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 Haunted Purse
Kimberly Baer
2021 Finalist
304 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
The Haunted Purse is a young adult paranormal mystery novel written by Kimberly Baer. As they waited at the counter for Toni to make her purchase at the thrift store, Libby spied a flash of blue denim sticking out of a cardboard box on a counter. She was stunned to discover it was a jeans purse, complete with patch pockets on the back. The retro qualities of the purse were enticing, and she held her breath as she asked the clerk for the price. Libby couldn’t wait to transfer her stuff to her new purse, which was big, almost a tote bag, and that’s how Libby discovered her purse was very peculiar. The physics report she had stashed in it disappeared, something she discovered when she went to turn it in to her teacher. Frantically, Libby emptied out every compartment and pocket onto Ms. Eckhart’s desk and still no report. Then, at the end of class, Libby found the report, exactly where she had put it hours before. Ms. Eckhart agreed not to dock her grade but warned her not to try handing in something late again. Other things seemed to disappear in that purse as well. Toni suggested Libby return the errant and unpredictable purse to the thrift store, but Libby was reluctant to do so. It was her nicest possession, after all, and she had the oddest feeling the purse was trying to tell her something.
Kimberly Baer’s The Haunted Purse features a fifteen-year-old protagonist who’s had to grow up way too fast. Libby’s been effectively deserted by her mom who had her when she was only fourteen years old, and she’s been so careful to not let anyone know she’s been home alone for over a year now -- not even her best friend knows. Libby knows what the foster care system does with kids in her situation, and she knows how to take care of herself. Libby has plans. She’s academically gifted and is determined not to be a teenage mom like her mother and grandmother. Libby’s also curious and cannot resist the challenge of her new purse as it seems to be communicating with her. Who was the girl whose photograph appears in the purse one day, and what happened to her? Baer’s heroine is courageous and determined, and watching as she tackles the mystery of the missing girl from twenty years ago is grand fun. The plot is original, ramping up the suspense terrifically, and the characters are unforgettable. The Haunted Purse is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Twin Torn
Pangea Series: Book 1
Stephan F Rogers
2021 Honorable Mention
258 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Stephan F. Rogers’s Twin Torn is an action-packed young adult fantasy story about Kayala, a prized human pet to the queen Chanovalle, who escapes captivity only to be replaced by her twin, Inalia. The twins were unaware of each other’s existence and are complete opposites. Kayala is a fighter and is tough both mentally and physically. Her sister, Inalia, is very sensitive and isn’t as tough as Kayala. The Queen sends her most trusted guard on a mission and instructs her to take her pet, Kayala, with her. While on their trip, Kayala escapes. Kayala meets Ash, a vampire-like person that doesn’t know who he is, and they develop trust. Ash, in an effort to discover who he is, finds Twister and his master, Jinx, but their meeting only brings more questions. Kayala discovers that her sister has been found by the Queen’s guards and they have taken her into captivity. Kayala begs for the help of Ash and his new group of friends with exceptional gifts to aid in her sister's rescue. The Queen has special plans for her special pet. Will the team be able to arrive in time to save Inalia before the Queen executes her plans?
Stephan F. Rogers’s Twin Torn is masterfully written so that the reader can have a vantage point from all the characters’ points of view. Twin Torn is written almost like watching a movie and the focus of the scenes gives more details about the different characters. Initially, it took me a while to get used to jumping between the different characters' viewpoints, but after completing the story, I did find that Stephan’s execution was perfect for the story; the twins' unfortunate switch, Ash's discovery of who he was before his memory loss, Jinx's path to becoming the being that she was, and queen Chanovalle, and her hunger for revenge and power. Twin Torn is full of action, adventure, magic, fantastic creatures, and enough twists and turns to keep you excited and hungry for more. The way the story ends leads me to believe (or hope) that there will be a sequel, and I anxiously await what exciting adventures Ash, the twins, and his friends will journey on next.
