our meet & greet events can be found here.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A terrifying new novel from bestselling #HorrorBookTok sensation Ania Ahlborn—the acclaimed author of the modern classic Brother.
Hailed as a writer of “some of the most promising horror I’ve encountered in years” (Seanan McGuire, author of the Ghost Roads series), Ania Ahlborn delivers a novel that pushes the boundaries of horror into a new realm.
Isla Hansen, a mother reeling from a devastating loss, is beside herself when a mysteriously orphaned child appears on the outskirts of the Hansens’ secluded Colorado property. Although strange and unexplainable, the child’s presence breathes new life into Isla. But as the child settles in, Isla’s husband, Luke, and their five children notice peculiarities that hint at something far beyond the ordinary—anomalies that challenge the very fabric of reality itself. The tension within the Hansen household grows, and with it, the sense that there is something very wrong with the new kid in the house.
The Unseen is a haunting tale that walks the line between the familiar and the unknown, drawing us into a chilling narrative where reality itself feels just out of reach. - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: MONK & ROBOT by Becky ChambersQuail 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
It's been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend.
One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of "what do people need?" is answered.
But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how.
They're going to need to ask it a lot.Becky Chambers' series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: THE WILL OF THE MANY by James IslingtonQuail 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
The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.
I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus – what they call Will – to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.
I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.
But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.
And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.
To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.
And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me.
