SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

Hi Gail...what are your top three sci-fi recommendations? Adam

Hi, Jerry here from Virginia. My book name is well Jerry-Book. Old Shelfarian.

I started science fiction and fantasy with Tarzan and a Princess of Mars. My first significant read may have been Bradbury's Martian Chronicles. Today, on bookbub I was pleased to find Neal Clarke's Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume I for $1.99.

Hi Jerry, welcome aboard. The Martian Chronicles are pretty special...have you read Farenheight 451? I guess you must have.

Hi all
My name is Tanya and I live in the U.K.
I have had a love of books all my life, mostly thanks to my Mother who shares the same passion.

I've always enjoyed losing myself in the different worlds created by so many wonderful authors, Science fiction & Fantasy being my favourite "go to" genre.

My first memorable read was the Spellfire Trilogy (Shandril's Saga) by Ed Greenwood.

Top three collections:

I absolutely adore Anne McCaffrey's Pern series and my collection is frequently re-read.

I also host an impressive amount of Dragonlance novels on my shelves (I even have Tasselhoff's maps).

Lastly I own the entire Shannara works by Terry Brooks.

I'm looking forward to seeing what recommendations everyone has & hopefully discover some hidden gems along the way.

Hello, I'm Afiq from Malaysia!

I have not been reading much book since the past years and this year I have set a goal to read at least 10 books. Fantasy genre has always been one of my favorite.

The last awesome fantasy book I read was A Game of Thrones, and I am looking forward to read the rest of the series (as I still need GOT in my life while waiting for season 8 of the show). I have also recently read Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare, quite an interesting storyline and it gave me an impact I missed when finishing a book.

Anyway, looking forward to read what's on recommendations and also to make new friends!

Hi Tanya and Afiq! Welcome! I think you'll find many people here who share your tastes! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on what you are reading :)

Hello everyone,

My name is T.H. Ansz and I currently reside in the United States. I have been a reader of both science fiction and fantasy for quite a while now. I have been a Goodreads member for a couple of months and only recently really spent some time exploring what Goodreads has to offer.

My favorite book is Dune. My favorite series is Dune through Chapterhouse: Dune (sense a pattern?). That being said, there are a lot of great works out there and even more being produced today. It's an exciting time to be a reader.

In my spare time, which there is never enough of, I like to throw words on paper (or bytes on disk) and try to write speculative fiction. This has been a new endeavor for me and quite the learning experience. I have new-found respect for the many great authors out there after getting a taste of their world.

I look forward to learning about new works and perhaps engaging in a discussion or two.

- T.H. Ansz

Hi guys, my name is Mark, im new to goodreads but have just published my first ever novel in Sci-fi so i thought i'd join the group to learn more about what people are wanting from their sci-fi reading. I live in the Uk and work full time in my own shop.
I mainly read science works particularly Physics and Astronomy. My fav authors are Lawrence Krauss, Brian Greene, Neil Degrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins, there are many more to list. I love Quantum Mechanics, relativity and astronomy.

Many thanks
Mark

Hey, TH and Mark! Hope you find some discussions to jump into! TH, I think you'll appreciate some of the books we're reading right now, a few seem to be popular with the Dune crowd :-)

Hi guys,
My name is Zobad, I am from Pakistan. I just turned 23, newly graduated and trying to start my career as software developer. In my free time I enjoy reading Fantasy. I like to savor each book so I read slowly sometimes taking a month on a book.
I remember the first book that go me into the fantasy genre was A Wizard of Earthsea, this I read back in 5th grade and I loved it, it still holds a special place in my heart. Ever since then fantasy is all I read.
I am trying to increase the amount of books I read and so I joined this group. Looking forward to the recommendation on what next to read and making new friends.

Thanks guys!
Zobad

Hi all!

I'm John, been a member of Goodreads for what seems like ever! I've just published my first book, so diving into some of the forums to learn from others as I start this new adventure!

Reading wise, mostly Sci Fi, Fantasy and some business/tech mixed in to keep things different.

