SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion
SciFi and Fantasy Book Challenge
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2026 Booklover’s Combat : Collaborative Point Game
date
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Mod
SCIENCE FICTION SCORE: 00
quest points: 00
FANTASY SCORE: 00
quest points: 00
HORROR SCORE: 00
quest points: 00
Mod
(5) Science Fiction
- CJ
- Kaa
- Banshee
- Kaia
- Brandon
(12) Fantasy
- Netanella
- CBRetriever
- Brandi
- Tammy
- Riyadh
- Kristin
- colleen the convivial curmudgeon
- Jackie
- Midiain
- Pamela
- Patricia
-Aga
(5) Horror
- Elizabeth
- Amanda
- Becky
- Librarian
- Nicol
Mod
1. Can a team get points for completing a challenge more than once? Like, more than one person reads a book that fits a particular sub-genre? Yes. Each individual can complete all 24 challenges.
2. My book has more than one edition and multiple covers. Which cover can I use for the cover challenges? Use the cover of the book you actually read. You can't substitute an alternate cover, but you also do not have to use the default cover.
3. To earn quest points, do I have to read the SFFBC book in the month it was selected? Technically no. You may be awarded quest points any time AFTER the book is selected.
4. Can a book count for more than 1 prompt if it can fulfill multiple criteria? No. Each book can only be counted for one component: main prompt, monthly prompt, or quest point.
5. Can I post the monthly challenge points after the month ends? You can post them no more than 1 day past the new month unless there are specific circumstances that prevented you from posting on time.
6. Are graphic novels acceptable, since we can read any genre? Yes, as long as it meets the page count and prompt requirements.
7. Can I count a DNFed (unfinished) book for this challenge? Yes, with some qualifiers. You need to have read @ least 100 pages of the book, since that's the minimum word page count. Also you need to have read the part of the book that matches the challenge. If the challenge component happens later in the book, you would need to read the whole book or choose another book.
8. Can a DNFed book count for a Quest Point? Yes with qualifiers and reservations. Qualifier: You must have read @ least 60% of the book and have made a good faith effort to complete the book. Reservation: The purpose of the Quest Points is to encourage players to participate in the club's main purpose: to read and discuss an eclectic mix of awesome SFF books together. The competitive nature of the challenge with a 60% 'rule' could yield participants partially reading books, and not giving them a fair chance, purely to earn points faster. This does not honor the spirit of the challenge. Thus the qualifiers in good faith and 60% of the book. It is also true that some books are just not for you, and we appreciate it when you try something new and out of your comfort zone.
9. The score tally for my team is not correct. What should I do? Let the moderators with in one week of the error and they'll fix. Ideally it would be perfect every time ... but humans make mistakes. Please know, there is no malice in any mistake that gets made. The one week rule if to prevent having to verify weeks worth of posts which is difficult to do.
10. Tracking the challenge and prompts in The Story Graph is NOT the same as reporting my points, right? Correct. The only points I am tallying are this thread in GR and correlating one in TSG, not the TSG challenge tracker.
TSG Challenge Trackers can be found here:
science fiction- https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading...
fantasy- https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading...
horror- https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading...
Mod
Dystopia
1. Character vs. Society- Read a book where the prime antagonist is the government (or other civic ruling authority).
2. Propaganda- Read a book with a representation of propaganda (newspaper, ad, broadsheet, etc.) on the cover.
Mecha
1. Got Crew?- Read a book where a vehicle is piloted by a crew (3 or more persons).
2. Huge Robot- Read a book that features a big robot or has a big robot on the cover.
Kaiju
1. Behemoth Battle- Read a book with an epic battle scene.
2. Giant Reptile- Read a book with a giant reptile on the cover or as a significant character in the book.
Cyberpunk
1. Cyberspaces- Read a book that features cyberspace as a main setting.
2. Digital Consciousness- Read a book with a main character that can access (or lives in) cyberspace or has a visual representation of a “cyber” human on the cover.
Space Western
1. Lawless Settlement- Read a book where a community is isolated from or far away from a governing body.
2. Space Cowboy- Read a book with someone wearing a cowboy hat and/or riding a mount on the cover.
Fantastic Fauna
1. Alien Animal- Read a book that features an alien animal species.
2. Fauna, not Flora- Read a book that depicts alien fauna on the cover.
Genetic Engineering
1. Enhancements- Read a book where a character has been artificially enhanced with mental and/or physical abilities beyond what is considered normal for their species.
