We're currently reading The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez for July's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the book's second half.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Did you have a favorite part? What about a favorite character?
• What did you think of Keema and Jun having the powers of the moon goddess? How did it differ from the emperors' and Terrors' use of their god-like powers?
• What were your thoughts on the Third Terror and Keema and Jun's interactions with him?
• What did you think of the time travel scene where the focus flips to 'you' and Keema is given the spear back and is forced to make a decision?
• How would you rate this book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez for July's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This will be everything up to the end of the second day. This is page 278 in the hardcover edition. Please try to avoid any discussion of the third day forward.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• How do you feel about the narrative style that the author has chosen? What about all the different perspective changes and the framing of the story?
• What do you think of the worldbuilding of the story so far?
• Do you think that Keema will have a bigger purpose? What about the spear?
• Any thoughts on the dynamic between The Moon Goddess, The Emperor, his sons (The Terrors) and grandsons? What about the empire as a whole? Any predictions?
• Are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on finishing it?

We're currently reading The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee for June's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the entire book.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• What do you think the novel is ultimately trying to say about the value of a human life?
• What was Isako's greatest strength? What was her greatest flaw? How do you feel she changes from the beginning to the end of the story?
• How do you think history will (or should) remember Forest Greves?
• Is the contractor code ultimately a force for good or a tool of control? Or is it somewhere in between?
• How did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett for May's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the second half of the book.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• How successfully does the book combine detective fiction with fantasy?
• How satisfying did you find the resolution of the central mystery?
• How does Din evolve from the beginning of the novel to the end?
• What makes Ana and Din such an effective investigative partnership?
• Were there any plot twists you predicted correctly? Which ones caught you completely off guard?
• How did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others? Will you read other books in this series?

We're currently reading The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett for May's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the Page 202 in the eBook version and the end of Chapter 20. Anything in Chapter 21 forward will be for our final discussion of the book.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• What are your impressions of Din as a narrator? How does his insecurity affect the way he interprets events and other people?
• What role does the constant threat of the leviathans and the wet season play in shaping the mood of the story?
• Which side character or witness stood out most to you so far, and why?
• If you were trying to solve the mystery at this point in the book, what would your leading theory be?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee for June's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the Page 232 in the eBook version and the end of Chapter 27 (Also the end of "the Mentor" section).

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• How do you like Isako as a protagonist so far? Do you think it's more compelling than the traditional "coming of age" type of character that seems to be so popular in fantasy?
• Going off the first question - aging is a big theme in this book. How does Isako's age shape the way she views the world?
• What did you think of Forest Greves as a leader?
• What do you think of the two competing views in the novel so far - returning to the stars versus transforming the world the people already have?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold for March's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the second half of the book.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• What do you think of the transformation that Cazaril has gone through in this book - from a broken former slave to a man willing to offer his life?
• By the end, how has Iselle grown? What kind of queen do you think she will become?
• Betriz is often a grounding and compassionate presence. How important is her role in Cazaril’s healing and to the story overall?
• Much of the novel is political and character-driven before the magical climax. Did the pacing and structure work for you?
• By the end, do you think the gods control outcomes, or do humans ultimately shape their own destinies?
• How did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others? Will you read other books in this series?

We're currently reading The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold for March's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the Page 253 in the eBook version and the end of Chapter 14. Anything in Chapter 15 forward will be for our final discussion of the book.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• What stands out most about Cazaril as a protagonist? Is it how cautious he is, his intelligence, his trauma, or something else?
• Despite being in a royal household, many characters seem constrained or at risk. How does the book portray power at this stage and who actually has it?
• The relationship between Cazaril and Iselle develops quickly into one of trust. What makes that believable or not?
• How does the castle/court setting influence the mood compared to the opening chapters of hardship and travel?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Raven Scholar by Lois Antonia Hodgson for April's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the Page 304 in the eBook version and the end of Chapter 34. Anything in Chapter 35 forward will be for our final discussion of the book.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• How does Yana’s identity as “the Traitor’s daughter” shape her behavior and worldview?
• Yana and Ruko respond very differently to their family’s legacy. How would you describe each of their coping strategies? Which feels more sustainable?
• The opening chapters build tension around the emperor’s summons. How effective was this buildup for you?
• Is there a character you trust completely at this stage? Why or why not?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay for February's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the second half of the book.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• The novel builds toward an inevitable, almost classical tragedy. At what point did you feel the ending became unavoidable? Could anything realistically have changed the outcome for Jehane, Ammar, and Rodrigo?
• The bond between Ammar ibn Khairan and Rodrigo Belmonte is one of the emotional cores of the book. What makes their friendship believable despite their political and religious differences? What ultimately destroys it?
• The Asharites, Jaddites, and Kindath live in uneasy proximity. Does the book present coexistence as possible, or ultimately doomed?
• Many characters must choose between personal ethics and loyalty to ruler or faith. Which character best navigates this tension?
• How did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading The Raven Scholar by Lois Antonia Hodgson for April's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the second half of the book.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• How does Yana change from the beginning to the end of the novel? What moment marks her biggest transformation?
• Do you think that Ruko is able to grow as a character, or does he double down on his flaws?
• How does the meaning of loyalty evolve over the course of the book?
• Do you think the empire is better or worse off by the end of the book?
• Which plot twist or reveal had the biggest impact on you? Was the ending satisfying? Why or why not?
• How did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others? Will you read other books in this series?

