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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
East of Evil
Compass Crimes Book 4
Joni M. Fisher

2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

East of Evil is a work in the crime, suspense, and mystery subgenres, and forms the fourth novel of the Compass Crimes series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its gritty themes and is penned by Joni M. Fisher. In this startling conclusion to the adventures of aspiring FBI agent Nefi Jenkins, our intrepid heroine deals with the most significant problems of her career as she strives for justice. When Nefi discovers that someone has been siphoning funds out of her trust fund, the hunt is on for a greedy criminal, but this opens a dangerous can of worms.
Joni M. Fisher has crafted a masterful work of mystery, suspense, and fantastic sleuthing in this gripping conclusion to her stellar series. I enjoyed Nefi as a protagonist, and I found it easy to pick up her story and follow the thread of her triumphs, struggles, and past grief without reading everything else in the previous books. The plot itself is a great standalone mystery, and this is intensified all the more by Nefi’s emotional journey and her true passion for justice. I adored the build-up of suspense as the mystery pieces came together, but it never felt spoon-fed, and there were still plenty of surprises along the way. Overall, East of Evil is a novel that will satisfy fans of the existing series immensely, and I’d highly recommend the series in general to crime and mystery fans seeking an accomplished new author to enjoy.
Recommend this book:
No True Justice
Witness Protection 2
H L Wegley

2023 Silver Medal
253 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

No True Justice: Witness Protection 2 is a romantic suspense thriller by H.L. Wegley. The government had done Gemma Saint a grave injustice by putting her in WITSEC after she testified in a high-profile case. Gemma had been in WITSEC for eight months when her identity was compromised. US Marshall Cody Cottrell told Gemma that someone in the DOJ had sent a team to kill her. Gemma’s only hope to avoid the danger was to expose the conspiracy to a large audience through the media so that the plotters would not come after her. The only person Gemma could trust was Lex, a journalist who was determined to restore integrity in journalism in the USA. Gemma offered Lex the story of a lifetime for his help.
No True Justice kept me captivated by the intriguing plot. H.L. Wegley took me on a rollercoaster ride of thrills, action, and suspense. The story was fast-paced and full of action. The twists, turns, and danger kept me on the edge of my seat. The humor and romance lightened the seriousness of the story. I could not put it down. I just kept turning the pages as fast as I could. I had to know what would happen next. The characters were authentic and relatable. I enjoyed the romance that developed between Gemma and Lex. Sparks had flown between the two since their first meeting. The story was excellently written and has all the components for a captivating thriller. It exceeded my expectations by far and was nothing like I expected.
Recommend this book:
Called to Gobi
A Christian End Times Chronicle
D.I. Telbat

2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

In Called to Gobi by D.I. Telbat, at twenty-two, Andrew Foworthy finds himself in prison, serving a nine-year sentence. After fighting through the first two years, Andrew eventually ends up in the prison infirmary for two months. At last, God has pinned him down to make him listen. Pastor Palucii accidentally enters the infirmary and ends up at Andrew’s bedside. With his mouth wired shut, Andrew has no choice but to listen to the pastor. The gift of faith is received, and from that moment on, he is a new man with a vision to become a missionary in Mongolia. Against all odds, he eventually makes his way and ends up with a Mongolian clan in Kazath country. It takes many miracles for God to show these people how much He loves them.
I adore books that take me to places on God’s earth that I will probably never see with my own eyes. D.I. Telbat’s portrayal of Mongolia is a rich tapestry that is breathtaking in its beauty. I was drawn to the people and the landscape and watched their story unfold with bated breath. D.I. Telbat is an amazing storyteller. His prose is rich and smooth and urges you to turn the next page, and the next, until the last—with its heart-stopping dramatic ending! Called to Gobi is extremely thought-provoking and emotional. It is a biblically sound novel, with a "Revelations" reminder that rang a bell in my soul. Stunning landscapes, a gripping, unputdownable plot, and characters I will never forget. I watched the film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness when I was a child, and it had a lasting effect on me. Called to Gobi had the same effect on me, and I truly hope it will be made into a film one day. This is one of the best Christian books I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it!
Recommend this book:
The Snare
The Lighthouse Series
Charles Besondy

