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:
A Spell of Rowans
Byrd Nash
2022 Bronze Medal
308 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
A Spell of Rowans is a work of fiction in the fantasy genre. It is aimed at the adult reading audience and was penned by Byrd Nash. The book follows the Rowan siblings as they deal with the fallout of their mother’s death. Not a mother they will miss terribly, but one whose influence saw the siblings develop unique magical abilities which they must use to survive as a murder inquiry begins in which they are all potential suspects. As the police get ever closer to the wrong conclusion and the townsfolk their mother tormented begin circling around, their lives are complicated further by an old flame who knows the truth of their powers.
There’s a lot of heart in this story about three siblings recovering from the traumatic upbringing they received at the hands of their mother. While the three siblings have magical abilities, the human connections and sense of healing are fought for and earned throughout the story, bringing a real sense of wonder. A testament to Byrd Nash’s gift for prose is that in a fantasy world, the everyday human moments are the ones that feel the most magical. The Rowan siblings, particularly middle child Victoria, are well-considered characters who are easy for readers to bond with as they move forward on their recovery journey after a traumatic childhood. The subject matter of A Spell of Rowans is challenging, and Nash is wise to include a trigger warning in the blurb. But do not let that deter you as the subjects are treated tastefully and respectfully. This is a wonderful read that I recommend to all.
Recommend this book:
Dreams of the Dying
The Dark Corners of Our Minds (Enderal)
Nicolas Lietzau
2022 Silver Medal
826 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Dreams of the Dying: The Dark Corners of Our Minds by Nicolas Lietzau is a fantasy novel derived from the gamer's realm of Enderal, but remains wholly independent of it. In many ways, the game is provided with more flesh from the book than the book gets from the game...and that's a good thing. The flawed protagonist is Jespar Dal'Varek, with a laundry list of mental health issues and addictions that plague him, who is pulled to the Tahiti-ish islands of Kalay where the dominoes really start to tumble. The king is comatose, the kingdom is ravaged by political and socioeconomic disparity and is on the brink of war, and Jesper is entrenched quite literally in the dreams of the dying. Adventure, love, cataclysmic ideology differences, nightmares, magic, culture, and a big, bad antagonist all come together in this wildly ambitious novel. “I want him to look all those orphans in the eye and explain to them why his lust for power was more important than their parents’ lives.” Her hand clenched her goblet so hard that Jespar almost expected it to bend under her pressure. “I want him to see what he’s... done.”
I don't even know where to start except to point-blank say this book is a masterpiece. The worldbuilding alone is mind-boggling and is enhanced by dancing shifts in narrative. Two points of view provide the eyes and ears for the reader in Dreams of the Dying, and Nicolas Lietzau has executed both to a degree of perfection I haven't come across in a long time. There is, of course, Jesper, but there is also another character who is revealed to us only as “the man.” The character development extends beyond the two mains and at times feels even more alive: a woman named Lysia—who is worthy of her own spin-off, and a compatriot named Kawu. It's a marvel that Lietzau brought such life to otherwise ancillary characters, and so deep is the enmeshing of a reader into a culture and landscape that he even created an entire language for it. There so many directions to go in here and I am beyond chuffed that this is only the beginning of a new reading adventure.
Recommend this book:
Benyu Born of Ash
The Ischyró Chronicles, #1
Katie Feavel
2022 Gold Medal
420 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Katie Feavel’s Benyu, Born of Ash is an intense fantasy story about the outcast Roan. The story opens with Roan being expelled from school for harming another student. Roan can manipulate water, and if not controlled, she can burn others. After being expelled, Roan’s father takes her on a trip into the woods to teach her how to use weapons instead of her magical strength. Ten years pass by. Roan trades her life to General Galin for her people to never know any pain. However, Roan cannot read and signs a blood contract. When she returns home, Roan discovers she is to be Galin’s bride, and the young members of her village train for future unions with Woodlanders. After Roan kills Commander Izra, the King’s only daughter, they place her on trial. The Crow Priest, Talc, tortures her until she dies. However, Talc revives her and begins implanting a sinister message in Roan’s mind.