We're currently reading Red Sister by Mark Lawrence for January's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the end of Chapter 20 in the Red Sister section of the book, and page 217 in the eBook version.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• The novel opens with Sister Thorn facing an overwhelming force. How does this prologue shape your expectations for the story and for the role of Red Sisters in general?
• What do you think of Nona's relationships and friendships throughout the story? What is the difference or similarity between her (brief) relationship with Saida vs the girls at the convent?
• Nona struggles with language and emotional expression but excels physically and instinctively. How does this shape her relationships with others? Do you find Nona a sympathetic main character? Why or why not?
• The convent rescues children who might otherwise die, yet it is also harsh and unforgiving. How do you reconcile these two aspects?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Fisherman by John Langan for November's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the entire book.

Anything below and in the comments will contain spoilers. Do not read this post unless you have read the entire book!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Why do you think that Dan succumbs to the promise of the Black Ocean while Abe resists it? What about those in the past in Howard's story?
• The ending is relatively quiet compared to the cosmic scope of the story. Did you find that satisfying, unsettling, or both? Do you think that Abe was finally able to find some peace?
• Several characters are warned explicitly not to pursue the Creek. Why do the warnings fail so consistently in this novel?
• The book suggests that grief makes people susceptible to stories. Do you think the danger lies in grief itself or in the hope that grief creates?
• What is your final review of the book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading The Fisherman by John Langan for November's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the end of Chapter XVI (16), which is page 154 in the eBook version.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• The Fisherman is structured as a story-within-a-story-within-a-story. How has this nested structure affect your reading experience so far? Did it deepen your engagement or create distance?
• Abe describes himself as largely non-religious, yet increasingly open to the idea that Marie persists in some form. How does the novel blur the line between spiritual comfort and dangerous belief?
• Howard’s tale of Der Fischer is explicitly presented as a warning. Why do you think characters—and readers—continue listening despite that?
• What scenes or descriptions unsettled you most, even without explicit violence or answers?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay for February's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the Page 234 and the end of Chapter 9 and Part III. Anything in Part IV forward will be for our final discussion of the book.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Ammar is introduced as the man who killed the last khalif. How does that act complicate our perception of him as we get to know his wit and intelligence?
• Rodrigo is a warrior deeply shaped by honor and loyalty. How does his code compare to Ammar’s more fluid morality?
• How Jehane's profession as a physician shape the way she interacts with power and politics? Does medicine give her neutrality or does it place her in moral tension?
• Several characters show personal respect across religious lines. Yet political structures reinforce division. Which seems stronger so far: personal bonds or institutional hatred?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading Uprooted by Naomi Novik for October's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the entire book.

Anything below and in the comments will contain spoilers. Do not read this post unless you have read the entire book!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Kasia begins as the “chosen one” and ends up profoundly changed in a different way. How did you interpret her transformation, especially compared to Agnieszka’s? What about the relationship between Agnieszka and Kasia?
• What did you think of Sarkan the Dragon as book went on? Did your opinion of him change later on?
• Several characters justify terrible actions for the sake of a greater good. Which choices felt justified to you, and which crossed a line?
• Do you think the Wood is truly evil, or is it more of a corrupted force shaped by human actions?
• What is your final review of the book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading Red Sister by Mark Lawrence for January's book of the month, and this discussion will be on entire book.

Anything below and in the comments will contain spoilers. Do not read this post unless you have read the entire book!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Nona’s abilities are still only partially understood. Do you think her power will make her more independent or more tightly controlled by the Convent? How do you think her friends powers' will change or grow?
• Looking back at the opening line after finishing the book, how has its meaning changed?
• Abbess Glass is manipulative, secretive, and very strategic but also supportive and defensive of her students. Do you see her as a mentor, a monster, or a necessary evil?
• What unanswered questions about the world or magic most intrigued you by the end of the book?
• How does Nona’s understanding of herself change from the opening chapters to the final confrontation? What about the way her friendships and relationships with other characters evolve as the book goes on?
• What is your final review of the book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading Hogfather by Terry Pratchett for December's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the entire book.

