The Decision

The Supreme Arbiter - Large and In-Charge
 (Photo Courtesy Emmeline Frantz)

People, this is important so listen to me.  Interwebs, you listen up too (I’m looking at you Wikipedia).  I’m about to change history for all time.

I am about to dispel the myth that in 1966 two authors were awarded Hugo Awards for Best Novel.  Well, I’m not going to do that so much as have the final say as to which was really deserving of the prize. 

It really kills me to have so much responsibility and I loved both, so believe me, I don’t relish having this power right now (yes I do), but here were my decisions.

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Round 1 – Draw

Both books were insanely fun to read and the quotes I demonstrated were great for very different reasons.  Apples to Oranges.  I call it a draw.

Round 2 – Dune

This Immortal basically rolled over but the fan art and a band with a Dune namesake would have make it difficult to win anyway. 

Round 3 – This Immortal

All I have to say is “my hellhound had arrived.”

Round 4 – Dune

I do like me some nebulous fear and danger, but honestly how can you top the Baron?

Round 5 – Dune

This Immortal put on a damn good show but as creepy as Earth was, Arrakis was more complete, compelling and WORMS!

For the original discussions:
Rounds 1 & 2; Round 3; Rounds 4 & 5

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Okay, I’ll admit it.  Knowing how great Dune is, I was really pulling for This Immortal.  I wanted to find a way for Zelazny to take this one.  Alas, I could not make it happen.  The facts were just too overwhelming.

World!  You are changed forever.  Though This Immortal was fantastic, it must hereafter always be considered a close 2^nd to DUNE, The OFFICIAL WINNER of this, our first Deathmatch and OFFICIAL HEP WINNER of the 1966 Hugo Award.  Try to deny it.