Benyu, Born of Ash is a fantasy story that leaves no doubts about how Roan tends to be stubborn. She is constantly criticized for making plans that tend to cause a larger catastrophe. I questioned why her father didn’t attempt to teach her how to read instead of teaching her how to wield normal weapons. I think Roan should have investigated several situations she encountered instead of acting irrationally. However, this increased the suspense, and Roan’s development is easy to see. The vivid imagery shows the brutal environment, and I could almost smell the sulfur in the swampland she had to travel through. Talc was my least liked character as he preys on people’s emotions. He made the perfect villain for the story. The execution of the ending is perfect for leading into a sequel. My recommendation of Katie Feavel’s Benyu, Born of Ash is for readers who enjoy fantasy stories with strong female heroines who grow mentally. Unexpected plot twists fill this novel, and I enjoyed the unpredictable events that unfolded from Roan’s actions.
Recommend this book:
Neglected Merge
Eve Koguce
2021 Finalist
360 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Neglected Merge is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction, post-apocalyptic and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Eve Koguce. The work is intended for an adult reading audience due to its high concept content. Our protagonist is Tauria, a thirty-two-year-old woman living in a utopian-style world designed for people to cope after a near apocalypse. She lives in a world where happiness is guaranteed every minute of the day but is that really enough? When Tauria meets Doron, she isn’t so sure anymore, and it transpires that there may be another world waiting out there, right alongside her own.
Author Eve Koguce has crafted an interesting and well-thought-out work of fiction with plenty of emotion, romance, drama, and conceptual thinking to offer readers. One of the most essential features of this work was the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the lore and culture of the new world of happiness. It was a striking new concept to see a post-apocalyptic novel painted in such bright tones, and then of course all the more satisfying when the cracks begin to show in the excellent plotline. The romance element will certainly please readers who enjoy fated lovers from far opposite corners of the world (or in this case, worlds). The dialogue was also very effective, serving to display the unique traits of the characters whilst moving the plot forward in a natural way. Overall, I would highly recommend Neglected Merge to fans of utopia/dystopia settings, futuristic romances, and for space opera fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Witch'n
Joshua Braun
2021 Honorable Mention
198 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The "Master of all Evil", who is also the "Queen of Nations", never imagined ruling the world would be so boring. Conquering it was definitely fun with all the killing, torture, and imprisonment she inflicted on many innocent souls, but all she is left with is tiring responsibilities. Eventually, she embarks on a new quest of attempting to be good instead of evil. However, this task proves to be more difficult than anything she has ever done as she denies herself the pleasure of watching people suffer. To guide her on her challenging quest is a man who was once a great prince and one of her victims. Will the evil witch succeed in doing good or return to her beloved evil nature? Find out in Witch'n by Joshua Braun.
With an ingenious blend of dark humor and fantasy, Witch'n grabs the reader and holds their attention from start to finish. I couldn't put it down as I was arrested by the protagonist's energetic personality and her unbelievable evilness. It's nothing like I've seen before. From the demonic names that cannot be pronounced with the human tongue to magic powerful enough to make people walk upside down and the witch carving mountains to look like her, prepare for a wild, dark, different, and memorable experience! Joshua Braun goes beyond the surface to expose some deep ideas, like how magic is wonderful to many people but the ordinary is magical to someone who has used magic throughout their lifetime; this calls me to appreciate the "ordinary" things in life I take for granted. If you enjoy dark humor and creative fantasy, don't hesitate to read Witch'n!
