I’ve read all the Hugo-finalist short fiction: novellas, novelettes, and short stories. I was underwhelmed by the novellas, which were fun to read but nostalgic and predictable. I’m more excited by the novelettes, so I’ll share my thoughts about them.

This year’s Hugo Awards will be presented at this year’s World Science Fiction Convention, LAcon V in Anaheim, California, USA, on August 30, 2026.

Here is my ranking:

6. “Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy” by Martha Wells (Reactor, July 10, 2025) — Delightful, but the story is only meaningful if you’ve been following the Murderbot series. I love Murderbot, and you might not, and that’s okay.

5. “The Girl That My Mother Is Leaving Me For” by Cameron Reed (Reactor, April 2, 2025) — In a world ruled by savage corporations, a human body and life holds little worth, and daughters struggle as they must. Horrific and mostly believable; however, it feels like the first chapter of a novel.

4. “When He Calls Your Name” by Catherynne M. Valente (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 65) — A woman has a heart-to-heart talk with a vampire preying on her husband. Outstanding voice, although vampire stories are nothing new.

3. “Never Eaten Vegetables” by H.H. Pak (Clarkesworld, Issue 220) — A ship carrying embryos to populate a new colony has a near disaster, and there are other terrifying problems with the mission. The ending holds a surprise. I wouldn’t mind if this won.

2. “Kaiju Agonistes” by Scott Lynch (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 62) — A monster tries to convince Earthlings to stop doing suicidal things like exploding atomic bombs. Humanity does not listen. Great voice and humor.

1. “The Millay Illusion” by Sarah Pinsker (Uncanny Magazine, Issue 67) — Magicians compete. A thoughtful story about truth, illusion, and identity.