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 Witch of Blacklion
Joy Ross Davis
2020 Bronze Medal
256 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The Witch of Blacklion by Joy Ross Davis is an exquisitely written story that takes place in the village of Blacklion, Northern Ireland during World War I. This wonderfully written tale begins with the introduction of its two guardians, Old Shelly and Mordecai. Mordecai is a Guardian Angel, and Old Shelly is a beautiful shape-shifter who assumes the role of a mysterious old witch accused of being a baby killer. This event happened when a woman brought her infant baby to Old Shelly to cure her ailing child. Old Shelly unsuccessfully tried to tell the mother that there was no hope. So when the mother pleaded desperately for Shelly to help her, Shelly took the terminally ill baby inside and cradled it until the little one passed. When the baby was brought back out, the mother began screaming at Shelly and accusing her of killing her baby. All it took was one witness to the exchange for the mantle of "Baby Killer" to be associated with Old Shelly forever. For the most part, the story is based on the lives of two families. The first one is Rory Dunlavy, his wife, Mazey, and their 5-year-old son, Piglet. The second family is Dr. Richard Haynes and his wife, Laura, to whom Richard proposed immediately upon meeting her.
Ms. Davis does a remarkable job of bringing this story to life. When Laura meets some fashion designers from the United States, they invite her and her mother to come visit. On the return trip, however, after describing the elegance of the luxury cruiser, The Lusitania, all I could think was, "Oh oh! Not good!" Sure enough, when the conversation of the war was brought up, and Laura mentioned safety on board, her mother commented that during war, no one was safe. Right on cue, disaster strikes in the form of two German U-boat torpedoes. Joy Ross Davis's description of the disaster was done flawlessly, as well as the trauma that ensued for the survivors.
The Witch of Blacklion was an amazing read from start to finish. At first I wondered why the author introduced the major characters at the beginning, but was glad that she did because she supplied the background for the story, much like the stage settings for a play. All of the characters were diverse and very real for that time and era. Joy Ross Davis really captured the landscapes, the cultures, and the events of the early 1900s. I highly recommend this wonderful story. It was told so vividly that you could actually visualize everything. All I could say at the end was, "Wow! What a story!" Brava!
Recommend this book:
Blossom of Gold
NecroSeam Chronicles Book 5
Ellie Raine
2020 Silver Medal
524 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Blossom of Gold is a work of epic fantasy fiction with plenty of action and conceptual delights and was penned by author Ellie Raine. The fifth and final novel in the NecroSeam Chronicles series, this ending to the saga contains some mild profanity and graphic violence, which makes it largely suitable to adult and mature YA readers alike. In this darkly conceptualized world, we are introduced to Reapers and the undead alike – though the undead are mutated demons from whom the seam of life (the titular NecroSeam) has been left uncut. The undead are about to be unwittingly enslaved to fight a war that could bring about the End of Existence, with twins Xavier and Alexander standing right in their path.
Author Ellie Raine has developed a truly superb and fully engrossing fantasy world like nothing I’ve ever read before. The concept of Grim Reapers and undead demons may not seem new, but through Raine’s intelligent revisioning and extensive work in lore and worldbuilding, this world filled with dark realms, nature, life, and death is one that is completely realized and totally unique. The action for twin brothers Xavier and Alexander comes thick and fast as the end draws near, and the use of prophecy and magical quests feels apt and authentic, not trope-like or overdone. This makes for a truly compelling adventure novel with dark twists everywhere, and some truly frightening images that stay with you long after reading. Overall, Blossom of Gold is a superb work that is highly recommended for fantasy fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Moon Deeds
Star Children Saga
Palmer Pickering
2020 Gold Medal
600 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Moon Deeds is the first book in the fantasy saga Star Children, an adventure written for adults by author Palmer Pickering. In the not too distant future, technology and magic are at odds as a dictatorship rules the earth and the moon becomes the only land of freedom for humanity. Born into each millennium are the Star Children, protectors who must unlock their shamanic heritage and use that magic to restore balance to humankind. This time the mantle falls to twins Cassidy and Torr, who inherit land on the moon where they can escape and be free. But their freedom, and that of the many others like them across the galaxy, comes at a price.
