Here’s how I see it. Your mileage may well vary. It’s a pretty good list, although I was surprised not to see Seveneves on it. It’s definitely light on the Pink SF, which is good to see. I’m a little disappointed that for all our military-related publications this year, we didn’t publish a single novel in the Mil-SF category this year.
Still, it’s great to see two Castalia novels up for awards in the inaugural year.
1. Best Science Fiction Novel
Somewhither: A Tale of the Unwithering Realm by John C. Wright
I liked Marc’s Traveller book, but I have to go with Mr. Wright here.
2. Best Fantasy Novel
Son of the Black Sword by Larry Correia
Not even close this year. Larry was always a fun and popular author, but he stepped it up with this and MH:Nemesis.
3. Best Young Adult / Middle Grade Novel
Changeling’s Island by Dave Freer
4. Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel
Hell’s Foundations Quiver by David Weber
I think Scalzi did the right thing by declining his nomination; his work doesn’t really belong in this category and this clearly isn’t his crowd. This is a bit of a career Oscar for Weber, but he deserves it.
5. Best Alternate History Novel
League of Dragons by Naomi Novik
Novik is an SJW-lite, but her Napoleonic dragons are an original and interesting alternate history take. Turtledove is all right. The Baen gang might like Eric Flint, but I’ve never enjoyed his books and the man isn’t just intellectually ossified, he’s also a dick.
6. Best Apocalyptic Novel
Ctrl Alt Revolt! by Nick Cole
Again, not even close. This is the best book on the whole list.
7. Best Horror Novel
Souldancer by Brian Niemeier
Sorry Declan, you are screwed.
8. Best Comic Book
Don’t know. Don’t care.
9. Best Graphic Novel
The Sandman: Overture by Neil Gaiman
10. Best Science Fiction or Fantasy TV Series
Game of Thrones – HBO
I’ll vote for quality work even if the creator is an obnoxious, creepy, rape-obsessed troll. Going into the final stretch, this is still the best TV series running, despite the inept battlefield consultants. Still bitter that they killed off Myranda, though.
11. Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Movie
Deadpool
Pretty good selection. This is the only one I would watch again.
12. Best Science Fiction or Fantasy PC / Console Game
Metal Gear Solid V by Konami Digital Entertainment
What else?
13. Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Mobile Game
Fallout Shelter by Bethesda Softworks
14. Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game
Talon by GMT Games
15. Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures / Collectible Card / Role-Playing Game
Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game (7th Edition) by Chaosium Inc.