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:
Utopia Project
Everyone Must DIe
Billy Dering
2022 Gold Medal
342 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Utopia Project: Everyone Must Die is a work of fiction in the science fiction genre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Billy Dering. Set in the not too distant future where a string of disparate crises has brought countries all around the world to the brink, multiple governments have conspired together to create a new perfect society. But the society being offered is a lie, and a destructive weapon destroys most of the world’s population. Amongst the devastation, a few desperate survivors struggle to hold on to hope before humanity’s numbers dwindle below a point from which they could possibly never recover.
Dystopian fiction needs a big idea for how the world has gone to hell, and this book goes to a biblical scale in which almost everyone outside of the Utopia Project itself is killed in one strike. Having the survivors not only try to live in the ruins of the old world but actively be hunted through it by those who would kill them for daring to be alive is a harrowing backdrop to the story and keeps the tension and the stakes loftily high at all times. The faces of the survivors are Sara and Kid, who author Billy Dering creates and presents with enormous skill. Never are their needs and values simplified for plot convenience, they always feel like fully fleshed out and very real people. Utopia Project is a story of survival and quickly takes all limits off the table in order to ensure that readers buckle in for a wild ride. I would certainly recommend this book to any fans of dystopian literature.
Recommend this book:
The First Robot President
Robert Carlyle Taylor
2021 Finalist
488 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a sparkling satire. Geraldine Jenkins is shocked to discover her son has purchased a robot wife. Powerless to change his mind, she insists he marry the android in a traditional ceremony. The robot is supposedly programmed to obey the husband in every way, but Thomas Jenkins purchased a model endowed with a college education. The robot desires to experience motherhood, so the couple immediately adopts a child. She also wishes to put her knowledge of political science and economics to use and desires to run for parliament. Thomas stalls her with support roles for some time but eventually has to agree. Esmerelda’s objectivity and refreshing candor result in a surprise election win and successful committee work. She is chosen as a candidate for vice president, and then the unthinkable happens; the president-elect dies, leaving Esmerelda in the highest office.
The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a political comedy the reader can enjoy whatever their partisan affiliation. The narrative is gentle and humorous, with a plot cleverly following the Greens, and a ridiculous robot candidate presented as an alternative to the two major parties. I enjoyed the ironic representation of political manipulation and maneuvering. I also liked the ambiguity that left me uncertain which group Carlyle was mocking the most; the Greens, Republicans, or Democrats! I could identify with the story even though I am an international reader, which proves the caricature has appeal beyond its reflection on domestic politics. I heartily recommend The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor for its entertaining qualities.
Recommend this book:
2HVØRHVNØT
To Have Or Have Not
Jared K Chapman
2021 Honorable Mention
490 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reading dystopian YA novels always seems to be an escapist experience. The plot is typical of the scenario of a world that has fallen from grace, and it is often up to young people to make a difference, save the day, or beat the odds. In 2HVØRHVNØT (To Have Or Have Not), author Jared K. Chapman welcomes you to Fellowship City, a name that is ironic of what this city truly stands for. Here, segregation exists between those with superpowers (Mighties) and those who don’t (Normals), where the former enjoy far better social privileges. This could remind comic book fans of Marvel’s House of M storyline. The tale has a promising start as an ordinary young man named Mario has the rare opportunity to work in a restaurant owned by a Mighty called the Realizer. Trouble ensues for Mario when his employer is murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. From here, Mario becomes a fugitive as he tries to prove his innocence.
If the conflict of man versus society is the novel’s selling point, then it has a relevant twist that is enough to keep you turning pages. It has sufficient tools to dig into character motivation and explore options for a character fighting for self-preservation. Jared K. Chapman’s prose elevates Mario’s fight for survival above its horrific and melodramatic scenarios and in this has its bright moments. As the world continues its fight against a deadly pandemic as well other international tensions and crises, you might ask if the world needs another dystopian tale like To Have Or Have Not. I say why not? Times have changed, and so have the readers of dystopian YA novels. To Have Or Have Not has adapted with its fresh spin on dystopia, and therefore it’s worth giving it a shot.
Recommend this book:
Liberty Bound
Nathaniel M Wrey
2021 Bronze Medal
348 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Liberty Bound by Nathaniel M Wrey is a dystopian novel. Civilization has ended with few survivors who are trapped as prisoners roam free. Finbarl-apcula is tasked with guarding Athenia, keeping the people safe, and punishing those who break the law. He is doing what he thinks is right, defending what is left of civilization and he will lay his life on the line to do so. When a fellow guard threatens a boy and his mother, Finbarl intervenes, setting in motion a chain of events that will bring the only life he has ever known crashing down around him. Questioning the system he once believed in so deeply, Finbarl sets off on a journey of discovery, one that will break his heart in the process as he learns that prison walls aren’t always visible.
