For me, the awards times are a fun opportunity to try something new. I especially like the short story and novelette length nominations because it increases my odds of finishing them in time before the winners are announced.
This year I had a bit of a head start, having already enjoyed Mary Robinette Kowal’s Calculating Stars. If you enjoyed her Hugo nominated Lady Astronaut of Mars (beautifully written and bittersweet), Calculating Stars is a sweeping tale and one that is totally worth your Audible credit. It will be especially enjoyable for fans of Hidden Figures.
I’m also midway through Fire Ant by my friend Jonathan Brazee. It’s an enjoyable tale and I love the adventure that unfolds for the plucky pilot, Floribeth. This story has futurism, cool gadgets and first contact. All things I find entertaining in a military sci-fi story. Mostly I like how she is the underdog and the underestimated one but exhibits cool under fire and a lot of resilience.
For those who love a series, you’ll be pleased to know that the 3rd book in this series, Ace, launched recently so you can keep reading the adventures of this Navy space pilot!
If those are all too long for you, start here with the gorgeously written short “The Last Banquet” freely available at Tor.com. If any of you love to bake (or simply love baked goods), this piece will take you to a whole new dimension. I absolutely loved this piece. It’s using food to be subversive against an evil regime. Brilliant.