2. Transhuman- Read a book with an augmented human (featuring alternative body parts and the like) on the cover.
Hard Science Fiction
1. Science is Central- Read a book where plausible science is central to the plot.
2. Scientist- Read a book with a scientist on the cover or a scientist as a main character.
Military SciFi
1. Chain of Command- Read a book where a military command structure is in effect.
2. Space Battle- Read a book that depicts a space battle on the cover.
Super Humans
1. Superpowered- Read a book with a main character who has some kind of superhuman power or ability.
2. Colorful Costume- Read a book with a character in a colorful costume on the cover.
Alien Romance
1. Love between species- Read a book where a romance between two (or more) species is central to the plot.
2. Alien + Human- Read a book with both an alien and a human on the cover.
Science-Fantasy
1. Multi-genre- Read a book that is classified as more than one genre.
2. Best of Both Worlds- Read a book set on more than one ‘world’ or that depicts multiple planets on the cover.
Mod
Urban Fantasy
1. Hidden Magic- Read a book where magic exists but is kept hidden from the ‘normal’ population.
2. Magic Behind the Veil- Read a book with a magic spell or magic object partially hidden on the cover.
Gaslamp Fantasy
1. Regency Period- Read a book set during the Regency period (1800s-1900s).
2. Masquerade- Read a book with a mask on the cover.
Gunpowder Fantasy
1. Swashbuckler- Read a book with a main character who is adept at sword fighting, acrobatics, and / or crowd manipulation.
2. Magic Gun- Read a book with a gun on the cover.
Sword and Sorcery
1. Warrior and Wizard- Read a book with both a warrior and a wizard as main characters.
2. Staff and Sword- Read a book with a staff and sword on the cover.
Wuxia
1. Melodrama- Read a book with a melodramatic conflict (exaggerated emotions, sensational plot, and/or stock stereo-typed character dramas).
2. Martial Arts- Read a book with any kind of martial arts paraphernalia or martial artist on the cover.
Magical Realism
1. Magic, but Low-Key- Read a book where the presence of magic is mundane or seemingly unremarkable.
2. Latin America- Read a book that depicts a Latin American setting on the cover or is set in Latin America.
Mythological Beasts
1. Bestiary- Read a book that features a mythological beast (unicorn, dragon, bigfoot, etc.).
2. Creature Comfort- Read a book with any kind of mythical beast on the cover.
Portal Fantasy
1. Two Worlds- Read a book where the main character travels between 2 (or more) worlds.
2. Doorway to Beyond- Read a book with any kind of portal on the cover.
Occult Detective
1. Paranormal Mystery- Read a book where a mystery with paranormal elements is central to the plot.
2. Detective- Read a book with any kind of detective on the cover.
Super Heroes
1. Superpowered- Read a book with a main character who has some kind of superhuman power or ability.
2. Colorful Costume- Read a book with a character in a colorful costume on the cover.
Paranormal Romance
1. Paranormal Lover- Read a book where a romance between two beings (one of which has paranormal abilities) is central to the plot.
2. Romantic Embrace- Read a book with 2 (or more) characters in a romantic embrace on the cover.
Science-Fantasy
1. Multi-genre- Read a book that is classified as more than one genre.
2. Best of Both Worlds- Read a book set on more than one ‘world’ or that depicts multiple planets on the cover.
Mod
Demons & Possessions
1. Demonic Influence- Read a book where a character is influenced or possessed by a demon or devil.
2. Pact with a Devil- Read a book with a contract of any kind on the cover.
Occult Horror
1. Mysterious Knowledge- Read a book where knowledge of something supernatural, magical, or spiritual is essential to the plot.
2. Paraphernalia- Read a book with occult paraphernalia on the cover.
Psychological Horror
1. It’s All in Your Mind- Read a book where the main character struggles to stay mentally sane.
2. Fear Face- Read a book where a character is displaying fear on the cover.
Body Horror
1. Embodiment- Read a book where a character’s body is altered against their will.
2. Disfigurement- Read a book with someone (or something sentient) disfigured on the cover.
Gothic Horror
1. Dark Victorian- Read a book that contains either a forbidden love, a character fallen into moral decay, a fallen aristocrat, a madman, and/or an angry spirit.
2. Goth Vibes- Read a book with a gothic (preferably crumbling) castle on the cover.
Slasher & Gore
1. Near Indestructible Killer- Read a book where the main antagonist is extremely hard to kill or survives an attempt to end their life.
