Poll

This is the first time I really helped pull books for the random challenge!! So feel free to constructively tell me if it doesn't look right to you, we're very interested in finding good picks.

Okay so here's the rationale:

Almanac of the Dead is a book that has stellar reviews. It's described as a hard hitting, literary "epic" that seemed in keeping with some of more serious works people have been enjoying lately.

Redemption in Indigo is a book that keeps being mentioned on lists of best fantasy books, and I haven't read it, or anything by this author!

Exit West has been described by multiple people I trust as one of the best books they've ever read. It's apparently a little light on the fantastical, but more fantastical than, say, Underground Railroad, so I thought it might interest folks.

The Changeling is new and a really intriguing combination of horror and the supernatural.

And Swordspoint is light and happy, dammit! Maybe folks are tired of sad or scary things and just want some laughs in a fun story?

I love the choices Allison! Redemption in Indigo has been on and off my TBR of awhile now (back on now!) and I think Exit West would be great for a group read (I'm a little intimidated by it!). :D Looking forward to see what happens!

Ugh... Allison why do you do this to me? I think I want to read all of them.. I'm especially excited by the description of Almanac of the Dead though, which I hadn't even heard of before.

Swordspoint! I hope it wins.

Silko's Ceremony is one of my all-time favorites, and I still haven't read Almanac of the Dead, which looks amazing. A great list, Allison!

Swordspoint sounds great, both from the Blurb and Allison's description. Can someone who has either read it or knows more about it tell me (without spoilers) what fantasy elements it has? I just couldn't find anything in reviews or the blurb and it will help me decide which to vote for or even read independently.

Swordspoint is very very low fantasy, there are some mentions of magic, but it's more a fantasy of manners. It still has that fantasy feel, and the full cast audiobook is pretty fab with all the music and background voices.

I kept going back and forth and I settled on redemption in Indigo. I like the idea that it's based on a fairy tale from Senegal. It will be something with a different feel to it.

Swordspoint looks good too, but I could only choose one. The others seem a bit too depressing for my tastes, but I would still read them if they are chosen.

Does anyone know how much "horror" is in The Changeling? I liked The Ballad of Black Tom and would be interested in reading more LaValle, but the blurb, particularly the "Emma commits a horrific act—beyond any parent’s comprehension—" sounds... stressful.

Ariana wrote: "Does anyone know how much "horror" is in The Changeling? I liked The Ballad of Black Tom and would be interested in reading more LaValle, but the blurb, particularly..."

I have not read it and can’t say what the horrific act is, but I read a spoilerish review somewhere and it doesn’t seem like the child is harmed... but I can’t say for sure. I was concerned about that too.

I think Swordspoint has been in polls six times or so. It's such a delightful book. It's very light hearted and funny. And the audio has a cast with sound effects. It was wonderful.

Yup, Swordspoint appears in polls every Olympic year, so expect it back in 2020!

This one is almost tied again. Let's make it an interesting last two days!

Go Indigo!

Oh gosh it's tied! Remember you can change votes! Fix it!