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I'd be happy to help you find some great recent SF novels! Let me search for the latest highly-reviewed releases and recent award winners to give you the most current recommendations.Based on the latest reviews and awards, here are some excellent recent science fiction novels to recommend to your friend: ## Award Winners **"Some Desperate Glory" by Emily Tesh** (2023) - Winner of the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel. This is a military sci-fi novel that explores themes of war, identity, and questioning authority. It's received widespread critical acclaim. **"The Saint of Bright Doors" by Vajra Chandrasekera** (2023) - Winner of the 2023 Nebula Award for Best Novel. This novel was noted among recent Nebula winners that represent fantasy works. **"Someone You Can Build a Nest In" by John Wiswell** (2024) - Winner of the 2024 Nebula Award for Best Novel. A unique novel featuring an unusual protagonist. ## Highly-Reviewed 2024 Releases **"Witch King" by Martha Wells** - This novel slots in at a high position among all-time greats in science fiction rankings. From the author of the beloved Murderbot Diaries series. **"In Ascension" by Martin MacInnes** - Winner of the Arthur C Clarke Award and also nominated for the Booker Prize. A literary entry that's as much about family relationships and personal experience as it is about scientific exploration, with plenty of hard science used for meditation on the wonder and strangeness of biological life. **"Asunder" by Kerstin Hall** (2024) - This dark fantasy horror adventure follows Deathspeaker Karys Eska and has been praised as brilliant madness with hauntingly mesmerizing world-building. **Collections: "The Lake House" by Ann Leckie** - This complete collection of Leckie's short fiction contains unmissable science fiction stories ranging from flash fiction to creation myths. Ann Leckie also won the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Series for her Imperial Radch series. These books offer a great mix of space opera, military SF, literary science fiction, and innovative storytelling. Would your friend prefer hard science fiction, character-driven stories, or action-packed space adventures? I can refine these recommendations based on their specific tastes!