SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

A place for members of the fantasy team to collaborate.

Yay, thanks Melanie!!

Here are the Fantasy Challenges to help us with brainstorming:

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself.
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title.

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot.
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover.

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns.
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover.

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot.
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title.

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point.
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover.

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters).
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title.

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth.
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title.

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead.
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title.

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast.
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover.

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book.
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic.
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories.
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title.

Okay, guys, let's show some competitive spirit! The Team SciFi players are tearing up the suggestion thread currently!

Does anyone want to start with books they are planning on reading for these prompts?

Team Fantasy

Points: 21/24

Shape Shifting (view spoiler)[
✅ Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself - The Last Dragoners of Bowbazar by Indra Das - 01.15.2025
✅ Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title - The Shape-Changer's Wife by Sharon Shinn - 03.17.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Romantasy (view spoiler)[
✅ Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot - The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica - 02.14.2025
✅Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover - The Two Princes of Mpfumo: An Early Eighteenth-Century Journey into and out of Slavery by Lindsay O'Neill - 01.25.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Angels and Devils (view spoiler)[
✅ Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns - Piranesi by Susanna Clarke - 02.12.2025
✅ Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover - White Is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi (hide spoiler)]


Magical Object (view spoiler)[
✅ Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot - A Game in Yellow by Hailey Piper - 03.21.2025
✅ Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title - Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow - 03.25.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Poisoner (view spoiler)[
✅ Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point - Lightfall by Ed Crocker - 01.06.2025
✅ Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn - 02.28.2025 (hide spoiler)]


DnD Party (view spoiler)[
✅Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters) - Fog & Fireflies by T.H. Lehnen - 01.18.2025
✅Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title - Afterparty by Daryl Gregory - 03.23.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Mythology
✅ Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth - Mother of Rome by Lauren J.A. Bear 01.02.2025
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title - Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon


Undead (view spoiler)[
✅ Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead - The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark - 01.21.2025
✅ Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title - The Sea Gives Up the Dead: Stories by Molly Olguín - 03.08.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Bestiary (view spoiler)[
✅ Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast - Wicked Jenny by Matt Hilton - 01.12.2025
✅ Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover - Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell - 02.26.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Fantastic Flora (view spoiler)[
✅ Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book - Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris - 03.29.2-25
✅ Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover - The Garden by Nick Newman - 02.21.2025 (hide spoiler)]


Magic Powers
✅ Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic- The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo - 03.18.2025
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.


Fairy Tales
✅Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories - Salt Slow by Julia Armfield - 03.11.2025
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title.

These books from some of my 2025 planned reads should fit:
Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself.
The Gate of the Feral Gods By Matt Dinniman

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

I've filled my card up, so I'll post it later today

Here's what I've got so far (subject to change, but not by much as I already own most of these):

Potential reads:
(view spoiler)[
Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself.
➡ White Wolf by Lauren Gilley
Reason: One MC is a shapeshifter
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title.
➡

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot.
➡ Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Reason: The MCs relationship is on of the two main plots of the book
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover.
➡ We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
Reason:


Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns.
➡ The Serpent Sea by Martha Wells
Reason: The MC has wings
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover.
➡ Babel by R.F. Kuang
Reason:


Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot.
➡
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title.
➡ Black Magic by Megan Derr
Reason: "Magic" in the title

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point.
➡ Peeta's Games by igsygrace
Reason: The only reason both of the MCs are alive by the end of the book is because they plotted to kill themselves by poisonous berries if they both couldn't survive the Hunger Games.
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover.
➡

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters).
➡ The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula K. Le Guin
Reason: The MC is a wizard
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title.
➡ Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
Reason: 5 characters on the cover


Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth.
➡ The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Reason: One of the MCs is considered to be an in-world mythological character reborn
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title.
➡ Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry
Reason: "Mythos" contains the word "myth"
➡ Majstor i Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Reason: Contains the Greek letter "M"

