BEST NOVEL: Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (Tordotcom, Orbit UK)
BEST NOVELLA: Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher (Tor, Titan UK)
BEST NOVELETTE : “The Year Without Sunshine” by Naomi Kritzer (Uncanny Magazine, November-December 2023)
BEST SHORT STORY: “Better Living Through Algorithms” by Naomi Kritzer (Clarkesworld May 2023)
BEST SERIES : Imperial Radch by Ann Leckie (Orbit US, Orbit UK)
BEST GRAPHIC STORY OR COMIC: Saga, Vol. 11 written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Fiona Staples (Image Comics)
BEST RELATED WORK: A City on Mars by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith (Penguin Press; Particular Books)
BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, LONG FORM: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, screenplay by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein and Michael Gilio, directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Paramount Pictures)
BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, SHORT FORM: The Last of Us: “Long, Long Time”, written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, directed by Peter Hoar (Naughty Dog / Sony Pictures)
BEST GAME OR INTERACTIVE WORK: Baldur’s Gate 3, produced by Larian Studios
BEST EDITOR SHORT FORM: Neil Clarke
BEST EDITOR LONG FORM: Ruoxi Chen
BEST PROFESSIONAL ARTIST: Rovina Cai
BEST SEMIPROZINE: Strange Horizons, by the Strange Horizons Editorial Collective
BEST FANZINE: Nerds of a Feather, Flock Together, editors Roseanna Pendlebury, Arturo Serrano, Paul Weimer; senior editors Joe Sherry, Adri Joy, G. Brown, Vance Kotrla.
BEST FANCAST: Octothorpe, by John Coxon, Alison Scott, and Liz Batty
You might recall the offer from our June guest Janeen Webb for book sales. I purchased Five Star Republic, it’s 500 pages, and it came with a thank-you which I believe is to the entire Mob.
We are charging $25 for Five Star Republic p/b; $25 for the new Aliens & Savages p/b; I also have copies at $35 for Gold-Jade Dragon hardcover, artwork etc; and $25 for Dragon’s Child h/c (these are more expensive because of the cost for postage from the UK). They will all come signed (individually if I know who wants them). I’m happy to send individually if required and use PayPal for payment . Otherwise, I can bring some books to Melbourne and drop them off for the Mob. Janeen Webb janeenwebb@dcsi.net.au
Janeen also reports she is at copy edit and cover art stage for her next book, Scorpion Girl.
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Magazines received
With thanks, Van Ikin in Perth has sent us two issues of Science Fiction.
Issue #53 (2023) – The Mists of Avalon, SF and the Puppies, Bruce Shaw on Jet Morgan, Alan Stewart interviews Neal Stephenson, Stephan Dedman interviews Damine Broderick.
Issue #24 (2023) – Catherine Gillard on Aging in SF, Farzaneh Pishro on M. Barnard Eldershaw, Alan Stewart talks with Ben Bova, Colin Yeo on Stephen King
As always, superbly packaged and a delight to receive. Recommended end enduring. $20.00 per issue.paypal: van@ikin.net, also the contact email.
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Martin MacInnes Wins Arthur C. Clarke Award for ‘Intense Trip’ of a Novel
The winner of the 2024 Arthur Clarke Award has been announced: In Ascension by Martin MacInnes. MacInnes has previously written Infinite Ground (2016) and Gathering Evidence (2020). In Ascension was also longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize.
We are told that In Ascension, MacInnes’s third novel, “has captivated both judges and readers alike with its compelling narrative that transitions seamlessly from the ocean’s depths to the vastness of outer space. The story follows marine biologist Leigh as she embarks on a mission to explore a newly discovered trench in the Atlantic Ocean. The novel has been praised for its rich, atmospheric writing and its ability to evoke vivid detail while exploring profound themes about life.
“In a review by Adam Roberts for The Guardian, the novel was described as “beautifully written” and “richly atmospheric,” capturing a unique blend of realism and mystery. Roberts further noted, “Nobody else writes like MacInnes, and this magnificent book is his best yet.”
“The judging panel, chaired by writer Andrew M. Butler, highlighted the novel’s ability to bridge the microcosmic and the macrocosmic, offering readers an intense and immersive experience. Butler commented, “It’s an intense trip and for once it’s a winner that is in the tradition of Clarke’s own novels.”
In Ascension was shortlisted alongside notable works such as Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, The Ten Percent Thief by Lavanya Lakshminarayan, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler, Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh, and Corey Fah Does Social Mobility by Isabel Waidner.
About the Clarke Award
The Arthur C. Clarke Award was established in 1987 by Clarke himself, known for co-writing the screenplay for the iconic 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey and authoring nearly 100 works of science fiction and nonfiction. The award has a rich history of recognizing groundbreaking works, with past winners including The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Last year’s award went to Ned Beauman for Venomous Lumpsucker.
MacInnes will receive £2,024 as the prize money, a tradition that reflects the current year and has been incremented by a pound annually since 2001.
