Books / science fiction

Gareth L Powell wins prestigious BSFA award

By Joe Melia  Monday Apr 22, 2019

Gareth L. Powell’s status as one of the UK’s most popular and respected science fiction writers has been further confirmed after the Bristol writer was announced as the winner of the Best Novel category at the annual British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) awards.

Previous winners of the prestigious award include legendary writers such as J.G. Ballard and Arthur C. Clarke.

The BSFA awards are voted for by BSFA members and members of the British National Science Fiction Convention, Eastercon. The latter has been held over the Easter weekend annually since 1955.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eTLaaV9lvc

Powell won the award for his novel, Embers of War, which was published last year and is the first part of a trilogy. The Guardian called the book “A compelling and satisfying whole”, while the British Fantasy Society said, “It’s hugely entertaining, and hints at a wider universe with the tantalising prospect of filling a Banksian (Iain M Banks) hole in modern sci-fi.” Powell won the same BSFA award in 2013 for his novel, Ack-Ack Macaque.

Of this year’s triumph, he says: “I am delighted and very honoured to receive this award, especially as it is voted for by the fans — the people who read and enjoy the books.”

Gareth L Powell’s latest book is Fleet of Knives, the second volume in the Embers of War trilogy. It was published in February 2019

Gareth will be appearing at Redland Library on May 9 https://main-staging.bristol247.com/whats-on/books-and-spoken-word/science-fiction/books-science-fiction-bristol/, and at Storysmith Books on May 15 https://storysmithbooks.com/events/tim-clare-gareth-l-powell/

Read more: Interview with Gareth L Powell

Main photo credit: Titan Books

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - main-staging.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning