boxofdelights

It's time for our SF book group to choose the next year of books. Fearless Leader chooses the first six, on a theme:

Worlds Without End
This year, the focus is on survival in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether it be an apocalyptic scenario, Lovecraftian horror, a past hostile to all people who look like you, or an almost unimaginably distant future, these books explore the ways that humans push themselves beyond limits in order to survive and even to triumph. Enjoy!

The Fifth Season, by N.K. Jemisin
The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
The Ballad of Black Tom, by Victor Lavalle
The Gate to Women's Country, by Sheri Tepper
Six Wakes, by Mur Lafferty
Borderline, by Mishell Baker

Then we vote for one from each of six groups:

Variations on Lovecraft
This year has seen a lot of authors taking the Lovecraft mythos and putting their own spin on it. Many explore the theme of the horror that comes from fear of the other. Here are some new perspectives on Lovecraft’s work:

Winter Tide by Ruthanna Emrys
Carter and Lovecraft by Jonathan Howard
*Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Steampunk and Segregation
Steampunk has maintained its popularity, but it often glosses over the problematic nature of the racism and colonialism that were part of the Victorian era. These books take place during the time period most often used by steampunk authors while addressing these issues.

The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M.H Boroson
*Everfair by Nisi Shawl
Iron Cast by Destiny Soria

After the Apocalypse
Here are more choices for stories of surviving something that changes the world.

Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton
*The Girl in the Road by Monica Byrne
The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison
Memory of Water by Emmi Itaranta

Caribbean Science Fiction
As you know, I like to try authors from diverse parts of the world every year. This year I focused on picks from authors from different parts of the Caribbean.

Wicked Weeds by Pedro Cabiya
*Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson
The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord
Super Extra Grande by Yoss

Far and Fantastic Futures
Science fiction tries to imagine the future, and its forecasted future has changed tremendously as our present is altered by previously unimaginable technology. Here are some recent creative takes on possibilities.

*Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer
Crashing Heaven by Al Robertson
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Recommendations!
Here are some of our group’s favorite reads from last year.

Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
*This Census Taker by China Mieville
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab


I have starred my inclinations. I would love to hear your opinions of any of these.