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead.
➡ Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan
Reason: The MC died, but his consciousness is transferred into another body, hence he returns from the dead
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title.
➡ Isle of the Dead by Roger Zelazny
Reason: "Dead" in the title

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast.
➡ Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Reason: One of the main characters is a dragon
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover.
➡ Poštašavili by Terry Pratchett
Reason: Dogs on the cover


Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book.
➡ A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock
Reason: A man grows an intelligent fungus and calls her Chloe
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.
➡ Golden Son by Pierce Brown
Reason: Only a wreath on the cover

➡ The Word for World Is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
Reason: Only trees and a moon on the cover


Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic.
➡ Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat
Reason: The MC can do magic
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.
➡

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories.
➡ Hainske priče by Ursula K. Le Guin
Reason: All are short stories belonging to the Hainish Cycle
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title
➡ Priče misterije i magije by Oto Oltvanji
Reason: "Priče" in Serbian means "tales" or "stories"
(hide spoiler)]

Read:
Fantasy / Peeta's Games / Poisoner / Sick / *The main characters tried to kill themselves with poisonous berries

I wonder if Rand Al'Thor could be considered a "mythological character", in the sense that he is one in the Wheel of Time universe?

Some Listopia rumages (I vouch for nothing; I only pass on what Goodreads search can find):

Shapeshift Lists
Were Lists
Couples Lists
Wings Lists
(It honestly surprises me that horns was a bust.)
"Books with Black and White Covers (or something close)"
Magic Object Lists
"Poison in the Title (or on the cover)"
"Myth and Folktale Retellings"
"Greek Mythology Retellings"
Undead Lists
Plant Horror Lists
Alien Plant Lists
Plant Sci Fi Lists
Magician Lists
"Sidhe"

Just as a general aside, if anyone has the October Daye series on their TBR, a run through the first half of the series would knock out at least 11 prompts by my rough count.

A, B, E, Z, H, K, M, N, O, o, P, T, Y, and X (case matters) are all Greek letters.

I'll add more once I have time to really go through my TBR and think about the prompts, but here are a few:

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot:
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping
T Kingfisher's Paladin books

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns:
The Wings Upon Her Back

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth:
Clytemnestra

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast.
The Last Unicorn
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover.
The Nightward

Fantastic Flora
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.
The River Has Roots

January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
1. Strong: Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength.
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence.

January Antagonist: Monster
1. Huge: Read a book with a character that is extremely large.
2. Ugly: Read a book with a character that is noted for an unpleasant appearance.

These are stumping me right now. Hard to get a read on a protagonist/antagonist without already starting the book! I was planning to read Legends & Lattes this January, so I am hoping the Barbarian protagonist fits into one of these tropes!


Anyone else have any good leads? Maybe books they read that would fit this prompt for others to enjoy?

One suggestion would be Dungeon Crawler Carl. There is a whole bit about his intelligence being low.

here are my selections for those prompts

Full Character Archetypes List

January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
1. Strong: Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Reason = Viv is big and strong
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence
City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer
Reason = main character appears to be a bit of a simple soul

January Antagonist: Monster
1. Huge: Read a book with a character that is extremely large
Seal of the Worm by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Reason = the Worm (Centipede Kinden) is enormous
2. Ugly: Read a book with a character that is noted for an unpleasant appearance
War Master's Gate by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Reason = Gjegevey is old, hunch-backed, ugly wood-louse Kinden and Empress Seda's advisor

and here are my Fantasy picks

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself
The Air War by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Reason = because Esmail is a shapeshifter
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title
The Shape of Dread by Marcia Muller
Reason = another mystery but Shape is in the title

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot
Still the Sun by Charlie N. Holmberg|7801879]
Reason = blurb calls it the latest romantic fantasy adventure by Charlie N. Holmberg.
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover
Scepters by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Reason = required couple on cover


Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town by Cory Doctorow
Reason = Main character has wings no matter how many times she cuts them off
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover
Descending by C. Michelle Jefferies
Reason = defo B&W


Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot
The Eyes of Tamburah by Maria V. Snyder
Reason = the main character's services are enlisted to find The Eyes of Tamburah: legendary gemstones that bestow great magic on their wielder.
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title
The Book of Magic by Gardner Dozois
Reason = anthology of Magic stories with Magic in the book title

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point
The Study of Fire by Maria V. Snyder
Reason = a main character is a food taster for poisons
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover
Pomodoro!: A History of the Tomato in Italy by David Gentilcore
Reason = tomatoes were originally considered poisonous.

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters)
No Return by Zachary Jernigan
Reason = main characters = male martial artist, woman warrior, and two of the Royal Outbound Mages
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title
By Blood We Live by John Joseph Adams
Reason = more than 4 characters (I'm presuming from the separate stories) on the cover


Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Reason = Achilles story retelling
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title
Myth in Malmö: The Tenth Inspector Anita Sundström Mystery by Torquil MacLeod
Reason = mystery book set in Sweden with Myth in the title

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead
Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs
Reason = Vampire is an important character in this book
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title
Dead Astronauts by Jeff VanderMeerVandermeer, Jeff
Reason = Dead in the title

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast
Lyorn by Steven Brust
Reason = Loiosh, Vlad's familiar (not a pet) is a jherig (mini dragon/lizard with wings)
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover
The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Reason = wolf on the cover


Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book
Semiosis by Sue Burke
Reason = Intelligent plants
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Reason = lots of plants on the cover but no humans


Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic
Raven's Strike by Patricia Briggs
Reason = Raven Mage is main character
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover
Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs
Reason = Mage on front cover


Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories
Muse and Reverie by Charles de Lint
Reason = same setting and same author for all the stories in this collection
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title
The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales by [author:Ellen Datlow|
Reason = Tales in the title

Ryan wrote: "Anyone else have any good leads? Maybe books they read that would fit this prompt for others to enjoy?"

I only chose one for the prompt "Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength" and I chose Network Effect by Martha Wells, Murderbot is really strong so any book from the series will do.

Is there a way Leviathan Wakes would fit any of the prompts, general or bonus ones?
I want to read it but not sure where to fit it.

I'm posting my choices for the January protagonist/antagonist points. The only thing I'm having problems with is "unbrainiac." Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
1. Strong: Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength - Bel Dame Apocrypha 1 - God's War by Kameron Hurley
reason: Nyx is a badass assassin/enforcer
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence



January Antagonist: Monster
1. Huge: Read a book with a character that is extremely large - Queens of the Wyrd by Timandra Whitecastle
reason: Lovis is a half-giant
2. Ugly: Read a book with a character that is noted for an unpleasant appearance - Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi
reason: the aliens are ugly and stinky

Tamara wrote: "Is there a way Leviathan Wakes would fit any of the prompts, general or bonus ones?
I want to read it but not sure where to fit it."

Tamara, I've not read the book, so I'm not definitely sure.

However, since one of the plots of this book is a murder mystery, perhaps the first prompt for Team Fantasy for "Shape Shifting" about a character that disguises themselves?

Netanella wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Is there a way Leviathan Wakes would fit any of the prompts, general or bonus ones?
I want to read it but not sure where to fit it."

Tamara, I've not read the book, ..."

Ooh, nice one, thanks Netanella! How did you figure it was a murder mystery, did you watch the show? I couldn't tell from the blurb alone :(

Ryan wrote: "One suggestion would be Dungeon Crawler Carl. There is a whole bit about his intelligence being low. "

You are only the 105th person I heard mentioning Dungeon Crawler Carl. I think I'm finally going to crack and read it. 😅

Tamara wrote: "Netanella wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Is there a way Leviathan Wakes would fit any of the prompts, general or bonus ones?
I want to read it but not sure where to fit it."