There are some powerfully adult themes at play in this epic-length space opera, making the character-driven emotional plot just as important as the galaxy-wide savior story at play in the wider story arc. Fantasy and science fiction fans will enjoy the combination of alien sci-fi elements, super tech, fantasy magic, and old mythologies, which are all woven into the everyday plot with great credibility. Author Palmer Pickering handles the balance of interpersonal drama and plot progression well, and fans of series like Star Trek and Doctor Who are sure to appreciate such craftsmanship. Overall, Moon Deeds encompasses all the exciting elements of a political overthrow drama with a fantasy/magic space opera and is a highly recommended read for fantasy fans everywhere. It promises to be the start of a very exciting and emotionally intense saga.
Recommend this book:
The Black Widow Connection
Blue Star Book 1
TK Rising
2019 Finalist
221 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
As a book reviewer, it’s not often I’m lost for words (in a good way, I hasten to add), but The Black Widow Connection (Blue Star Book 1) by TK Rising has had that distinct effect on me. What I thought was a simple story of an abused woman beaten down by society suddenly morphed into something totally different. It threw me for six and had me thinking deeply about philosophical insights into our purpose of being. Tracy Kirin had a tough life. She was abused as a child by her father and neglected by a mother who knew about the abuse and did nothing. She drifted through her life, forming only partially meaningful relationships, drifting from job to job, never really putting her roots down anywhere, always tormented by unexpected tragedies and weird dreams. She is determined not to repeat the sins of her parents but is unable to ever feel “at home” or “comfortable” anywhere – and then she dies. I’m not even going to hint at what happens to Tracy after she dies as I’d hate to spoil the surprise for future readers but, suffice it to say, it surprised, shocked and stunned me.
The Black Widow Connection (Blue Star Book 1) is right up there among the oddest and yet strangely most satisfying books I’ve ever read. Author TK Rising’s imagination and interesting theories (if that’s what they are) make for fascinating reading in the second half of the book. The whole premise of the book turns upside down in part two of the story and it is that premise that makes this story such compelling reading. Having written off the character, Tracy, as a hopeless and incapable woman, suddenly the reader is introduced to a new woman, one who has the ability to make a massive difference in the future of humanity and life on earth. This juxtaposition between live Tracy and dead Tracy is what lifts this story out of its sad and listless beginnings. A very readable story suddenly becomes a totally compelling tale. I salute the author’s bravery and note that this is merely the first of a series of Blue Star books. I can only say, I am compelled to read on and see what happens next.
Recommend this book:
Willow of Ashes
NecroSeam Chronicles | Book One
Ellie Raine
2019 Honorable Mention
434 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
I really enjoyed Willow of Ashes, Book One of the NecroSeam Chronicles by Ellie Raine. I’m glad I came into the series at Book One. This is one of the most fascinating and weird universes I have ever encountered. I like that. Think of it. A world where death rules. A world where everyone and everything is centered around death. A world where death is not as permanent and unknowable as it is here in our world. I found it intriguing. I have seen epic world building in science fiction before but never have I seen it done on this scale in a magical setting. Ellie Raine has quite the imagination and she shares it with us like a master storyteller. Her world is rich, mysterious, inviting, and frightening at the same time. You will want to visit it again and again.
Ellie Raine has a unique voice which fits her story and this world perfectly. The setting is powerful and never have I seen the theme of death explored so intimately. Necromancy is not new but, as far as I know, it has never been explored or utilized as it is here. The characters are unique, and the plot is driven along in part by that very uniqueness. Xavier and Alexander are twins with a big problem. How this happened and how it will be resolved will change everything. Every character is interesting not only as a character but as representations of their various species. Willow of Ashes is a deep book and a little dark. But it is a lot of fun.
