The New Frontiers: Contemporary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group

You asked, we answered; due to popular demand, we’ve opened up a second Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reading Group!

Join Andrew as he leads you on a guided tour of what’s new and good in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. From fresh genre trailblazers, to thoughtful re-examinations of classic tropes, let us help you find your new favourite voice in the realms of spaceships and magic swords.

For November, we'll be diving into 1700s England, where the forest-dwelling creatures of myth and folk-tales are very much alive and well - And they aren't too happy about all this 'Christianity' that has taken serious hold of the people of England.

For years, the villagers of Mirecoombe have turned to their Keeper, the old and battle-scarred Lord Pelagius Hunt, mediator between the worlds of men and fey, for help. But this is a time of change. Belief in the old ways, in the piskies and spriggans, has dimmed, kindled instead in the Reverend Cleaver’s fiery pulpit. His church stands proud above the mire; God’s name is whispered, hushed, loved. And now, death stalks Mirecoombe on the moor. There are corpses in the heather. There is blood in the gorse.

Nancy Bligh is determined to do what Pel will not: maintain the balance between the fey and the human world, be the Keeper that he refuses to be. Blessed with natural sight, friend to spriggans, piskies and human locals of Mirecoombe, Nancy has power that Pel never had and never lets her use. But as Mirecoombe falls into darkness, perhaps her time has come.

A poignant and lyrical examination of faith, love and grief, Gorse asks what do we choose to believe, and how does that shape who we are?

There’s no need to prepare anything - just come ready to voice your opinions, and enjoy a glass of wine while you're at it!

Each entry place costs £5, fully redeemable as a voucher towards a copy of the book. We hope you’ll join us for some great conversation.