The Arthur C. Clarke Award is a British award given for the best sci-fi novel published during the previous year. Since celebrated author Arthur C. Clarke gave a grant to establish the award in 1987, notable past winners have included Margaret Atwood, China Miéville, Colson Whitehead and Emily St. John Mandel. Always interesting and diverse, the shortlist serves as an excellent primer for the latest, most exciting titles in the genre.

The winner will be revealed in September.

The Infinite – Patience Agbabi
Some gifted children born on the 29th February have the ability to jump through time. These ‘Leaplings’ are vanishing though, and Elle & Big Ben travel to 2048 and unravel the sinister mystery behind the disappearances. A funny and inventive time-twisting novel for middle graders and up.

The Vanished Birds – Simon Jiminez
Jaded Space Captain Nia Imani finds a mysterious boy who falls from the sky. His abilities allow him to teleport to anywhere in the universe, but this power puts his very life in danger from evil corporations that control the galaxy. With the help of famous scientist Fumiko Nakajima, she must keep the boy safe in the face of mounting odds.

Vagabonds – Hao Jingfang
The year is 2201 and Mars and Earth have cut all ties with each other. With enmities running deep, Martian student Luoying returns on a diplomatic mission to her native Earth, escorting prominent Terrans in an attempt to salvage relations. With intrigue and plotting on both sides, she must seek out the truth before all is irrevocably lost.

Edge Of Heaven – R.B. Kelly
In a future where 27 million people live in an subterranean city called Creo, a virus begins to spread and threaten the lives of all who live there. Danae Grant, her life in tatters, meets Boston Turrow and between them they soon discover that she may hold the key to their own salvation, as well as that of the whole of Creo.

The Animals In That Country – Laura Jean McKay
When a strange pandemic hits, the main symptom appears to be the ability to understand the language of animals. As it progresses, the constant inner animal voices begin to drive the human population mad, and so foul-mouthed Grandma Jean sets off on a strange journey tracking her missing son and granddaughter.

Chilling Effect  -  Valerie Valdes
The crew of La Sirena Negra are routinely delivering cargo across the galaxy but when the sister of Captain Eva Innocente is kidnapped, they must go through a series of perilous missions to try and raise enough cash for the ransom. A humourous, heart-warming and original space opera with memorable characters.