Recommend this book:
Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse
The Forerunner Series Book 1
Jay Veloso Batista
2021 Bronze Medal
327 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse: The Forerunner Series Book 1 takes the reader deep into the heart of Viking-occupied Britain at the beginning of the ninth century. Author Jay Veloso Batista shows us a fragmented land that is dominated and ruled by a mixture of Angles, Saxons, Danes, Celts, and Scots, where the languages and dialects are as varied as the many different ethnicities that inhabit these isles. Thorfinn (Finn) is a timid, ten-year-old boy growing up in a typical Viking family in Britain at the time. Some of the family, his Uncle Karl for instance, are away on raiding expeditions (known as going Viking) but the bulk of the family is intent on creating a life and earning a living from the hard work of farming, trapping, hunting, or artisanship. Finn is only the third boy in the family and his father has set him on the path of life with a forestry apprenticeship. Finn’s life takes an unexpected turn when he, his brothers, and a friend seek out adventure and discovering an old place of legend. Their encounter with an evil witch will change Finn’s simple existence forever when he discovers he has been turned into a vardoger – a living ghost. Finn now has the ability, whilst his body sleeps, to transfer between Midgard (everyday life) and another similar realm where he is a ghost, while his physical body rests. His ability to move unknown amongst his family, friends, and enemies allows him to become privy to many things including dangerous plots against his family and specifically his uncle. Will Finn find the courage and the ability to stop these evil men intent on destroying his family and the upcoming nuptials of his older sister?
As a lover of fiction based on historical periods, surprisingly, I have read little of this dark period in Britain’s history and after reading Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse, I find myself asking why have I not read this genre before? Author Jay Veloso Batista beautifully draws you into this tale of familial love, loyalty, and sacrifice that gives a different view of the Norsemen that we have always been told were intent on rape, pillage, and destruction. To be sure, there is plenty of action and fighting in this tale but the central themes are those of family, love, devotion, and cultural pride. Although this was a time of constant conflict the author shows how through careful matrimonial alliances peace was often maintained and families were built across cultures. One of the joys of historical novels is that they expose the reader to new and exciting legends and beliefs. This book does a fantastic job of introducing and elucidating on Norse lore, magical, beliefs, and cultural norms. The characters ring true and, as a reader, it was easy to be drawn to the young Finn, who, as a third boy in the family, was destined to live an ordinary and unexciting life. The unexpected adventures he stumbled over gave a depth of character to the young man that bodes well for future iterations of this series. As an author I have not come across before, Batista strikes me as one well worth following and I am certainly invested enough in this story to want to read Book 2. I await it with bated breath and can highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Outfoxed
The Fox Witch Book 1
R. J. Blain
2021 Silver Medal
450 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Outfoxed by R.J. Blain is the first book in the Fox Witch series. Jade has a strenuous relationship with Mother Nature and is proudly vocal of the fact. She's always relied on herself and her wits to keep one step of everyone else, but when bounty hunters close in on her, she goes head to head with the charming Sandro in a game of fox and hunter. To escape Mother Nature's wrath through the guise of dangerous tornadoes, Jade finds herself in the shocking position of seeking shelter with the handsome hunter, which comes with a bargain between them. Jade is thrown into the middle of a conspiracy that's larger than her and puts her in the position of a hero tasked with saving everyone in the city.
The story is a fun and dazzling read from beginning to end with a heroine that has a voice that will make you want to take the journey with her. Jade is a charming character that has it all: sharp brains, a strong-willed personality, and a quick wit. Over the course of the story, she's pulled into a new direction that finds her thinking about the fate of the city and everyone in it versus just her own well-being. It's the first step in her journey to find the hero she has within and the strength even she doesn't know she has. The dialogue is phenomenal and clever with humor woven through Jade's perspective and has a snark that is immediately engaging.
R.J. Blain delivers an action-packed plot that breathes life into a clever and original urban fantasy setting. The story takes place in 2043 which adds a futuristic quality to the setting. The title is a fun play on the nature of the plot and the character of Jade who truly outfoxes everyone around her with a wily and snarky personality that makes her brilliant and fun. Blain delivers an amazing voice to introduce you to this world and to pull you into it. Outfoxed is addictive with its action-packed moments, clever humor, fast-paced adventure, and the heroine's blazing personality.
