150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
The Last Danann
Titanian Chronicles Book 2
Victoria Saccenti
2022 Silver Medal
405 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
In the Last Danann by Victoria Saccenti, we meet an eons-old Tuatha Dé Warrior, Kailen. We see short memories starting in Thebes, Southern Egypt, 1000BC, when he visits Khnurn, a wizard charged with keeping the universe's balance. Kailen cannot join his people as they leave the earthly plane but has been given orders that occupy him for millennia. Khnurn assures him that he will find someone to fill his heart. In one of the many battles Kailen faces with his Masters, the Westerbergs, his beloved Nadrine is killed. Kailen believes his heart will never again belong to someone. When a shocking kidnapping occurs, Kailen must team up with Khnurn's apprentice Talaith. Neither of them ever thought they would ignite such intense feelings of love and protection for each other. However, her unknown origins still hang over them as the couple joins the other Titanians in a fight against two very evil death sorcerers.
The Last Danann by Victoria Saccenti is an exquisitely written piece of literature with exceptional descriptions and lavishly chosen words to convey the sense of awe inspired by the characters in the novel. The world of the supernaturals - superimposed and woven through the ordinary world - is exquisitely done. It leaves the reader dumb-struck at the beauty of the world seen through supernatural eyes. The diminished use of eroticism substantiates the novel's plot and balances the story as it unfolds. A well-crafted world supports the storyline. This is an excellent book. The language and tone are of the highest standard and add to the powerful characters that walk through the halls of the Chronicles. Enough background detail of previous events is given so that The Last Danann can be read either as a stand-alone or as part of the Titanian Chronicles.
Recommend this book:
The Age of Darkness
Wrak-Wavara
Leigh Roberts
2022 Gold Medal
334 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara by Leigh Roberts is an epic fantasy tale set in the fictional world of Etera. Moc'Tor, Guardian of Etera and Leader of the Mothoc residing in the cave system of Kthama, finds himself facing the biggest challenge of his life when an unknown pandemic spreads through the population, bringing it almost to the brink of extinction. Determined to preserve the Mothoc bloodline, Moc'Tor allows the females of the Mothoc to mate with the Others, a decision that evokes fierce opposition amongst his critics. As the years pass by, the Mothoc population becomes more and more diverse, leading to splinter groups that seek to undermine Moc'Tor's leadership. His own brother Straf'Tor leads a group of pure-blooded Mothocs to the cave system of Kayerm. Meanwhile, Moc'Tor's daughter Pan inherits her father's Guardian abilities.
A fantasy epic rich in lore, mystery, and political intrigue, The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara takes you on an immersive odyssey you don't want to end. Author Leigh Roberts builds a uniquely imaginative world that feels fleshed-out and lived-in. The narrative focuses on the people of Mothoc, led by the strong-willed Moc'Tor, who has to make some tough decisions to ensure the survival of his species. Only those decisions are not received very well by everyone. This actually mirrors some real-world events of our times. The characters have diverse motives and personas that create plenty of conflict and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed The Age of Darkness: Wrak Wavara, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Recommend to fantasy lovers.
Recommend this book:
Sentinals Awaken
Book One of the Sentinals Series
Helen Garraway
2021 Finalist
390 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in Helen Garraway’s The Sentinals series. As captain of the King’s Rangers, Jerrol Haven’s job is to make sure everything in the kingdom of Remargaren is kept safe and secure. When he discovers treasonous acts committed by Chancellor Isseran, the third most powerful man in the kingdom, he has no idea of the scope of the conspiracy he has uncovered. The crown prince accuses him of treason and Jerrol is forced to flee. On the run, Jerrol is plagued by visions and signs of things he thought were mere myths. Lady Leyandrii, the deity that sundered the veil three thousand years ago, needs him to save a kingdom beset by its most ancient enemies. Jerrol must race against time and countless enemies in order to awaken the kingdom’s Guardian Sentinals.
Helen Garraway introduces a magically unique world in this fast-paced fantasy epic. The magic system in this book is different yet familiar. The age-old battle of good versus evil is grandly portrayed in the struggle between the Sentinals and the Ascenders. This is a recipe that makes epic tales so breathtaking and Sentinals Awaken doesn’t disappoint. Jerrol is a great protagonist from the beginning, a fighter and a man of principle. His life is filled with danger and near catastrophes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This enjoyable book reminded me of Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb in terms of premise. I was sad to reach the end of the story and hope to read more books in this series.
Recommend this book:
Preons
Alpha
Frederik T. Stevens
2021 Honorable Mention
234 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Preons: Alpha by Frederick T. Stevens is set in a Star Wars-like universe populated by a myriad of strange creatures inhabiting even stranger planets. The storyline is centered mainly around the adventures of David, an extraordinary individual who was present at the invasion and subjugation of planet Earth and who is bent on revenge. David discovered some latent, extremely violent powers during the invasion, and has spent the last seven years training and developing them on a planet where bloody gladiatorial tournaments to the death are a popular spectator sport. On the planet Canteli, Hanla is the King’s favored princess who goes through a ceremony to wed a prince from a neighboring powerful planet. It is a politically arranged, loveless match but she is shocked when later, after the ceremony, the groom stumbles into their bed-chamber with a knife planted in his vital organs. As she removes the knife, and soldiers from the groom’s home planet beat on her door, she realizes that being discovered holding a bloody knife over the dead body of her new husband will not look good, so she makes a hasty escape through the castle’s secret tunnels...
