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Quadrimester Challenges
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Quadrimester 2 (May - Aug)
It's time to start planning for our next Quad Challenge. We have the whole summer (or winter, depending on where you live) to complete it. What SciFi or Fantasy titles are you thinking about or planning to read for it? I love having the entire range of not-realistic fiction to choose from, without defining whether a title "fits". I'm very much looking forward to seeing what other members are reading because these aren't the genres with which I'm most familiar. I am thinking about:
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez; a new release about based on an actual historical, intentional Black community in western NC
Green Smoke by Rosemary Manning; a classic children's novel I own
The Ghost Bride or The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo (I own both)
and maybe I'll finally tackle The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (and I own this one, too)
For SciFi, I've still got a few The Murderbot Diaries #1-4: : All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, Rogue Protocol, Exit Strategy books to read. I think I'm on book 5. They're fast reads and I enjoy the audio books, so I'll try to remember to fit them into quad 2!For dystopian, I've thought about re-reading the first 3 Hunger Games books because I'm interested in reading the most recent book and I might as well go ahead and read book 4 since I never have.
For fantasy -- I love Magical Realism, so I'll try to read some of those. They fit the summer vibe for me, as well. I'll look over the options on my TBR later.
For straight up fantasy, it's not a genre I gravitate toward, even though there are a lot of fantasy novels on my TBR. Perhaps I'll try to conquer
and/or
.
I love SciFi and Fantasy! I'm reading a romantasy book right now - Quicksilver by Callie Hart. I just started it though, so no idea if it's any good. Plus, I'll finish it before May, so it won't even count. LOL. Let's see - I have a whole list:Red by Catherine Winters
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao (gender queer)
The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
Stories of the Raksura, Volume 1: The Falling World & The Tale of Indigo and Cloud and The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
Okay - now I'm getting excited for my summer reading. :)
These are comfort genres for me and looking at my year so far I’ve only read a couple. I was also thinking of catching up on the Murderbot series, Teresa! I’m on book 5 Network Effect but may just start over since it’s been a while and they’re short enough up to this point. (I also just finished Sunrise on the Reaping and now want to go back and re-read the original trilogy as well).
Some I have slated for fantasy are Tree of Ages by Sara C. Roethle and Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier as I recently read the first book. In fact that might have been the only fantasy I’ve read this year so far, Wildwood Dancing.
Preliminary Plan and Read (🎈)🎈 The Bees by Laline Paull, one of our May reads
🎈 Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
🎈 The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
🎈 The Echoes by Evie Wyld
🎈 The Falling Woman by Pat Murphy, set in Mexico
🎈 A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers
🎈 Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
🎈 The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
I'm including some that seem to be in the horror genre cuz they've got fantasy elements as far as I understand. These are new genres to me too. Planning on-
-Mind of My Mind by Octavia E. Butler, part 2 in her Patternist series (loved part 1, Wild Seed)
-The Were-Wolf, a very old, short one by Clemence Housman
Also very much got my eyes on-
-All Systems Red by Martha Wells (hello Murderbot readers, I might join you ;)
-something by Becky Chambers
-Ghostroots: Stories by Pemi Aguda
Some of these will also fit as Pride Month reads in June :) as well as ideas for our June group read theme of major prize winner/nominee- Hugo and Nebula- yay
I love these genres too but I'm very picky! I'm still trying to figure out what does/does not work for me. Some of my favourites are Octavia E. Butler and Nnedi Okorafor who both (I think) blur the boundaries between sci fi and fantasy. I love dystopias and magical realism but find high fantasy with a lot of descriptive world building to be quite dull. I'm particularly drawn to the magical realism often used by indigenous American's such as Eden Robinson but would like to explore more in this genre (recommendations welcome!). I'm picky with sci-fi too, I didn't particularly enjoy the murderbot series, gave up part way through the second one and haven't been able to get into Becky Chambers. Not sure why.For this quad:
Looking forward to a reread of The Bees
Definitely more of Butler's pattern master series (snap Jen!)
Okorafor's new book Death of the Author
Possibly:
Womb City - African dystopia
Remnant Population - sci-fi
The Gilda Stories - LGBT vampires
Mama Day by Gloria Naylor - African American magical realism
An honorary mention to non-binary author Rivers Solomon who I've been wanting to try for ages
Anita wrote: "These are comfort genres for me and looking at my year so far I’ve only read a couple. I was also thinking of catching up on the Murderbot series, Teresa! I’m on book 5 [book:Network Effect|52381..."