Tamara, I've n..."

I got it from this GR review: "The plot is a potboiler, effectively combining space action with a noir murder mystery (the two storylines intertwined in chapters that alternate between two POV characters). The characters are, like I said, broad types in some ways, but you can do broad types very well; a stock character can still be well rounded and compelling. This book manages to star both a world-weary detective and an idealistic space captain (with a smart-mouthed love interest and some wise-cracking ship's crew in the background) and not feel like a retread, to give the characters tough moral choices (and sometimes they make the wrong ones), without turning them into unrepentant sociopaths."

Netanella wrote: "I got it from this GR review:..."

Nice! I was avoiding the reviews to avoid spoilers, I haven't watched the show nor read the book 😅 Thanks again!

Tamara, Leviathan Wakes could be used to fill several prompts, but I can’t say which without spoiling the story. But you should definitely be able to make it work (and it’s a great series!).

Here is my prelim list. Some books may change as I peruse everyone else's list, if I see something interesting. I haven't read any of the books I've chosen - so I am just going by the cover and/or the description. So books will change if they don't fit once I read them.

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Dungeon Crawler Carl - Complete
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title.The Shape-Changer's Wife

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot. Great Big Beautiful Life - Complete
2. Pairing: Part of Your World - Complete

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Fourth Wing - Complete
2. Yang: The Wisdom of Crowds - Complete

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot. Piranesi - Complete
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title. Ship of Magic - Complete

Poisoner
1. Sick: Macbeth - Complete
2. Dangerous: The Lost Apothecary - Complete

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters). A Wizard of Earthsea - Complete
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title. Voyage of the Frostheart

Mythology
1.Story: Bryony and Roses - Complete
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title. Mated to the Myth - Complete

Undead
1. Alive?: Bookshops & Bonedust - Complete
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title.We Are the Dead

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Sphere - Complete
2. Risky: Carl's Doomsday Scenario - Complete

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book. City of Saints and Madmen
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover. Divine Rivals

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: White Trash Warlock - Complete
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover. Interesting Times

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories. Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
2. Fae: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries - Complete

nice choices

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself. Kiss the Girls 01/11/25
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title.

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot. Done and Dusted 01/22/25
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover.

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns. The Hunger of the Gods 04/10/25
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover.

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot.Blood Over Bright Haven 03/31/25
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title.

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point.
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover. 06/28/25

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters).
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title. 01/05/2025

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth. 06/18/25
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title. Ariadne

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead. Iron Flame 03/20/25
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title. Dead Woman Walking08/14/25

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast. Onyx Storm 03/28/25
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover. 02/12/25

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book.
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic. The Will of the Many 03/08/25
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories. The Assassin's Blade 03/28/25
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title.

January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
1. Strong: Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength. 01/26/25
Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence.Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft 01/18/25

January Antagonist: Monster
1. Huge: Read a book with a character that is extremely large. Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher 01/10/25
2. Ugly: Read a book with a character that is noted for an unpleasant appearance. All the Colors of the Dark 02/11/25

2025 SFFBC BOTM
January 2025 - [[book:Our Wives Under the Sea|58659343]book:Our Wives Under the Sea|58659343] 01/28/25

February Protagonist: Love Interest
1. Pretty: Read a book where a main character is known for their good looks.
2. Romance: Read a book with a romantic scene. The Seven Year Slip 02/08/25

February Antagonist: Rival
1. Better Than You: Read a book where a main character has a rival. All the Colors of the Dark 02/11/25
2. It’s Personal: Read a book where a character has a personal grievance that is significant to the plot

March Protagonist: Sidekick
1. 2nd Best: Read a book with a sidekick character or where the main character is only the 2nd best at something.
2. Helpful: Read a book where the ‘hero’ needs help accomplishing a goal.

