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[Andy]

Hi all - Andy from Ireland joining

most recent SciFi reads
Shift by Hugh Howey
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester

don't read as much fantasy these days, but am in the middle of parallel reading of Harry Potter series with eldest

[Scott]

Greetings, I'm Scott. I'm a writer and an author. I write mostly Sci Fi right now, but I dabble in a little fantasy and have recently started looking at turning some of my personal dabbles of erotica into actual short stories or novellas.

If you go to my website or read my blog you'll notice a lot of focus on the concept of order in chaos. I don't know how it happened, but one day I was introduced to Edward Lorenz ideas on Chaos Theory and found a lot of similarity between his theory and my life (as I'm sure most people do) but I decided that was going to be a theme of my world because no matter how chaotic or crazy things appear, there is always a pattern. The same is true for the stories and plots in my mind.
​
I'm an avid reader of the classical sci-fi authors like William Gibson and Phillip K Dick, Douglas Adams and Orson Scott Card, I've found a lot of expression and inspiration in the twisted plots of gritty otherworldly matters. While clean, utopian science fiction such as Star Trek have always been a good anchor for inspiration, grittier sci-fi like Neuromancer and Blade Runner with their twisting plots and intrigue are where I believe is the true field in which good sci-fi is cultivated and grown.
​
I'm military by trade and an educator at heart, I really enjoy influencing people through words and ideas and I hope to develop and share my visions of space and time with new readers.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's works. If you get a chance, check out my website www.ordernchaos.com. I have a blog connected to the site where I do some posting about writing or I post some of my writing. So please go check it out.

It's nice to meet you all.

[Bruce]

Andy wrote: "Hi all - Andy from Ireland joining

most recent SciFi reads
Shift by Hugh Howey"

Hi Andy, how did you like Shift?

[Andy]

Hi Bruce, enjoyed a lot, though not as much as Wool
loved the plot, but not a big fan of the Donald character
looking forward to reading Dust

[Ninna]

Hi all! I'm Ninna and I've not read as much sci-fi and fantasy as I've wanted to lately since the book club I belong to doesn't read it. :-( So I'm hoping that joining this group will help with that! The most recent books I've read that fit into this category are:

The Golem and the Jinni - which was fabulous!
Watership Down - somehow never read this - great one toO!
The Book of Three - listened to this with my daughter and we both loved it and plan to continue with the series.
Lock In - the first Scalzi book I read and got it from this group. :-)

I'm currently reading A Darker Shade of Magic and The Name of the Wind which has been on my TBR list for way too long. Hope to catch up with the group for a monthly read soon!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Ninna wrote: "Hi all! I'm Ninna and I've not read as much sci-fi and fantasy as I've wanted to lately since the book club I belong to doesn't read it. :-( So I'm hoping that joining this group will help with tha..."

Welcome! You're off to a great start with those. An extra high five for including your daughter in the journey! Can't wait to hear what you think about The Name of the Wind!

[Nora]

Jan130 wrote: "Hi Nora. Welcome (from Jan from Australia - I'm just another humble member of the group). What kind of books do you like e.g. who're your fav fantasy and sci-fi author/s and/or books?" Hi Jan, I'm so sorry I didn't get a notification that someone replied. Checked to see general introductions and came across your message. I'm an eclectic reader so i love all sorts of genres. If I had to choose my fave probably jk Rowlings Harry Potter books, loved fantastic beasts and where to find them, and Ransom Riggs Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I do like a lot of YA fantasy fiction and extended to a recent love of LGBT fiction. How about yourself?

[Julia]

Ninna,

My RL book club reads science fiction and fantasy sometimes and absolutely loved The Golem and the Jinni. You might suggest it, there is a lot of historical fiction, in it too.

I'm also currently reading A Darker Shade of Magic. I've so far read just around a third of it, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it to my book group, now.

[Ninna]

Allison wrote: "Ninna wrote: "Hi all! I'm Ninna and I've not read as much sci-fi and fantasy as I've wanted to lately since the book club I belong to doesn't read it. :-( So I'm hoping that joining this group will..."

Thanks Allison! My daughter and I both love sci-fi and fantasy! We are also reading the Harry Potter books together (we are on book 4) but finishing the last Castle Glower book, Saturdays at Sea, now. I started The Name of the Wind and then LOST IT!! I finally just found it again...siting on my bookcase. I think someone in my house is gaslighting me. lol! I will keep you posted on my progress...heard such great things about it!

[Ninna]

Julia wrote: "Ninna,

My RL book club reads science fiction and fantasy sometimes and absolutely loved The Golem and the Jinni. You might suggest it, there is a lot of historical fiction, in it t..."