I'm in Denver, CO where I run my own event company. I organize a few of my own conferences aas well as offer my logistics services to others. It's fun, usually :)

Hey everyone!

My name is Len Downing. I'm new to Goodreads, new to indie publishing, new to... well, basically everything on the internet. I guess you could say I was a bit of a Luddite before now.

But I'm definitely not new to sci-fi and fantasy, and I look forward to the opportunity to find new books and good conversations!

Morning, evening, you choose.

I'm Amy J Hamilton. I live in SE England. I'm an author. I hid inside a few things to get away from bullying when I was a kid. I'll admit these things weren't necessarily the book versions of those particular works. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. I loved the radio play, but did also read the books. War of the Worlds (I'm afraid that'll be the Jeff Wayne musical version, I'm also a musician) and eventually Discworld novels (ah finally, books), Terry Pratchett wrote so many so quickly and I'm such a slow reader, I was soon very far behind. I'll admit I've watched more Sci-Fi than I've read. These days I write more than I read. I'm not as widely read as others. Even worse following a medical incident, I can't remember half of what I read in the first place. Hate it when that happens!

Good Day!

My name is Julian. I'm from Arizona. I've been on good reads for a while but only recently became a little more active on here again. My favorite books I've read so far would have to be the Magician's Trilogy. I'm hoping to read a little bit more in the Sci-fi/fantasy genre so if anyone has any recommendations, feel free to let me know! Hope everyone has a swell day!

Amy wrote: "Morning, evening, you choose.

I'm Amy J Hamilton. I live in SE England. I'm an author. I hid inside a few things to get away from bullying when I was a kid. I'll admit these things weren't necess..."
Yay...Hitchhikers Guide.....

Adam wrote: "Yay...Hitchhikers Guide..... "

Life, don't talk to me about life.

Hi everyone, I'm Hannah and I live in Chicago, Illinois. I moved here recently from my hometown of Denver because my husband was accepted into a Master's program. I'm currently working on my MLIS through an online program and I'm looking to find some bookish friends since I don't know anyone in Chicago, yet.
My love of fantasy and sci fi started early, with an introduction to both The Hobbit and Harry Potter given to me by my brother. I have been in love with the genres ever since.
I look forward to reading and talking with you all!

Amanda wrote: "Hi. I'm Amanda. I live in the Twin Cities. I like reading pretty much everything, but sci-fi and fantasy are my favorites."

Welcome! I've lived in the Twin Cities my entire life.

Do you read Lois McMaster Bujold? She's a Twin Cities resident and also one of my favorite authors (though these two facts are total coincidence).

Amanda wrote: "I live in the Twin Cities"
Ankh & Morpork?

Alan wrote: "Amanda wrote: "I live in the Twin Cities"
Ankh & Morpork?"

I'm going to have to steal that one.

Julian wrote: "Good Day!

My name is Julian. I'm from Arizona. I've been on good reads for a while but only recently became a little more active on here again. My favorite books I've read so far would have to be ..."

Not that this is anything like the Lev Grossman series mentioned (which was also very good) but if it was me, I would be intrigued to read books by an author who shares my name so I would recommend The Many-Coloured Land which is the first book in the Saga of the Pliocene Exile by Julian May.

Conal wrote: " so I would recommend The Many-Coloured Land which is the first book in the Saga of the Pliocene Exile by Julian May. ..."
Indeed, very good material - but is a bit of an epic! Four thick books in the Saga, then four more in the closely connected near-future tale. Just over 10 inches of shelf! However - don't judge this by other Julian May works, or vice versa - it stands apart!
Also - if you do read it, it is worth taking a look at some details of geology in Pliocene Europe - the background was very well researched.

Mark wrote: "Hi guys, my name is Mark, im new to goodreads but have just published my first ever novel in Sci-fi so i thought i'd join the group to learn more about what people are wanting from their sci-fi rea..."
Thanks Allison, I've got a few penned to read but I'm writing myself as well as running a business, so time is hard to come by.

Conal wrote: "Julian wrote: "Good Day!

