2008

Grand Prize

Jacek Dukaj

Born in 1974. He studied philosophy at the Jagiellonian University. He made his debut with the short story "Złota galera", published in February 1990 in the monthly ‘Fantastyka’, written when he was 16 years old. His next stories were published in the literary magazine 'Fenix' and 'Nowa Fantastyka'. In 1997, Dukaj's book debut, "Xavras Wyżryn", was published.

Dukaj's journalistic texts and reviews have been published in 'Nowa Fantastyka', 'SFinks', 'Miesięcznik', 'Framzeta', 'Fantom', 'Feniks' 'Science Fiction', 'Super Fantastyka Powieść', 'Czas Fantastyki'.

Dukaj's stories have been translated into English, German, Russian, Czech and Hungarian. "Złota Galera" was published in English in the anthology The Dedalus Book of Polish Fantasy, translated by Wieśka Powaga. "Ruch generała" and parts of the "Katedra" were translated into English by Michael Kandel, but so far they have not been published, except for the fragments available on the Internet.

On December 6, 2007 another novel by Jacek Dukaj was published - "Lód", Book of the Year 2007 in the competition of Wirtualna Polska, Book in Autumn 2007 at PPNW, nominated for Angelus, Józef Mackiewicz Award and the 2008 NIKE Literary Award.

In March 2008, Wydawnictwo Literackie published the reissue of the short story collection "W kraju niewiernych" in a new layout, in May - "Inne pieśni", in October - "Czarne oceany".

(2008)

Lód

(Ice)

The action of Jacek Dukaj's latest novel takes place in an alternative reality, where World War I never broke out, is 1924, and the Kingdom of Poland is still frozen under the tsar's rule and in Belle Epoque. Warsaw is chained by ice – in the middle of summer snowstorms cover the roads. Lute, the otherworldly angels of Frost, stroll through the streets of cities, freezing truth and falsehood... Benedykt Gierosławski, a talented mathematician, but also an incorrect gambler, on the order of the Tsar's Ministry of Winter, is sent by the Trans-Siberian Express to the frozen Irkutsk, from where he is to set off in search of his father, supposedly able to communicate with the angels of Frost – Lute. A thousand rubles in cash would get Benedict out of debt, but isn't the mission too dangerous? It soon turns out that for Benedict it will be a journey that will change his life...

(Publisher's note)

2008

Gold Distinction

Łukasz Orbitowski

Born in 1977. He graduated in philosophy from the Jagiellonian University. His debut in fantasy was the short story "Diabeł na Jabol Hill", published in the first issue of the ‘Science Fiction’ monthly. He published short stories in the magazines 'Science Fiction', 'Nowa Fantastyka', 'Sfera', 'Ubik'. His short story "Władca deszczu" was included in the PL+50 anthology, edited by Jacek Dukaj.

Ten of his books have been published so far, incl. "Złe wybrzeża" (1999), "Szeroki, głęboki, wymalować wszystko" (2002), "Wigilijne psy" (2005), "Horror Show" (2006), "Pies i klecha" (together with Jarosław Urbaniuk, 2007 and 2008 ). He was awarded the Krakow Book of the Month Prize and was nominated for the J. Zajdel Award.

In the years 2006-2008 he collaborated with 'Przekrój'. He is also a co-creator of the role-playing game Bakemono.

(2008)

Tracę ciepło

(I'm losing heat)

A criminal plot in a haze of horror and magic! Kuba and Konrad – friends from primary school in Wąska, in Kazimierz in Krakow – try to solve the mystery of the death of the school janitor. However, strange, chilling events are multiplying all around. The spirits of the dead wander among the living. A mysterious sect and its prophet grow strong to crash. And in the world as we know it, the inhabitants of the mysterious land of lakes rule... Our heroes can only be saved by the gift of seeing and the opportunity to participate in events that are inaccessible to others.

A story of boyish and male friendship that was born out of initial hostility. A parable on the polish school and the transformations of the Zero Year (1989). A suspenseful horror story with a bit of fantasy in the background. A disturbing guide to the nooks and crannies of Krakow's Kazimierz, from the times when it was not yet a district of restaurants, hotels and pubs.

(Publisher's note)

2008

Silver Distinction

Szczepan Twardoch

Born in 1979 – Polish writer, sociologist by education. He published in 'Życie', 'Opcje', 'Fronda', 'Arcana' and 'Strzała' as an independent journalist. He was the editor of the literary section of the bimonthly 'Christianitas'. Permanent columnist and collaborator of 'Broń i Amunicja', regular collaborator of the quarterly '44 / Czterdzieści i Cztery' and a columnist of' ‘Polityka'. His short story "Obłęd rotmistrza von Egern" was nominated for the Nautilus Award for 2003 and took 4th place in the vote. The short story entitled "Rondo" won Nautilus for the best short story of 2006. For "Epifania wikarego Trzaski" he received the Silver Distinction of the Jerzy Żuławski Literary Award in 2008.

(2008)

Epifania wikarego Trzaski

(The epiphany of curate Trzaska)

The third novel by Szczepan Twardoch, one of the most promising young Polish writers, a sociologist, philosopher, journalist, is more than another fantastic story. It is a journey through the Silesian province, where every person has their own drama, told in an excellent language, rich in original ideas and original observations – a unique book. Its protagonist, the eponymous priest Jan Trzaska, an intellectual in a cassock, becomes a vicar in a small town in Upper Silesia. He feels like in exile there – until one night Jesus Christ appears with him, accompanied by the archangel Michael. From that time on, the curate's word stunned, the touch healed, and journalists, clergy and, above all, sick people who wanted to heal came to Silesia. But is it possible that Jesus was talking to a human?

(Publisher's note)