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:
Daughter of Destiny
Book 1 of Guinevere's Tale
Nicole Evelina
2016 Gold Medal
326 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Daughter of Destiny by Nicole Evelina is well written in first person, and captured my interest with a unique prologue, a simple one paragraph, that made me want to read more about a woman I thought readers of Arthurian legends knew all about. Was Guinevere a sinner or a saint -- or a lovely combination of both? Evelina took a different aspect of Gwen's life than we've been told from other authors. We are introduced to Gwen when she is sent to Avalon to become a pagan priestess at the age of eleven. At age fifteen, because of a tragic circumstance, she is sent back to the family who were strangers to her and the pagan faith of her mother. This faith clashes with Christianity. By chance, she is introduced to the new High King Arthur, a Christian, and her life changes forever when she has to abandon the man she truly loved for four years to marry another.
Daughter of Destiny, Book 1 of Guinevere's Tale, is written in lyrical prose and deposits you right in the middle of medieval times. The writing is fast paced, historically correct for the era, and a page turner. I sympathized with the character whom fictional history buffs branded a lustful harlot because of circumstances that were thrust upon this intelligent, high spirited and delightful woman. Great twist at the end. Evelina's 15 years of research are a powerful addition to a fantastic read. Can't wait for Book Two. Prepare to embrace Guinevere. I feel privileged to have read this outstanding novel by a great writer.
Recommend this book:
A Warrior's Path
The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1
Davis Ashura
2015 Bronze Medal
544 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Davis Ashura’s A Warrior's Path series is quite the hidden gem in the fantasy genre, introducing its vast world and multi-dimensional characters through Book One: The Castes and the OutCastes. The demon Suwraith, the Bringer of Sorrows, has been constantly seeking out the absolute extinction of humanity since her arrival. Her Chimeras roam the wilderness, relentlessly threaten and exterminate anyone who is not in the safe protection of the cities’ walls. Rukh Shektan is a young warrior who not only has to live his life in a ruthless caste system, but also survive a never-ending war with the Chimeras. Worst of all, he discovers Suwraith’s plan to raze his home; the city of Ashoka.
The world-building is excellent and the plot is strong. The characters are engaging and well-fleshed out. Actions scenes are written in great detail without superfluous aspects. I also appreciated that Ashura makes some room for humor in the story. On the other hand, the beginning is a slow start for me as there are some descriptions that I think could be trimmed down or simplified. Additionally, the caste system integrated in the story is a double-edged sword. It adds an interesting and gritty element, yet it also brings slight negativity to my reading as it relates to bigotry. However, I don’t necessarily see this as a flaw of the book, but merely how it affects me as a reader. On the whole, A Warrior's Path has all the crucial prerequisites to make it enjoyable to fantasy fans in general while attracting some loyal fans along the way.
Recommend this book:
Zeus Is Dead
A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure
Michael G. Munz
2015 Bronze Medal
445 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The Greek gods have returned to the public eye, prompted by the death of Zeus. What? That's right, the king of the gods, Zeus, is dead and the rest of the gods have come back into view to be worshiped and given their due once again. Only Apollo seems to be troubled by this strange turn of events and he is determined to discover who actually killed Zeus and do something about it. When Apollo has a vision of a human, he feels that this person is key to the answers he needs. So Apollo and the Muses track down out-of-work online gambler Lief Karlson, who ends up paired with TV producer Tracy Wallace. Together with Apollo and the Muses, they must uncover what really happened to Zeus and who was behind it, all while staying one step ahead of Ares and Athena, who are out to get rid of the mortals before they can complete their mission. Zeus Is Dead: A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure is Michael G. Munz's comic look at the adventure that takes place.
Zeus is Dead may build on the current popular trend of stories about the Greek gods, but it is not what you are expecting. This is a comical and hilarious look at the Greek gods, at mortals, and the adventure they all undertake together and against each other. So many lines in this book will have you literally rolling on the floor with laughter! Michael G. Munz has created a book that, while trending popularly, is different and exciting. It is a great read for pre-teens on up through older adults! Older adults will understand some of the references better than younger readers, which makes it an awesome family fun read! Share it with a kid today!
Recommend this book:
Misplaced
SL Hulen
2015 Honorable Mention
367 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The universe is full of mysteries and some of the most enduring are the explanation for the building of the pyramids, the disappearance of the Anasazi and the belief that earth has been visited by extra-terrestrial beings in times long past. In Misplaced by S.L. Hulen, all of these questions are dumped at the feet of a very down-to-earth lawyer whose goal is to ease the suffering of immigrants to El Paso, Texas. With the appearance of a young woman who was certainly not the usual client at the Center for Help, Victoria’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to make sense of the situation. Coming to grips with the arrival of a royal visitor from 2181 B.C. Egypt, Victoria works as hard as ever to make the arrangements needed to get Khara back home to fulfill her destiny. Hunted for her priceless jewelry by a discredited Egyptologist, Khara travels to New Mexico with Victoria in hopes of finding the portal through which she can return to take her rightful place as the Queen of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms. Is it possible or are the old tales and legends of the ancient days simply stories?
As unbelievable as the events may seem, S.L. Hulen weaves them together masterfully to create a truly interesting, engaging story full of mystery, love, loss and adventure. The greed of some human hearts is balanced by the self-sacrifice of others so that what is right has the chance to triumph. No one ever said that life is fair – it just takes a different way of looking at things to rise above the disappointment. Misplaced is a story you will be sorry to see end.
