The eleventh of December mars the anniversary of this blog, which of course means it is time for the sixth annual Boundy Awards. This is where I celebrate the very best science fiction of the past year. There are no physical awards, but winners are encouraged to have a celebratory drink and a biscuit of their choosing. Fireworks are not mandatory, but are encouraged.

The Boundy Awards for Literature

Best Standalone

Service Model, by Adrian Tchaikovsky – Tchaikovsky has had a phenomenal year, and Service Model is the capstone achievement of 2024. A tale of the robotic apocalypse that is both endearing and darkly comedic, it finishes in first position in a year filled with strong standalone novels.

Best Opener

In Our Stars, by Jack Campbell – Having spent nearly two decades in the universe of The Lost Fleet, starting fresh with a new series was a gamble for Campbell, but it’s one that pays off. A fresh and exciting adventure that’s bound to keep you thrilled from start to finish.

Best Continuation

Above and Beyond, by Denny Flowers – The highlight of the Warhammer year, Above and Beyond offers a scathing insight of the Imperial propaganda machine. By far one of the deepest offerings from Black Library, it’s a book that will make you stop and think, but also leaves time for murders and dogfights.

Best Conclusion

No Award – No series conclusions have been read this year.

Best Anthology/Collection

A View from the Stars, by Liu Cixin – New Cixin Liu is always something to celebrate. Not only does this contain fiction from across Liu’s career, it comes with a selection of essays on science fiction, offering an insight into Liu’s philosophies and writing.

The Boundy Awards for Audio

Best Audiobook

Broken Crusade, by Steven B Fischer – Alex Lanipekun’s stellar narration elevates this dour tale of Space Marines under threat to new heights, while the underlying story takes successful risks as it hurtles towards its inevitably violent conclusion.

Best Single

He Has Returned, by Gloryhammer – On many levels, Gloryhammer are a deeply flawed band, but no one can deny that they know how to put together a catchy tune. The nonsense storyline and silly lyrical chants are all part of the appeal of this standalone single.

Best Album

Phantoma, by Unleash the Archers – Surprisingly not the only album about robots seeking a better world to come out in 2024, Phantoma is the strongest, brining the powerful vocals and soaring instrumentals that Unleash the Archers have made their name from.

The Boundy Awards for Visual Media

Best Individual Drama

Doctor Who: Boom – In a series of ups and downs, Boom is an unquestionable high point. Giving Ncuti Gatwa his first proper ‘I am the Doctor’ speech, establishing the pluck of Millie Gibson’s Ruby, and hammering home a powerful message in the midst of a solid sci-fi setting, this episode has everything working in its favour.

Best Season

Sugar (Season One) – This noir-infused detective drama is a real sleeper hit. The science fiction elements creep in slowly, but the show works on its own terms, filled with powerhouse performances and an engaging mystery at its core, this is one that genre fans can’t afford to overlook.

The Throwback Boundy Awards for Pre-2024 Literature

Not every book I read in 2024 was published in 2024. That backlog is why we have the Throwback Boundies. Every pre-2024 SF book is eligible, and the ensuing free-for-all has thrown out some amazing winners.

Best Throwback Standalone

Fractal Noise, by Christopher Paolini – Unfairly overshadowed by the debate over its original cover, Fractal Noise is a stunning piece of hard SF/cosmic horror set in Paolini’s Fractalverse. There’s a lot of depth packed into this small volume, and it comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Best Throwback Opener

Helix, by Eric Brown – The book that cemented Brown’s place as a top author for the year, Helix features a perfect use of split narratives, a uniquely inventive setting, and a rollicking adventure to boot.

Best Throwback Continuation

Seeker, by Jack McDevitt – A Talent for War was a fine book, but Seeker is the one that set me hunting down the remainder of the series. McDevitt’s blend of space operatic action and historical investigation is a winning combination.

Best Throwback Conclusion

Creator, by Stephen Baxter – Baxter’s two-part World Engines series stands among his more impressive non-standalone work, and Creator serves as a fitting expansion of the ideas begun in Destroyer, as well as throwing out some interesting ideas of its own.

Best Throwback Anthology/Collection

The Dregs of Empire & Other Stories, by Christopher Ruocchio – Ruocchio’s universe continues to grow beyond its leading man Hadrian Marlowe, with this collection poking into ever more mysterious corners of the Sollan Empire and beyond.