Traci Ashbe Dark Epic Fantasy Author

I’m still reading the nominated works for this year’s Hugo Awards. It’s just that challenges and readathons took preference recently. I won’t be able to finish all the books I intended to read in time but then again, I knew that going in. I have read all of the Lodestar nominees except for one. My top spot was clear very early on and hasn’t changed after catching up on the other nominees.

The Nominees for the Lodestar Award

1. Rachel Hartman – Tess of the Road
2. Holly Black – The Cruel Prince
3. Justina Ireland – Dread Nation
4. Tomi Adeyemi – Children of Blood and Bone
5. Peadar O’Guilín – The Invasion
6. Dhonielle Clayton – The Belles

My top pick by a large margin is Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman. It’s a very special kind of book that takes the reader on a journey both literally with its protagonist and…