I always used to find that the BSFA and Arthur C Clarke awards were better predictors of my personal tastes than, say, the Nebula, and that was even vefore I got to know the people running them. We now have shortlists for both the UK-based awards, and as usual there is a certain overlap:

On both lists
Ken MacLeod, Learning the World
Geoff Ryman, Air
Charles Stross, Accelerando

First off, congratulations to and Ken MacLeod for making the shortlist. I have read Accelerando, and Learning the World is on my to-be-read shelf. Looks like I must now do what everyone who has read it suggests, and buy Air, also the only novel on either list to be nominated for the Nebulas this year. (Though I see last year’s Clarke Award winner is also on this year’s Nebula shortlist.)

On the Clarke Award shortlist but not the BSFA
Liz Williams, Banner of Souls
Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go
Alastair Reynolds, Pushing Ice

As before, I have read the one by the author with a livejournal – Banner of Souls – own another but haven’t read it yet – Never Let Me Go – and don’t have the third. I have rather bounced off Alastair Reynolds on previous encounters; is this time likey to be any different?

On the BSFA shortlist but not the Clarke
Jon Courtenay Grimwood, 9Tail Fox
Justina Robson, Living Next Door to the God of Love

Really loved Grimwood’s Arabesk trilogy (Pashazade, Effendi and Felaheen), but was less impressed by his singletons, redRobe and Stamping ButterfliesMappa Mundi which I guess must have been shortlisted for a previous BSFA or Clarke award.

Anyway, am inclined to put in an Amazon order for these two and Air, and perhaps also the Reynolds if I can be persuaded, for diversion during my imminent travels.