150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
The Tree of Knowledge
Daniel G. Miller
2021 Finalist
288 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
The Tree of Knowledge is a psychological thriller written by Daniel G. Miller. Professor Albert Puddles lived an orderly, quiet life. His serene and logical universe was only marred by the opening day of class each semester. For some reason, the stage fright he experienced in those first few moments facing those new faces was as relentless as it was incomprehensible. His choice of a woolen suit and his resulting overheated state contributed to the feeling of being out of control. When his graduate assistant, Ying, asked to speak with him outside during his class, Albert was reluctant to lose any control over his carefully planned performance. When he heard that the police were investigating a murder and thought he “might know something about it,” Albert's nimble mind began churning: how could he ever be involved? Maybe they really meant another professor?
Daniel G. Miller’s The Tree of Knowledge is a stunningly accomplished debut novel. Reading the blurb convinced me to give this book a try, and I’m so glad I did. The storyline is plausible and frighteningly on point in today’s world. Miller’s cast of characters is one of fully dimensional, living beings who kept me enthralled as I followed their efforts to cope with an amoral, brilliant, and relentless adversary. I love how this story is so much a coming of age tale for the 34-year-old professor whom adversity deals a series of stunning blows, while also freeing him to experience so much more of life than he had ever realized existed. Watching Albert Puddles come of age, face his fears and become a full-fledged human being is a high point you really don’t want to miss. Seeing how he gets there alone is well worth the price of this book and the time you put into reading it.
But there’s so much more going on here. There’s romance, mystery, math, logic, and adventure all wrapped up in a thriller that had me happily reading until I hit the last page. I can’t help but wonder and hope that Mr. Miller will decide to give these characters a sequel to work with. It would be a shame not to see them again. The Tree of Knowledge is an awesome, fast-paced, and beautifully written debut novel that demonstrates the promise of a talented author. It’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Missing Peace
N. K. Holt
2021 Honorable Mention
444 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Missing Peace is a work of fiction in the personal drama, religious and emotive sub-genres of writing, and was penned by author N. K. Holt. Taking us deep into the hearts and minds of its protagonists, this bittersweet tale speaks of the power of overcoming grief, facing terror head-on, and trying to keep the faith when everything around is collapsing. The protagonist is Janey McKay, who receives a mysterious rosary from her brother John, serving in Iraq. What follows is a plot with sharp, painful twists, but an everlasting thread of hope that Janey can find peace as time goes on.
Author N. K. Holt has crafted a powerfully emotive story that will be sure to please fans of uplifting personal drama, but also those who want to see real struggle and deep hardship in their dramas. The narrative voice gives us a close insight into Janey as a character, and the speech and thought presentation is well crafted as we sit on her shoulder and feel every heartbreaking moment of her personal journey. The plot of the novel really centers around the characters and their emotions, but the wider terror plot does produce some very poignant and exciting action moments to ramp up the tension. What results is an accomplished novel with plenty of highs and lows, and excellent realistic dialogue which keeps the characters and their feelings grounded. Overall, I would highly recommend Missing Peace to all drama fans, especially those who believe in hope, faith, and family.
Recommend this book:
Carbon-14
The Shroud of Turin, An Amari Johnston Novel Book 1
R.A. Williams
2021 Bronze Medal
330 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turn (An Amari Johnston Novel Book 1) by R. A. Williams is the story of Amari, a criminal justice major at the University of Arizona, with a detective for a father. Two mysteries pull them into each other's worlds when a priest is brutally murdered and Amari discovers some information that could change everything. Her university is in charge of carbon dating the Shroud of Turin, but they claim it is a forgery. Are they hiding something? When the killer sets his sights on Amari, her father must stop him before he gets to her.
R. A. Williams has written an interesting book with Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin. I didn't quite know what to expect, but the mystery drew me in and it moves at a good pace. It is like a cross between a police procedural and a new adult novel. Amari is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. You can tell the author has put a great deal of research into this book and it shows. That being said, I wouldn't be an expert myself, so I do not know how carbon dating works. There is a strong religious element to the story, which I think fans of Christian fiction would like, but there is a mix of genres here too. I think any thriller and mystery fans would enjoy it and people who like upper YA and NA novels too. I would recommend it as a decent thriller.
Recommend this book:
The Janus Journals
H L Wegley
2021 Silver Medal
376 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
When Allie Petrenko's father is murdered, she retrieves the contents of his bank box and contacts Grady Jamison. Petrenko's warning to his daughter was to trust no one but the Jamisons and to clear his safety deposit box. Now Allie and Grady are on their way to Grady's parents, trying to keep her father's killer at bay. But it's not easy when the killer knows their every move, trying to take them out, but thankfully not succeeding. As Allie reads the journals out loud so Grady can hear them, she finds out things about her dad that turned her world upside down. The Janus Journals by H. L. Wegley will take you on a wild, suspenseful thriller of a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn every page of this amazing story.