That's a good idea - The Golem and the Jinni is such a rich storyline I can't imagine lots of different people wouldn't enjoy it but I agree with you about A Darker Shade of Magic. I am only about a 1/4 into it but I don't feel it would have as broad an appeal. I am always on the lookout for sci-fi/fantasy that I can recommend for them so thanks!

[Jane]

Hello, hi!

I'm Jane and I live in Northern Arizona. In grade school SFF was my bread and butter. I got away from it for a few years but now I'm back and really enjoying the new works.

My most recent sci fi reads include The Fifth Season as well as some of N.K. Jemisin's other works, The Golem and the Jinni, and last night I just finished Leviathan Wakes, which totally blew me away.

I joined this group as soon as I saw the Bookshelf- there's so much overlap from my Want to Read shelf, I feel like I've found kindred spirits!

[Claire]

Jane wrote: "last night I just finished Leviathan Wakes, which totally blew me away. "

I am about to read this :D

[A.O.]

Hello, I'm new in the group and very pleased to have found it! I already took part in one of the book challenges and I've checked I already read some dozens of the books in the comunity list. I usually read more than one book at a time, so today I just finished The Vegetarian by Han kang, and I'm currently reading The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin. About fantasy/sci fi literature, books in the Neil Gaiman, Murakami, Catherine Valente, Mièville, Ji won, Ruth Ozeki and Lynch style attract me more, and I'm also into anthologies, short stories and tales . Hope to share good thoughts and nice suggestions in here :)

[Bruce]

Greetings Ariane! I thought Neverwhere was a great book.

[John]

Someone said they felt the "geezer" of the group with a birth date in 1963. While not feeling like a geezer, I was born in 1948, but do not want the title. I joined Goodreads about five years ago and enjoy reading a variety of fiction including Sci-Fi and mystery.

Next up for me is The Ship That Sang by Anne McCaffrey, a suggestion from my wife.

We are looking for suggestions on an audible sci-fi book for a long drive for vacation - any thoughts?

Thanks, John

[Sarah]

John wrote: "We are looking for suggestions on an audible sci-fi book for a long drive for vacation - any thoughts?..."

I very highly recommend Pushing Ice by Alastair Reynolds. It deserved about 7 stars.

[Bruce]

Hi John, welcome! I recommend Ancillary Justice. The Audible reader sounds like a robot.

[The Real Sarah Anne]

I'm here to claim my name back.

[Kim]

The Real Sarah Anne wrote: "I'm here to claim my name back."

Fight! Fight! Fight!

[Sarah]

[Doc]

A "baby" talks about geezers. I am a 1949 model and currently reading Asimov" anthology of short stories of 1949 and another Malayan book> enjoying both despite the separation of years when written.

[John]

Sarah Anne wrote: "John wrote: "We are looking for suggestions on an audible sci-fi book for a long drive for vacation - any thoughts?..."

I very highly recommend Pushing Ice by [author:Alastair Reynold..."

Thanks for your suggestion!

[John]

Bruce wrote: "Hi John, welcome! I recommend Ancillary Justice. The Audible reader sounds like a robot."

Thanks for your suggestion!

[Kristin]

Greetings from Pittsburgh, PA. Born in 1969 so I'm not quite a geezer (yet). I'm a public health professional but I've always loved science, so science fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres. When I was a kid I wanted to work for NASA and build space shuttles. Alas, it turns out that physics isn't my best subject.

Lately I've been getting back into all the old classics--Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, etc. I just finished re-reading Niven's Lucifer's Hammer and now it's onto Atwood's Oryx and Crake.

Looking forward to suggestions for new authors and books!

[Doc]

go steelers

[Bruce]

Kristin wrote: "When I was a kid I wanted to work for NASA and build space shuttles."

Same here and I ended up in the electric utility industry.

Go Packers!

[Holly]

Hello to the group. My name is Holly, born in 1964. I am the mother of one, a lifelong horsewoman and I make my living as a bloodstock agent.

I don't read much sci-fi but Fantasy is my favorite genre.

[Stephen]

Ninna wrote: "Hi all! I'm Ninna and I've not read as much sci-fi and fantasy as I've wanted to lately since the book club I belong to doesn't read it. :-( So I'm hoping that joining this group will help with tha..."

Hi Ninna, I’m reading the Golem and Jinni right now. I agree, it is really good. Really interesting take on myths and folklore.