As a fan of the sci-fi genre, I was very much taken with Preons: Alpha. It is a great space opera, with plenty of beautifully described action among strange and wonderful planets. Author Frederick Stevens is in possession of a prodigious imagination and writes with a light, sure touch, presenting an astounding array of characters and situations with clarity and lucidity. In a narrative that spans numerous planets, involves a plethora of alien races and several plot threads, one never becomes lost in the detail. The book is a brilliant achievement and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrative leads to an open-ended conclusion which promises a second volume (Preons: Beta?) which I hope will come soon. Preons: Alpha is first-class science fiction - aficionados of the genre will not be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
Marilia, the Warlord
Chrysathamere Trilogy Book 1
Morgan Cole
2021 Bronze Medal
483 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
A set of twins were born to a 'painted lady' (harlot) and lived within the confines of the 'pillow house' (brothel) all their lives. Their names were Marilia and Annuweth, bastards of noble military birth. After the death of their mother and a rape attempt on Marilia, they ran off to the lands of their father, where they lived out their destinies. Annuweth climbed the military ranks while Marilia safely married. Suddenly, the country faced a war that could wipe them out. Weighed down by the grief of losing a husband and in the early stages of pregnancy, Marilia must save her country. With a keen mind and a prophecy unfulfilled, she marched to battle. But how mighty a force can a mere woman be? You’re about to find out in Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole!
In all honesty, the movie “300” has got nothing on this book. Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole is a brilliant epic historical novel. Morgan told a compelling story that sounded more like war chronicles of old than mere fiction. The plot had soul, depth, and originality that held me spellbound. I moved with every horse hoove, sword thrust, hand combat, you name it. I felt transported to the battlefield, watching everything live. The book was alive with anger, betrayal, integrity, stealth, grit, courage, perseverance, and tough love. I loved the creative, yet simple era-appropriate language usage. Marilia was a strong character, and I loved to see her evolve. However, Annuweth’s character was developed so beautifully that it gained my respect. Morgan has written a masterpiece, one that is movie worthy. I’d love to read more from Morgan Cole.
Recommend this book:
Khon'Tor's Wrath
Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows Book One
Leigh Roberts
2021 Silver Medal
314 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts is the story of a healer, the leader, and his mate. Adia was a revered Healer with a fair heart and just spirit. She set off for another village to give a bag of goldenseal to Ithua, a fellow Healer. Adia's heightened seventh sense led her to a scene of horrible murder and gore, complete with a living infant. However, the infant was a Waschini, a people known for their cruelty, disrespect for nature, and other beings. The Waschinis incurred the hatred of all. Still, as a Healer and a woman, empathy won, and she took the baby home. This singular act snowballed into a series of events that would determine the fate of Adia, Khon'Tor, who loved but now hated her, and Hakani, Khon'Tor's jealous and spiteful mate.
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts is the first installment in the series titled Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows. It is a novel woven around compassion, strife, hate, malice, deception, power, and honor or its lack. The prime thing that struck me about this novel was the First Law. It protected women, especially on consent and abuse. I wish the real world made women feel safer this way. The plot, storyline, and range of characters also drew me in. There were formidable and redeeming qualities about the cast, the alpha women, and even the villains. Khon'Tor's Wrath was captivating, so enthralling that it evoked anger among other emotions from me. I thought Khon'Tor was beyond reproach, but I was surprised! I loved Leigh's writing style and crisp editing. Will Acaraho give in to his desires? Please, write more, Leigh.
Recommend this book:
Dragon Mage
An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Rivenworld Book 1)
ML Spencer
2021 Gold Medal
830 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Dragon Mage by ML Spencer is a coming-of-age epic high fantasy adventure novel and the first book in the Rivenworld series. The book revolves around the arc of our main character, an awkward adolescent boy named Aram, who, by all accounts, seems to be destined for a life of mediocrity. When he finally makes a friend in Markus, a boy who embodies everything that Aram lacks, the two become inseparable. After the song of a bard has Aram frantic to pierce through The World Above, his true power becomes evident through his tear into a terrifying Void, penetrating and catapulting the journey of both boys into The World Below. Aram's obsession and natural ability to entwine and uncoil a labyrinth of different knots turn out to be the key to his destiny as a Savant. With the proper nurturing and expansion of his skills and power, he could be the savior of them all.