Recommend this book:
Space Taxis
Adam Frosh, Harriet Frosh
2021 Gold Medal
340 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Space Taxis by Adam Frosh and Harriet Frosh is a complex and yet wonderful science fiction/fantasy yarn set in the 1970s that takes readers through two timelines in the most cohesive manner. Mike Redolfo had a habit of helping people in need, and that was what cost him his job. He hoped to drown his sorrows in alcohol, but his plans were foiled when he was abducted by aliens. Taken to Catuvell City on a planet called Vost, Mike was mistaken for a renegade and was about to be dealt with before he convinced his kidnappers he was innocent. If he wanted to go back home, he had to earn it by driving his cab. In another narrative set in 1944, Marianna was living with Dominik and trying her best to hide from the Nazis. However, when the Jewish couple escaped, Mariana discovered that her Dominik was not what he seemed. What was he hiding from Mariana? Would Mike ever get back home?
The author did justice to both parallel stories and gave readers just enough to hook their attention until the end. I enjoyed Mike’s narrative and his ramblings. Mike was the kind of character that stood proud and center in the narrative and commanded the attention of readers. His predicament was unfortunate, but he didn’t lose faith. On the other hand, we had Mariana who was living under harsh conditions, but she didn’t let this hold her back. All the characters were masterfully developed, the author managed the two timeframes brilliantly while also maintaining the mystery. It was a story that had me looking for clues and feeling thrilled with every turn the story took. It was incredible!
Recommend this book:
The Race to the Blackened Nevers
Book 1, The Woeful Wager
Douglas Bain
2020 Finalist
358 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The Woeful Wager is the first book in The Race to the Blackened Nevers series by Douglas Bain. What do you think would happen when the worlds of gods, mortals, and fantastic creatures intertwine? Chaos! Everyone wants something, everyone needs something and there isn’t much time. It is a race against time and the competition isn’t fair. In the midst of this, Phae and Chim are trying to stop a terrible beast from waking up and destroying everything they have ever known. But do they have what it takes to fight the odds and come out of it victorious? With so much going on in their world, will they get the chance?
The Woeful Wager is an intricate, action-packed story with a plethora of characters and each of them has their own storyline. The list of characters at the beginning of the story was a great help because otherwise I would have been lost. The author opened the story with a bang and never let the pace go down after that. Every chapter was a new high, a character introduced something new and made sure the reader’s attention was on the book and nowhere else. I am amazed and in awe of the fact that this is Douglas Bain’s debut novel. The story is filled with dark themes and the atmosphere reflects that. The author gives each character a solid background and added excellent subplots. However, he didn’t let any of these detract the attention of the reader from the actual plot. The chemistry between Chim and Phae is exceptional. They understand each other, they motivate each other and, most importantly, they have each other's backs. They are undoubtedly my favorite characters out of all introduced in the story. This is a great start to a series. Plus, the cover of the novel is stunning. There isn’t any aspect of the story that I don’t like.
Recommend this book:
Matilda Seer
M.D. Allen
2020 Honorable Mention
321 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Rachel’s life of foster homes ends abruptly on her sixteenth birthday when she finds her purpose in life in an Inner Realm. M.D. Allen creates Matilda Seer as a coming of age story that takes seven Chosen teenagers, who share the same birthday, and mysteriously transports them to a world foreign to their own. Rachel is given two new names when she enters the Inner Realm; Matilda Seer. Names tell a person’s gift and having two names is rare. Matilda Seer must learn how to use her skills without her teachers as the Watchers leave to find answers to the evil that has penetrated their safe-house. Matilda and the other Chosen teenagers face trials when they leave Quarry Cottage, but the hardest test is to trust each other. Will they be able to rescue the Watchers and work together to escape the evil Lord Rafe?
M.D. Allen writes with the skill and boldness of a seasoned author. Matilda Seer challenges its readers with a plot that has multiple levels of deception, mystique, and uncertainty. The storyline rotates between the groups that split up. I love how M.D. Allen adds details that make readers anticipate the next book. When will Carter have to choose between evil or good, what is behind the mysterious door in their room, what is the connection between Matilda and Ethan, and finally, did Lord Rafe survive the fire? The author breathes life into her characters as they each show distinct personalities and temperaments. Their mission is hampered by their lack of knowledge in a magical world. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a well-written novel that transports them into a world of magic, mystery, and suspense.