March Antagonist: Assistant to the Villain
1. Sidekick: Read a book with a character who is a sidekick or a character who has a sidekick. Cat & Mouse 03/12/25
2. Not In Charge: Read a book where the main character is not the person in charge at their organization.

Kaia wrote: "Tamara, Leviathan Wakes could be used to fill several prompts, but I can’t say which without spoiling the story. But you should definitely be able to make it work (and it’s a great series!)."

Thanks Kaia! I'll just read it and see what shakes loose :D

Dominique wrote: "January Antagonist: Monster"

Thank you for the tip off on the Antagonist prompts. Both of those are on my TBR and I can probably get at least one of them done in January.

The monthly prompts are going to be the hardest for me, because I'm working on a couple other challenges that I already have books lined up for. Probably not going to get to many of them, especially if they mostly focus on character traits (which does make sense, but is just harder to find and swap books for).

the MacGuffin prompts are driving me batty

Your team will get to choose your power object, so just don't choose that one. MacGuffins in general *are* annoying as plot devices.

Still have to look for books for the prompts but The January books are found

If anyone is looking for:
January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison might fit this one, if you haven't read it. The main character is thrown into court politics and intrigue without any training or knowledge in it, and everyone treats him as though he's a simpleton (if i remember correctly). I feel like that counts as "noted for their lack of intelligence."

Making a holding spot for my list :). I'll try to come up with more suggestions, but may copy others if I can't find good prompt fits from my current TBR. Good luck team fantasy!

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself.
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title.

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot.
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover.

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns.
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover.

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot.
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title.

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point.
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover.

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters).
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title.

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth.
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title.

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead.
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title.

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast.
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover.

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book.
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic.
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories.
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title.

January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
1. Strong: Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence.

January Antagonist: Monster
1. Huge: Read a book with a character that is extremely large.
2. Ugly: Read a book with a character that is noted for an unpleasant appearance.

I've gophered a bit in my lists, but if I see anything interesting here, I might 'steel' it ;)

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself: The Time Keeper
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title: Heart-Shaped Box

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot.Moose Be Love
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover.

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns. Godkiller
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover.

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot. The Eye of Zoltar
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title.

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point.
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover.

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters).
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title.

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth.
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title.

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead.
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title.

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast. The Song of the Quarkbeast
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover.

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book.
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic.
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories.
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title.

I think I’m going to focus on the January specific challenges first and then hit the big challenges whenever I read a book that fits. I probably read 8-10 books a month so should be no problem. Just a matter of holding off on a few to January that I know will definitely fit.

Alicia wrote: "I think I’m going to focus on the January specific challenges first and then hit the big challenges whenever I read a book that fits. I probably read 8-10 books a month so should be no problem. Jus..."

Yes, I have found myself "holding off" on a few books I'm ready to start as well!

With the Broken Binding sub quarter coming to an end, I have Memory, Sorrow and Thorn on my TBR this year and had a question for people that have read it...
when i googled characters noted for lack of intelligence, Simon was mentioned. I'm trying to avoid serious spoilers so would you say this fits? Obviously, I would start with The Dragonbone Chair so if he develops or changes in the series I wouldn't hold it against book 1 version of him. I am just wondering if i should read this in Jan or push it out to later in the year?

Nicole wrote: "With the Broken Binding sub quarter coming to an end, I have Memory, Sorrow and Thorn on my TBR this year and had a question for people that have read it...
when i googled characters noted for lac..."

he's a naive kid at the beginning of the book so you could consider him clueless (I wouldn't consider him stupid) but he does grow. I'm using

City of Saints and Madmen by Vandermeer, Jeff Reason = main character appears to be a bit of a simple soul

Do you guys think mechas like in "Iron Widow" or "Gearbreakers" would count as a character who posseses great physical strength or a character that is extremely large? They are basically tools that a character uses which is why I'm hesitating but when the character is in them they pretty much act as if the mecha is a part of them.