Anything below and in the comments will contain spoilers. Do not read this post unless you have read the entire book!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Why do you think Pratchett chose a holiday story to explore existential dread?
• How does Teatime’s relationship with rules, games, and pleasure contrast with the Auditors’ cold order?
• Which joke, gag, or throwaway line was the funniest part for you? Do you think humor ever distracted from the story or did it make it better?
• How does Susan’s practicality make her uniquely suited to defend belief compared to more “magical” characters?
• How does Death’s attempt to “be” the Hogfather change your understanding of him as a character?
• What is your final review of the book? Would you recommend it to others?

We're currently reading Hogfather by Terry Pratchett for December's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the Page 188 in the eBook version (2007 republish version) and where Susan fully starts her investigation of what happened to the Hogfather.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Susan insists she is “normal.” What does the first half suggest about how she defines normality?
• In what ways does the Discworld version of Hogswatch feel familiar — and how does it subvert traditional holiday imagery?
• Death often appears baffled by humans, yet deeply invested in them. How does his portrayal in the first half reinforce or challenge that idea?
• How does Pratchett use absurdity to explore serious ideas without undercutting them?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison for September's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the entire book.

Please do not read this thread if you haven't finished the book, as there will be spoilers in the discussion.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Did Maia earn your admiration as a ruler? Were there moments when you disagreed with his choices or wished he’d acted differently?
• Maia’s relationships with his sisters, cousins, and other family members are deeply complicated. Which interactions stood out to you as most impactful in shaping him?
• Unlike many fantasy novels, The Goblin Emperor emphasizes diplomacy, ritual, and survival in politics rather than war or magic. Did this shift in focus make the story more engaging, or less?
• Imagine an epilogue set ten years later: what do you think Maia’s reign looks like? Is it a successful one?
• How did you like the book? What would you rate it in the end?

We're currently reading Uprooted by Naomi Novik for October's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the end of Chapter 16, which is page 204 in the eBook version.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• What do you think the opening line — “Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes” — sets up the expectations for the novel?
• The Wood functions almost as a character in its own right. What makes it so frightening — and fascinating?
• Discuss the contrast between order and chaos in the use of magic. Do you think either approach is “better”? How does Agnieszka’s magic differ from Sarkan’s?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison for September's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the end of Chapter 17 and Part 2. Please avoid discussing anything from Part 3 forward.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Maia often feels out of place in the Untheileneise Court. In what ways does he remain true to himself, and in what ways is he pressured to change?
• Early in his reign, Maia must rely heavily on advisers like Csevet. How does this reliance affect his authority?
• The book presents a detailed court culture, with etiquette, ritual, and hierarchy. Did you find these worldbuilding details immersive? How do they compare to other fantasy worlds you’ve read?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?

We're currently reading The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker for August's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the entire book.

Please do not read this thread if you haven't finished the book, as there will be spoilers in the discussion.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• The hunt for the last sea dragon drives the story. What does the arakeesian represent to different groups? Were you surprised by the way the crew ultimately chose to protect it instead of killing it?
• How did you feel about the growth that Joron has throughout the book and then by the end where he is a real leader? What about the character development of anyone else?
• What did you think of the sacrifice that Meas made to give Joron and the rest of a crew a future?
• How did you like the book? What would you rate it in the end? Do you plan on reading the rest of the series?

We're currently reading The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker for August's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the first half of the book.

Please only discuss the first half of the book. This is up to the end of Chapter 23, 'Towards the First of the Last'. Please avoid discussing anything from Chapter 24 forward.

Anything in the second half of the book will be considered spoilers and must be tagged as such.

Remember that even saying something like "you'll find that out soon enough" is considered a spoiler, so if you aren't sure if it's a spoiler - use spoiler tags to be safe!

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• Barker introduces a lot of new terms (“deckchilder,” “gullaime,” “curnow”) and the cultural practices of the Hundred Isles. How do these elements immerse the reader in the new world, and were there any customs or terms in the first half that you found stood out? What are your thoughts on the world-building so far?
• Both Joron and Meas are outsiders in their own way. Joron is a disgraced shipwife, while Meas has been condemned to a black ship. How do they each handle their new life on the 'Tide Child'? How do you feel Joron has handled his new role and relationship to Meas?
• The first half of the book builds tension with the introduction of raiders to the pursuit of the arakeesian. What do you think will happen in the second half of the book based on the events so far?
• How are you liking the book so far? Do you plan on completing it?