The Inkborne Society
Q1 Book Club Poll
Hi everyone, hope your Januaries have been good so far! Apologies for the lack of activity on here this month - work has been crazy, but will definitely be trying to post more in the upcoming months!
In book club news, I’ve decided to shift our book club from a monthly rhythm to a quarterly one, with the hope that this slower pace will allow for more intentional book choices and richer discussion, while making it easier for everyone to join in! We’ll continue to center fantasy and science fiction books by authors of Asian descent, with each quarter featuring a blend of backlist favorites and new releases (and for Q1, I also threw in a manga option because why not 😌).
So without further ado, here are brief blurbs about the selections for Q1!
Immortal Longings (Chloe Gong)
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.
The Poet Empress (Shen Tao)
A rice farmer turned concubine must survive the dangers of court, learn to read in secret, and compose the most powerful spell of all to save herself and the nation.
To Bargain with Mortals (R.A. Basu)
A stunning reflection on politics and purpose, blood and allegiance - and what we do with the histories we inherit, following an outcast heiress, a notorious gang leader, and a country on the brink of revolution.
The Promised Neverland (Kaiu Shirai)
In a manga that blends elements of science fiction, thriller, and dark fantasy, a group of orphans uncover a dark truth and must escape a macabre fate before it’s too late.
November 2025 Book Club Nominations
Hello Ink Sages! It is time to nominate books for our November book club! One of the perks of the Ink Sage tier is nominating books for our monthly book club, and November's theme will be "Standalone Superstars" (aka standalone fantasy or sci-fi books). If there’s a standalone book by an Asian author that you’d want to read it together, drop it in the comments! Two that I have in mind already are Girl Dinner (Olivie Blake) and The Isle in the Silver Sea (Tasha Suri). I’ll be pulling together a poll for the community around October 20th. No pressure if nothing comes to mind, I just wanted to give you all the chance to suggest something. Once again, thanks for being a member of the Ink Sage tier of The Inkborne Society!!!
November 2025 Book Club Nominations
October 2025 Book Releases (Fantasy & Sci-Fi)
October 2025 Book Releases (Fantasy & Sci-Fi)