The Locus Science Fiction Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and preservation of science fiction, fantasy, and horror works, has announced the winners of their 2020 Locus Awards. The Locus Awards, first presented in 1971, recognize excellence in science fiction and fantasy literature. Here are the 2020 Locus Award Winners:
Science Fiction Novel: The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders
This novel asks the question, “Would you give up everything to change the world?” The story follows a young student living in a meager temperate zone on a colonized planet divided by frozen darkness on one side and blazing endless sunshine on the other.
image via amazon
Fantasy Novel: Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
This novel follows Roger and Dodger, twins, who aren’t exactly human, though they do not realize it. “Seanan McGuire introduces readers to a world of amoral alchemy, shadowy organizations, and impossible cities” in this novel.
image via amazon
Horror Novel: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
Dubbed as an “African Game of Thrones”, this novel tells the story of what happens when a mercenary is hired to find a missing child.
image via amazon
First Novel: Gideon of the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
This compelling novel, first in The Locked Tomb Trilogy, explores a “solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers.”
image via amazon
Novella: This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone
This novella follows two time traveling agents from war-torn futures, who begin to exchange letters and fall in love as they make their way through the past.
image via amazon
Young Adult Novel: Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
This space opera follows thirteen-year old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits. In order to stay safe, Min must refrain from using fox magic and she dreams of the days when she can leave her planet and enter the Space Force.
image via amazon
Novelette: “Omphalos” from Exhalation by Ted Chiang
“Omphalos” is one of nine short stories from Ted Chiang’s Exhalation, which explores some of humanities oldest questions.
image via amazon
Short Story: “The Bookstore at the End of America” from A People’s Future of the United States by Charlie Jane Anders
This short story from A People’s Future of the United States takes place in a maze of a bookstore amidst warring nations in the United States. Books can either divide people or bring them together, proving that in the end words are all that matter.
image via amazon
Anthology: New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color by Nisi Shawl
This anthology showcases writers, new and seasoned, of many races and their powerful stories.
image via amazon
Collection: Exhalation by Ted Chiang
This collection of nine short stories that explores some of humanity’s oldest questions.
image via amazon
Non-Fiction: Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson
This non-fiction novel tells the stories of the women who went against societal norms to write some of literature’s most haunting tales.
image via amazon
Illustrated and Art Book: Spectrum 26: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art by John Fleskes, ed.
The twenty-sixth annual of the Spectrum series reinforces the importance and prevalence of fantastic art in today’s culture.
image via amazon
Congrats to all the winners!
Featured Image via Spacenews