Escape the Ordinary: Join the Queen’s University Library Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club!

Looking to explore new worlds, meet fellow readers, and discover hidden gems from the Queen’s University Library’s Science Fiction & Fantasy Collection? Join our Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club – a welcoming space for students who love epic adventures, speculative futures, magical realms, and thought-provoking tales.

Each semester, we’ll dive into two different novels from our curated collection, with discussions that celebrate imagination, curiosity, and the joy of reading. Whether you’re a long-time genre fan, or just sci-fi-curious, this club is for you!

Our Second Book: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells 

From the publisher:

A murderous android discovers itself in All Systems Red, a tense science fiction adventure by Martha Wells that interrogates the roots of consciousness through Artificial Intelligence.

“As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure.”

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid—a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighbouring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

Join Us! 

• Open to all Queen’s students
• No prior knowledge or experience required – just bring your love of stories
• No commitment! Come to one book club or come to them all
• 1-2 copies of each book will be available through the Queen’s Library
  • Check out the Kingston Frontenac Public Library for additional copies or consider supporting a local book store if you’re able! 
• Snacks, cozy vibes, and great conversation included

Questions? Reach out to our host, Maggie Gordon (maggie.gordon@queensu.ca). 

Registration is not required but is strongly appreciated!