Hugonauts: The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time 2025 Nebula winner and nominees - the best fantasy books of the year?
Jul 1, 2025
Dive into a lively discussion about the 2025 Nebula Awards, exclusively featuring fantasy nominees this year. The hosts break down fantastic titles like 'Rakesfall' and 'A Sorceress Comes to Call,' exploring themes of female agency and intricate narratives. They dissect character depth, including a shapeshifter's poignant journey and the challenges of familial trauma. Discover why the landscape of fantasy captivates readers, particularly today's younger audience, while enjoying humorous insights on literary trends and awards.
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Rake's Fall as Fever Dream
- Vajra Chandra Sekhra's Rake's Fall feels like a fever dream blending myth and magical realism with a disconnected narrative.
- Its mythic style suits readers who enjoy evocative, non-linear storytelling over traditional plots.
Abrupt Storytelling Style
- Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory features abrupt storytelling that moves quickly through ideas without build-up.
- This style challenges traditional suspense but offers a fresh, immediate narrative experience.
Fantasy Overshadows Sci-Fi at Nebulas
- Fantasy dominates the Nebula nominees because it currently sells better than science fiction, especially among 'horny teenagers.'
- People might prefer fantasy escapes as sci-fi's future focus feels too pessimistic today.