Dragon Mage is a book I kept sort of brushing aside on account of its size. ML Spencer has written a behemoth of a novel that I did not initially realize was a stand-alone epic fantasy. And an unbelievably fantastic one, to boot. Aram and Markus are both given the time and space to develop and grow. While doing so, Spencer can also engross a reader in the intricate magic system, the world-building of not just one, but two worlds, the Void, and all the creatures and good and evil that sweep through the tension on every page, and beauty that softens the blows. Some parallels converge, like when Markus can console a stunning dragon and summon the possibility of revenge while Aram, in a fist-pumping moment that had me in shivers of delight, unwittingly metes it out to a horribly abusive man. It looks like the saga will continue with the next installment, Champion of the Fallen, which I must now anxiously await. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
From Hell with Love
The Forsaken Comedy
Kevin Kauffmann
2020 Finalist
366 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
From Hell with Love (The Forsaken Comedy) by Kevin Kauffmann is an engrossing epic fantasy that showcases the author’s imagination. I was fascinated with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, but this novel takes supernatural intrigue to a new level. The protagonist is Niccolo da Firenze who, after living a miserable life, finds himself condemned to hell. But to his utter surprise, hell turns out to be a comfortable home and a place far from what everyone, or almost everyone, thinks it is. Instead of the popular place of torment with eternal fire, he discovers that it is the one place he feels accepted and loved, and he rises up the ranks to become the Horseman of Pestilence. But when Cadmus, the Horseman of Death, reveals a vision of Lucifer’s death, Niccolo must ride to uncover a powerful conspiracy and save his lord.
A tale of a supernatural conspiracy involving ancient demons, vile men, and some gods. The story is highly imaginative and it poses a disturbing question: What if, after all, Lucifer isn’t what the Church has taught us to believe and what if hell is the invention of humans in order to control the masses. Kevin Kauffmann has written a story about a controversial topic and has challenged readers to question popular belief. The writing is gorgeous, filled with beautiful descriptions, and arresting imagery. From the opening pages, the reader encounters Lucifer, who turns out to be an interesting character. While From Hell with Love (The Forsaken Comedy) is pure fantasy, it is filled with realism and the author’s deft use of biblical allusions. The characters are strong and exceptional and it is interesting how an ordinary man transforms into one of the Horseman. I equally enjoyed how the author integrates the theme of the apocalypse into the writing.
Recommend this book:
Forged in Shadow
Megan Haskell
2020 Honorable Mention
345 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Forged in Shadow by Megan Haskell is the first book in The War of the Nine Faerie Realms series. Curuthannor's dreams don't align with his family as he would rather forge weapons than hunt and turned the act of forging into his purpose. When the king arrives with a request, searching for a special sword made of iron, Curuthannor receives an opportunity that could change everything. The opportunity takes him on a journey to the goblin mines of the Shadow Realm. This allows Curuthannor to venture away from his family and make a name for himself that's all his own. He doesn't expect to encounter others with their own agendas, which land up with him being accused of a crime he didn't commit and facing the wrath of the Shadow King. Elsewhere, Lhewen's thrilled to receive the chance to be the handmaiden to the princess until she's whisked along to the Shadow Realm where the princess's true plans leave Lhewen alone and searching for a way out.
Megan Haskell delivers an epic adventure with a story that comes to life through a truly detailed and amazing world which introduces you to the Nine Realms. The vivid world is explored through well-rounded characters, both primary and secondary, whose journeys are full of action, purpose, and adventure. Curuthannor's journey is at the center of the plot as he takes a chance on his dream and is driven by his desire to prove himself. The adventure gives him a real opportunity to use the weapons he's long since forged when he faces the true danger of the Shadow Realm. His journey has all the elements of an epic quest explored through a riveting plot that goes from someone with a dream to accusations that push him to fight for his life. The various characters all find themselves on the same quest as each is playing a different part in the grander plot of king against king and the search for a sword. Forged in Shadow serves as a great introduction into epic fantasy for younger ages and an addictive getaway for adults in a plot filled with magic and adventure that is complex and entertaining.
Recommend this book:
STAZR The World Of Z: The Dawn Of Athir
Dr. Anay Ayarovu
2020 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
STAZR The World of Z is the first book in The Dawn of Athir series by Dr. Anay Ayarovu, and it is an epic fantasy that features Lael, the unusual protagonist who finds himself caught up in a mystery that is about to blow his mind. Lael is an aspiring author. In fact, he has written some short stories and is now contemplating his next big book, a novel that he thinks will become a masterpiece. But how he finds himself at the center of a prophecy is what makes things even more exciting. He lives in a world where class distinction is very strong and where the ruling class takes advantage of those they lord over. Someone has stumbled upon a prophecy from beyond the Roum. The message contains the coordinates of Lael’s residence, which is how he gets embroiled in unraveling the prophecy.
This novel is filled with humor. The narrative voice in the first person captures the sentiments and worldview of Lael in an absorbing manner. When readers encounter the protagonist, they get the impression of someone who is full of himself, confident, and even vain in his knowledge, but from the moment that the shwine messenger delivers a message to him, his world is turned upside-down. He has to put his feet on the ground and shun the delights of reveling in books to avoid the crude realities of life. The adventure is wonderful and the story suspenseful. The reader will want to know what happens to Lael’s world and if the strong and privileged class can use him to acquire a power that has been hidden for ages. It is his transformation and growth that intrigued me. STAZR The World of Z is transporting, featuring well-developed and interesting characters, and is a world that has its unique rules and language.