The World Fantasy Awards winners for works published in 2021 were announced during the World Fantasy convention in New Orleans.

Life Achievement Awards, presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the fantasy field, went to Samuel R. Delany and Terri Windling.

Best Novel
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

Imprisoned by her dictator brother, Malini spends her days in isolation in the Hirana: an ancient temple that was once the source of the powerful, magical deathless waters — but is now little more than a decaying ruin.

Priya is a maidservant, one among several who make the treacherous journey to the top of the Hirana every night to clean Malini’s chambers. She is happy to be an anonymous drudge, so long as it keeps anyone from guessing the dangerous secret she hides.

But when Malini accidentally bears witness to Priya’s true nature, their destinies become irrevocably tangled. One is a vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne. The other is a priestess seeking to find her family. Together, they will change the fate of an empire.

Best Novella
And What Can We Offer You Tonight by Premee Mohamed

In a far future city, where you can fall to a government cull for a single mistake, And What Can We Offer You Tonight tells the story of Jewel, established courtesan in a luxurious House. Jewel’s world is shaken when her friend is murdered by a client, but somehow comes back to life. To get revenge, they will both have to confront the limits of loyalty, guilt, and justice.

Special Award – Professional
Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda for Monstress Volume Six: The Vow

War has engulfed the Known World, and Maika Halfwolf is at its epicenter. As she and her friends grapple with the consequences of their actions, long-buried secrets and long-awaited reunions threaten to change everything.

Best Short Fiction
“(emet)” by Lauren Ring from the July/August 2021 issue of the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

Best Anthology
The Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction, edited by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki

The first ever Year’s Best African speculative fiction anthology with works from some of the most exciting voices, old and new.

Best Collection
Midnight Doorways: Fables from Pakistan edited by Usman T. Malik

With a meticulously designed cover and beautiful black-and-white illustrations by seven different Pakistani artists, Midnight Doorways is a unique community project highlighting the scope of speculative art and literature in Pakistan.