2. Blood Everywhere- Read a book with a significant amount of blood on the cover.
Out of Control Virus
1. Viral- Read a book where the main conflict is the spreading of a virus.
2. Lab- Read a book with a lab or lab equipment on the cover.
Locked Room
1. Trapped!- Read a book where a main character is trapped for a significant amount of time.
2. Lock-n-Key- Read a book with any kind of lock and/or key on the cover.
Classic Monster
1. Natural Weapon- Read a book where a main character uses a natural weapon (claws, fangs, and the like).
2. Got Monster?- Read a book with a classic monster (vampire, werewolf, zombie, and the like) on the cover.
Campy Horror
1. Dark Humour- Read a book where dark/gallows humour is used repeatedly by the story's narrator or a main character.
2. Joke’s on the Cover- Read a book with a visual joke on the cover or punny title.
Nightmare Fetish
1. Love is Strange: Read a book where the main character has a non-traditional object of their affection.
2. Love Overcomes Evil: Read a book with an unlikely couple embracing on the cover.
Horror+
1. Multi-genre- Read a book that is classified as more than one genre.
2. Best of Both Worlds- Read a book set on more than one ‘world’ or that depicts multiple planets on the cover.
Mod
Each month, a story protagonist and antagonist archetype will be presented for all teams. They will also have a challenge category to complete. These challenges must be completed in the month they are assigned. Before each new month begins, the new protagonist and antagonist will be revealed. A list of all current and past archetypes is below.
Full Character Archetypes List
January:
protagonist/ Herald- Read a book where a character makes a proclamation or delivers news that incites the hero/protagonist on the path of adventure.
antagonist/ Puppet Master- Read a book with a puppeteer as a main character or with puppets on the cover.
Mod
Each team can also unlock The Hero’s Journey bonuses by reading the 2026 SFFBC books of the month. After a team reads enough SFFBC books, they unlock the next stage of the hero’s journey, granting the group more opportunities to earn points. Each team can fully finish the hero’s journey. Each team that fully finishes the hero’s journey will earn the privilege of putting a book into a future mod poll.
A list of the stages of the hero’s journey and the challenges they unlock can be found below. When you finish a 2026 SFFBC BOTM, post in this thread. Include the following in your post:
team-name/ quest point/ book-title
example: horror/ quest point/ Hammajang Luck
Stages on the Hero’s Journey
Each step unlocks when a team earns 20 quest points.
1. Ordinary World- Read an SFF/horror book that begins in a modern-day, realistic setting, but then shifts to a more fantastical, futuristic, or horrific setting.
2. Call to Adventure- Read a book where the main character leaves their home to complete a quest or go on an adventure.
3. Refuse of the Call- Read a book where the main character refuses (at first) their call to adventure.
4. Meet the Mentor- Read a book with a character who mentors (mental or physical training of some kind) the main character.
5. Cross the Threshold- Read a book where a main character crosses a portal or threshold of some kind.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies (You’re halfway there! You get a bonus challenge for making it this far.)
-Read a book where the main character is tested in some way.
-Read a book where the main character recruits an ally or acquires an enemy.
7. Approach the Innmost Cave- Read a book where the main character discovers the location of the story’s antagonist.
8. The Ordeal- Read a book where the main character experiences a significant setback.
9. The Reward- Read a book where the main character receives some kind of treasure as a reward near the end of the book.
10. The Return Home- Read a book where a character returns home at the end of the book.
11. Home But Changed- Read a book where a character experiences significant emotional growth from the beginning to the end of the book.
Mod
Mod
Reminder: The challenge doesn't start until January, so only books read in 2026 will count.
I'm in for Horror :)
I'll join team fantasy!Last year was so much fun! I am so impressed by how many prompts you made for is! And I'm excited there is a new team!
I would like to join Team Science Fiction!
team Fantasy please!(though I also love that there's a new team, :)
Team Fantasy for me
Team Fantasy please! Hoping I can clean out my TBR list a bit with this challenge too!
I’m going to mix it up and join Team Science Fiction this time. Thanks so much for putting together this fun challenge! When things get going, will you be able to make the separate discussion threads for each team again? That was one of my favorite parts of the 2025 challenge.
