Annal:1973 Hugo Award for Novel

The Gods Themselves

Isaac Asimov

• 1973 Hugo-Novel winner
• 1972 Nebula winner
• Score: 20.23

Only a few know the terrifying truth—an outcast Earth scientist, a rebellious alien inhabitant of a dying planet, a lunar-born human intuitionist who senses the imminent annihilation of the Sun. They know the truth—but who will listen? They have foreseen the cost of abundant energy—but who will believe? These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to the Earth’s survival.

The Book of Skulls

Robert Silverberg

• 1973 Hugo-Novel nominee
• 1972 Nebula nominee
• Score: 12.23

Four students discover a manuscript, The Book of Skulls, which reveals the existence of a sect, now living in the Arizona desert, whose members can offer immortality to those who can complete its initiation rite. To their surprise, they discover that the sect exists, and is willing to accept them as acolytes. But for each group of four who enter the rite, two must die in order for the others to succeed.

A Choice of Gods

Clifford D. Simak

• 1973 Hugo-Novel nominee
• Score: 6.23

 

Dying Inside

Robert Silverberg

• 1973 Hugo-Novel nominee
• 1972 Nebula nominee
• Score: 12.23

David Selig was born with an awesome power—the ability to look deep into the human heart, to probe the darkest truths hidden in the secret recesses of the soul. With reckless abandon, he used his talent in the pursuit of pleasure. Then, one day, his power began to die…

Universally acclaimed as Robert Silverberg’s masterwork, Dying Inside is a vivid, harrowing portrait of a man who squandered a remarkable gift, of a superman who had to learn what it was to be human.

There Will Be Time

Poul Anderson

• 1973 Hugo-Novel nominee
• Score: 6.23

 

When Harlie Was One

David Gerrold

• 1973 Hugo-Novel nominee
• 1972 Nebula nominee
• Score: 12.23