Recommend this book:
The Indivisible and the Void
Age of Axion Book 1
D.M. Wozniak
2019 Bronze Medal
579 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
“A lie is just another form of ownership.” The science fiction worlds of D.M. Wozniak are littered with intelligence, creativity, and emotionally relevant, present moment details, making them wonderfully satisfying to any reader. It is impossible to discuss/review The Indivisible and The Void without first making these important observations, for the mechanics of serious writing must be mastered in order to create this kind of highly plausible, fascinating, fantastic fiction in a genre prone to hyperbolic shallowness when explored by lesser mortals. D.M. Wozniak gets it right. He knows that character drives a great story, and that internal consistency drives the world of science fiction. All authors risk their reader’s abrupt loss of attention and loyalty should they lazily or inadvertently ignore either character or place. Wozniak does neither.
In The Indivisible and The Void, D.M. Wozniak gets it more than right. Immediately immersed into a future/ancient world meticulously but quickly brought into the reader’s view, one feels present in a most appealing way, as if he or she belongs. Even the advanced science (magical in its maturity) feels natural to this society that appears medieval (or even older). The plot ignites right from the start: intimate betrayal, with a related compulsive mystery to unravel, and sudden if unintended treachery towards a ruthless king. All this for a main character who is able to bend at will the basic elements of reality, if not without enduring personal limitations or inciting escalating, untold consequences. Add to this the uninvited help of a young woman skilled solely in the oldest of professions… Are you hooked? Of course, you are! You should be. This is inspired writing, and a truly excellent, sometimes heart-stopping, sometimes explosive, science fiction/fantasy read.
Recommend this book:
Destroyer's Blood
The Blood Series Book 1
Michael D Lynes
2019 Silver Medal
282 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Destroyer's Blood: The Adventures of Devcalion is the first entry in The Blood Series by Michael Lynes, a gripping fantasy with strong hints of Greek mythology. Meet Devcalion, “Dev,” a demigod, son of Prometheus and nephew of Zeus. He has a telepathic sword and a very close friend called Betrayer, "Tray". When we encounter Dev, he and his friend are climbing up Half Dome. An encounter with Hermes changes everything, driving Dev to the last place he wants to be — Mt. Olympus. Dev and Tray are pulled into a war they never bargained for, a war against the greatest enemy of Zeus. With the darkest power in the universe bent on wreaking havoc, do they have any chance of surviving?
Michael Lynes’ novel will have a strong appeal for fans of Rick Riordan. The author creates characters that readers will love and enriches them with powerful links to the mythical world most readers have grown to adore. It begins with a stream of consciousness, a kind of soliloquy that exposes the complexities in Dev's personality, who happens to be the narrator. The first person narrative voice is irresistible, and it draws the reader into the worldview of the main character, making them feel the heat of the action that punctuates the narrative.
Destroyer's Blood: The Adventures of Devcalion is filled with vivid descriptions and the story is infused with a rare sense of realism. Although the setting is an imaginary mythological world, it is filled with elements and details that reflect human reality. The conflict is phenomenal and defines the excitement the reader experiences as they follow the compelling characters. I enjoyed the humor, the beauty of the prose, and the focused, skillfully crafted scenes.
Recommend this book:
Rooms of Ruin
Blood of the Isir Book 2
Erik Henry Vick
2019 Gold Medal
507 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Rooms of Ruin is the second entry in the Blood of the Isir series by Erik Henry Vick, an epic fantasy packed with action, fast-paced, and set against the backdrop of an exciting imaginary world. A wicked queen, a curse from a cunning god, a traitor, and a trap that could end it all. A courageous man, Hank Jensen has proven that he still has what it takes to save his family. After battling powerful creatures and eluding the evil queen, he and his family are trapped in Osgarthr, and there is only one way out — journey to the rooms of ruin to reopen portals that connect the two worlds. But it’s what the evil queen has anticipated and she’s laid a trap for them. With a traitor among his friends, can Hank escape a grim fate?