2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

The third installment in The Lighthouse Series by Charles Besondy, The Snare is a spiritual and psychological thriller that continues to tell the story of Charles Austin, yet it can be read as a stand-alone. As the series progresses, the face of evil continues to take shape and the Figure in Gray will continue to torment the protagonist. Charley is about to graduate high school, but as he crosses a new threshold in his life, a tragic episode from his past continues to haunt him. His world view and faith are being tested, all because the Figure in Gray, who now goes by the name of Phobley, uses Charley as a pet project as part of his sinister and seductive plan. Failure is not an option for Phobley this time, especially when he has a timetable to follow.
The Snare is an ambitious, ensnaring Christian thriller that brews with intensity as you keep reading. You not only keep track of what Charley will do next; you similarly keep track of what the villain, Phobley, is also going to do. The theme of the battle between good and evil is so amplified that it is an indication of the plot’s central idea. It gives the storyline the kind of bite necessary to sustain your curiosity. Every scene feels necessary in the plot’s thematic importance, and there is so much to like about Charley’s existential angst as he goes through his test of faith. The Snare is an enjoyable read, and you will likely pick up the first two stories after reading this one. The story is captivating in that it revels in its figurative artistry, yet it has a solid hold on realism.
Recommend this book:
No Pit So Deep
The Cody Musket Story, Book Two
James Nathaniel Miller II

2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

In the second installment of the Cody Musket series, No Pit So Deep by James Nathaniel Miller II, four years have passed since Cody and Brandi have married. Cody and Brandi still fight tirelessly to end child trafficking, when their 7-year-old daughter is snatched by a South American cartel with an old score to settle with Cody. Together with a group of elite fighters, Cody and Brandi track down the cartel to Librador in Central America, hoping Knoxi remembers the survival skills Cody has taught her. Their mission uncovers a gruesome operation of child trafficking and torture on a huge scale. As they head into the Amazon jungle, they are pursued not only by mercenaries hired by the cartel boss but also must survive the dangerous animals that live there. As they arrive back home, another deadly event leaves Cody fighting for his life and he finally discovers the meaning behind his strange visions and dreams.
No Pit So Deep by James Nathaniel Miller II is an intense and gripping story and knowing it is based on true life events made it even more emotional. I loved the relationship between Brandi and Cody; they were soulmates and the bond they shared was truly remarkable. Knoxi was a little firecracker, sweet, brave with a heart filled with love for others. Even though she was facing her own horrors, she put her own fears to one side to reassure the other children. This quote from little Knoxi really brought a tear to my eye:
“And I remembered you told me that just because you’re afraid, it doesn’t mean you aren’t brave.” Every character was well developed and extremely memorable. Even though the commandos were amazing fighting machines, their softer side shone through too, which made them all the more realistic and likable. The fast-paced storyline was interspersed perfectly with moments of conflict and endearing scenes between the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Cody's spiritual journey and the tension-filled ending. The sinister and powerful network they uncover will really make you question the motives of some influential members of society. An emotional read by an amazing author.
Recommend this book:
Children Of The Third
A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller (Goliath Code Book 3)
Suzanne Leonhard

2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

Children of the Third by Suzanne Leonhard is a post-apocalyptic Christian thriller and the third book in the Goliath Code series, preceded by the award-winning and critically acclaimed book one, The Goliath Code, and book two, Prophet. The book revolves around the plight of the world in the seven-year Tribulation, an end-times war where the likes of individuals such as protagonist Sera Donner are fighting for their lives in the name of something greater, under the direction of words that come from the mouth of a powerful prophet but are enveloped in a higher decree. Sera is now a recipient of the genetic transformation of The Goliath Code, which strengthens her body and sensory channels. A series of battle losses that cost the lives of those close to her are devastating, but there are also reunions and blessed moments of grace that strengthen Sera and her compatriots' faith that they might prevail in the inevitable war to come. “The fallen angels are those who chose Lucifer’s side against Yahweh... In the end, they’ll all be punished by being thrown into the Lake of Fire with Lucifer.”
Children of the Third is a superbly written follow-up in The Goliath Code series and Suzanne Leonhard once again proves herself as a force in the genre of dystopian fiction. Sera is flawed and relatable. She is fragile and doubtful in a way that anyone thrust into a horrific universal war at such a young age would be. Crushing deaths that almost rain down around her, her own twin brother turning into an agent of the worst possible evil, and a father she might never see again...it's all pretty intense. But she's also strong and determined, emboldened by a growing sense of purpose and love of the Lord and we are continually reminded of what we are capable of in the darkest times. As the book of Micah 7:8 says in scripture: “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Dark Liaison
A Christian Suspense Novel (The COIL Series)
D. I. Telbat