Liberty Bound by Nathaniel M Wrey is an amazing story that turns the concept of the imprisoned and the free on its head, where the meaning of freedom means something else entirely. It is a well-written book, descriptive and flowing, drawing you into Finbarl’s world and taking you along for the ride on his journey to the truth. A gripping story, Nathaniel has created a unique plot with plenty of twists and turns and some fantastic characters. In many ways, we can draw some parallels between this story and the world we are all living in right now and it will get you thinking. There are a couple of slow parts but you will be so invested in this story you won’t notice – they certainly won't affect your opinion of the story at all. Great book, and highly recommended for all fans of dystopia and those looking for something that little bit different to read.
Recommend this book:
Red Right Hand
A Post-Apocalyptic Superhero Novel (The Murder of Crows Book 2)
Chris Tullbane
2021 Silver Medal
445 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Red Right Hand is a work of fiction in the post-apocalyptic, dystopian, action, and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Chris Tullbane. Written as the second novel in The Murder of Crows series, this work is suitable for mature audiences owing to the presence of gore, violence, scenes of a sexual nature, and the use of explicit language throughout. Back at the Academy of Heroes, loner Damian is determined to explore his murky past under a new identity. But as he works towards discovery and survival, this unusual superhero soon realizes that he may need more than a solo mission to complete his goals this time around.
Author Chris Tullbane blew the superhero genre out of the water with See These Bones, and this follow-up novel elevates the series and amps up the action once more. Sci-fi and superhero fans will love the fact that the work is conceptually tight, delivering an academy where the danger feels genuine and there is no perfect solution to life’s problems just because you have superpowers. Damian has always been a flawed hero, and I very much enjoyed his growth in this novel as the young man comes to terms with some difficult questions of identity, which will certainly resonate with readers and add emotive realism to this exciting science fiction and fantasy premise. Overall, I would highly recommend Red Right Hand to fans of book one, and the series in general to readers seeking accomplished writing, sleek action, and bold new thinking in the superhero genre.
Recommend this book:
Solar Fury
A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Novel (Shattered Sunlight Book 1)
E.A. Chance
2021 Gold Medal
352 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Solar Fury by E. A. Chance is about the end of civilization as we know it as a result of a solar flare. The story follows a young mom named Riley and her teenage daughter Julia as they get stranded at a hotel in Washington DC after the solar flare hits. They are hundreds of miles from their home and Riley’s other two small children. This is the story of Riley and Julia’s journey through a broken world trying to reach the rest of their family. They are joined by a man named Coop that Riley met in DC before the flare. When disaster strikes the planet, she and Coop barely know each other but their friendship evolves as they help each other through one hardship after another.
I’ve read many books over the years with a similar scenario; the world falls apart and our hero or heroine must travel across the country to reach a particular destination. Solar Fury by E.A. Chance is easily the best of the bunch that I’ve read. There are two reasons why I think this book rises above the rest. One, the author is relentless in the way she gives her characters one trouble after another. Just when you think the danger is over, something else happens. This book kept me guessing from start to finish, wondering how the three main characters were going to survive. The second great thing about this book is the complicated relationships between the three main characters. The author did a great job of showing us how traumatic situations affect human beings both inwardly and outwardly. The strains put on the relationships among the characters are interesting and realistic. Solar Fury is a fast-paced story of fragile human beings working together to overcome overwhelming obstacles.
Recommend this book:
The World Without Flags
Ben Lyle Bedard
2020 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Dystopia
The World Without Flags by Ben Lyle Bedard is a post-apocalyptic sequel to the first installment, The World Without Crows. While the entry novel certainly props up its sequel, the book reads perfectly well as a stand-alone as it follows protagonist Kestrel, also known as Birdie, through her first-person narrative. Birdie and a communal group of survivors are in a perpetual fight against a devastating worldwide plague aptly named the Worm, a parasitic invertebrate that infects its hosts through water and renders them either catatonic or a “crack” into a zombie-like state. The ravaged landscape of what used to be the United States is broken down into pockets of body politic clusters that are incredibly and justly terrified of new outbreaks. A war of power brews between two of these pockets: the Stars and the Gears. When Eric, a man Birdie regards as family, falls ill, Birdie is pushed to the limit to save him against all odds in a new world that offers no mercy.
