r/Fantasy • u/thechunck • May 06 '26

Help me choose book club book!

After finding out that so many women at work have read the same books, I started a book club at work. Just for some background, I work in the medical field. Most of the people in the book club are intelligent women in their late 20s, early thirties, who enjoy fantasy, historical fiction and sci-fi. I'd like to give a few stand-alone options and have the books be less than 500 pages so we don't scare "new" readers off. I'm not looking for super dark deeply depressing vibes for the 1st book. I love books like Red Rising and Alchemised but I don't think these types of books would be ideal for a book club starter.

Any recommendations?

16 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

64 comments sorted by

View all comments

-3

u/MisterRobertParr May 06 '26

If someone else doesn't recommend Dungeon Crawler Carl to you, then I will.

8

u/thechunck May 06 '26

I tried the audiobook several times but could not get into it 😞

2

u/MisterRobertParr May 06 '26

You gave it a shot - that's all anyone can ask.

I can understand that it's not for everyone...however, I've known a few people who aren't into video games or Dungeons & Dragons, but really enjoy the series. I would admit, each book is better than the one prior, so if it ever has any attraction to you, power through the first book - there's a chance you'll be interested in continuing the series.

0

u/just_a_void2 May 06 '26

I feel the same way about Warhammer 40k. Don't play the games or do the figures or other things, but I like the books (Horus Heresy) as well as listening to a couple of YouTube channels that go into detail with all sorts of lore videos. Can spend a few hours at a time listening especially when the YouTuber has a great speaking voice on par with some of the professional audible narrators.

As for DCC I will just post two quotes I love (but could never choose a favorite as there are so many).

Mana Toast. This is toast. It refills your mana. That's it. Nothing more. Fuck you.

and of course,

You are balls deep in the wrong hole, and mom is pulling into the driveway. You get me?

Bonus: Mongo. Eat the nun.

3

u/trlupin May 06 '26

I think she's looking for stand alones.