[Joel]

Hello to all. I am new to the SciFi and Fantasy Book Club. I grew up in Orlando/Winter Park, Florida, and after graduating from Florida State University (BS Mass Communications, Theatre Minor) I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. My career has mostly been in TV, coupled with some theatre and film work. I was an actor for approximately a dozen years mostly doing guest star appearances and some movies-of-the-week. 1990 I made the transition to 'behind the camera' where I have been ever since.
I wrote and co-produced a series, Sci-Fi Trader, for the Sci-Fi Channel (before it became Syfy), where I had the privilege to meet and work with some wonderful creative people, including: Forrest J. Ackerman, James Dohan, Adam West, George Takei, Drew Struzan, Brannon Braga, Syd Mead, Rick Sternbach, Gary Lockwood, Gerald Fried, H.R. Giger, Tippi Hedren, Dave Wolverton, Yvonne Fern, Joseph Stephano, Herman Zimmerman, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Ronald D. Moore, Dennis McCarthy, Harlan Ellison,Frank 'Kelly’ Fries. I also produced and directed a series on PBS called Between The Lines (still running), where I worked with many authors and folks in the entertainment idustry, including: Ray Bradbury, Homer Hickam, Harlan Ellison, Jimmy Breslin, Mario Puzo, Ron Howard, and Jerry Bruckheimer.
I am not a high-volume reader, but enjoy all sorts of fiction and non-fiction. My last reads were a re-read of Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, and The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen.
Although I’m a member of the Writers Guild of America, and have written professionally for years, I’ve just penned my first novel, The Vorpal Sword, Book One: Beware the Jabberwock, a historical fantasy. It will be released on Kindle April 1st.

[Ash]

Hi,
I am Ash. I have been playing Fantasy RPG and reading F&S Books since my early youth. I have a large book collection (analog) that has stopped growing since I upgraded to a Kindle. But I still buy Paperbacks if I really like a book. It`s like owning Vinyls.

I have not updated all the books I won and have read on GR because it would take too long.

I joined because I am curious what you guys are reading and why?

[Karin]

Hi, I'm Karin. I started reading Oz and the Lang fairy tale books when I was old enough to get my first library card (7?). I still remember the first book I got from the grown up section - Here Abide Monsters by Andre Norton, followed quickly by Zelazny's Nine Princes in Amber. I read more fantasy than science fiction but I love both. I went through a several year period of not reading many books of any sort but I'm back now, having decided that life is too short not to read great SF & F. In the past year or so I have read the Ender Quartet, the Ender's Shadow series, The Last Olympians and the Heroes of Olympus series, the Kingdom Keepers series and most of the Chicagoland Vampires series. I spent my staycation last summer rereading the Harry Potter series. I am very happy to have found this book club. My area suffers from a huge lack of bookstores. I hope my fellow members will keep me informed on the latest and greatest books to read.

[J.]

Joel wrote: "Hello to all. I am new to the SciFi and Fantasy Book Club. I grew up in Orlando/Winter Park, Florida, and after graduating from Florida State University (BS Mass Communications, Theatre Minor) I mo..."

Joel, Good luck with the new book. Anything vorpal brings back many fun D&D adventures from times passed.

[Evans]

Hi, I'm Evans Colin Jr. I was born in Miami, FL. Life growing up was pretty interesting. Being raised in a pretty rough part of town, I most definitely felt like an outcast. Finding interest not necessarily in books at first but in movies and television series.
I always felt like a reporter trying to find "the story' because for me that was my main focus. The question I had before everything I watched was: can this movie or series suck me out of this world and into an alternate reality? Can I escape and embark on a new adventure?
The first movie I started with at the age of three was Jurrasic Park. I remember my mother telling me stories about how she took me to watch it. Thinking about it now, I laugh. Do you remember the scene when the kids were in the car, and the ground was shaking because of the T-Rex approaching? Well, I was told that the entire theater was quiet, and the only thing breaking the silence was my three-year-old voice saying "mommy... I'm scared." Lol! But despite my fear, my mother told me I was transfixed on the film. At one point she said she doesn't remember me blinking. (I'm pretty sure I blinked.)
Lets fast forward to 2002. I was twelve at this point. I wasn't really to fond of reading. So a little something you don't know about me. I have a stutter. Sometimes it can get aggressive, and other times it's like it was never there. But my disdain for reading came about over time. Being picked on in class when I would read out loud. Being bullied and beat up, while being beat I was mocked about my speech. So as you can imagine, anything that involved reading, I hated dearly. Back to the point, my mother knew I had a mature mind for a twelve-year-old, so she recommended a book for me. It was First to Die by James Patterson. Reluctant at first, I decided to give it a shot. Although it took me a while to read it, I can most definitely say THAT BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE!
Mr. Patterson's book promoted me to try something different. Instead of trying to escape into someone else's story, how about I create my own. So I did. I wrote a four paged short story titled, The Mystery of the Missing Glasses. Although horrible looking back, I was actually really proud of myself.
Now fast forward to this year, 2017. I am now twenty-six, and I'm an author, aspiring screenwriter and performing arts enthusiast. Thanks, Mom! :-)
I've just finished my first novel titled The Community. And the pride I feel is overwhelming to say the least. It took a while but I did it. And now introducing myself to you guys feels like the biggest honor. I guess because I've never been a part of a book club or anything that I didn't feel forced to join just based on circumstance.
Moral of my story is... well I don't really know yet. I guess I'm still telling it. I do know, though, I feel pretty cool to now call myself an author. People like James Patterson, Karen Rose, Karin Slaughter, and a few others have paved the way for youngsters like myself. I just want to say thank you guys for allowing us to enter into your minds. Sadistic or not, it's always an honor. And most of all, thank you, mom, for being, well... a damn good mom.

