The Shiloh Awards: 2024
I read 31 furry books in 2024. Since the year has now ended, I'm going to give out some accolades for them! Please enjoy my little book awards thread.
Favorite Character:
Tuther - Far Flung by Utunu
There’s something intriguing about Tuther. His motivations for keeping his powers hidden and for certain choices are so emotionally charged, but it's a charge that's buried deep, and I'm so anxious to see how it will affect him.
Favorite Protagonist:
Isidor - HeartTheft by Rukis
He’s such an intelligent, confused cinnamon bun. Even as a relative paragon he stays interesting because of how he thinks about and examines the world around him, while being prone to second-guessing due to religious influence.
Favorite Villain:
The Dry Spell by Ryan Loup-Glissant
I won’t even point out who I’m referring to. This book has multiple characters you could consider villains, and they’re all amazing. I can’t wait to see what they get up to in the sequel.
Favorite Relationship:
Puck (Puquanah) and Ransom - Off the Beaten Path trilogy by Rukis
I read so many amazing love stories this year, but these two are absolute wonders. One could write an essay about what makes them so special. If you’ve read it, you likely understand why they win.
Favorite Writing Style:
You Look Lost, Pup by Rob MacWolf
Rob MacWolf’s writing style is so instantly recognizable and sometimes I can’t help but smile just reading the prose alone. I’d imagine it’d be worth a read even entirely out of context. This book really showcased that style.
Favorite Themes:
Black Angel by Kyell Gold
Black Angel explores sexuality (mostly asexuality) and mental health in such an intricate way. I was really impressed, and I think a lot of readers will be able to see themselves represented in this story via one theme or another.
Favorite Moment:
The Ending - Last Fables by J.M. Congdon
The ending of Last Fables isn’t elegant. It’s sometimes even incomprehensible, but it was also incredibly cinematic and climactic. Looking back on the book after reading its ending revealed so much depth to the story, too.
Favorite Short Story:
Tomes Entombed Within Me by Domus Vocis
Hard choice since there are so many, but I have to go with this one from In the Light of the Dawn. It was such a beautiful and painful tale, posing a dilemma about whether a sacrifice is worth it that really stuck with me.
Favorite Overall:
The Dry Spell by Ryan Loup-Glissant
The Dry Spell is such an inventive book that covers so many bases, weaves together so many plots, and explores so many themes common to furry fiction. It really is a must-read and I recommend everyone give it a look.