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:
Looking for Life
A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories
Clayton Graham
2021 Finalist
214 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories by Clayton Graham is a must-read for all science fiction fans out there. Reminiscent of those anthologies and short stories that propelled the golden age of science fiction, Clayton Graham’s elegant and engaging writing style as well as his grasp of a scene and environment makes every short story an entire adventure in itself.
Clayton Graham has elegantly crafted a superb collection of short stories, where every word matters, and none is wasted. It is not easy to incorporate twists and turns in the small number of words allocated to each story but Graham manages to build solid stories and deliver fulfilling endings. From Verne to Shelley, Asimov, and Bradbury, science fiction has primarily dealt with imagination coupled with two extremes; hope and horror. Graham manages to capture the terrors of the fantastic while sprinkling in the persistent and enduring feeling of hope that underlies the actual journey of the human race.
The author’s exploration of fear and how each impacts behavior, both in mundane and fantastic environments, puts into perspective current real-life situations. Most people look at an anthology of science fiction short stories as something they can breeze through, some light reading on a slow day. However, the impact of each story is enough to make me pause and ruminate afterward, my own imagination soaring starting at the point where the author left off. Each story in Looking for Life is just the tip of the iceberg, a snapshot of unique individual universes ripe for exploration.
Recommend this book:
Vicarious
A Science Fiction Novel
Rhett C. Bruno
2021 Honorable Mention
418 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Vicarious by Rhett C. Bruno is a science fiction fantasy about the future of popular entertainment and how it affects two very different people. Mission is the name of a young woman who has spent her entire life on board a space vessel that carries the last surviving humans through space on their way to live on another planet. The ship she lives on is called Ignus. Asher is a young man who has spent his entire life watching Mission and the rest of the inhabitants of Ignus on a TV reality show called Ignus Live. Asher is obsessed with the show, especially its star, Mission. Mission has no idea that Asher or anyone exists on the planet that her ancestors came from: Earth. When a slip-up occurs among the film crew that produces Ignus Live, a small problem begins to grow into something that could cause harm to Mission. Asher, desperate to protect Mission, considers doing something that he has sworn never to do; interfere.
I loved everything about Vicarious. Author Rhett C. Bruno has a vivid imagination that translates skillfully to the page to become a masterpiece of fast-paced sci-fi entertainment. As I read the two separate but interlocking stories of Asher and Mission, I couldn’t help but feel like one of the obsessed viewers that inhabit Asher’s world. I couldn’t get enough of their plight as their two stories devolved into desperate measures only to eventually find hope. In other words, I couldn’t put the book down. It was that good. Both worlds, Asher’s entertainment obsessed Earth and Mission’s claustrophobic yet endearing space existence, were so well described in the book that either could have been a complete book on its own. But, combining the worlds and watching them collide with one another was a breath-taking experience. I highly recommend Vicarious for anyone looking for a book that is exciting, fun, and heartwarming.
Recommend this book:
Wall of Fire
Melanie Tays
2021 Bronze Medal
251 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
A teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic world inadvertently finds herself competing in a contest for the right to live in a secure environment in the dystopian novel Wall of Fire (Wall of Fire Series: Book 1) by Melanie Tays. With a deadly pandemic devastating the world, twelve domes are set up to protect the unaffected citizens. The dome-city Emery lives in is divided into three portions, the Flame, the Smoke, and the Ash. Emery and her family live in the Smoke, and even though life is tough and challenging, they are protected from the virus. Now that she is seventeen, Emery can compete in the Burning to have the chance to live in the Flame, a more hospitable environment, but the risk of losing and being exiled to the Ash is too great. However, when Emery sneaks beyond the Flame to acquire the only means for her brother's survival, she is caught and forced to compete in the Burning. Can Emery win a place in the Flame? Or will she be banished to the Ash?
Wall of Fire (Wall of Fire Series: Book 1) by Melanie Tays is an exciting post-apocalyptic novel set in a dystopian world. Dramatic and intense, the story and setting are reminiscent of Suzanne Collin's novel and the 2012 film, The Hunger Games. Skillfully written, the story flows at a brisk pace, the intensity, and anticipation building a compelling story arc that snowballs to an unexpected and electrifying conclusion. With engaging characters and a unique setting, I was captivated from the first page until the last. This book is the first in a spectacular series, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the sequels. It is a riveting post-apocalyptic novel, and I highly recommend it to everyone from twelve years old on up who enjoys speculative fiction and dystopian stories.
Recommend this book:
In the Orbit of Sirens
The Song of Kamaria
T. A. Bruno
2021 Silver Medal
514 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
In the Orbit of Sirens, the first part of The Song of Kamaria series, is a work of science fiction and dystopia by author T. A. Bruno. Set in a world where members of the human race are now part of an endangered species, the book follows two characters working to provide refuge for what’s left of humanity on the planet Kamaria. Whilst the new world seems like a paradise, it comes with new dangers; first and foremost a deadly disease, the cure to which is closely guarded by the locals. But as the effort to treat ‘lung-lock’ pushes forward, it accidentally causes an even more dangerous threat that could wipe out humanity once and for all.