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Sean Williams, Steve Roach, Nick Stathopolous in tune
We’ve previously pointed you towards the ambient music of author Sean Williams who composes under the pseudonym TheAdelaidean. Sean’s new album, Parallels, is a collaboration with the renowned ambient artist Steve Roach, has made a remarkable debut. It debuted at #1 on Bandcamp’s All Ambient chart and has reached #5 in the overall Bandcamp chart. The album is available through Projekt Records and comes as a double CD, featuring stunning cover art by Nick Stathopoulos.
Sean has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported the release, saying, “It’s been an amazing journey. I’m so thrilled to be working with one of my absolute heroes and inspirations!” Sean has shared a promo video for one of his favorite tracks from the album, which you can watch here.
We are chuffed to announce that Terry Frost, renowned film critic, host of the YouTube channel Terry Talks Movies, and Nova Mob member, will be our speaker at August’s Nova Mob meeting on Wednesday, 7 August! For the many people travelling to Glasgow WorldCon, we wish you safe travels and hope you enjoy every moment of the convention – panels, workshops, friends, authors, events, and whatever extracurricular events bring you joy. The September Nova Mob meeting will be a shared general discussion about the WorldCon experiences for all members, especially those who travelled to Glasgow and including those who plugged in, to share stories, insights, and highlights from the convention. That’ll be on Wednesday, 4 September.
Terry Frost – The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): August Nova Mob
Terry Frost is widely known and respected in the film criticism community for his insightful analyses and engaging commentary on a wide range of films, particularly those that may fly under the mainstream radar. His YouTube channel, Terry Talks Movies, has a large, growing, dedicated following for its deep dives into cinematic history and hidden gems. In our August Nova Mob meeting, Terry will delve into the expansive and captivating realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He will explore how the MCU has revolutionized modern cinema with its interconnected storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and Marvel comicsTMcharacters. You’ll hear his expert perspective on the impact and future of this cinematic juggernaut, from its inception with Iron Man (2008) to the latest release Deadpool & Wolverine, which is #34 in the series and is doing great box office and yet Ansible tells us:
“RYAN REYNOLDS, co-star with Hugh Jackman of the superhero movie Deadpool & Wolverine, issued a brutally honest disclaimer: ‘This film is as paper thin as a sequel to Battlefield Earth.” (IMDb, 21 May)
The MCU has earned $30 billion to date.
Terry Frost – invite to The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
Please share this invitation with like-minded friends and fans
Face to face : You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 7 August 2024 8.00pm – 9.15pm or so, first floor Conference Room, Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
By Zoom – simulcast For those who prefer not to travel or are unable to attend face-to-face. Zoom session broadcast from the Kensington Town Hall. Questions or comments typed into the Zoom chat will be discussed as the opportunity permits, and you’ll have as much airtime as the other Mob members at the venue. Zoom meeting details: Wednesday 7 August 2024 8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time 7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4177583193?pwd=VjdPL1BhSTBNclN2YnRsejN3Y1hlUT09 Passcode: nova Meeting ID: 417 758 3193
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What Makes the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Special?
We asked ChatGPT.
How has the MCU maintained its popularity and critical acclaim over more than a decade?
What are the unique storytelling techniques used in the MCU?
How do the films balance individual character arcs with the overarching narrative of the universe?
Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or a casual moviegoer, this is an opportunity to gain new insights into one of the most influential film franchises of our time.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an extensive American media franchise and shared universe that revolves around a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films draw inspiration from characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. This franchise also encompasses television series, short films, digital series, and literature, creating a broad and interconnected universe similar to the original Marvel Universe in comic books. The shared universe is crafted through common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters that cross over into various productions.
Marvel Studios organizes its films into “Phases.” The first three phases are collectively known as “The Infinity Saga,” while the subsequent three phases are termed “The Multiverse Saga.”
Phase One began with Iron Man (2008) and culminated in the crossover film The Avengers (2012).
Phase Two started with Iron Man 3 (2013) and concluded with Ant-Man (2015).
Phase Three commenced with Captain America: Civil War (2016) and ended with Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
Phase Four kicked off with Black Widow (2021) and wrapped up with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Phase Five began with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and is set to conclude with Thunderbolts (2025).
Phase Six will launch with The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) and will conclude with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
A special shout-out for the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, released in 2014, described as “a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by James Gunn, it introduced audiences to a quirky and diverse group of characters including Peter Quill (Star-Lord), Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. The film is celebrated for its humour, heart, and soundtrack featuring classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. It’s blend of action, comedy, and compelling story about friendship and redemption made it a fan favourite.”
About Terry Frost
Terry Frost’s extensive knowledge and passion for cinema have made him a respected voice in the film community. In addition to his YouTube channel, Terry also hosts the Paleo-Cinema Podcast, where he discusses a wide array of films, often spotlighting older and lesser-known movies.
You can find more about Terry Frost and his work through the following links:
The first six monthly collection of essays from Speculative Insights is now available as an ebook or a physical book. That’s 13 interesting essays, 179pp. Details at the Speculative Insight website: https://www.speculativeinsight.com/buy-collections
The winners of the 2023 Shirley Jackson Awards for outstanding achievement in horror, psychological suspense, and dark fantasy fiction have been announced.
