

Science Fiction Book Club: Ted Chiang
Lore Party Media
Science Fiction Book Club is a podcast for bookworms and stargazers. In every episode, hosts Abu and Obssa dive into the pages of their favorite science fiction novels to break down the big ideas and ask the nerdy questions. This isn't just a generic book review podcast – it's a show made for and with a community of passionate sci-fi fans. So join the club, and get reading! New episodes every other Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 27, 2025 • 18min
Murderbot (Episode 8)
In this bonus episode, Abu and Obssa share their thoughts on the eighth episode of the Apple TV+ show Murderbot!
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2
(00:00) Intro
(00:35) Episode Recap
(05:30) Throuple Contract
(08:09) Our Impressions
(10:30) Will Murderbot Betray Them?
(11:29) Best Scene in the Episode
(15:18) Binge This Show
(16:44) Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 14min
Murderbot (Episode 7)
In a gripping discussion, the hosts recap a pivotal moment in the series, highlighting Garrothin's backstory as a former spy. They delve into the crew's trust issues with Murderbot amidst a life-threatening sandworm encounter. Excitement bubbles over as they explore the humor and relationships within the crew, capturing the essence of their growing bond. Conversations about Murderbot’s identity and the ethical dilemmas surrounding constructs versus humans deepen the analysis, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.

Jun 13, 2025 • 18min
Murderbot (Episode 6)
In this bonus episode, Abu and Obssa share their thoughts on the sixth episode of the Apple TV+ show Murderbot!
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6, 2025 • 15min
Murderbot (Episode 5)
In this bonus episode, Abu and Obssa share their thoughts on the fifth episode of the Apple TV+ show Murderbot!
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2025 • 15min
Murderbot (Episode 4)
A lively recap dives into the tension and drama as Murderbot is captured and faces a life-or-death choice. The hosts reflect on evolving perceptions of character growth and their comedic dynamics. They discuss the blend of humor and serious themes within the world of advanced technology and human flaws. Key challenges of adapting novellas into episodic formats are explored, praising 'Silo' for creative liberties while critiquing 'Murderbot' for sticking too closely to the source.

May 23, 2025 • 16min
Murderbot (Episode 3)
In this bonus episode, Abu and Obssa share their thoughts on the third episode of the Apple TV+ show Murderbot!
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2
(00:00) Intro
(00:42) First Impressions
(04:31) Slow Pacing
(06:20) Gurathin
(11:09) Will The Show Cover Book 2?
(14:13) Up Next and Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2025 • 28min
Murderbot (Episodes 1 and 2)
The hosts dive into their first impressions of the new adaptation of Murderbot, praising its unique blend of humor and sci-fi. They explore the show's visual style while debating its balance between comedy and serious themes. The complexity of Murderbot's character is analyzed, showcasing both humor and depth. However, concerns arise regarding the introduction of a throuple, which feels forced compared to the original. Overall, they maintain a hopeful outlook for the show's future character development.

May 8, 2025 • 51min
Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells I Ch. 5-9
Abu and Obssa complete their read-through of Artificial Condition by Martha Wells. They discuss Murderbot's trauma on Ganaka Pit and how the bot's fears could be interpreted through Adlerian psychology.
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2
(00:00) Intro
(03:11) Chapter Summaries
(10:55) Our Impressions
(21:43) Adlerian Psychology
(33:53) The Nature of Fear
(39:17) Is Fear Necessary?
(43:55) Final Ratings
(46:26) Up Next & Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
Severance Season 2 (Episodes 6-10)
In this bonus discussion, the hosts dissect the riveting conclusion of a hit series. They delve into the character dynamics that reveal deep conflicts of identity and emotional connections in a dystopian world. Ethical dilemmas surrounding pain eradication and corporate influence spark intriguing reflections. The allure of quick fixes through AI and pharmaceuticals is explored, raising questions about societal values. Finally, they analyze the thrilling finale, marked by unexpected twists and profound character growth.

Apr 24, 2025 • 52min
Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells I Ch. 1-4
Abu and Obssa begin their read-through of Artificial Condition by Martha Wells. They discuss Murderbot beginning to embrace its personhood, and the affect of social interaction on creating self identity.Join our Patreon for bonus content and helpful reading materialsJoin our Discord to keep the conversation goingSubscribe on YouTube to watch the video version of this episodeCheck our Season 2 Schedule to keep up with the reading assignmentsEmail us your thoughts and questions: scifibookclubpod@loreparty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