My name is Julian. I'm from Arizona. I've been on good reads for a while but only recently became a little more active on here again. My favorite books I've read so far wo..."

That's one of my favourite series (Julian May) too.

Amanda wrote: "I haven't read anything by her before, but I'll look into her stuff. I know that Patricia Wrede lives in the Twin Cities, but she writes mostly for a much younger audience."

Patricia Wrede and Lois McMaster Bujold are apparently good friends. They both mentioned the other when asked about favorite authors, and Patricia's cat is named after the main character of Lois' book The Curse of Chalion, who in turn was inspired by a letter-writing game played by the two of them.

Patricia Wrede Reddit AMA
Lois McMaster Bujold Reddit AMA

Alan wrote: "Conal wrote: " so I would recommend The Many-Coloured Land which is the first book in the Saga of the Pliocene Exile by Julian May. ..."
Indeed, very good material - but is a bit of an epic! Four t..."

Lots to read in the whole story but, at least IMHO, completely enjoyable all the way through.

Hi, I am Vicky from Vienna/Austria and new to goodreads.

I love Fantasy books, it's my favorite genre for some years now. Also like to read Criminal Stories, sometimes Romances or Classics.

And I absolutely have to work on my TBR!

I'm Michael, and I'm from Chicago, Illinois.

I'm currently reading The Shadow of What Was Lost, a massive fantasy book (it's great--I'm nearly done) as well as the new Star Wars Leia book. I'm a dad and a writer, that pretty much takes up all my day and night.

I love big fantasy books, space opera, general sci-fi...there's a lot of books I enjoy, and I'm happy to have finally joined a Goodreads group. Looking forward to talking more!

Hi! I'm Hollie from Oxford, United Kingdom.

I've always been a huge lover of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and YA books, but since going to University have told myself I should read more 'sensible adult' things. Finally, since graduating this year, I realised that adult life is hard enough as it is, so I have given in to the inevitable fact that I'm just no good at reading anything else - the mystical and magical is where I belong!

I love big adventures, magical tales, dystopian universes and alternate worlds. I'm currently reading Spellwright by Blake Charlton, and am also about to embark on re-reading all 20+ books of Brian Jacques' Redwall series.

Great to be in touch with you all :) Always open to book recommendations!

Hi, I'm Nort. I'm new to.GoodReads and sc-fi/fantasy, although my parents gave me a love of books as a child. I'm always reading. But I'm new to sci-fi/fantasy. I started out with Sullivan's Theft of Swords. At the moment I'm reading Arcadia by Iain Pear. It's fabulous. The writing is awesome and the narrative takes you into the story. You have to keep reading
I'm a science writer that studies, teaches and writes about the brain. I appreciate good, creative writing, and I'm looking forward to getting invloved here.

Hello my name is Albert. While science fiction is my favorite. I do read all type of books.

Hello everyone. My name is Daniel Dolinski. I'm a self-published author in Chicago, IL. I am obsessed with stories whether it is from a book, show, movie, or video games. I don't care; if it's good, I'll enjoy it. Fantasy is my favorite genre in books with the last book I've read was A Clash of Kings for two reasons. 1) Love Game of Thrones, and 2) the series inspired me to write my new book series, along with a few other movies and shows.

My goals on Goodreads is to connect with people, share ideas and discussions, and maybe make some friends along the way.

Hello, I’m new to goodreads and my profile is still work in progress. I’m Italian, but I live in Scotland. I read mainly (but not exclusively) urban and epic fantasy, and science opera and military sf.

I’m looking forward to the discussions in this group!

Hi everyone My name is Tammie i am 44 from mississippi and i love to read books and travel and watch movies

Josh here, early 30s, getting back into reading (and hopefully writing as well). When I was younger, I was practically attached to a book at all times, but somewhere between school and real life I lost touch with it.

I started writing literary scifi when I was 64 and branched off into Urban fantasy. Ages ago I wrote for the Audubon newletter in Pocatello, Idaho. I'm a commercial embroiderer and when I retired from that, I devote all my spare time to writing. I belong to a writing club and have take two courses on line for grammar, Acing both. I love to read mysteries and work that genre into my stories. My sister guarantees that you will love them.