Author T. A. Bruno delivers a dystopian delight which is truly out of this world, and one which I enjoyed immensely. This was right on the money for my favorite kind of fiction, not least for its lavish, vivid depictions of a desolate world and desperation for survival, but also because of the keen parallels to our own contemporary lives that are hidden in the dark shadows of the piece. The work is well suited and accessible to all readers, tense without being graphic, emotive without overreaching. The characters are also deeply considered with some very dynamic dialogue that digs into their psychology in this brave new world. Overall, I would highly recommend In the Orbit of Sirens as a must-read for sci-fi and dystopian fans who want to embark on an original and engrossing new series. Unmissable.
Recommend this book:
Journey to the Hopewell Star
Hannah D. State
2021 Gold Medal
278 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
The destiny of two planets depends on a twelve-year-old girl and her acquisition of a highly advanced astrological technology that disappeared many years ago in the science fiction fantasy Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State. Sam Sanderson's parents are notable scientists who are on a secret project and have left Sam at the farm in her grandfather's care. Unable to visit her on her twelfth birthday, her parents send her presents with Boj, a young man from another planet. Among her gifts are two specific items that will transform her life. One is The Mind Traveler's Teachings, a book from her father, and another is a small device that opens a wormhole to other galaxies. Taking a trip with Boj to his home planet Kryg, Sam discovers that the fate of the earth is far worse than previously thought. Kryg is in trouble as well and on the verge of extinction. According to an old prophecy, Sam is the one who can prevent both earth and Kryg from their self-imposed destruction by locating the missing Hopewell Star. But where can a twelve-year-old girl look for a highly technologically advanced creation? And how can she launch planetary modifications that will benefit two worlds?
Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State is a thrilling science fiction novel set in another galaxy as well as on earth. It has an exciting plot, colorful story worlds, unique characters, and fascinating creatures. The protagonists are engaging and likable and are people you want to meet again. Sam is wise for her age, and her methods for dealing with bullies are unique as well as entertaining and commendable. Including action-packed scenes, a deadly conflict, and a formidable villain, it is a spellbinding story that is impossible to put down. It is a sensational tale that will delight readers aged eight to twelve years old who enjoy thrilling science fiction fantasy stories containing ordinary girls who become extraordinary heroines.
Recommend this book:
David - Savakerrva, Vol 1
A New Science Fiction Adventure Series
Lawrence Brown
2020 Finalist
614 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
David - Savakerrva, Vol 1 by Lawrence Brown is an awesome novel. It takes a trope as old as time and does something new and refreshing with it. At every stage, I wondered what would happen next, and at every stage Lawrence Brown surprised me. I have been waiting for this novel since the 1970s or '80s when I saw a movie called Star Man with Jeff Bridges. David – Savakerrva, Vol 1 is so much better than that movie. It is better from the very first page. When the King meets Ana, it could have gone badly in so many ways, but the story unfolds exactly as I hoped it would. This is exactly the tale that I wanted, even though I didn’t know it at the time. It is a beautiful story, full of mystery, suspense, close calls, and action. It is a tale of destiny and how finding your purpose can make all the difference in the world.
There's no doubt about it; Lawrence Brown’s writing and his ability at laying out a plot are the strongest features of this novel. Don’t get me wrong, the characters are good. I was especially impressed with David’s mother, Ana. She is a strong independent woman with a fierce spirit and a good heart. She is a romantic in a practical way that the best female characters are. To tell the truth, I didn’t like her son at first. I didn’t see anything special about him. I saw nothing worthy of her. But he grows into his role and that is a delight to behold. The setting is done well and contributes to the overall mood of the story. I found it reminiscent of reading a Norse saga. In short, I loved David – Savakerrva, Vol 1. It is a great book, especially for young people who might feel a little lost in this world.
Recommend this book:
Mind of Mine
C. F. E. Black
2020 Honorable Mention
302 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
“Sharing thoughts with fifteen other people sometimes makes me forget which one I am, which name is mine, whose hands are attached to my wrists, whose face looks back at me from the mirror. We stream thoughts for progress and we stream thoughts for punishment. Thought sharing is our reward and our chastisement because it is both exciting and terrifying, especially depending on how long it lasts.” In Mind Of Mine by C. F. E. Black, Valeria is one of the 16 members of the Fifth Order, a group of intelligent and genetically-modified human beings linking their brain together for continuous research to benefit humankind in every way. She's proud of her capability and the work she has done so far, but deep down her desire for individuality keeps getting stronger.
