The Grand Prize Winner

The randomly selected winner of the Subterranean Press editions of Senlin Ascends and Arm of the Sphinx is Michael G.
Congratulations Michael!

The First Place and Runner Up Winners

I’ve spent days deliberating over whose submission I enjoyed the most. I received so many imaginative, evocative, and well-crafted entries, all of which brightened my day and are deserving of praise. It has been almost impossible to choose my favorites.
Originally, I wanted to respond to everyone individually with my appreciation of their creations, but finding myself overwhelmed by the quality of what I’ve received, I will instead take a moment to quickly mention just a few of the works that filled me with felicity.

Quenby O’s story “The Circle Drawn” was wonderfully heartbreaking and expertly crafted. Jason S’s story “Excerpts from the Log of Professor Joseph A.” was clever and sharp with a devilish ending that made me grin. Thomas G’s diagram of the Hod King is suffused with whimsical engineering and ingenious detail. James W’s yarn “A Stag Rut Race” had vibrant characters and a plot that kept me on my toes before surprising me with a happy ending. Matt W’s “The Silver Skein” contained all the catharsis of a Greek tragedy and very pleasing prose. Emily’s masterful GIF of Marya in a blue dress seated at her instrument positively sparkled with delight. Chris L’s LEGO build of the Stone Cloud was fabulously inventive and a joy to behold. And I found ARob’s portrait of Cassius in the Basement affecting and inspiring.

I could go on. I’m so grateful to all of you for sharing your talents with me. Thank you, one and all, for your splendid creations. Now, to the winners…

First Place Winner of a personalized The Hod King hardcover

In the end, it was Josh J’s short story “Professor B” that affected me the most. Twice during my first reading of the story, I felt a frisson of excitement. The story is full of surprises, and it reflects that mixture of hardship and hopefulness that is essential to the Babel-verse. It is a wonderful vision skillfully told. Presuming Josh doesn’t mind, I hope to share it with you soon.

First Runner-Up Winner of a personalized The Hod King paperback

Michelle Y’s digital drawing of The Bricklayer’s Granddaughter embodies the sort of forlorn awe that I had in mind when I wrote the description of Ogier’s painting. The scintillating light and deep shadows of Michelle’s piece captures the nature of the Baths (and the Tower) perfectly. It is a sublime work of art. You can see it here.

Thank you one and all for making this such a memorable and enjoyable giveaway!