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:
Outbreak
The Brother's Creed Book 1
Joshua C. Chadd
2018 Silver Medal
204 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Outbreak by Joshua C. Chadd is a zombie apocalypse story told from the point of view of three men who were uniquely prepared for the event before it even started. In other words, they have all the weapons, equipment and vehicles needed to give them the best chance of survival in a world gone mad. The zombies are the slow walkers that The Walking Dead fans will be familiar with. The story follows two small groups of survivors. The first is a pair of brothers, trying to reach their parents amid all the chaos. The second is a middle-aged man along with his ex-wife and adult daughter. There is much violence along the way, as to be expected, mostly against mindless zombies, but some also against aggressive non-infected people. The story also focuses on the family bonds that help our characters cope with the carnage all around them.
I enjoyed Outbreak. At first, I was a little unsure because the main characters were so well armed and ready for the zombies. But, after I got past that and realized there really could be people out there who are as prepared as these guys, I was able to sit back and enjoy the story. Author Joshua C. Chadd did a great job of ratcheting up the tension as the plot unfolded. Our characters went from having fun shooting zombies, to getting stuck in out-of-control situations that pushed them well beyond their limits, physically and mentally. He also gave us some likable characters and a strong bond of love between family members that gives Outbreak a lot of heart, making the story work on a deeper level. Outbreak is a rare zombie apocalypse book that has equal doses of violence and family warmth. For those who like to read about the human experience as they fight for survival in a world overrun by zombies, there is much to enjoy in Outbreak.
Recommend this book:
Wanted
The Chase Ryder Series Book 1
Jo Ho
2018 Gold Medal
666 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Wanted by Jo Ho is the first in the Chase Ryder series. Chase Ryder is fourteen and living on the streets when one night as she scrounges for food, she discovers a dog in the same situation. After he brings her food and saves her life, she realizes there's more to this dog, Bandit, than meets the eye. The two quickly bond, and learn to communicate as Chase learns a startling secret about this seemingly ordinary dog. After being attacked and with Bandit wounded, Chase finds the first vet she can, the grieving Jake Sullivan. Sully sees a girl and dog that need his help, but he doesn't expect to see a warning sign for the dog that says he's carrying a virus. When they're attacked and his home is set on fire, Sully knows that he must do all he can to protect Chase and Bandit. Together the three go on the run, and try to piece together where Bandit came from while trying to stay alive.
Jo Ho has an interesting format, using quick chapters, two first person narrators, and even a few third person perspectives. It's reminiscent of film, with the chapters stylized similar to scenes, but with in-depth character emotions. The writing is smart and creative, and somehow Ho depicts the villain in a sympathetic light. The ragtag team members are a perfect fit for each other: Chase has run away from home, Bandit has escaped an animal testing facility, and Sully recently lost his wife. Each of them is lost, and hindered by their pasts, but when they come together they form a bond that allows for them to build a makeshift family. Finding each other is what they needed, not just to save Bandit, but to give each of them a purpose and a second chance. Wanted is a gripping action adventure with friendship, danger, and second chances.
Recommend this book:
I Want Superpowers
Steven Bereznai
2017 Finalist
260 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
In I Want Superpowers by Steven Bereznai, sixteen-year-old Caitlin Feral undergoes the greatest challenge of her life to define her place in an evolved, dystopian, and segregated world. It is set against the backdrop of a dystopian world where humans (Dregs) and super-powered people (Supergenics) have lived together until the Genetic Wars. After the war, everything changes and a clear separation between humans and super-powered people becomes very clear and distinct. However, children born of Dregs can evolve into the society of the super-powered people if they demonstrate signs of special skills. Every kid must undergo testing to find out if they will remain in the slums and live under repressive laws or become part of the superior group. It is Caitlin’s turn but is she ready for the trial? Can she still carry on after uncovering secrets that could change everything — both for her and for everyone — and that could put her life in grave danger?
This is a powerful blend of sci-fi and dystopian, a story of resilience, personal growth, and inner strength. Here is a book that will appeal to fans of Divergent. I knew I’d love Caitlin Feral the moment I met her. It was the exciting and compelling narrative voice and the clear point of view that pulled me in right off the bat. The story is told in an absorbing, first person narrative that allows the reader to feel the protagonist and to penetrate her thoughts easily. The plot is unique, even if the concept behind the story isn’t entirely original. I enjoyed the fact that the story is conflict-driven and the characters are such that readers will stick with them. I Want Superpowers features great prose, unique and compelling characters, and an exciting plot. I enjoyed Steven Bereznai’s writing immensely!