Recommend this book:
Garkain
Book One of The Uluru Legacy
Anna J Walner
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Garkain: Book One of The Uluru Legacy by Anna J. Walner is an exciting urban fantasy novel that bends the genres and breaks the rules. The story opens with lead character Amelia musing on a flight back to the States about wanting to delete her former life. A great hook. She reviews recent events in her life, and this is how we are introduced to this compelling character and this exceptionally engaging story. Though some of the themes will be familiar to you--vampire and werewolf--you will be completely surprised in a very good way. Amelia's backstory is fascinating. Having been left at a Houston hospital 25 years earlier, she grew up searching for her biological family. Then she receives an odd text saying that it was time for her to "come home", and that The Colony needed her. The Colony? Things get even more intriguing, and this is what Walner does best. She builds intrigue, mystery, and suspense--first with the story and plot, then the characters, then the execution. She does this in a way that entices the audience without giving too much away all at once.
Just when you think the story is all set, another layer is peeled back, like the bloodlines Amelia comes from--Garkain on her mother's side, and Larougo on her father's. These are two separate secret societies, one vampire, the other werewolf. At birth, she was given away, not killed, and now she's being summoned home for a reason. I do like the fully-fleshed-out character of Amelia, and how she handles these mind-blowing revelations. You feel her character growth along with her, not just as a bystander reading a story. Walner's style draws you in and holds you through the plotlines. I like that the characters aren't always clear-cut, and the way the author changes the legendary werewolf and vampire trope. Roan is a great character, and I like the chemistry between him and Amelia. For a fresh, clever, dynamic drama that will leave you wanting more, Garkain: Book One of The Uluru Legacy by Anna J. Walner is a must-read. Fans of Twilight and Underworld will love this book.
Recommend this book:
Russian Roulette
Helena Hawthorn Series Book 1
May Freighter
2021 Silver Medal
446 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Russian Roulette by May Freighter is book one of the Helena Hawthorn series. Helena Hawthorn is excited to embark on the next chapter of her life, moving out of her mum and stepdad's house and in with her two best friends for an easier commute to college. Along with her guardian angel, Michael, watching over her, nothing can go wrong, or so she thought. When Michael takes her to the Angel Realm, she ends up connecting her soul to that of Lucious, a vampire on the run, avoiding his trail and fate. Her life takes a more complicated turn when she crosses path with the vampire, who drags her into the middle of his world. Not knowing who trust, and having to rely on herself, Helena fights against the vampires who want to control her.
I couldn't put it down! Every chapter left me wanting more! This is best suited for readers that love darker themes. The world that Helena ends up in is dark and twisted, springing off the decisions she makes to save her friend. Helplessness is a large theme in the novel, with the further Helena gets into the vampire world, the more nerve wrecking and violent it becomes. May Freighter gives hope and light to even the darkest of moments, with a heroine that is strong willed and feisty. Helena doesn't always make the best decisions, but she owns up to that and she keeps fighting back. A lot of Helena's experiences are stifling and oppressive, very nightmarish, but I believe she has the strength to fight against the vampires' system. It's clear her story is just beginning. Russian Roulette is dark, addictive, with an air of mystery, and a unique take on fate. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Recommend this book:
Anchored
Bridget E. Baker
2021 Gold Medal
412 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
In Anchored by Bridget E. Baker, we are first introduced to Alora and her world called Terra. Her special ability is referred to as Lifting, which is a power that no other woman on Terra has. She has hidden her ability her entire life because the people who care for her have insisted that it would be dangerous if others found out. Then, we realize that Terra and her life in this world are all in her dreams. She and her brother, Jesse, live on Earth and have been running from their own problems. Alora has three rules that she lives by: take care of her brother, avoid being noticed, and don’t trust anyone. But when her two worlds begin collapsing into one another, her rules are getting harder and harder to follow.
Wow. Just wow. I had a feeling this book would be good, but I was not prepared to be so drawn into this world that it would be so hard to leave it. First, the cover is beyond beautiful. I can’t get enough of it. Second, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time: not just the middle or the end, but literally from the first page to the last page. The two very different worlds are such a mystery throughout the story, and you find yourself trying to figure it all out right along with Alora, which was great fun! Then you have the brilliantly written characters and their relationships with each other. It felt so completely real. I never once questioned the authenticity of it. And the best part of it was the non-stop, action-packed, exciting plot. All I can say is, Bridget E. Baker, where have you been all my life? I can’t believe this is her only book that I have read. I will most definitely be reading more of her work. This book has it all: suspense, mystery, love, action, romance, war, you name it. And it is all perfectly combined to produce the perfect story and the perfect beginning to what I know will be a fantastic series.