I would hesitate to use those books, since we're currently nominating books for the "adaptive fashion" read and "Iron Widow" is a nomination. But I haven't read either, so I'm not sure.

Netanella wrote: "I would hesitate to use those books, since we're currently nominating books for the "adaptive fashion" read and "Iron Widow" is a nomination. But I haven't read either, so I'm not sure."

but the month those books are nominated for is January, so if it wins for the monthly nomination, it would be allowed for the prompt. I've used the same book in three different challenges before

Sweet! I like that answer.

Cool! And I haven't read Gearbreakers but I have read Iron Widow and I loved it! The sequel Heavenly Tyrant comes out in January.

My books will probably change around because I am a mood reader but here's what I've got so far.

Fantasy Challenge
Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself.
- Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title.
-The Shape of Time by Ryan Calejo

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot.
-Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover.
-Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns.
-Steelstriker by Marie Lu
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover.
-Healing Wounds: A Vietnam War Combat Nurse's 10-Year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C. by Diane Carlson Evans with Bob Welch

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot.
-Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title.
-Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point.
-Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover.
-Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters).
-Skyhunter by Marie Lu
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title.
-A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth.
-Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title.
-The Greek Myths That Shape the Way We Think by Richard Buxton

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead.
-The Witch and the VampireThe Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title.
-Aru Shah and the Song of Death by Roshani Chokshi

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast.
-Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover.
-Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book.
-The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover.
-Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science by Jessica Hernandez, Ph. D.

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic.
-Blood Like Fate by Liselle Sambury
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover.
-The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories.
-The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices Edited by Hena Khan
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title.
-Story Magic by Laurel Gale
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Character Archetypes

January Protagonist: Big Dumb Hero
1. Strong: Read a book with a character who possesses great physical strength.
-Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
2. unBrianiac: Read a book with a character that is noted for their lack of intelligence.
-The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

January Antagonist: Monster
1. Huge: Read a book with a character that is extremely large.
-The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
2. Ugly: Read a book with a character that is noted for an unpleasant appearance.
-Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James
------------------------------------------------------------------
Objects of Power (if we earn them)

Big Dumb Object
1. Big: Read a book where a character wields an oversized (for them) weapon.
-Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
2. Object: Read a Book that features an object (and not people) on the cover.
-The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman

Charged Jewelry
1. Jewels: Read a book where a piece of jewelry is important to the plot.
-The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien
2. Pretty: Read a book with something sparkly on the cover.
-Just a Pinch of Magic by Alecchia Dow

Chekhov's Gun
1. Foreshadowing: Read a book where an object in the beginning of the book foreshadows something significant that happens at the end of the book.
-The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
2. Armory: Read a book with any kind of gun on the cover.
-The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

MacGuffin
1. Treasure: Read a book with a MacGuffin (an object or element in a story that drives the plot, but serves no further purpose).
-The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
2. Breathing: Read a book where the MacGuffin is a sentient being.
-The Iliad by Homer

Powerful Weapon
1. Wow: Read a book with a legendary weapon (A weapon of myth, sung of in songs and spoken of in whispers. Old, powerful, and possessing a name).
-The Return of the King by JRR Tolkien
2. Ouch: Read a book with someone injured or dead on the cover.
-No One Asked for This: Essays by Cazzle David

Religious Artifact
1. God(s): Read a book where religion is important to the story.
-Once Upon an Eid Edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed
2. Priest: Read a book with any kind of religious official or priest on the cover.
-Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "Some Listopia rumages (I vouch for nothing; I only pass on what Goodreads search can find):

Shapeshift Lists
Were Lists
Couples Lists
Wings Lists
(It honestly surprises me that horns was a bust.)
..."

Thank you for these links, Amy! I was trying to finalize my list today and really struggling with the black and white cover and poison ones. These lists were super helpful.

OK, here is my completed list. I think I'll probably tackle the monthly challenges and objects of power on the fly (or if something I'm already reading is a good fit).

