Since the year is almost over and it’s hard to pick my favourite books, I’m doing some impromptu Character Awards 2023. In case you don’t already know, I’m a character guy. Characters can make or break a book for me; if I don’t care enough about the characters’ fates it’s hard for me (although not impossible) to love their book. I’m limiting myself to one character per book so, without further ado, here are the characters from books I read this year that have become some of my favourites and to whom I’m bestowing these distinguished awards:
Chaos goblin
Not much of a goblin and more of a fallen angel, the winner is Gadriel, from the SPFBO 8 winner novel, Small Miracles, by Olivia Atwater.
Probably not enough chaotic energy for mortal world standards, but there’s a reason Gadriel (she/he) isn’t a guardian angel anymore. Her disdain for rule-following and her amusement for making humans sin a little with the pleasures of chocolate are part of what took her out of her old job and into this list. Extra points for genderfluid rep!
Best morally gray character
This one goes to sassy asshole Ishmael Saeati from Legacy of the Brightwash, by Krystle Matar.
People treat him more like a tool for dirty jobs that need to be taken care of, but the ones closer to him know he’s much more than that. Ishmael, as the rest of the cast in this series, is deeply flawed, but definitely someone you want to invite if you want to make things interesting.
Character who most needs a hug
This awards goes to sad, sad zaddy Kennet Pedders from The Forgotten Lyric, by Carolina Cruz.
Kennet has gone through a lot. To be fair, it’s mostly due to his own decisions but Kennet is trying to be a better person, his heart is in the right place, and there’s no one that hates him more than he hates himself.
Book boyfriend
My new dreamy book boyfriend is Tyron, from Askefise, by Rebecca Schmid.
Tyron stands for what’s right, he’s kind, he’s curious, he’s witty, and don’t we all love reading an infatuated man? Perhaps it’s just me. Yes, he crosses some boundaries and he is a villain in the A Daughter’s Ransom series, but hey, we aren’t supposed to know that yet so let’s enjoy him in his corruption arc.
Toughest Cookie
For not only surviving years of bullying and parental abuse, but for having great character development, the winner is Selene Freestone from To Poison a King, by S.G. Prince.
Battling her whole life to live up to the standards of her widely beloved and respected mother, Selene stays true to herself. She deals with feelings of inadequacy and of course she has trust issues, but she’s confident on her skills and won’t let others look down on her. She’s a certified badass.
Best man
I’m adopting Bear from The Sparrow and the Oak Tree, by Jamie Jackson, as my best friend.
In my fantasy wedding, Bear is going to be the best man. He comes off as grumpy on first impression but I’m sure after a couple of drinks he’ll get comfortable with everyone and that he will be giving a hell of a speech.
Saddest Little Baby in the Room
The “Oh Klahoma” award goes to nonbinary vampire Grim from the Unbury the Bones novella, by Coyote J.M. Edwards.
Grim hasn’t had an easy life, their family shunned them for their queerness and they can see the skeletons of people who are close to death, but their brooding has prevented them from noticing the ones who care about them. What can I say? Mental health can be a bitch.
Best parent
Not only for being a parent to twenty four little creatures, but for loving them unconditionally, this award is for Aeris from Of the Wild, by E. Wambheim.
Aeris rescues children from unloving or abusive situations and embraces them as they evolve with fey-like features. This shifter will literally fight tooth and claw against anyone who tries to harm them.
Tiniest character
This award was a suggestion from my husband (who wasn’t at all jealous of Tyron) and it’s meant to recognize a minor character that made an impression. And this one goes to… Thistlewraithe from The Misadventures of Myndil Plodostirr, by Michelle Franklin.
There are many characters to love in this story, but this little fae is mischievous and super funny. I loved every tiny appearance he made. He has a particular voice and despite being awful and haunting people’s shadows he’s lovable in his own way.
Congratulations to all the winners, they (and their authors) get my continuous admiration.
Tiny Elf Arcanist 
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