Albedo One, Ireland’s main magazine of science fiction, fantasy and horror, has announced the winners of the International Aeon Award 2009 short fiction contest.

The quality of entries was, they say, high, with 27 stories shortlisted for the Award, submitted from countries as diverse as the USA and India.

Grand Judge Ian Watson chose as winner “Frogs on My Doorstep” by Annette Reader. Ian described the story as “very intriguing and full of emotional impact”. The alternate world concept “is handled very convincingly” and is reminiscent of the recent work of Chris Beckett. Annette will receive the €1000 Grand Prize and publication in Albedo One.



In second place, Ian chose “Bridges” by Nick Wood. Ian commented that the story, featuring a future South Africa in which apartheid never ended, is “politically acute and powerful, with its heart in the right place… and is in many ways a ‘textbook story’, because it’s so well done.” Nick will receive the €200 second place prize and publication in Albedo One.

In third place, Ian chose “Canis Lupus, Rosa Canina” by Judith Brown. Ian remarked that “the story is nasty, but brilliantly written, with masterly descriptions of landscape and powerful imagery.” Judith will receive the €100 third place prize and publication in Albedo One.

The Aeon Award 2010 is now open for entries until the end of November 30th. This year long-serving Grand Judge Ian Watson is joined by Hugo-winning SF author Anne McCaffrey, multiple Hugo Award-winning author Mike Resnick and the Irish horror author Sam Millar.

Full entry details can be found at: http://www.albedo1.com/html/aeon_award.html