The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group

You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!

Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided tour of what’s new and good in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. From fresh genre trailblazers, to thoughtful re-examinations of classic tropes, let us help you find your new favourite voice in the realms of spaceships and magic swords.

For our third book of the year, we turn things a little darker, as we dive into The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman. It’s a common set-up; a knight and a thief go on a quest to save a princess, but Buehlman’s singular style and world-building bring a freshness to the genre rarely seen - Plus, there’s a lot of horrible little goblins!

Kinch Na Shannack owes the Takers Guild a small fortune for his education as a thief, which includes (but is not limited to) lock-picking, knife-fighting, wall-scaling, fall-breaking, lie-weaving, trap-making, plus a few small magics. His debt has driven him to lie in wait by the old forest road, planning to rob the next traveler that crosses his path.

But today, Kinch Na Shannack has picked the wrong mark.

Galva is a knight, a survivor of the brutal goblin wars, and handmaiden of the goddess of death. She is searching for her queen, missing since a distant northern city fell to giants.

Unsuccessful in his robbery and lucky to escape with his life, Kinch now finds his fate entangled with Galva's. Common enemies and uncommon dangers force thief and knight on an epic journey where goblins hunger for human flesh, krakens hunt in dark waters, and honor is a luxury few can afford.

There’s no need to prepare anything - just come ready to voice your opinions, and enjoy a glass of wine while you're at it!

Each entry place costs £5, fully redeemable as a voucher towards a copy of the book. We hope you’ll join us for some great conversation.