At Booksweet, we have the joy of connecting daily with so many amazing readers who love science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. It’s time you all met!
Whether you’re new to the genre or we’re reading your old favorites, you belong in this group. There are no gatekeepers here: just awesome humans who love a good story.
At our March gathering, the group voted on our next read!
For our Friday, May 12 gathering at 7 pm, we’ll be discussing Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, the first book in the Locked Tomb series.
Your Eventbrite RSVP is helpful to our planning.
About the book //
The Emperor needs necromancers.
The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.
Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth, first in The Locked Tomb Trilogy, unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will be become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
Reviews //
Finalist for the Nebula, Hugo, and Locust Awards.
“Deft, tense and atmospheric, compellingly immersive and wildly original.” —The New York Times
“Brilliantly original, messy and weird straight through.” —NPR
“I started this book chuckling at the outrageous premise. I finished it crying, because the ending punched me straight in the gut.” —Vox
And the best cover blurb ever written:
“Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space! Decadent nobles vie to serve the deathless emperor! Skeletons!” —Charles Stross, author of The Laundry Files and Empire Games
So… what’s this book club like? //
So far, we’ve met three times and it’s been a blast! Some people finish the read, others dip in for as long as they have capacity for. All are welcome, valued, and celebrated.
The group draws a crowd of about 16; enough to keep the perspectives diverse and fresh, but not too many that all voices aren’t heard.
We have a number of folks who’ve returned to us–and a number who are new. Booksweet co-owners Shaun and Truly facilitate the session and prep the questions, but are also just eager to join as participants and readers for the session.
After a good discussion, the group votes on the next session’s read. Shaun and Truly will present some options, but club participants are more than welcome to pitch a book for the group to vote on too!
While we don’t serve refreshments at the chat, Booksweet is located in The Courtyard Shops, filled with AMAZING dining options. Drinks are totally welcome at the meet-up; don’t feel shy about sipping boba while we chat!
Learn more about health and safety at Booksweet.
Hope to see you there!