Hi, I am Mark from the UK. I actually don't get a lot of time for reading right now, but I recently started publishing my books and so I thought I have got to get back into reading - hopefully you guys wil inspire me!

Yikes, I am behind in my greeter duties. Hopefully our supreme overlord Princess Leia the housecat will understand. (I got stuck under my own house's overlord, I swear!)

Welcome all! We have so many writers who are trying to make time to read more, and believe me I think we all know that struggle! I tried proposing "extra days for reading" as a separate vacation category at work, but HR is mysteriously not returning my emails. I bet I have the wrong address. ;-) Anyways, hope we all get to balance the things we love!

We're brainstorming books for October now (fantasy on the wrong side of the law!) and I know I am doomed because all of the books suggested so far are on my TBR. Come help us make a selection!

Hello, I am from Estonia. Started to read very early and when I was 8 years old, all good books for children were already very familiar :) and I found my first sci-fi book: Flowes for Algernon, in Estonian it was collection of short stories and I probably did read it more than 10 times so far ;)

Hello, everyone! I'm K and while I'm a fantasy writer, I am here as a reader. This year, I've read all of the released Green Rider books and am currently working my way through the Greatcoats series. I'm here to both discover new adventures and talk about old favorites. I look forward to getting to know you all!

Hello, everyone. I'm Matthew Treadstone, new sci-fi author from Colorado. I like stories with messed up individuals and situations, a fan of dystopian societies, gray morality, eroticism, and the clash of extremes. GRR Martin and Frank Herbert are my two favorites. I'd like to connect with readers and writers alike, discussing the art form. Look forward to talking with everyone!

I'm also an artist, and like graphic novels too.

Hello everyone!
I'm 43, Italian, live in Milan and read (especially) fantasy and sci-fi
my readings this year have been among other things:
Live free or die, citadel and the hot gate (John Ringo)
Red rising, golden son and Morning star (Pierce brown)
Iron gray sea, deadly shores and storm surge (taylor anderon)
The aeronaut’s windlass (Jim Butcher)
The way of shadows (Brent Weeks)
The first book of swords (Fred Saberhagen)
The apocalypse troll (David Weber)
Snapshot (Brandon Sanderson)
The god of guilt, switchblade, the crossing and the wrong side of goodbye (Michael Connelly)
Terms of enlistement, lines of departure, angles of attack, chains of command and field of fire (Marko Kloos)
Brilliance, A better world, written in fire (Marcus Sakey)
Reunion of Neverend (John Stith, my favorite)
Hard Magic, Warbound, spellbound (Larry Correia – i know, i know…)
Monster Hunter Intrernational, Vendetta, Alpha, Legion and Nemesi (Larry Correia)
Red Dwarf and better than life (Grant Naylor)
Control Point (Myke Cole)
Poor’s man fight, rich man’s war, dead man’s debt (Elliot Kay)
Echo Burning (Lee Child)
Alcatraz 1-5 (Brandon Sanderson)
Police, The thirst (Jo Nesbo)
Furies of calderon, Academ’s fury and (currently) cursor’s fury (Jim Butcher)
busy year…
Glad to become part of the group!

Hello,

I really enjoy sci-fi so thought I would check out this group.
Looks like I have read about 30 after a quick look at the bookshelf.
Hopefully, I will be able to contribute in a thought-provoking way to discussions.

Thanx, Illona

I am a 55-year-old married guy whose "golden age" of SF/F was the '70s, basically.

I feel stupid saying so, because it's such a cliche, but my favorite fantasy novel is "The Lord of the Rings" and my favorite SF novel is "Dune." Never been huge on horror, but my favorite novels are "The Shining" and "The Exorcist." I think those choices might make me the most white-bread SF/F fan in the world, but, as Vonnegut wrote, so it goes.

I abandoned reading in the field for about 10 years, in the '80s, except for the occasional cometary phenomenon (i.e. "Neuromancer"). I confess that I'm not as wowed by 21st-century SF/F as the work I grew up on, but I do my best to keep a hand in and read some of what's getting good reviews.

