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SpecFics & Chill Book Club

  • Words Worth Books 96 King Street South Waterloo, ON, N2J 1P5 Canada (map)

April Book: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse... Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.

"A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling." --Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval

Shiori'anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to forswear--no matter what the cost.
 
Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.

SpecFics & Chill: The last Wednesday of every month (except December) at 7pm

SpecFics and Chill is a free, easygoing, inclusive bookclub focusing on speculative fiction and good wandering conversations. If you're into Science Fiction, Fantasy, Steampunk, Horror, or Alt History of any flavour and combination, come on by!

We meet on the last Wednesday of the month January through November online over discord, as well as occasional discussions throughout the month. New members are always welcome!

If you’re interested in taking part, email here to be put in touch with the coordinator.

Earlier Event: April 16
A Discussion with Author Vincent Anioke
Later Event: April 30
Iona Whishaw at the WPL!