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To find the best recent science fiction novels for a friend, consider the genre's most prestigious awards. Recent Hugo and Nebula Award winners and nominees, along with picks from major publications, are excellent places to start. These books are critically acclaimed and represent some of the most innovative writing in the last few years. 2024 award winners and nominees Some of these titles were published in 2023 but were nominated for awards in 2024. Award winners Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh: This debut novel won the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel. It tells a gripping story of a young hero's struggle with identity and loyalty amidst an alien invasion in the distant future. Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell: A unique and profound story, this novel won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2024. It's celebrated for its quirky, heartfelt, and sometimes grotesque approach to themes of loneliness and found family. The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera: The winner of the 2023 Nebula Award for Best Novel, this debut blends fantasy and mythology. The story follows a young man raised to kill his estranged, powerful father. Notable nominees In Ascension by Martin MacInnes: A critically acclaimed novel that explores existential themes, nominated for a 2024 Hugo Award and winning the Arthur C. Clarke award. Translation State by Ann Leckie: A standalone novel set in the same universe as Leckie's award-winning Imperial Radch series. It was a nominee for both the 2024 Hugo and Nebula awards and is an intimate story about relationships. Witch King by Martha Wells: This fantasy novel from the beloved author of the Murderbot Diaries was nominated for the 2024 Hugo and Nebula awards. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: This is a genre-blending debut that combines time-travel, romance, and workplace comedy. The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey: A new series from the authors of The Expanse, this book was a Goodreads Choice nominee and is a strong recommendation for fans of space opera.