Erik Henry Vick is a wonderful storyteller. He begins the story in the midst of scheming on the part of the evil ones. Readers get an idea of the severity of the crisis and understand that the protagonist could be walking into the jaws of death with his family. Hank is a compelling character and readers will enjoy following him as he struggles with a rare illness, a curse from a god, which continually weakens him. There are themes of friendship, family, and magic that are well developed, giving the story a sense of reality that enriches it. The chapters are designed to offer readers an engaging reading experience, each ending with an intelligent invitation to move on to the next one. The author is a master at creating suspense, developing subplots in the story that leave readers suspended, wondering what could happen next. This is a work of great imagination and I couldn’t help but be pulled in by the world building. The setting is a magical world with unique elements, the conflict is phenomenal, and the plot is well imagined and executed with brilliance. This novel is a great escape for fans of fantasy — hugely entertaining and infused with realism.
Recommend this book:
Curses of Scale
S.D. Reeves
2018 Finalist
297 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Curses of Scale by S.D. Reeves is a journey of magic and self-discovery. Teenager Niena has one dream: to attend an elite college to become a bard. Just as a dragon awakens and terrorizes the land, Niena takes advantage of an opportunity and runs away, but this decision takes her on a course of action she isn't expecting. She finds herself on a journey through a fey realm, where she discovers magic and a startling secret about her destiny. She's to slay the dragon and save those she loves, but when she kills the dragon she's cursed to become it. As she flees through the land, she's trailed by her grandfather, Oberon of the fairies, and the future husband she won't meet for years. Unsure who she can trust, Niena relies on her strength and her dreams to save her future.
Niena's grandfather refuses to let her go to college or to become a bard, so the second she sees an opportunity she takes off and embarks on a personal quest. She ends up in a magical world that's beyond what she's imagined but she also discovers a darkness in her destiny. She's not like the usual heroine and doesn't set out to make a big change; instead she just wants to follow her dreams and becoming a hero just falls into place. Oberon is a big personality with motives that are left as a mystery until the end. He's got a playful quality in the way he talks with taunts and riddles, a certain amount of madness about him, and is a little bit mischievous and dangerous. But he helps connect the threads together, playing a key role in how events unfold. He also provides a lot of humor, especially seen when he tries to bargain with Calem and suggests the payment option of pickles. S.D. Reeves twists several threads together, but slowly all the threads of the story come together. Curses of Scale is a coming of age tale with a lot to say about life and taking charge of one's destiny in the search for independence.
Recommend this book:
The Gypsy Thorn
An Evening Bower Prequel
Sherry Rentschler
2018 Honorable Mention
201 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Long ago the city of Atlantis thrived, but jealousy between factions caused its demise and destruction. Three people thought they were going to survive and they carried out the Great Book. This book contained the legends of their land and all lands, but the survivors were not meant to be, and the Phoenix, who had left Atlantis years before after the death of her mate, found and destroyed them. As the angel of death watched, for he could not intervene, he realized that the great prophecy was beginning. Drahomira would become a key to the prophecy, and the angel of death watched over her until the time for the prophecy. The Gypsy Thorn is the story of the life and trials of Drahomira from her birth and transformation into an upire, or vampire, until modern day. The story spans centuries and accounts for so much time and history. Author Sherry Rentschler weaves a story that gives the background to the coming Evening Bower series that is full of history and events, yet stands alone as the story of Drahomira's coming of age.
The Gypsy Thorn is the prequel to the Evening Bower Series, and as such it fills in the time from the beginning of the story until the present day, when the prophecy is occurring. Author Sherry Rentschler is able to give a lot of history and events that readers will probably need to know for the Evening Bower series. At the same time, she has made this book the coming of age story of Drahomira, her life and growth into the vampire Queen that she is destined to become. Since this is a prequel, to say that it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger is moot; readers already know that the story is to continue and the best parts are yet to come. Drahomira is an intriguing character. She has so many layers, and is complex yet simple. This is definitely a book that fans of vampires and angels will enjoy. Betrayal, backstabbing, and deceit all play large roles in this novel, and in the coming of age of Drahomira, who can she trust and is there really anyone on her side at all?