Recommend this book:
K-9 Cop
Case#1 The Dreck Report
Erna Mueller
2020 Silver Medal
220 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
“You are such a dog, Spencer. One of these days you're going to turn into one!” To his colleagues, thirty-six-year-old Lieutenant Spencer Watley is a jerk. He’s a playboy, dislikes kids and is rude to everybody. Nevertheless, he works hard to bring down the Cyber Killers Gang; a group he believes is linked to the old Tech City Gang, which was responsible for his father’s death. He also adores and cares about his K-9 partner, Pepper.
K-9 Cop: Case#1 The Dreck Report by Erna Mueller is a story where fate will bring Spencer and a teenager named Justin together in unusual circumstances. Spencer died while on duty and arrives in Heaven, yet the gatekeeper won’t let him in. Spencer needs to complete the Jerk Redemption Program requirement to gain entry. His mission: to make the Andrews family whole again. Justin Andrews is a bright teen, but troublesome and depressed when his mother died. His father is buried in his work and doesn’t know how to deal with the loss, and his older sister Vicky has too much responsibility on her shoulders.
I’m ambivalent about some implausible parts of the story such as, while in a dog’s body, Spencer manages to put a shower cap on his head to take a bath. Formatting and editing can be more polished, nevertheless they are compensated by a great premise, a fast-paced plot and clear-cut narrative. Erna has done well with the characterization and unpredictable twists in the plot are a great bonus. Spencer is not the only one with a special mission on earth; another dog named King seems to be in a same boat as him. All in all, K-9 Cop is an entertaining and whimsical book that all YA and mature readers can enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Kingdom of Embers
Alena's Story
Tricia Copeland
2020 Gold Medal
334 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
In Tricia Copeland's Kingdom of Embers, Alana Scott moved a lot. Her mother was looking for something but refused to reveal what. It was her final year of school, but at least she had moved just in time to complete cheerleader tryouts, earning the scorn of the current team captain, but bullies were the least of her concern. It was hard enough having pale skin and an eating condition; she was a vampire-witch hybrid, a being that had been outlawed due to the tremendous power they could wield. Alana must protect her secrets, but when she comes face-to-face with the older version of her childhood playmate her resolve wavers; she needs to tell him the truth. Everyone had told her Chase and Ivy had been imaginary, no one else had seen them, but Alana had known better, she had known they were real. What she didn't know was that on their quest for answers they would uncover a threat they had never imagined could exist, one which could alter the very shape of the future.
Kingdom of Embers is the first book in Tricia Copeland's Kingdom Journals series. Written in an engaging first-person narrative, you will be whisked away on a YA urban paranormal adventure centering around Alana, a girl whose problems run deeper than anyone can imagine, and they are just beginning. I really enjoyed the scene-building and atmosphere created as we are drawn into Alana's life, uncovering secrets, and watching as she keeps her own from the ones who are trying to protect her. Mystery, suspense, friendship, and danger fill the pages as Alana begins to uncover a looming threat, and with local murders, rogue vampires, and bullies, it is taking every ounce of her restraint to hold back the power both sides of her wield. With characters ranging from teenagers to ancient supernatural beings, you have a wide variety of strong characters to know and love. Kingdom of Embers truly is an engaging read. It will have you hooked from beginning to end, and leaving you wanting more, desperate to uncover the dark plans whose foundations have already been already laid.
Recommend this book:
The Butterfly Stone
The Stones of Power Book 1
Laurie Bell
2020 Bronze Medal
345 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
The Butterfly Stone by Laurie Bell is the first book in The Stones of Power series. Tracey Masters is a young Mage-Kind that has the life of a typical teenager - spending time with her friends, arguing with her family, and killing time on the internet and the Mage-net - except she’s not your typical teenager. She has a job working for her Private Investigator uncle and has dreams of one day joining his business. She just has to prove herself first. When a woman shows up asking for help, Tracey and her uncle are put on the case to find a missing necklace that brings Tracey to unexpected places, including meeting a charming prince. As she searches for the missing necklace, she still finds time to gush over the new boy at school with her best friends, fight for her life against a dangerous shadow, and uncover a shocking secret about herself.