I am an old-school Bradbury fan, and was lucky enough to have hung out with him four times in my life.

I think Ursula K. Le Guin is so good that she deserves the Nobel Prize.

I loved Asimov as a kid, but found the writing less-than-stellar as an adult.

I was surprised upon recently re-reading Clarke to find I liked "Rendezvous with Rama" a bit less (just a bit) and "Childhood's End" a bit more.

Samuel Delany and Roger Zelazny intrigue and madden me (and Delany was a teacher of mine).

Octavia E. Butler was a quiet genius.

"The Handmaid's Tale" is the best dystopia ever written.

I understand why Heinlein is so famous — he changed the way SF was written, much for the better — but I've never been a huge fan ("Citizen of the Galaxy" is his best, IMO).

Alfred Bester: kick-ass.

I *just* finished "Little, Big" by John Crowley and ... I'm still thinking about it; it is artful, gorgeously written, impressively reticent, appealing, boring, intriguing ... so many reactions.

Peter S. Beagle is great, but I think his best book by far is his first, "A Fine and Private Place."

I have read LotR 31 times, and hope to read it that many more before I die.

I can't honestly say that I've been just blow away by anything written in the past 15 years or so. Scalzi can be good. Didn't love Ann Leckie's "Ancillary" novels. Weir's "The Martian" is old-school clever and fun. Patrick Rothfuss infuriates me and I will never read the third book in that overlong, execrable series (if it ever comes out). Gaiman? I understand his appeal, but I don't get the fanaticism of some of his fans. Couldn't get into N.K. Jemisin's "Fifth Season."

I suspect I've now painted myself into a "fuddy-duddy" corner, but I hunger for discussion about SF/F.

Thanks for reading, if you have.

Hello all, I'm a Greek guy who aspires to be a sci fi author.
I'm currently writing so I don't read much these days, but once finished I have my eye on several titles.
Phillip K. Dick was my favorite, even on his crazy days :)

Looking forward to intriguing and fun chats in here.

Allison wrote: "Yikes, I am behind in my greeter duties. Hopefully our supreme overlord Princess Leia the housecat will understand. (I got stuck under my own house's overlord, I swear!)"

I am watching you.

Princess Leia wrote: "Allison wrote: "Yikes, I am behind in my greeter duties. Hopefully our supreme overlord Princess Leia the housecat will understand. (I got stuck under my own house's overlord, I swear!)"

I am watc..."

Et crisse. C'est toujours le chat qui me trompe.

Welcome Merle, K, Matthew, Alessio, Illona, Clay and Steve (and anyone else I missed!) I'm afraid you just missed contributing to votes and polls for a couple of weeks, but you did get here just in time to start two books that look JUST AWESOME (and not just because they were the ones I was backing, but that doesn't hurt!) Get comfy, hope to see you in discussions! Feel free to use the recommendations folder to find books attuned to your unique interests--we have some real connoisseurs of the genre in this group, I highly advise using their impressive knowledge base. :-)

Hi everyone,
I am a fan of fantasy, science fiction, adventure and crime genres. I do an occasional bit of creative writing (mostly fanfiction short stories) but I am far more of a reader than a writer. I have published my first Harry Potter fanfiction here. Hope some of you can read and give me some feedback.
Thanks,
Saminda.

Hi everyone!

I'm a bit late with introducing myself, sorry sorry!

Well, I'm Merle and 23 years old atm. Born in The Netherlands and now living in New Zealand. Big change...

Love fantasy, so far not really interested in sci-fi but maybe one of you has the golden book to change my mind :D

Cheers!

Hello!

My name is Philipp. I'm a fan of C.S. Lewis (Space Trilogy more than Narnia, but both are great), J.R.R. Tolkien (especially the Unfinished Tales), and Stargate, and had a lot of fun reading A Canticle for Leibowitz a few months back.

From time to time, I write fantasy and sci-fi (and a few things in between the two), and just published my first novel.

I look forward to talking about books with you all!