Zealot Script

Exciting news in the world of fantasy literature! The World Fantasy Awards ballot for works published in 2022 has been announced, and let me tell you, we have some fantastic contenders in the mix.

First up, let’s talk about the Life Achievement Awards. These are presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fantasy field. This year, the recipients of this prestigious honor are Peter Crowther and John Douglas. Kudos to these amazing individuals!

Now, let’s dive into the juicy part – the finalists for the World Fantasy Awards in various categories. In the Best Novel category, we have some captivating reads to choose from. C.S.E. Cooney’s “Saint Death’s Daughter,” Nicola Griffith’s “Spear,” Alex Jennings’ “The Ballad of Perilous Graves,” R.F. Kuang’s “Babel,” and Nghi Vo’s “Siren Queen” have all made the cut. Talk about tough competition!

Moving on to the Best Novella category, we have an equally impressive lineup. Naseem Jamnia’s “The Bruising of Qilwa,” Dennis Mombauer’s “The House of Drought,” C.L. Polk’s “Even Though I Knew the End,” Naben Ruthnum’s “Helpmeet,” and Priya Sharma’s “Pomegranates” are all vying for the top spot. I don’t envy the judges having to choose a winner from these fantastic works.

In the Best Short Fiction category, we have some chilling tales to look forward to. Eugen Bacon’s “The Devil Don’t Come with Horns,” Tananarive Due’s “Incident at Bear Creek Lodge,” Kate Heartfield’s “The Morning House,” Kat Howard’s “Telling the Bees,” and Suzan Palumbo’s “Douen” will surely keep us on the edge of our seats.

Now, let’s not forget about the Best Anthology category, where editors have compiled some absolute gems. Ellen Datlow’s “Screams from the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous,” Vince A. Liaguno & Rena Mason’s “Other Terrors: An Inclusive Anthology,” John F.D. Taff’s “Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror,” Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, Zelda Knight’s “Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction,” and Sheree Renée Thomas, Pan Morigan, Troy L. Wiggins’ “Trouble the Waters: Tales from the Deep Blue” offer a rich variety of stories to devour.

Oh, and let’s not forget the Best Collection category! Some noteworthy mentions here include C.S.E. Cooney’s “Dark Breakers,” Cassandra Khaw’s “Breakable Things,” Tim Lebbon’s “All Nightmare Long,” Sam J. Miller’s “Boys, Beasts & Men,” and Luigi Musolino’s “A Different Darkness and Other Abominations.” These collections promise to take readers on unforgettable journeys.

Of course, we can’t leave out the talented artists who bring these stories to life. Kinuko Y. Craft, Galen Dara, Matt Ottley, Lauren Raye Snow, and Charles Vess are all in the running for the Best Artist award. Their breathtaking artwork adds another layer of magic to the fantasy genre.

Last but not least, let’s give a shoutout to the special award finalists. Irene Gallo, Gavin J. Grant & Kelly Link, Tim Lebbon & Daniele Serra, Fiona Moore, Matt Ottley, Michael Kelly, Cristina Macía, Dave Ring, Lynne M. Thomas & Michael Damian Thomas, and E. Catherine Tobler have all been recognized for their outstanding contributions in their respective professional and non-professional spheres.

Phew! That’s quite a lineup, isn’t it? The judges for this year’s awards are Dale Bailey, Kelly Robson, Ginny Smith, A.C. Wise, and Ian Whates, and we’re excited to see who they choose as the winners. For more information, you can visit the WFC website, where you can find all the details about the event.

So mark your calendars, my fellow fantasy enthusiasts. The 2023 World Fantasy Convention is scheduled for October 26-29, 2023, in Kansas City, MO, at the Sheraton Crown Center. It’s going to be a celebration of the best of the best in the fantasy world, and we can’t wait to see who takes home the coveted awards.