The tone is through Tracey's voice which makes the story upbeat and with an emotional core that comes from her self-discovery. The setting is a fun urban fantasy that has magic blended into modern society through the Mage-kind that have magic and abilities, and even their own internet, the Mage-Net. The story has three components that are key elements of Tracey’s journey: the mystery, her family, and school, which includes her friends. Laurie Bell weaves several layers together with everything revolving around a missing necklace. Her family is at the center of her story as they worry about her working for her uncle and often serve as conflict as they try to keep her out of danger. An added emotional element is woven into her journey as she takes up teaching her younger sister and an arrogant classmate new to his abilities. The third aspect of her story is her school life which shows her as a normal teenager dealing with classes, friends, and bullies. Her friend group serves as her support system while adding some lightheartedness to her life by gossiping about the new guy, gushing about meeting a prince, and handling bullies together. Bell creates a fun and upbeat mystery in The Butterfly Stone which has action, magic, and heart, seen in her various relationships with friends and family.
Recommend this book:
Dark Soul Experiments
Bre Hall
2020 Honorable Mention
263 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Dark Soul Experiments by Bre Hall is the first book in the Dark Souls Chronicles. Ren’s life was ordinary. She spent her days hanging out with her best friend Alfie, who had changed since a car accident a few months ago, and dealing with a stepmother that keeps getting into her business. Then a trip to the antique store introduces her to the handsome Peter who leaves a mysterious bracelet for her with charms that, when opened, take her back to a past life. She learns that a curse has splintered her soul and each past life has been forced to die tragically as a result, but now she must reunite her soul before an unsuspecting enemy finishes the job started years ago.
Bre Hall weaves between the present and the past as Ren discovers her shocking origins and delves into the memories of her past lives, each of which has died young. Each of the memories provides a look at her past selves with each playing a key component in how events in the present unfold. Each past life has a similar spunky quality that Ren has and a strength that’s clear it’s still her but they’re also unique in their personalities and experiences which are drawn from the time period they’re from. Hall explores a mystery element as the secrets of her past lives and the curse is slowly revealed which Ren realizes puts her in more danger than she knew. Ren is a little old-fashioned in her personality which is a nice way to wink at her past lives with each new discovery fueling the story toward a surprising twist, a complex world, and a tragic turn of events. Dark Soul Experiments delves into curses, past lives, and self-discovery through a journey that explores history, reincarnation, friendship, and life. A great read for young adults.
Recommend this book:
The Light of the Dying
The Girl, the Pendant & the Portal, Book 2
Michelle Reynoso
2020 Finalist
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Struggling to prevent an apocalyptic event, a group of teens battles an evil entity from another world in the thrilling urban fantasy novel The Light Of the Dying (The Girl, The Pendant & The Portal, Book 2) by Michelle Reynoso. Recently Faith discovered her mother is not who she seems and has ties to another world, and Faith can alter and manipulate energy. With the death of her mother and an entity from another world after her powers, Faith has a lot on her plate. Thirteen days ago, Faith, her brother, and boyfriend nearly died at the scene of a house fire where she captured the unnamed being in a box. However, due to her collapse and subsequent stay in the hospital, Faith lost the container holding the monster. The need to keep the entity imprisoned drives Faith to sneak out of the hospital and begin her search for the box. But with her unpredictable powers and Screamers distracting her, can Faith accomplish her mission? Or will she fall victim to an otherworldly evil?
The Light Of the Dying (The Girl, The Pendant & The Portal Book 2) by Michelle Reynoso is a thrilling young adult urban fantasy filled with action and drama. Moving along at a fast pace, it is a thrilling and irresistible tale that once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down until I reached the astounding conclusion. The characters in the story are engaging and make excellent contrasts for the protagonist. Faith's personality is intense, and it is fascinating to witness her gaining control of her unique talents. Although the story comes to an exciting and abrupt end, it leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the sequel. With an intriguing plot and a gripping storyline, I recommend it to everyone who loves urban fantasy sagas with teenage heroines and heroes.