Wow! The Janus Journals has it all. Espionage, mystery, thrills, romance, family and it all comes together with faith in God that gets them through. I fell in love with Allie and Grady from the start but I was really frustrated at Allie's father as she continued reading the journals and uncovering secrets. I could understand Allie not wanting to talk about a relationship with God, with losing her mom so young and now not sure about her dad. And when you read this book you will find all details. I have to admit, there were times I wasn't sure if Allie and Grady would make it to their next stop, and to be honest, they didn't at times without a fight. H. L. Wegley did an outstanding job of keeping my interest throughout the book. With so many twists and turns, it was impossible to guess what was coming next. I like the faith element running throughout the book. And I like the way Grady tries to introduce Allie to faith in God in his own subtle way. I love everything about this book. The Janus Journals is a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more from author H. L. Wegley.
Recommend this book:
Prophet
A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller (Goliath Code Book 2)
Suzanne Leonhard
2021 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Prophet by author Suzanne Leonhard is a work of fiction in the thriller and post-apocalyptic sub-genres. Forming the second novel in The Goliath Code series, this novel takes place after the previous adventure, in which protagonist Micah Abrams was transformed from his old cruel ways by the newfound connection with Sera Donner and the mission to find her twin brother David. Determined in his new mission to spread the word of hope and healing in a wasted world, it is only when Micah is separated from Sera that he begins a new spiral into doubt. So begins a new trial of a prophet in training in a dark world with suspense, terror, and thrills.
Author Suzanne Leonhard has done a superb amount of worldbuilding to frame this story and ground it in a solid conceptual base as our characters struggle through a barren and lawless land. The complexities of the previous plot continue as we enter Micah’s point of view and witness his emotive and psychological struggle with his duty to God and adherence to God’s teachings despite the ruin of the world around him. The story combines a dedication to deep character development with effective dialogue that feels highly realistic of the time and place and offers a truly cinematic atmosphere of the wastelands of the world, giving a visual and visceral reading experience. Overall, Prophet is a highly readable novel with fascinating Christian themes set realistically in a dangerous new post-apocalyptic world. A recommended read.
Recommend this book:
Fury in the Storm
Where Christians Dare
D.I. Telbat
2020 Silver Medal
269 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Troy Forge heads for North Korea on a secret mission that tests his faith and teaches him some valuable lessons. After being stabbed and almost killed at the prison he worked at, Troy knows he must forgive his attacker even though he finds it hard to do. His mission involves a number of interesting characters, both planned and unplanned: Ho Kichun is a secret link to the Christian Underground Church, Dmitri bodyguards a contraband smuggler that wants Troy dead, Laura Zisk is on the run for a hit and run, and Abdul Aziz is an assassin who is sent to kill Ho Kichun. Fury in the Storm: Where Christians Dare, D.I. Telbat's first book of The Leeward Set, depicts how God works in mysterious ways.
Picture pirate ships, raging storms, fistfights, and shootouts. Fury in the Storm is what you will get if you could inject a book with adrenaline. It got my heart racing with excitement from the very first page. Where Christians Dare is recommended to readers that are interested in narratives about sea battles, manhunts, rebellion, redemption, and Christianity; there is no explicit content that could limit the audience. The suspense is thrilling. D.I. Telbat kept me guessing with every subtle, well-timed revelation. One important message is embedded in the fast-paced action: God is bigger than even the wildest storms. Prepare for some heated conversations, hard-to-forget characters, and crystal-clear descriptions. I can't wait to lay hands on the other books in The Leeward Set.
Recommend this book:
The Hidden Saboteur
A Christian Psychological Thriller
Charles Besondy
2020 Honorable Mention
504 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
The Hidden Saboteur is a work of fiction in the Christian psychological thriller subgenre and was penned by author Charles Besondy. In the first novel in the Clay Austin series, we meet our protagonist Clay when he is at the pinnacle of his career as a founding partner in a marketing agency. Despite his numerous successes and great prospects for the future, Clay is besieged by doubts, fears, and demonic nightmares that are determined to see him crumble. His loyal assistant Sheryl hears the voice of God, asking her to protect Clay and deliver him, and so begins an incredible journey to claim Clay’s soul: either for the light side of Heaven or the darkness of Hell itself.
