Incomplete Award Nominations

I’ve not quite put all my nominations for the Hugos and Nebulas together, but deadlines are fast approaching, so here are what I do know I’m doing.

Novels

The Killing Moon – Nora Jemison

Make no mistake, I plan to throw a spectacularly childish fit if this one doesn’t get nominated for everything under the sun this year.  If want to see me throw a spectacularly childish fit, I will throw one in order to solicit nominations for this book.

Glamour in Glass – Mary Robinette Kowal

I quite liked Shades of Milk and Honey, but the ending didn’t quite nail it for me.  Glamour in Glass had no such problems and was even more enjoyable than it’s predecessor.  And it’s not often that “Light-hearted” and “Comedy” are applicable tags to things I recommend, though they do apply to this series. I’m pleased there’s going to be more.

Alif the Unseen – G. Willow Wilson

This book wasn’t flawless – it falls apart particularly hard when the main characters start explaining the computer-y things they’re doing for anybody who knows anything about the computer-y things.  That said, it does the magic + computing thing better than I’ve seen anywhere else, and this is a trope that usually destroys a book for me.  The setting was great, and used to fantastic effect.  Well worth a nomination despite its flaws.

Short Story

The Three Feats of Agani – Christie Yant

I’ve already written about this story here.  It’s fantastic, evocative, and doesn’t flinch from the really necessary ending.

Robot – Helena Bell

It’s flash and I love it.  What more could you possibly need to hear to tell you this story is exceptional?

Her Words Like Hunting Vixens – Brook Bolander

Great setting, nice twist on Western tropes.  I was listening to the podcast of this story on my way to the airport last year and sat in the parking lot before turning in the rental car.

The Suicide’s Guide to the Absinthe of Perdition – Megan Ackenburg

The story is flat out beautiful, lush and worth reading or listening to, and nominating for awards.

Wing – Amal el-Mohtar

My weakness for pretty is known.  This is a pretty little gem full of atmosphere and numinous simplicity.

Dramatic Presentation

Todd Akin’s interview on KTVI-TV

Some fantastic science fiction going on there, which fearlessly delves into current social issues.  It almost cuts too close to parody for my tastes, but is nomination worthy all the same.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Basically because I, too, am well and truly fed up with Dr. Who sweeping the category even when it’s made of relentless suck, like the most recent season. See, I get bitter and lodge protest votes for things other than presidential elections!

Madoka Magica

I watched the whole thing in a single weekend.  It’s made of Anaea-crack, gorgeously animated, and mercilessly chews through tropes and turns them on their head.  I’m told if you’re more familiar with the Magical Girl anime genre than I am (which would mean having seen any of it) then it’s even better.  The possibility of that blows my mind.

I still haven’t decided whether I’m nominating myself for the Campbell.  It’ll come down to how hard it is for me to narrow down the list of people I’d like to nominate, and whether there’s room for me once I do.  Fortunately, the Hugos have more time for making decisions than the Nebulas.