Okay, Tree of Ages and Cybele's Secret both sound really cool!! I've never heard of either title. Just added to TBR.
I love Murderbot! It's such a fun series.
Jen wrote: "I'm including some that seem to be in the horror genre cuz they've got fantasy elements as far as I understand. These are new genres to me too. Planning on-
-Mind of My Mind by [au..."
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Becky Chambers. I’d recommend [book:The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet|22733729] if you haven’t read it yet. And I hope you love Murderbot!
@Teresa, I saw it has been made into a show for Apple releasing some time in May. Nervous excitement over it
Hannah wrote: "I love these genres too but I'm very picky! I'm still trying to figure out what does/does not work for me. Some of my favourites are Octavia E. Butler and Nnedi Okorafor Oooh Womb City sounds great! Have you read The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, or any N.K. Jemisin? Those might be up your alley. I’m a big fan of the Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor. I’ll have to check out her new one as well, thanks for the reminder!
ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "For SciFi, I've still got a few The Murderbot Diaries #1-4: : All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, Rogue Protocol, Exit Strategy books to read. I think I'm on book 5. They're fast..."Thanks for sharing Teresa!
One of my favorite Magical Realism books of the last few years is Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Japanese author Mizuki Tsujimura.
I recently finished Babel and read the Poppy Wars trilogy last year - all highly recommend! I love R.F. Kuang.
Hannah wrote: "I love these genres too but I'm very picky! I'm still trying to figure out what does/does not work for me."Same, Hannah!
I've been drawn towards Japanese authors for Magical Realism titles the last few years.
And for Sci Fi, I've determined that I lean into dystopian, but not space operas so much... though I've enjoyed a few. I enjoyed A Memory Called Empire, which is SciFi/Space Opera.
Anita wrote: "Oooh Womb City sounds great! Have you read The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, or any N.K. Jemisin? Those might be up your alley. I’m a big fan of the Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor. I’ll have to check out her new one as well, thanks for the reminder"I'm undecided on Jemisin so far. I really liked the fifth season even though a little of it went over my head, but then I dnf the second one as I just got completely lost. I wasn't in a good place at the time though so it might have been me. I'll give her another try at some point.
I've just seen that Okorafor has started a new series in the same world as the Binti and who fears death series based upon Okonwesu's mother. It hasn't been released in the UK though, hope that changes
Lindsey wrote: "I've been drawn towards Japanese authors for Magical Realism titles the last few years.And for Sci Fi, I've determined that I lean into dystopian, but not space operas so much... though I've enjoyed a few. I enjoyed A Memory Called Empire, which is SciFi/Space..."
Me too, not keen on the space operas. I like some of the Japanese magical realism also. My favourites have been The Last Children of Tokyo and The Memory Police. I liked lonely castle right up until the ending which didn't work for me. I'd like to find some new ones. I just finished DallerGut Dream Department Store which I thought was good but not great
For dystopia lovers I've just added a few extras from this GR post:https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
That is such a wonderful list, Hannah. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks Hannah! Somehow I missed Wild Dark Shore was dystopia since I'm reading it with a mystery group. Found a few others I have that I hope to be able to squeeze in.
A member of the Mystery/Thriller group I'm in posted this today, listing Sci Fi Mysteries (didn't know that was a thing) that might be of some interest:"https://www.greghickeywrites.com/best...
Based on curated lists from BookBub, Crime Reads, Book Riot and more, suggestions from readers on Goodreads, Quora and Reddit, and recommendations from authors like Jasper Fforde, Sharon Shinn and David Brin, here is a roundup of the 81 best sci-fi crime novels ever written."
GailW wrote: "I have only three slated for this time period Found a few more!* The Bees by Laline Paull, one of our May reads
* Binti by [author: Nnedi Okora..."
I adored The Fox Wife. It was one of my top 5 books of 2024.
I love The Gilded Ones series by Namina Forna. My oldest daughter and I read them together, and she loved them as well. She just finished The Fifth Season - the whole trilogy. She devoured it. She and her boyfriend read it together. She told me that it's really sad though, so I am waiting until I am a better headspace to read something sad! :) I haven't read Binti yet, but I did read the Nsibidi Scripts trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor, and I recommend it. It's a YA series about young witches in Nigeria. Also, I LOVE MURDERBOT! :) I love that series so much. I finished Quicksilver, and it is awful. I absolutely do not recommend it. I texted my kiddo (who was also reading it) that it felt like a parody of a romantasy book more than an actual romantasy. She liked it a little more than me, but she wasn't crazy about it either.
