Sci-Fi/Fantasy by Women Reading Group

Welcome to the 'Strange Worlds Society'!

Meeting on the last Thursday of every month, the 'Strange Worlds Society' will celebrate science fiction and fantasy books by womxn.

This book group is dedicated to exploring the strange and wonderful worlds created by womxn in sci-fi and fantasy. We'll be looking at what these amazing authors can do in less than 500 pages! You should come along if you're interested in finding a brilliant new favourite author, or book series, or like-minded sci-fi/fantasy fans to chat with. We'll be discussing the merits of the books, their world-building, and their significance. How does the sci-fi compare to the fantasy? Only time will tell! 

This group is hosted by Amy, one of our resident Sci-Fi/Fantasy enthusiasts.

March's book is: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Instant New York Times No.1 Bestseller. A YA Pacific Rim meets the Handmaid’s Tale retelling of the rise of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.

I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance.

The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises – giant transforming robots that battle aliens beyond the Great Wall. It doesn’t matter that their female co-pilots are expected to serve as concubines and often die from the mental strain.

When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, her plan is to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. But after miraculously surviving her first battle, Zetian sets her sights on a mightier goal. The time has come to stop more girls from being sacrificed.

Reading Group Structure

Ticketing: Each place is £5, which can be redeemed against a copy of a reading group book.

Frequency: Each reading group will meet once a month, on a set day of the week. You do not need to commit to one group, or every meeting! Just book for those you're interested in each month, and we hope to entice you back for another one.