I can hear you already. “Oh, noooo! She’s at it again! Not more Hugo stuff, please!” Well, yes, more Hugo stuff, but this is completely different. This is Hugo 2016.
Okay, well, not completely different. It’s a little bit different. Remember how I said if we don’t want to have a slate foisted on us, we’d better nominate? Well, if you decide you are interested in nominating, I’m going to help you by pointing you to books and stories I think are Hugo-2016 worthy.
Here are the eligibility requirements: It has to have been published for the first time in 2015, and it has to be excellent work.
Here are my expectations: This is a Suggested Reading list. I’m not asking anyone to nominate a book because I said it was good (because that’s a slate). I’m suggesting you read it and decide for yourself.
I will have read most of the works I post about. In some cases, I will not have read them myself (for example, I still haven’t read Cixin Liu), but I’ve read good reviews. I will point you to those reviews.
I will try to be clear what category I think the piece I’m discussing would fit.
I might also link to other sites who are doing the same type of thing. The pro-slate group that calls itself Sad Puppies 4 is already hard at work, and here’s their link. There are a couple of mega-fans who have set up sites. Here’s one, by Ken Marable. As I find others I’ll provide those too.
Let’s get out those nominations!
Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand, which I believe is a novella. Likewise Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant.
Folding Beijing, which is probably a novelette, but I’m not sure. Longer than a short story, I’m almost certain.
Ink and Bone, Rachel Caine. Novel.
The Library at Mount Char, Scott Hawkins. Novel.
The Devil’s Only Friend, John Wells. Novel.
More to come as I read more. If I have enough energy, I’ll post links to short fiction and links to reviews of longer fiction, but I’ve been up all night working and I still have miles to go. This is just a break to wake me up!
Thanks, Terry. These are wonderful. I’m considering “Folding Beijing” a novelette as the default.
Looking forward to seeing more from you. (And I think Ken Marable would too.)
I really liked the two Jo Walton books she put out this year, The Just City and Philosopher Kings, but I don’t think they are going to win her a Hugo. The SF lovefest that was Among Others is repeated in them but with Platonic philosophy instead, which doesn’t have as many followers among Hugo voters I’m assuming. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her end up on nomination slates.
I thought THE JUST CITY got some good reviews but I don’t recall reading any of THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS. It might be one to search out. Thanks, Ruth!