Author Charles Besondy has crafted a truly compelling read which takes the psychological side of matters of the soul very seriously. Although there is an outright and suitably epic battle between God and the Devil, the story is very much about one man and his internal struggles with darkness and light, which makes the thriller element of the plot all the more realistic and genuinely terrifying in places. One of the things which I particularly admired about the novel is the work that went into character development, not just of Clay but of those around him. I had a special fondness for Sheryl and her (at times) fruitless struggles to help Clay see everything that he's got going for him. Overall, The Hidden Saboteur is a powerful book about battling against hidden iniquity and negativity and is a highly recommended read for Christian thriller fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Will to Die
A Novel of Suspense
Joe Pulizzi
2020 Finalist
254 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
The Will to Die: A Novel of Suspense by Joe Pulizzi is the story of a man who returns home after his father dies, only to make a horrifying discovery. Will Pollitt only wants to concentrate on his marketing company and watch it thrive. However, his plans change when he learns his father has suddenly passed away. Will and his sister are baffled by this sudden death and wait for the autopsy to find out what happened to their father. However, the circumstances surrounding their father’s death, the autopsy, and the deaths of other people in the area intrigue Will. Can he find out what happened to his father? Why are his father’s friends dying as well? What is happening in Sandusky, Ohio?
Engaging, fast-paced, and incredibly well-put-together, The Will to Die has everything that a suspense enthusiast wants in a novel. Joe Pulizzi writes a captivating story with a compelling background. Sandusky, Ohio is the perfect setting for the story and the author does a good job of making sure the descriptions are vivid enough to suck the reader into the plot. It is at once believable and entertaining, a combination that you don’t often find in suspense novels. I loved the search for the truth, the suspense, and the mystery behind the deaths. The author leaves little clues in the narrative for readers to find; it increases the interest and enhances the overall story as well. This is a novel that will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy suspense.
Recommend this book:
The Oldest Enemy
Michael Jack Webb
2020 Bronze Medal
314 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
David Lighthouse used to be an investigative reporter once upon a time, but something changed everything for him. Six years ago, his fiancée was brutally murdered and he was the prime suspect. Now he is living peacefully as an assistant pastor in Florida, hoping to live a life that will be free from bloodshed and accusation. However, his old wounds are resurrected when a young parishioner is murdered. His urge to investigate makes a reappearance and soon he realizes that things are far more complicated than what they seem. This murder might be linked to the murder of his fiancée and there seems to be something that connects to his father’s past. The enemy seems to be something far too dangerous and far too sinister to be human. What can David do to protect his name and the people he cares about?
The Oldest Enemy by Michael J Webb is a paranormal thriller that dishes up some pretty amazing action. Saying that I loved this novel would be an understatement. I read this in one go, stayed up way too late (was a little jumpy, to be honest) and I loved every second of it. David is the perfect protagonist for this story. He is determined, reliable, thirsty for answers and not afraid to take steps to get them. His back story is a great setup for the plot; it got me interested and soon I was too invested in the story to even consider backing out. The pace was fast, the flow was great and the character development was just impressive. There is nothing that I would want the author to change about this novel; even the scary parts gave me an adrenaline rush to keep reading on and wanting more.
Recommend this book:
The Goliath Code
A Post Apocalyptic Thriller (Book One)
Suzanne Leonhard
2020 Gold Medal
394 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
It's the apocalypse! Ash clouds and earthquakes are wreaking havoc everywhere, with people left homeless and resorting to the survival of the fittest for their basic needs. Sixteen-year-old Sera Donner and her crippled twin brother are caught in this horrible mess and have to fight against terrorist groups with the help of the other surviving victims. The Europa Humanitarian Aid promises to help, but they will soon learn of the costly price they ask for in return. As they search for answers, a religious group springs up with claims that Sera finds ridiculous. Even her crush, Micah Abrams, seems to have lost his mind with his religious talk. Could there be some truth in their claims? In The Goliath Code: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller (Book One) by Suzanne Leonhard, the battle for survival has only just begun.
Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if civilization crumbled and people had to survive by any means necessary. Suzanne Leonhard does justice to the apocalyptic and survival-of-the-fittest plot by portraying a desperate and terrifying scenario. It felt so real. I found myself wishing I could tell the protagonist what would help her survive better before I recalled that it's just a story. Be aware that it contains a few curse words and several violent scenes (mostly killings by gunshots). The Goliath Code is fast-paced, suspenseful, and spine-chilling. It would be a fantastic option for readers that love an adventurous end-of-the-world or rapture narrative with some key Christian teachings. I loved every thrilling moment of it.