[Ryan]

Hi Evans. My wife's favourite movie was Jurassic Park. It probably still is. I read her 20 year old copy of the novel just a few months ago. Anyway she can't wait until our daughter is old enough to watch the movies, but right now she is four and we are certain she would be terrified - she still gets scared during Disney movies. Including multiple viewings.

[Evans]

Thanks for actually taking the time to read about me, Ryan. That means a lot. And sorry for your daughter lol! Poor baby :-)
And that's awesome for your wife. The film really was amazing for its time. I always wanted to understand why I love story-telling and movies so much (in that order). And after my mother told me that, it all made sense. What's your favorite movie or book? And what genre do you prefer?

[Kei]

Hello! My name is Keimond. But everyone calls me Kei. I am 22. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. I actually ran across this app on accident yesterday and I'm a currently putting all the books I ever read on her. (Which is way to many) I love to read. I am open to pretty much any genre and I am always looking to expand and make new friends on here! Don't hesitate to talk to me or ask about current reads! I really hope to connect with someone!

[Ryan]

Evans wrote: "What's your favorite movie or book? And what genre do you prefer?"

I only really got back into reading a few years ago, and I'm still not sure of my favourite genre. Probably fantasy or scifi? Although I have 17 five star books listed here and I see over half of them are neither fantasy nor science fiction, so I dunno. My favourite movies and TV shows are full of muggles too. For some reason I'm drawn to keep reading speculative fiction.

[Gulli]

Hi! I'm Gully, and I'm in my twenties. I'm from London, UK. I spend a huge amount of time reading, both for work and personal enjoyment/growth. I have been reading sci-fi and fantasy books from a very young age. Some of my favourites include the following: Magician, Watchmen, Dune, Ready Player One, Frankenstein, I Am Legend... I could go on, but I'll stop! Feel free to message me or add me as a friend. I'm always happy (and keen) to discuss anything book-related. :-)

[Bruce]

Hello Gully! By Watchmen, are you referring to the graphic novel?

[Gulli]

Bruce wrote: "Hello Gully! By Watchmen, are you referring to the graphic novel?"

Hi Bruce! Yes, the graphic novel by Alan Moore.

[Bruce]

Thanks, I'll check it out. I've been wanting to get into Watchmen.

[Gulli]

Bruce wrote: "Thanks, I'll check it out. I've been wanting to get into Watchmen."

It's an excellent read. :-)

[Zack]

Hello, I'm Zack. I live in Seattle, the land of milk and sunshine (the rain is a myth).

Most days I'm a computer appendage, hammering away on keyboards to make websites do nifty things, but most evenings are filled with novel/short-story writing.

Ever since I started a sci-fi book club in 2014, my reading velocity (minus constraints) has accelerated quite a bit.

Here's what I've been reading lately:

1984 (Signet Classics) by George Orwell
Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi
Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch) by Ann Leckie
Caliban's War (The Expanse) by James S. A. Corey
City at the End of Time by Greg Bear
Consider Phlebas (Culture) by Iain M. Banks
Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear
Death's End (Remembrance of Earth's Past) by Cixin Liu
Excession (Culture) by Iain M. Banks
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Lord Foul's Bane (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Book 1) by Stephen R. Donaldson
Moving Mars by Greg Bear
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Off to Be the Wizard (Magic 2.0) by Scott Meyer
Old Man's War by John Scalzi
Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell
Red Mars (Mars Trilogy) by Kim Stanley Robinson
Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas by John Scalzi
Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke
The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
The High Crusade by Poul Anderson
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
The Player of Games (Culture) by Iain M. Banks
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
The State of the Art by Iain M. Banks
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose
Use of Weapons (Culture) by Iain M. Banks

(non-scifi/fantasy redacted)

I look forward to exploring some more Fantasy and engaging with fellow speculative fiction enthusiasts.