Question about the Fantasy prompt "Gaslamp Fantasy: 1. Regency Period- Read a book set during the Regency period (1800s-1900s)." Do you mean 1700s - early 1800s (which is 18th-19th centuries) or 1800s to early 1900s (19th-20th centuries)? The former is Georgian / Regency eras, and the latter is more late Victorian / Edwardian eras. I'm good with either but wanted to check before I start adding books to my list. :)
Kristin wrote: "Question about the Fantasy prompt "Gaslamp Fantasy: 1. Regency Period- Read a book set during the Regency period (1800s-1900s)." Do you mean 1700s - early 1800s (which is 18th-19th centuries) or ..."
The Regency era of British history is commonly understood as the years between c. 1795 and 1837,
I used this book last year for a different prompt and it will work
Half a Soul - it's a quick fantasy romp of a book
Mod
Yes. I was planning to do that at the top of January.
Mod
Do you mean 1700s - early 1800s (which is 18th-19th centuries) or ..."
1800s to early 1900s (19th-20th centuries)
Kristin wrote: "Question about the Fantasy prompt "Gaslamp Fantasy: 1. Regency Period- Read a book set during the Regency period (1800s-1900s)." Do you mean 1700s - early 1800s (which is 18th-19th centuries) or ..."
There are also books like The Midnight Bargain by CL Polk, which is classified as a "Regency" fantasy, even though it is in a fantasy world / time period. It has a lot of the Regency era conventions. I also really enjoyed it, and I'm not a huge Recency romance person.
Melanie wrote: "Kaia wrote: "When things get going, will you be able to make the separate discussion threads for each team again?"Yes. I was planning to do that at the top of January."
Yay - thank you, Melanie!
Thank you for doing this again! I’m conflicted I love the prompts for all 3 teams! I’ll mix it up this year too and join Horror.
I'm in for the Fantasy Team this year! Thanks!
Add me to the Fantasy Team. Thank you
I’ll go Fantasy this time. Ended up reading more fantasy than SciFi this year, hehe. Add me to the Fantasy team, please.
This seems like fun, I'd like to join Team Sci-Fi :)
Team Fantasy for me, please. Thank you!
Melanie wrote: "Kristin wrote: "Question about the Fantasy prompt "Gaslamp Fantasy: 1. Regency Period- Read a book set during the Regency period (1800s-1900s)." Do you mean 1700s - early 1800s (which is 18th-19t...
...[response] 1800s to early 1900s (19th-20th centuries)"
Thanks! So more Victorian era (1830s and on), but sounds like Regency era of the early 1800s can work too.
SciFi and Fantasy Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Midnight Bargain (other topics)Half a Soul (other topics)
Hammajang Luck (other topics)
We Set the Dark on Fire (other topics)
Skulduggery Pleasant (other topics)
More...
Step 1: Choose Your Team- science fiction, fantasy, or horror.
Just post your team of choice in this thread, and you are officially in the game. You must choose ONE team; you cannot play for more than one team. Players are welcome to join anytime during the year (January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026).
Step 2: Read Books!
During the course of the year, your goal will be to complete as many of the 24 team challenges as you can. Each Team has 12 sub-genres represented and 2 challenges to complete for each sub-genre. Science fiction players are trying to complete the science fiction challenges; fantasy players are trying to complete the fantasy challenges; horror players are trying to complete the horror challenges.
Details:
-Books must be @ least 100 pages long or the audio/ebook equivalent
-Books can be from ANY genre. You are not limited to science fiction, fantasy and/or horror.
-The honor system applies. I will not be actually verifying book lengths or challenge eligibility.
Step 3: Post Your Progress.
When you finish a challenge, post in this thread. Include the following in your post:
team-name/ book-title/ subgenre/ challenge-name/ *explanation
(use spoiler tags with your explanation if necessary)
examples :
science fiction/ We Set the Dark on Fire/ dystopia/ character vs. society/ *The main conflict is a rebellion against the government.
fantasy/ Skulduggery Pleasant/ urban/ hidden magic/ *Magic is kept secret from ‘normal’ humans.
horror/ The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant/ demons & possessions/ demonic influence/ *Crystal is permanently possessed by a devil.
-Each completed challenge is worth 1 point for your team.
-Each book can only count toward one trait challenge, so you can't complete multiple challenges by just reading one book, even if the book would technically qualify for more than one challenge.
Table of Contents:
-Current Score
-Player Names
-FAQs
-Science Fiction Challenges
-Fantasy Challenges
-Horror Challenges
-Full Archetype List
-The Hero’s Journey : Quest Points
-Future/Seasonal Bonuses