Recommend this book:
Biome
Ryan Galloway
2017 Finalist
346 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Ryan Galloway’s debut novel, Biome, takes the reader to a Mars Colony in its infancy stages. Lizzy is one of two hundred cadets on the Colony. The cadet’s primary duty is to tend to the plants growing in the various biome domes while Mars is being terraformed. Every week, the cadets attend therapy to ensure their mental health, but the doctors in charge of the cadets have taken this to extreme levels. Each therapy session ends with a revision, a process that partially erases their memories. One day Lizzy wakes up with all the cadets' stolen memories in her brain. She has only a week before the next revision, only a week to figure out what the doctors are so desperate to keep secret that they’ll erase any memory of it from the cadets' minds.
Biome pairs a fascinating premise with a gripping plot that will keep you guessing right up to the last page. The technicalities of life in the domes, and the terraforming process, are well thought out and realistic. Lizzy is strong and intelligent. I didn’t like her much, but that didn’t make her any less compelling as a character. Her struggle to adapt to the vast collection of memories inside her head presents her with a variety of moral dilemmas, as well as raising complex, thought provoking questions for the reader. I liked the fact that she’s forced to form alliances with people she doesn’t like, never mind trust. Galloway has penned an excellent debut novel. It will be interesting to see what this talented writer does in the sequel to Biome.
Recommend this book:
Black Wings
Iryna K. Combs
2017 Finalist
232 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs is the story of Annabel, a humanoid who was captured by a species known for their cruelty. Annabel was captured by the Varkins and tortured in some heinous ways. The pain and agony is too much, she wants to escape, but that will not be easy. Can Annabel escape? Can she survive the pressure of fitting in with her people after all that she has been through? Getting away from the enemy was the easy part; learning to live again is the challenge for Annabel. Can she manage to be the person she was before? Will she ever get back what she has lost?
Black Wings is one of those novels that is carefully thought out and tested before being written down and presented to the reader. Combs definitely worked a lot on making sure that everything fits perfectly. She crafted a world that is believable and understandable. Scarily enough, it feels real too. You cannot help but sympathize with Annabel. She is strong and trying to survive. She is courageous and determined. The torture was gruesome, so people who are squeamish should skip those pages. But for me, it made the novel real and allowed me to connect with Annabel like I would with anyone in this situation. All in all, this is definitely a sci-fi everyone would enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Nature's Confession
JL Morin
2017 Honorable Mention
268 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Nature's Confession by JL Morin combines a variety of genres and sub-genres into an interesting story of two teenagers fighting to protect nature. It is not your run-of-the-mill sci-fi read, but a book that carries an empathic voice and strongly castigates the mindless practices and traditions that are slowly killing Mother Nature. Holovision News is filled with a lot of junk that pays highly, and while humans continue to desecrate Nature, no one gives a thought to her ultimate fate. Now, a teenager sets out on an adventure to find answers and to change the way we relate to nature. Watch as he and the love of his life set out to make the greatest inventions of their lifetime and to uncover mysteries that could help save Earth, with the help of a female droid.
JL Morin’s novel is bold and told in an unusual way. I enjoyed the fact that the author takes liberties with the laws of physics, inventing her own rules. The theme of climate change is beautifully developed and it is a very relevant one, considering the controversies surrounding the Paris deal on climate change. I also enjoyed the fact that the key characters are young and they are very symbolic of a new era. How often do we hear people preach that the youth are the future of the world while doing everything to destroy the world they promise the youth would inherit? That two youngsters should set out to fight for the world they will inherit is a brilliant idea. The plot isn’t too complex, but the characters are very interesting and well-developed. Here is a book that is purposeful, written with a vision, and one that every decision maker should read. Nature's Confession is well-written, entertaining, and character-driven; a book that speaks about the one thing everyone should worry about.
Recommend this book:
The Fourth Piece
Order's Last Play Book 1
E. Ardell
2017 Bronze Medal
415 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
The Fourth Piece (Order's Last Play, Book 1) by E. Ardell is a science fiction tale. Lyle, Lawrie, and Devon are three brothers who find another brother, Evan, dying. All four are the chosen ones, chosen by Order, an alien goddess. Devon, Lyle, and Lawrie are half-alien - Vulattos - but, because they can get away with looking human, they have been popular. That comes to an end one night at a party when the three brothers have a combined vision of their fourth brother dying off-world unless they intervene. They don’t remember Evan very much, but he is their brother and they can’t let him die. In trying to save him, the three brothers put themselves in danger. They also inherit a destiny, one that hasn’t been kind to their predecessors. In a story set in 2022, the four brothers have the power to determine what will be left when the gods tire of the game.