2022 Silver Medal
361 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

Dark Liaison is a work of fiction in the thriller and Christian fiction subgenres and serves as the first installment of the COIL series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author D. I. Telbat. The book tells the tale of spy Corban Dowler as he works to see God’s will on Earth done by founding the Commission of International Laborers. COIL aims to come to the aid of persecuted Christians through the deployment of strike teams with strictly non-lethal principles As the team at COIL works hard to care for their people, it becomes apparent that they’ve become a direct target for the forces of evil.
I was particularly drawn into this book by the fascinating world-building surrounding COIL and its enemies, thoroughly well-designed lore that was introduced to the reader at a pace that constantly walked the fine line between overwhelming readers with information and keeping them informed about the nuances of what was happening. Author D. I. Telbat’s prose consistently brings the world of the story to life as characters are given a delightful nuance that makes them feel real and grounded. The narrative that the author tells using these characters is a dynamic tale of good versus evil that explores the idea of publicly wearing your faith in a world that has become hostile to it. Overall, Dark Liaison is an excellent opening installment in a series, doing a great deal of heavy lifting in establishing the world of COIL whilst still finding room to tell an enjoyable story that stands on its own merit.
Recommend this book:
Riven
Riven Republic Book 1
H. L. Wegley

2022 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

Riven (Riven Republic Book 1) by H. L. Wegley is a Christian thriller set in the contemporary United States. The country is on the brink of civil war as the fight between the left against the right intensifies. President Wendell Walker, a far-left radical, wants to unify the nation by force. As it happens, the leftist governor of Oregon, Sandra Harper, has already declared martial law, and the Constitutionalists are organizing themselves in Eastern Oregon to restore their country’s unity through a movement of God. One of the leaders of the group is Zach Tanner, a popular radio host who has been exhorting the Oregonian Constitutionalists to flee to Eastern Oregon to defend their country. The story takes an interesting romantic twist when the governor’s niece, Kate Alexander, joins the Constitutionalists. What follows is a series of events that will make it difficult for readers to put down this book.
H. L. Wegley’s Riven (Riven Republic Book 1) is the first installment in a series and it is certainly a thought-provoking read. The author has created imaginary characters and situations that depict the present political situation in the U.S., so much so that it is easy to relate to the narrative. Action-packed and emotionally driven, one can easily empathize with the flawed but likable protagonists of Riven. As the story develops and the stakes are getting higher, there is no let-up in the suspense. Author H. L. Wegley has proven once again that he is a master storyteller and I look forward with eager anticipation to the next installment of this series. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
The Janus Journals
H L Wegley

2021 Silver Medal
376 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

When Allie Petrenko's father is murdered, she retrieves the contents of his bank box and contacts Grady Jamison. Petrenko's warning to his daughter was to trust no one but the Jamisons and to clear his safety deposit box. Now Allie and Grady are on their way to Grady's parents, trying to keep her father's killer at bay. But it's not easy when the killer knows their every move, trying to take them out, but thankfully not succeeding. As Allie reads the journals out loud so Grady can hear them, she finds out things about her dad that turned her world upside down. The Janus Journals by H. L. Wegley will take you on a wild, suspenseful thriller of a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn every page of this amazing story.
Wow! The Janus Journals has it all. Espionage, mystery, thrills, romance, family and it all comes together with faith in God that gets them through. I fell in love with Allie and Grady from the start but I was really frustrated at Allie's father as she continued reading the journals and uncovering secrets. I could understand Allie not wanting to talk about a relationship with God, with losing her mom so young and now not sure about her dad. And when you read this book you will find all details. I have to admit, there were times I wasn't sure if Allie and Grady would make it to their next stop, and to be honest, they didn't at times without a fight. H. L. Wegley did an outstanding job of keeping my interest throughout the book. With so many twists and turns, it was impossible to guess what was coming next. I like the faith element running throughout the book. And I like the way Grady tries to introduce Allie to faith in God in his own subtle way. I love everything about this book. The Janus Journals is a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more from author H. L. Wegley.
Recommend this book:
Carbon-14
The Shroud of Turin, An Amari Johnston Novel Book 1
R.A. Williams

2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller

Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turn (An Amari Johnston Novel Book 1) by R. A. Williams is the story of Amari, a criminal justice major at the University of Arizona, with a detective for a father. Two mysteries pull them into each other's worlds when a priest is brutally murdered and Amari discovers some information that could change everything. Her university is in charge of carbon dating the Shroud of Turin, but they claim it is a forgery. Are they hiding something? When the killer sets his sights on Amari, her father must stop him before he gets to her.
R. A. Williams has written an interesting book with Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin. I didn't quite know what to expect, but the mystery drew me in and it moves at a good pace. It is like a cross between a police procedural and a new adult novel. Amari is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. You can tell the author has put a great deal of research into this book and it shows. That being said, I wouldn't be an expert myself, so I do not know how carbon dating works. There is a strong religious element to the story, which I think fans of Christian fiction would like, but there is a mix of genres here too. I think any thriller and mystery fans would enjoy it and people who like upper YA and NA novels too. I would recommend it as a decent thriller.
