The year's most acclaimed science fiction and fantasy stories are gathered in this anthology, representing the best of the Nebula Awards. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America vote on the winners, and this volume reprints those award-winning and nominated works. Edited by John Kessel and James Patrick Kelly, known for their own award-winning fiction and previous anthology work, this collection showcases a diverse range of talent. It features stories and excerpts from prominent authors in the genre, offering a snapshot of the state of speculative fiction.

As a volume in the long-running Nebula Awards Showcase series, this anthology is expected to feature high-quality speculative fiction as recognized by industry professionals. The inclusion of award-winning and nominated stories ensures a curated selection of critically acclaimed works. The editors, John Kessel and James Patrick Kelly, are respected figures in the genre, lending further credibility to the collection's contents. Readers can anticipate a diverse array of styles and themes representative of the best science fiction and fantasy published in the award year.