The Fourth Piece (Order's Last Play, Book 1) by E. Ardell was something different. Written in the first person, each chapter rotates with a different brother doing the narrating. I found this a little confusing to begin with, but soon got into the swing of it. The character development is good, allowing a reader to meet the brothers and learn about them and their backgrounds, laying the groundwork for the rest of the story. The plot was detailed and complex, which I found made it a little difficult to keep up with, but not so much that it spoiled my enjoyment of the book. It will be interesting to read book 2, to see where the author takes the story next.
Recommend this book:
Girl of Fire
The Expulsion Project Book One
Norma Hinkens
2017 Gold Medal
316 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Girl of Fire by Norma Hinkens is the first book in The Expulsion Project, a light sci-fi action adventure trilogy. Trattora is the chief's daughter in a backwater frontier planet. Adopted at a young age, her red hair is distinctive, as is her curiosity. Then one day a ship comes to her home planet and she finds herself instantly connected to one of the crew, a serf by the name of Velkan. Their connection is strong, especially when they discover they both have matching bracelets, the only hint to their shared past. Unfortunately, space pirates invade the planet and they are forced to flee for their lives. It takes them on a journey of mystery, treachery and found families.
I enjoyed Girl of Fire by Norma Hinkens. It was a light, fast paced read that should be easily enjoyed by fans of Cinder. Girl of Fire grabs you by the first chapter and, once you're captured, refuses to let go. Trattora is a capable heroine and full of curiosity. She has a great support network of friends and while the romance between her and Velkan is a bit sudden, it's also cute and doesn't dominate the whole novel. There were a lot of double crosses throughout and Girl of Fire is filled with twists and revelations. Hinkens created such an engaging world that I'm curious to know what's going to happen in the next book. I would love to learn more about Preeminence and Trattora's true home planet of Mhakerta. A great read for any fan of light science fiction and fast paced intergalactic adventure.
Recommend this book:
The Cloud Seeders
James Zerndt
2016 Honorable Mention
266 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
In The Cloud Seeders by James Zerndt, Thomas and his young brother Dustin haven't seen a drop of rain in over a year. With the water drying up, the government had gone from Eco-conscious to Eco-hysterical making sure that every drop of water is accounted for, turning things like home gardening and car washing into serious infractions. Thomas is more intent on keeping his brother safe and making it through the day while his rebel rousing friend, Jerusha, feels that there's more to the drought than what the government's spilling. She's determined to find out even if it means going with Thomas and Dustin on a cross-country road trip. A novel that defies easy explanation, The Cloud Seeders is great for anyone interested in the HAARP project or post-apocalyptic, road tripping adventure.
In his acknowledgment, Zerndt said that The Cloud Seeders was turned down by several publishing houses, which is usually my cue to avoid the book like a vampire shuns sunlight. However, The Cloud Seeders was a fantastic read, one that I would love to see on the shelves (mine especially). The characters were very realistically written, nothing struck me as manipulative or sentimental, the way Thomas, Dustin, and Jerusha reacted to various situations I couldn't imagine happening any other way. I found myself thinking of them long after the book was done. I even enjoyed the poems. Usually after reading one or two I wind up skipping over the rest, but in The Cloud Seeders the poems were funny and interesting and gave us little hints about the characters. A thoroughly enjoyable book and I’d be interested in seeing more what Zerndt has to offer.
Recommend this book:
Legion Lost
K.C. Finn
2016 Finalist
316 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
She’s the product of the Underground and in all her sixteen years has never seen the outside. All that changes quickly when the soldiers stage a raid on her home. She manages to escape, leaving her family behind, but in so doing goes above ground for the very first time. There she is soon to learn she has only one option for survival; join a government organization named The Legion, available for teenagers with no other place to turn. Learning that the soldiers are still looking for a female escapee, she decides to pose as Raja, a boy-soldier. The Legion is like nothing she’s ever seen or even imagined when she meets Senior Commander Briggs, whose savage authority reigns over the teenage soldiers.
The training is brutal and she quickly decides her best option is to join a band of nonconformists known as the South Tower Rejects. There she meets Stirling, a tall young man with copper colored hair and a strange accent. Intrigued, she is determined to find out more about this man. She is soon to discover there’s more to the Rejects than she first thought and she must quickly adapt if she is to endure and find a way to locate and save her lost family.
This story is targeted at the young adult audience, but any sci-fi fan will find it quite enjoyable. The story is told by Raja and the reader is soon caught up in the story of her life and the dangers she faces. The author has created a tale with interesting characters, first-rate dialogue, and a well developed plot. The story moves at a rapid pace and is filled with action, adventure and intrigue. Well done.