The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America elects annually the best science fiction or fantasy story of the year. Since its creation in 1966, the Nebula has been offered to the genre's masters such as Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert or Orscon SCott Card. So who could take home the coveted price this year?

Rather than the more famous but fan-based Hugo Awards, the Nebulas are given by science fiction writers, editors or critics. This award is first a peer recognition.

The five novels selection represents the best of the best, each book having already received high critical praises. But what strikes first about the 2016 pick is how much women are represented. Four out of five books are written by a woman. The selection is incredibly eclectic, with very diverse style, subjects or even genres. Here is an overview of which books a true science fiction fan should read:

Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

The only man of the selection has written a military space opera. We follow two diametrically opposed characters: Kel Cheris, mathematical genius and out-of-favored captain, and Shuas Jedao, a brilliant strategist driven mad by his past life. They try together to recapture the Fortress of Scattered Needle and save the Hexarchate. With an extensive and substantial universe, the book also captivates with the relationship between two strong characters who can't trust each other.

Everfair by Nisi Shawl

For something completely different from a space opera, this dystopy explores the question of what would have happened if a small land in Congo, called Everfair, was bought by missionaries and transformed into a safe haven for native populations of Congo and escaped slaves. In a steampunk world, the novel delivers a complex and inspiring message about colonization, globalization and culture.

The Obelisk Gate by N.K Jemisin

This book is the second part of what will be a trilogy. The first one, The Fifth Season, was already nominated for a Nebula last year. The second installment continues the story of a supercontinent who is frequently plagued by the fifth season, a catastrophic period of climate changes, volcanic eruptions or acid rains. Every cycle is survived by only a handful fews…

Borderline by Mishelle Baker

This book is Men in Black if you replaced the aliens by fairies. The novel follows Millie, agent of the Arcadia Project, a secret organization in charge of the traffic between our reality and another filled with magical creatures. A classic urban fantasy with a twist: our hero Millie have a borderline personality disorder and prosthetic legs. A protagonist with physical and mental disability, an investigation in Hollywood, and fairies: this book is a major page turner!

All the birds in the sky by Charlie Jane Anders

This novel, written by Io9's editor-in-chief, received a lot of praise when it came out in january. And for a good reason: it blends science fiction and magic with the end of the world as a background. It's the story of Patricia and Laurence, two teenagers who appears to be parting ways. Patricia discovers she's a witch who can speak to birds, while Laurence invents a two-second time machine. But when they reunite years later, is it really to save the world ?

Here are for you the five nominees in the best novel category. The winner will be revealed on the 18th of may in Pittsburgh.