Novel
WINNER: The Reformatory, Tananarive Due (Saga Press)
The Daughters of Block Island, Christa Carmen (Thomas & Mercer)
Every Version Ends in Death, Aliya Chaudhry (Haunt)
Don’t Fear the Reaper, Stephen Graham Jones (Saga)
The Militia House, John Milas (Henry Holt & Company)
Brainwyrms, Alison Rumfitt (Nightfire)
Novella
WINNER: To the Woman in the Pink Hat, LaToya Jordan (Aqueduct)
Broken Paradise, Eugen Bacon (Luna Press Publishing)
Getting by in Tligolian, Roppotucha Greenberg (Arachne)
From reactormag: Previously, in Doctor Who news, it was announced that current companion Ruby Sunday would have only one season of adventures in the TARDIS before being replaced by a new, unnamed companion played by Varada Sethu (Andor). Radio Times noted, at the time, that Gibson would still be on the show, but in a smaller role.
That’s not quite the case. Sethu is joining the show as the Doctor’s second companion, with Gibson also staying on board. There’s even a cute picture of the whole season-two gang, looking very happy and like they might invite you over for drinks if they like your vibe.
In person: in July, we are meeting at the Community Room at Christie Walk, 101 Sturt Street, as Kappy’s will not be open in the evenings. Turn up at Christie Walk at 6:15 for a 6:30pm start on Wednesday, July 17th.
Yes, an interesting new animated series. From the minds of executive producers J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Matt Reeves (The Batman), and Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) comes a brand new animated series for the Dark Knight and releasing on Prime Video this summer with Batman: Caped Crusader.
There’s a new series of Orphan Black, set 25 years after the original. The new series Orphan Black: Echoes stars Krysten Ritter as Lucy. The episode begins with Lucy, disoriented as she wakes up to talk to a scientist played by Keeley Hawes. She can’t remember anything and eventually escapes the room, finding a lab with computer-printed body parts. “You were created. You were printed from a high-resolution scan using a very complex process,” Hawes’ scientist tells her. “It’s a new technology. It’s the fourth-dimensional printing of human tissue.” Lucy escapes, and seems to have found a new life two years later. Unfortunately, she is found by the scientist, who apparently has links to the clones in Orphan Black.
The nominees in the fiction categories for the 2024 Hugos have been announced:
Best Novel The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty (Harper Voyager, Harper Voyager UK) The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera (Tordotcom) Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (Tordotcom, Orbit UK) Starter Villain by John Scalzi (Tor, Tor UK) Translation State by Ann Leckie (Orbit US, Orbit UK) Witch King by Martha Wells (Tordotcom) 1420 ballots cast for 576 nominees. Finalists range 91-172.
Best Novella “Life Does Not Allow Us to Meet”, He Xi / 人生不相见, 何夕, translated by Alex Woodend (Adventures in Space: New Short stories by Chinese & English Science Fiction Writers) Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo (Tordotcom) The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older (Tordotcom) Rose/House by Arkady Martine (Subterranean) “Seeds of Mercury”, Wang Jinkang / 水星播种, 王晋康, translated by Alex Woodend (Adventures in Space: New Short stories by Chinese & English Science Fiction Writers) Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher (Tor, Titan UK) 962 ballots cast for 187 nominees. Finalists range 106-186.
Best Novelette I AM AI by Ai Jiang (Shortwave) “Introduction to 2181 Overture, Second Edition”, Gu Shi /〈2181序曲〉再版导言, 顾适 translated by Emily Jin (Clarkesworld, February 2023) “Ivy, Angelica, Bay” by C. L. Polk (Tor.com 8 December 2023) “On the Fox Roads” by Nghi Vo (Tor.com 31 October 2023) “One Man’s Treasure” by Sarah Pinsker (Uncanny Magazine, January-February 2023) “The Year Without Sunshine” by Naomi Kritzer (Uncanny Magazine, November-December 2023) 755 ballots cast for 212 nominees. Finalists range 40-117.
Best Short Story “Answerless Journey”, Han Song / 没有答案的航程, 韩松, translated by Alex Woodend (Adventures in Space: New Short stories by Chinese & English Science Fiction Writers) “Better Living Through Algorithms” by Naomi Kritzer (Clarkesworld May 2023) “How to Raise a Kraken in Your Bathtub” by P. Djèlí Clark (Uncanny Magazine, January-February 2023) “The Mausoleum’s Children” by Aliette de Bodard (Uncanny Magazine, May-June 2023) “The Sound of Children Screaming” by Rachael K. Jones (Nightmare Magazine, October 2023) 美食三品 (“ s”), 宝树 / Baoshu (银河边缘013：黑域密室 / Galaxy’s Edge Vol. 13: Secret Room in the Black Domain) 720 ballots cast for 612 nominees. Finalists range 27-69.
The Adelaide Fan Review 
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