Thoughts on the Hugo Novellas

[chris_gerrib]

I read the novellas over the weekend. Herewith are my thoughts:

The Butcher of Khardov by Dan Wells (Privateer Press) - I bounced hard off of this one. Secondary world fantasy is a hard sell for me, and this one didn't make it. Probably #5 on my ballot.

“The Chaplain's Legacy” by Brad Torgersen (Analog, Jul-Aug 2013) - really very good. Engaging characters, pretty solid ending, and overall a first-rate effort. I consider it and "Equoid" by Charles Stross to be a tie, but since I can't vote a tie and Charlie has the home-field advantage I'm giving it the #1 slot.

“Equoid” by Charles Stross (Tor.com, 09-2013) - laugh-out loud funny in parts and serious as well, again this is a first-rate effort. #2 on my ballot only because I can't vote for #1 twice.

Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente (Subterranean Press) - This was dreary and didn't so much end as peter out. I find that in general I'm not a Cat Valente fan. #4 on my ballot despite my issues with "Wakulla Springs."

“Wakulla Springs” by Andy Duncan and Ellen Klages (Tor.com, 10-2013) - very nice story. Other than a bolted-on paragraph at the end, this story had no speculative content at all. Still, unlike "Six-Gun" it did end, and was much less dreary. So, holding my nose a bit and voting it #3.

Comments

There are less than 34 hours left to vote for the Hugos. This is how some people are voting,

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