Shape Shifting
1. Change: Read a book with a character that changes shape or disguises themself. Shark Heart / Emily Habeck or Nimona / JD Stevenson
2. Copy: Read a book with “shape” or “shift” in the title. Shadowshaper / Jose Daniel Older

Romantasy
1. Love: Read a book where a romantic relationship is central to the plot. A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping / Sangu Mandanna or a T Kingfisher Paladin book (if there is a new one this year or I re-read an old one)
2. Pairing: Read a book with a couple on the cover. Whenever You're Ready / Rachel Runya Katz

Angels and Devils
1. Ying: Read a book where a character has wings and/or horns. The City in Glass / Nghi Vo (I think)
2. Yang: Read a book with a black and white cover. We Have Always Lived in the Castle / Shirley Jackson

Magical Object
1. Powerful: Read a book where a magical object is central to the plot. The Chalice of the Gods / Rick Riordan or Shorefall / Robert Jackson Bennett
2. Thing: Read a book with the word “magic” in the title. Lessons in Magic and Disaster / Charlie Jane Anders

Poisoner
1. Sick: Read a book where a poisoning is a significant plot point. Strong Poison / Dorothy Sayers
2. Dangerous: Read a book with something poisonous on the cover. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone / Ernest Cunningham (poison bottle on cover)

DnD Party
1.Characters: Read a book with a rogue, mage, fighter, and/or wizard (classic DnD characters). The Name of the Wind / Patrick Rothfuss (wizard)
2.Team: Read a book with 4 or more characters on cover or the word “party” in the title. The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History / David Walker

Mythology
1.Story: Read a book with a mythological character or that is considered a retelling of a myth. Clytemnestra / Costanza Casati
2. Alpha-Omega: Read a book with any greek letter on the cover or the word “myth” in the title. The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus / Margaret Atwood

Undead
1. Alive?: Read a book with an undead character or a character that returns from the dead. The Tomb of Dragons / Katherine Addison (I think)
2. Dead: Read a book the word “dead” or “death” in the title. Death in Delft / Graham Brack

Bestiary
1. Not a Pet: Read a book with a character that would be considered a beast. The Last Unicorn / Peter Beagle
2. Risky: Read a book with any kind of beast on the cover. The Nightward / RSA Garcia

Fantastic Flora
1. Greenery: Read a book where plants can be considered a character (protagonist or antagonist) in the book. The Spellshop / Sarah Beth Durst (sentient spider plant)
2. Anti-Human: Read a book with plants but no humans on the cover. The River Has Roots / Amal El Mohtar

Magic Powers
1. Sorcerer: Read a book with a character that has any kind of magic. The Maid and the Crocodile / Jordan Ifueko or Midnight Robber / Nalo Hopkinson
2. Magi: Read a book with any kind of magician on the cover. Magician / Raymond Feist (it's the title word)

Fairy Tales
1. Story: Read a book that is a collection of related stories. City / Clifford Simak
2. Fae: Read a book with fairies on the cover or “tales” in the title. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women / Elena Favilli

I like your picks for "Sorcerer", Kaia! I have heard good things about The Maid and the Crocodile, and I quite enjoyed Midnight Robber

Netanella wrote: "I like your picks for "Sorcerer", Kaia! I have heard good things about The Maid and the Crocodile, and I quite enjoyed Midnight Robber"

Thanks! I have really enjoyed the other books I've read by Jordan Ifueko and Nalo Hopkinson, so I'm hoping to get to both of these in 2025. :-)

Midnight Robber is so so good and so so hard. One of the best and most upsetting books I've ever read.

Allison wrote: "Midnight Robber is so so good and so so hard. One of the best and most upsetting books I've ever read."

Agreed, Allison. It pulls the legacy of slavery into the future, which is a gut punch for many folks. Plus the very, very dysfunctional family dynamics.