Misty wrote: "I love The Gilded Ones series by Namina Forna..."I LOVE that you have kids who read the same things you do!
GailW wrote: "Misty wrote: "I LOVE that you have kids who read the same things you do!"Me, too!!!! It is so fun. I read books with them when they were younger, and it is so much fun to read the same adult books and to be able to discuss them. (Okay - we also still read YA books as well!)
Janice wrote: "I would love to be able to read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm all by Rebecca Yarros."I’ve read this series and I find that it (and the author) gets a lot of polar opinions. FWIW, I liked it. They all end on slight cliffhangers but nothing that’ll make you clutch your chest and scream why at the universe. Something that I am finding I like about this series is it’s one where the author knows the characters intimately and has it entirely mapped out. If you’re a re-reader, this series sounds like something you’ll get more from going back and re-reading after you’ve finished the latest book.
I have loved all of the Fourth Wing series so far. It's like Divergent meets Hunger Games but with dragons. What's not to love? ;)
Misty wrote: "I haven't read Binti yet, but I did read the Nsibidi Scripts trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor, and I recommend it. It's a YA series about young witches in Nigeria. "Ok, I haven't heard of this Scripts Trilogy, but it sounds so good!
Also love that you and your daughter read together! My girls are still young (7yo), but we read all of their school Book Club books together. I'm hoping they'll want to continue reading the same books as they get older!
I am planning on three stand alone booksAnnie Bot by Sierra Greer
Babel by R.F. Kuang
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
Then I have several series I plan to read the first books of and see which ones I want to continue reading. Granted it will depend on how long the library holds take to determine how many I can read.
Through the Door The Thin Veil Series by Jodi McIsaac
The Protector Men of the North Series by Elin Peer
Fae Away Fae Bloodlines Series by Rose Garcia
Heartless Hunter The Crimson Moth Series by Kristen Ciccarelli
The Hunger Games Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Polaris Rising Consortium Rebellion Series by Jessie Mihalik
Glimmer of the Other The Other Realm Series by Heather G. Harris
The Ninth Rain Winnowing Flame Series by Jen Williams
The Kiss of Deception Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson
The Blackthorn Queen Eagles & Crows Series by Melanie Karsak
The Cornish Princess Golden Child Prophecy Series by Tanya Anne Crosby
The Inheritance Games Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
One Cursed Rose Grimm Bargains Series by Rebecca Zanetti
Inkheart Inkworld Series by Cornelia Funke
Empire of Shadows Raiders of Arcana Series by Jacquelyn Benson
Assassin's Apprentice The Farseer’s Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Books that I planned to read (or have read) in 2025 by female authors:Read:
by Ruth Ozeki 4 stars
by Meg Elison - my review hereTo Read 2025:
Mama Day by Gloria Naylor
Goldilocks by L.R. Lam
Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction by Sheree Renée Thomas (anthology)
These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Baby X by Kira Peikoff
Monica wrote: "Books that I planned to read (or have read) in 2025 by female authors:Read:
by Ruth Ozeki 4 stars[bookcover:The Book of the Unnamed M..."
Oh my gosh I read Goldilocks so long ago, I just went and read my review and thankfully I actually left a decent one. I honestly think I will go back re-read this because so much has changed in four years and I just know it’ll hit different!
Looks like I’m jumping on The Fox Wife as well. I love this thread.
First time on the chat, but I have a great one to add to the fantasy list. I'm starting The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. If you haven't read her yet and you enjoy fantasy, I highly recommend you start with Assassin's Apprentice. The book I'm starting now is The Dragon Keeper and it's technically book 10 in the larger series (which I never want to end, and also can't help but quickly devour). She's known for slow burn world building and character development with huge payoffs. I will never stop gushing or recommending this author. :)
Carol wrote: "and maybe I'll finally tackle The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (and I own this one, too)..."It's been a while since I've read this one and it is definitely far outside of my usual fare but it is a beloved book for me. One of my all time favorites. To me it was magical!!
Monica wrote: "Books that I planned to read (or have read) in 2025 by female authors:Read:
by Ruth Ozeki 4 stars[bookcover:The Book of the Unnamed M..."
I also really liked the ozeki a d Elison, although I thought the rest of the series didn't live up to the first. I've added Goldilocks, thanks!
