So, as I wasn’t at the Convention Sunday, of course I didn’t attend the Hugo Awards ceremony. I looked up the winners this morning. Here’s the tor.com post that lists the winners. Let’s see ….
Novel: A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine
I liked the opening a lot, but didn’t read this, largely because it’s the second book in the series. I do want to go back and read the first book eventually.
Novella: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
I didn’t read this. I’m sorry Elder Race didn’t win, but, since I didn’t read this one, I can only shrug. I’m sure Psalm was good.
Novelette: “Bots of the Lost Ark” by Suzanne Palmer
I did read the novelettes, and I’m glad this one won.
Short Story: “Where Oaken Hearts Do Gather” by Sarah Pinsker
I read most of these, and this was the one I put second. I liked it, but (a) I liked “Mr. Death” better, and (b) I think “Oaken Hearts” was actually a horror story, not fantasy.
Series: Wayward Children by Seanan McGuire
I haven’t read enough of the nominees to have a strong opinion.
Lodestar: The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
YAY! In this case, although I didn’t read any of the nominees, I did have a strong opinion. I wanted this one to win and I’m glad it did. The third book comes out in … let me see … about 20 days. Well, I’ll probably drop everything and read it the day it appears on my Kindle.
Astounding: Shelley Parker-Chan, for She Who Became the Sun
From everything everyone said, I think Parker-Chan probably ought to have won. Good for her, and maybe when (if) I’m in the mood for a really grim story, I’ll try this novel.
Congratulations to the winners!
I was not entirely impressed with She Who Became the Sun. I felt it needed rather a lot of editing (or a more experienced author) to really make the big-time.
Thanks for the reminder about the upcoming Novik book! I went and checked to make sure I’d pre-ordered it. The Look Inside has been enabled, so I peeked to find out what happens once El gets home.
Warning: even the excerpt ends on a cliffhanger.
Evelyn, somehow I’m not surprised!