-Zack

[KU2]

Hey, I'm Kelkie, living in the great commonwealth of PA, constant reader of everything, but primarily sci fi/fantasy and historical fiction. Working my way (as is everybody!) through the TBR and often overwhelmed by too many choices...now trying to read in date added order...thus I just finished is The Rook by Daniel O'Malley which I very much enjoyed.

Glad to be here, looking forward to good discussions.

[Halimah]

Hi Halimah from San Francisco Bay Area. Love science fiction, total bookworm. I just joined. I Haven't joined any sites in years never been a part of a book club. Getting the hang of finding myself around on the site. Read many book reviews here for a while though. Would be nice to be able to discuss sci fi books with others. I am an avid reader and do enjoy self help, art, photography and business books too. I love sci fi books the most and love topics about space, aliens, dragons, vampires, witches, discovering new worlds, time travel, magic, goblins, dark elfs, zimbies, litrpg, apocalypse, etc. Looking forward to the sci fi reading challenges and talking about the books.

Lately I have read
The Witcher books
Several dragon, vampire, witch books.
Aliens the female war, 
Aliens Nightmare Asylum
Aliens vs Predator
Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb
Neverwinter saga book 1-4
Fimbulwinter. by Daniel Black
Raksura series first 3 by Martha Wells
The way Of the Shaman litrpg book 1-4,,
Stargate Sg-1 books
Phantom server 1-3 litrpg books,
Perimeter defense 1-3 litrpg books, 
Patch 17 by G. Akella
Zectas Enigmatic Village of Nanahuatl
Way of the clan book 1 Dem Mikhaylov
Universe online 1-3. Ryan Viken Henning
Catharsis Awaken Online Travis Bagwell
The Runesmith by Galen Wolf
Plenty of others. My tbr list is epic.
Will be nice to talk to sci fi lovers.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Halimah wrote: "Hi Halimah from San Francisco Bay Area. Love science fiction, total bookworm. I just joined. I Haven't joined any sites in years never been a part of a book club. Getting the hang of finding myself..."

Damn. That is a lot of reading for "lately." I think you'll like it here! Welcome!

[Grady]

Bruce wrote: "Hello Gully! By Watchmen, are you referring to the graphic novel?"

I love Watchmen! It gives you a morally ambiguous character compared to the more classical superheroes. One of the most enjoyable reads I have ever done! Highly recommended!

[Peter]

Hi folks,

My name’s Peter. I’m an Australian, but I’ve been living in Korea (the normal one to the south, not the crazy one to the north) for the last 20 years. I grew up reading Asimov and Clarke and loving every page. I’m also a huge fan of William Gibson, Iain M. Banks, Alistair Reynolds, Neal Stephenson and Richard Morgan.

The first sci-fi book I read was The Chrysalids by John Wyndham and most recently I finished rereading Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan for the umpteenth time (I often reread stuff). I’ll pretty much read anything sci-fi (and occasional fantasy), but I tend to end up at the space opera, cyberpunk, dystopian, post-apocalyptic end of the spectrum. Any suggestions for authors that match this would be more than welcome!

[David]

Peter wrote: "Hi folks,

My name’s Peter. I’m an Australian, but I’ve been living in Korea (the normal one to the south, not the crazy one to the north) for the last 20 years. I grew up reading Asimov and Clarke..."

A little while ago this group read Children of Time, which was well-liked here and sounds like it would be up your alley.

Since you like Stephenson and Snow Crash, be sure to check out its not-exactly-a-sequel The Diamond Age: or, A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer if you haven't already. Also Seveneves.

You might also enjoy The Three-Body Problem trilogy. It starts off sort of slow and contemplative but expands into one of the imaginative "ideas" sci-fi series of the century.

[Abi]

Hi, I'm Abi, a scientist in the US, originally from England and looking for inspiration for new books.
Recently read:
Dubit Ergo Sum, P. Gordon Judge
Popco
The Possessions, Flannery Murphy
Hippopotamus, Stephen Fry (again)
The Bees, Laline Paull
Ready Player One, Ernest Cline. (Terrific)

Just started The Rugged Astronauts by Bob Shaw.

I love Orson Scott Card, Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Heinlein, Julian May, Asimov, the classics. I read mainly sci fi, rather than fantasy, and am hoping to find a few new rich seams!

Abi