I just started that one (about a third of the way through it). I thought it started out a tiny bit wobbly, but I passed what I call an “oh crap” moment a while back, and now I’m curious about where the religion angle is heading (issues of “manhood” and race seem like they’ll interweave with that factor and add to the intrigue). I’d like to say more, but I’d probably ramble to the point of spoilage. Probably should finish the darn thing first.

Lots of good stuff on that list. For SF novel, I’m liking Black Man by Richard Morgan, but Ha’Penny is good, too! Fantasy novel is tough, but all three of the ones I’ve already mentioned are there. I would also give a nod to Ysabel.

In the first novels, my overwhelming praise goes to Grey by Jon Armstrong. Great, great book.

In YA, I quite loved Magic’s Child by Justine Larbalestier, but I completely adored Un Lun Dun by China Mieville. Somehow I forgot to mention that above when talking about fantasy novels. The Shadow Speaker by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu is much recommended, but I haven’t read it yet.

The only collection on the list that I’ve read is Kelley Eskridge’s, but I loved it!

The short fiction categories are really heavy on print mags, which annoys me because I think the better stuff is being published online.

With regard to World Fantasy, you’ve already picked the three women on my novel list. My other two novels are Pirate Freedom by Gene Wolfe and Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay. But World Fantasy also has a category for single author collections. I’d like to recommend Dangerous Space by Kelley Eskridge, Portable Childhoods by Ellen Klages and Red Spikes by Margo Lanagan.

Finally, don’t forget the Locus Awards. They are free to vote – no convention membership necessary – and the deadline is April 15.

And Yay, Mary!!