Mind of Mine is an intriguing sci-fi novel set in a hypothetical yet quite plausible future. The premise and world-building are impressive and thought-provoking. I instantly gravitated to the bold protagonist Valeria-V to her Order members-who seeks to retain her personal identity in the Center where the ‘products’ of genetic engineering are expected to obey the Codex without question. It’s a future with marvelous progress in science and technology, but human tendencies are grossly manipulated and suppressed. Valeria, Marcus, Prudentia, Julius and many other characters are written with substantial depth and memorable traits to carry the plot forward. Their choices lead to compelling consequences. Engaging with interesting twists and turns, Mind of Mine by C. F. E. Black is a great read for YA and adult readers alike.
Recommend this book:
Seventeen
Australian YA post-apocalyptic drama (Seventeen Series Book 1)
Suzanne Lowe
2020 Bronze Medal
374 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Seventeen (Seventeen Series Book 1) is a work of post-apocalyptic and science fiction drama written for young adults by author Suzanne Lowe. As the opening novel to the series of the same name, Seventeen takes us to Australia and the famous outback in a world like none we’ve ever seen before. When a global virus kills every member of the population above the age of seventeen, the rules for life are obliterated. Desperate to survive this new children-led world and its many disasters, sisters Lexi and Hadley seek survival by shifting from the big city to a small town called Jasper’s Bay. But here the danger mounts in new, even more terrifying forms, putting the town and its residents in danger.
I was caught up right from the first moment by the fantastic concept and possibilities of Seventeen, and author Suzanne Lowe has only just touched the tip of the iceberg in this excellent and intriguing series opener. Lexi and Hadley provide a foil for one another with their often opposite personalities but they come together at just the right times to make the emotional power of the survival elements come through. In places, the novel is superbly tense and exciting, and at others, we have room to breathe and explore the interesting new social, economic and criminal systems that a world led by kids and teens presents. All of this set against the backdrop of a burnt-out and broken Australia makes Seventeen a unique read, suitable for YA fantasy, dystopia, and sci-fi fans of all ages.
Recommend this book:
Democracy Inc
Joseph John
2020 Silver Medal
442 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Democracy Inc by Joseph John is a young adult science fiction novel that will make you sit on the edge of your seat and hold your breath as the mystery unfolds. Titus is not living in an ordinary world. As the son of a rich man, this 18-year-old has every luxury known to man. He knows that the poor barely have enough to eat or survive, but he doesn’t care much about it. His perfect existence is shattered when his father is convicted of treason and the responsibility of Roman Biogenics falls into his hands as the oldest child. However, taking over this massive responsibility is not easy. As he prepares himself to take his father’s place, he uncovers a scary truth. Titus uncovers a conspiracy and realizes that nothing is as it seems. He has two options: put his head down and take care of Roman Biogenics or get to the bottom of this conspiracy and become an adult. What will he do?
The setting of Democracy Inc, the background, and the premise are all very well put together. The idea of cloning a person and restarting their life at 18 is genius and Joseph John handles it well. Titus is conceited and full of himself in the beginning, but responsibility changes him. His development arc is credible and paced just right to make it believable. His connection with Ryo is entertaining and heartwarming. The mystery behind the Mars mission and his mother’s involvement in the process set the right tone for Titus to take responsibility and get to the bottom of it. Titus is the kind of character that grows on you as the story progresses. He is such a deceptively human character that you cannot help but feel connected to him. The descriptions are out of this world, the setting is believable and the future the author has depicted is scarily compelling. A must-read, fast-paced, and incredibly well-written novel for readers of science fiction and dystopian literature.
Recommend this book:
Deleted
Ruth Mitchell
2020 Gold Medal
296 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Spex were not just a trend, they were a way of life. The world was yours and with a thought, knowledge was at your fingertips. Thanks to Marco's app, you never had to worry about forgetting a name again. Of course, there are some people who relish obscurity, who have found a hack not just for this high tech equipment, but for the brain itself. Unfortunately for him, Lucy, one of the few people not wearing Spex, has seen his face. Nick had spent a long time erasing himself from the memories of others, keeping his work secret, but now there was someone he couldn't hack, and he had no choice to find her. But first, he must make sure no one is looking for her, that no one notices she is missing. Removed from the memories of her loved ones, Lucy finds herself on the run, trying to save her memories, and her new relationship with Marco, someone who doesn't remember her yet desperately wants to. Can she stay one step ahead of technology when her hunter has eyes literally everywhere, or will she lose who she is, her memories, or worse? Find out in Ruth Mitchell's Deleted.
Deleted by Ruth Mitchell is a fearful rollercoaster of a tale highlighting the dangers of technological dependence and its devastating potential to change how the world is viewed. With philosophical undertones woven into an intense and gripping plot, you will not only find yourself whisked away on Lucy's desperate plight to preserve all she holds dear but will question what it is that makes a person and if events that cannot be recalled are destined to repeat themselves when the lesson was learned but forgotten. Lucy's character was well-developed, and I loved watching her grow and alter through the tragic relationship between her and Marco. You can't help but root for these star-crossed lovers as they find and lose each other, but never quite forget. A beautiful tale filled with action, romance, adventure, danger, and manipulation, perfect for readers who like to become invested in the characters they come to know and love.