Ben Lyle Bedard does an excellent job of crafting a fresh story in the dystopian genre with The World Without Flags. The world-building is exceptional and there are no holds barred when it comes to the horror and more violent aspects, offering instead a visually brutal prospect that is reminiscent of The Clockwork Orange in its gritty, terrifying depictions. A prime example of this is the pyres established to burn the dead, who are first pulverized by worms that internally devour hosts, and excreted by flame as it licks away at what's left of a human body. The body count is high and any attachment a reader might have to the ancillary characters will be as short-lived as those who become infected. I loved Birdie's tenacity and the fact that she is a young black woman. I was also impressed by Bedard's pragmatic approach to Birdie's feelings, especially how cognizant she is of a romantic attachment being preposterous even if control over caring is impossible. It's refreshing when an author bends closer to realism. It is the restraint that is the hallmark of a seasoned writer, which Bedard clearly is.
Recommend this book:
Enemy of the Gods
Sometimes, Dreams are Overrated
C. Hofsetz
2020 Honorable Mention
378 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Enemy of the Gods: Sometimes, Dreams are Overrated is a work of science fiction and paranormal fiction penned by author C. Hofsetz. The premise of the novel works with the idea that the realm in which we go to dream is a different but parallel reality altogether, known as Pangea. Here, a race of alien god-like creatures resides, but when they call upon the help of prisoner Zeon on Earth, they expect him to help them with their war. Neuroengineer Zeon knows little of the consequences of failure for without a world in which to dream, the whole of the human race would die.
Exciting, conceptual, gripping and fascinating, this is a novel that ticks all the boxes for a truly alien science fiction experience. Subverting so many of the traditional norms about alien wars, conquest and contact has enabled author C. Hofsetz to create a serious, credible and often quite frightening type of alien ‘god’. Their presence gives chills to the reading experience at every appearance, and the description and struggles of Zeon in between make the whole novel rush by at a breakneck pace. There’s plenty of personal drama for the conflicted Zeon, who is a well-drawn and relatable hero that readers can get behind but also be fascinated by his skills and his past. Scenery descriptions also have that fantastic cinematic quality, making them larger than life and easily imagined in readers’ minds. Overall, Enemy of the Gods is a superb novel with much to offer both casual and hardcore science fiction readers.
Recommend this book:
Past This Point
Nicole Mabry
2020 Bronze Medal
372 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Nicole Mabry’s Past This Point is a dystopian novel about a virus that swept the United States East Coast. The main protagonist, Karis Hylen, found herself trapped inside the quarantine area with dwindling food supplies and only her dog Zeke as her company. She watched in horror as the situation deteriorated, leaving her desperate to escape. As the days passed, cabin fever became another enemy to be conquered as well as the smell of rotting corpses that hung the air. Past This Point is filled with nerve-wracking scenes as Karis not only has to fight her fears but also the worst side of humanity that a pandemic can bring out. It’s a story of finding one’s true self amid daunting adversities.
Nicole Mabry’s Past This Point is a must-read! I found myself relating to Karis Hylen and loving how resourceful she is. The story is so realistic, I was biting my nails while reading it. Nicole Mabry described how a pandemic can bring out the best and the worst in people. It’s a wake-up call that tells us nothing is permanent and the comforts that we have now could be gone in a flash. It also reminded me how lucky I’ve been so far and I took notes of what Karis did to survive, just in case. I was inspired by the development of Karis’ character. I might just take a leaf out of her book in terms of strengthening my stamina; you never know how long we’ll be in this mess.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Found the Sun
Matthew Cox
2020 Silver Medal
424 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
The Girl Who Found The Sun by Matthew S. Cox is a YA sci-fi fantasy set in a futuristic Earth. After decades of world leaders ignoring environmental threats, the planet is finally brought to its knees when the insects die out and a climatic disaster hits. Humanity is nearly wiped out. Less than two hundred people remain in an underground Arc and they are the last of humanity. At least that's what Raven Wilder has been taught all her life. As an engineer who keeps the Arc from falling apart, she's aware of their home's failing systems. The situation is brought to a head when her six-year-old daughter gets sick and a trip to the surface proves that the ground may not be as toxic as they have been led to believe. Raven must not only face her fears but break a centuries-old belief system.
I really loved The Girl Who Found The Sun, not only because I love science fiction but it could not be more relevant than at this particular point in human history. Matthew S. Cox takes a birds-eye view of what could happen if we continue to ignore the planet's environmental woes. The fact that Raven is living at least six generations after an environmental melt-down makes her the perfect judge for this generation. She's part of the generation that has been affected by other people's ignorance and thinks it's stupid to ignore such signs. Make no mistake, this book is not preachy but an entertaining history of what could happen if humanity doesn't wake up. I loved the characters in this book and the plot is thought-provoking. Lovers of the CW's The 100 will love this book.