Janae wrote: "First time on the chat, but I have a great one to add to the fantasy list. I'm starting The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. If you haven't read her yet and you enjoy fantasy, I h..."Welcome to the chat Janae, thanks for the recs I've not heard of this author and will check her out :)
Monica wrote: "Carol wrote: "and maybe I'll finally tackle The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (and I own this one, too)..."It's been a while since I've read this one and it is definitely f..."
Monica - you've given me that extra oomph I needed to prioritize it. thank you! btw, if you haven't yet read Twisted, it is absolutely fantastic and I shouldn't have let the cover suggest any less to my brain. I recall first hearing about it when you put it on your 2025 planning list and - once again - I'm in your debt.
Carol wrote: "Monica wrote: "Carol wrote: "and maybe I'll finally tackle The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (and I own this one, too)..."It's been a while since I've read this one and it ..."
I have to agree with Monica. I read it when it first published and it is a very good read.
Janae wrote: "First time on the chat, but I have a great one to add to the fantasy list. I'm starting The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. If you haven't read her yet and you enjoy fantasy, I h..."Thank you Janae. I have had Assassin's Apprentice on my TBR for some time. I will bump it up the queue.
For members who like to use challenge widgets to track their progress, access the widget applicable to this Quad 2 challenge at our group landing page:https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/...
I don't think I will join this challenge since most of what I read is SFF anyway, but I think I'll turn the notifications for this thread on since I think I'll enjoy very much to see you all explore these genres. If anyone wanted a specific recommendation, let me know :-)Hannah wrote: "The Gilda Stories - LGBT vampires"
I read this one two years ago and it was just really lovely. I think it's a type of book that won't work for everyone but I thought it was great. One that I need to re-read for sure.
Janae wrote: "First time on the chat, but I have a great one to add to the fantasy list. I'm starting The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. If you haven't read her yet and you enjoy fantasy, I h..."Ok I have been side eyeing this author for a while and felt a little overwhelmed when trying to decide where to start with her so THANK YOU. I will finally pick her up and start with Assassin’s Apprentice.
My TBR is exploding with all the new books added this past week
Anita wrote: "Janae wrote: "First time on the chat, but I have a great one to add to the fantasy list. I'm starting The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. If you haven't read her yet and you enjo..."Me, too; it's a delightful problem. isn't it?
Carol wrote: "if you haven't yet read Tangled, it is absolutely fantastic and I shouldn't have let the cover suggest any less to my brain. I recall first hearing about it when you put it on your 2025 planning list and - once again - I'm in your debt...."Thank you my biblio sister!! I have read it and enjoyed it very much! No debt at all. You have turned me onto some excellent reads too. A very mutual relationship!! 😎😊
Jassmine wrote: "I read this one two years ago and it was just really lovely. I think it's a type of book that won't work for everyone but I thought it was great. One that I need to re-read for sure"Ahh that's great, it's not one I've seen on anybody else's lists before, I'm glad to hear of a thumbs up!
Also am reading Baby X by Kira Peikoff this month. In reference to Mother's Day this year. We'll see how it goes...
Okay - for May I have read:Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao (NB/GQ)
The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells
I really enjoyed all four. Zhao's stuff is weird, but I like weird. Broadbent's romantasy actually has a good stories. I love Wells' writing.
Currently working my way through
and loving it. I am mainly listening to the audio, which is phenomenal, but now and then I pull out the digital version to look at some of the words to see how they’re spelled.
I finished The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness today, and I loved it! It is book 3 in the series, and I am so into this series. Can't wait to read book 4.
Anita wrote: "Janice wrote: "I would love to be able to read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm all by Rebecca Yarros."I’ve read this series and I find tha..."
I love books that will become favourite rereads! I read The Hobbit for the first time this year and I would love to reread it!
Misty wrote: "I have loved all of the Fourth Wing series so far. It's like Divergent meets Hunger Games but with dragons. What's not to love? ;)"I have never read the Divergent series. :) I'm relatively new to fantasy. :)
Janae wrote: "First time on the chat, but I have a great one to add to the fantasy list. I'm starting The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. If you haven't read her yet and you enjoy fantasy, I h..."I have put all her books on my TBR! I have just recently heard of this author. :)
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2 – SciFi (including dystopian) and/or Fantasy
Remember, we don’t set hard rules for reading and these challenges are meant to be a fun way to encourage your reading journeys. If you think it counts, it counts.