Massachusetts has long been a haven for book lovers. From the literary corners of Cambridge to the historic streets of Boston to quiet scenic towns in the Pioneer Valley, the Bay State offers a rich bookstore culture. Especially for fans of science fiction and fantasy.
There are 300+ independent (and over 400 total) bookstores in Massachusetts. Whether you're exploring new speculative worlds or hunting for your next indie-press gem, here are five excellent bookstores where you can discover titles from Brick Cave Media and broaden your reading universe. Of course, you can get ANY Brick cave title at any of these great stores, but we thought we'd like to make a great pairing, so we have offered a couple BC title suggestions to fit each store's vibe.
1. Pandemonium Books & Games (Cambridge, MA)
4 Pleasant St, Cambridge, MA 02139
https://pandemoniumbooks.com
If you’re looking for a bookstore that lives and breathes sci-fi and fantasy, Pandemonium Books & Games is your first stop. Located just off Central Square, this shop has spent decades championing speculative fiction, gaming, and imaginative storytelling.
With dedicated shelves for new and small-press authors, Pandemonium is an ideal place to ask for Brick Cave Media titles—or request them if they’re out. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always eager to connect readers with new small press voices.
Great Brick Cave books:
2. Harvard Book Store (Cambridge, MA)
1256 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
https://www.harvard.com
Independent and iconic, Harvard Book Store offers both new and used titles, along with a remarkable selection of remaindered books in its famous downstairs section.
While not exclusively a sci-fi shop, Harvard Book Store shelves a broad and thoughtful range of genre fiction—perfect for readers looking to diversify their science fiction and fantasy collections with indie press offerings like Brick Cave Media.
Great Brick Cave books:
- The Strange Account of Charlie Wendigo by Matthew Kline
- The Experiment Known as Rose Marie Hernandez Williamson by Louise Robertson
3. Brookline Booksmith (Brookline, MA)
279 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
https://brooklinebooksmith.com
One of New England’s most celebrated independent bookstores, Brookline Booksmith is famous for its deep genre shelves and commitment to new voices. Their staff actively curates new sci-fi and fantasy releases, making it a perfect match for Brick Cave Media’s innovative authors.
Great Brick Cave books:
4. Silver Unicorn Bookstore (Acton, MA)
12 Spruce St, Acton, MA 01720
https://www.silverunicornbooks.com
A newer independent shop that has quickly become a beloved regional favorite, Silver Unicorn Bookstore spotlights new releases and emerging authors. Their fantasy and sci-fi section is curated with care, offering a balance of mainstream hits and indie discoveries.
Great Brick Cave books:
5. Broadside Bookshop (Northampton, MA)
247 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
https://broadsidebooks.com
In the heart of Western Massachusetts’ vibrant arts community, Broadside Bookshop has a well-curated selection of new releases and a loyal base of speculative-fiction readers. They regularly highlight independent voices and small-press gems.
Great Brick Cave books:
Of Course, There Are A Ton More Choices . . .
Whether you’re in Boston, Cambridge, Acton, or Northampton, these five bookstores make it easy to pick up (or order) the latest new releases from Brick Cave Media, including fresh sci-fi adventures, inventive fantasies, and bold speculative poetry.
Independent bookstores love supporting independent publishers. If you don’t see the Brick Cave title you’re looking for, just ask—most can get new releases in quickly, often within a day or two.
The BC Book Explorer is our blog post series specifically about exploring the independent bookstore community. Look for the series to share hidden gems everywhere for you to make your own Brick Cave books headquarters.
