Science fiction and fantasy books are by their very nature filled with adventure - distant lands, mysterious universes, heroic quests, fantastic characters…

The Sword and Laser is a new online bookclub for fans of these genres to read and discuss these titles. Started by online and computer industry personalities Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont (who better than a couple of geeks!), the club reads titles democratically chosen by the community. After the current book is selected members discuss the books using online forum & social network Ning.com. Forums for the current book are divided into sections - say every few chapters, depending on book. This way if a reader is still not deep into the book they may try and avoid conversations which contain spoilers regarding plot line.

The club is fairly new, having chosen their first title - The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman - on Oct 16 (2007). The second book - Enders Game by Orson Scott Card - was voted on and members are asked to have a copy by today, Nov. 19th.

This looks like a cool club with some good conversation and an opportunity to learn about new titles in the genre or revisit old favorites. So if you are a geek or a nerd with a love for books head on over to The Sword and Laser and share in the adventure.

Science-fiction balances you on the cliff. Fantasy shoves you off.
- Ray Bradbury