Recommend this book:
Compendium
Artifacts of Lumin Book 1
Alia Luria
2015 Silver Medal
490 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
In Compendium (Artifacts of Lumin Book 1) by Alia Luria, Mia Jayne discovers a book that will change her planet forever. A battle has been waging beneath the crust of her home world and with this new discovery, the battle will be brought to the surface. It's conscience vs heart. Freedom vs captivity. Past vs future. You always have a choice and that can change everything.
Wow, wow, wow. Talk about unique. This sci-fi fantasy world that Alia Luria has created in Compendium will blow your mind away with its balance between detail and breezy pleasure. There's so much information to absorb here, but you never feel too overly burdened. And the characters could be my next door neighbors; they're so realistic. I really feel that the planet of Lumin exists out there in the galaxy. That is a difficult thing to achieve when the author is talking about fantasy stories.
The society on this planet has its own aura to it. There are little quirks about the way people talk and interact that creates a civilization to rival Tolkien and Lewis in its detail and spread. If you have plans for the next few days, do not pick up this book. I repeat: do not start unless you are willing to read for hours on end, gripped by the racing story line and breathtaking intrigue that fills the pages. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and I hope the series continues for many more books after that. I'm bookmarking this author because I know I will fall in love with every word she writes. Wow.
Recommend this book:
The Universe Builders
Bernie and the Putty
Steve LeBel
2015 Gold Medal
396 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel is an epic science fiction novel about creation, and a race of shimmering gods that use something called universe putty to help mold worlds, and such. Get it? Kind of like Silly Putty, but on steroids. The story begins with Bernie, growing up in the shadow of his father, Simeon, one of the most renowned universe builders with three best universe awards. After his parents divorce, his father abandons Bernie and his mother. Forced to live in poverty, Bernie grows up with minimal friends. Billy is the bully that plagues Bernie his whole life, especially after Bernie came to his friend Suzie’s rescue. After Bernie graduates from school with a universe building degree, he applies for a builder's job, and lands a probational position with The Business. As an average student the odds are against Bernie from the start, especially when he finds out that his nemesis, Billy, is in the cubicle next to his. Billy’s uncle is the boss. Bernie is given a trial project of building a universe and if he passes, he gets a permanent position. Billy is out for revenge from day one, and sets out to sabotage any chances Bernie has.
Steve LeBel does a magnificent job of creating a race of gods that are, above all else, human, except for being immortal creators that is. Steve’s writing style pulls you into the story with a sense of humor that often occurs in the last line of a chapter. You simply cannot help laughing out loud, while turning the page to start the next chapter. Although this is an epic sci-fi novel, it is a marvelous story that will touch you in more ways than you would ever expect. The Universe Builders is smart, witty, creative, and captivating like nothing I have ever read before. Almost impossible to put down. Awesome!
Recommend this book:
Attrition
The First Act of Penance: Three Acts of Penance
S.G. Night
2014 Gold Medal
584 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
S.G. Night's Attrition: The First Act of Penance is a sweeping tome filled with adventure, history and magic. Io is in turmoil. The Demon Dominion has enslaved humanity, banished the elves and eradicated the Majiski. Racath Thanjel, one of the last surviving Majiskis, has lived in the shadows for most of his life. Trained as an assassin, he must find a way to become more if he ever wishes to remove the Dominion's yoke and free Io. Guided by a girl who can see the future and trained by the best his race has to offer, Racath needs to unlock his Majiski gifts and be the hero he is prophesied to be.
The problem with long books is that if they turn out to be good, I lose an entire night's sleep. S.G. Night's Attrition was well worth it. It was quite difficult to get through the first chapter. But once I was through, the entire world of Io was mine to enjoy. Characters in fantasy settings live in a world with history, science and lore. A fictional world should have all the aspects of the real one. S.G. Night did a marvelous job of making his world come alive. Some of the expositions may seem a bit forced but, all in all, Mr. Night managed to introduce his world to readers without overtly detracting from the narrative.
Racath Thanjel is almost always on the verge of being an over-powered hero, but the author manages to bring in circumstances that challenge his protagonist. I particularly love the novel's supporting cast: Alexis, Toren, Rachel and Notak. It takes a lot of great writing to make the reader like the supporting cast of such a hero-centered saga. S.G. Night's Attrition: The First Act of Penance is the first of three parts. First volumes are supposed to pique reader interest, introduce characters and set up the fantasy world. In all these facets of fantasy, S.G. Night did an amazing job. I, for one, would willingly trade a sleepless night just to enjoy more of his work.
Recommend this book:
Night of the Fae
Ana Martin Series #1
Lyneal Jenkins
2014 Finalist
356 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Many of us have strange sensations from time to time but for Ana Martin, there is an amazing explanation – she is connected to a race of special beings through her love for Gabriel, a member of the Siis. Night of the Fae is volume one in the Ana Martin series by Lyneal Jenkins and introduces Ana, as well as Gabriel and other members of his race. Ana has special abilities herself, in addition to a problem with bipolar disorder, but Gabriel’s presence helps her deal with both. As the first human to be affected by the presence of Siis powers, no one knows exactly what will happen. One thing is for certain, though – Ana’s life will never be the same because the evil Fae hunt her as a means to get to Gabriel. Ana tries her best to keep up with her normal life, but will things ever really be the same?
Well-paced and engaging, Night of the Fae by Lyneal Jenkins is the perfect supernatural/fantasy read. Ana, Gabriel and the other characters are carefully developed and realistic in spite of the supernatural nature of some of them. Following their love, hate and trials keeps the pages turning. It is quite easy to get caught up in the swirling emotions that allow you to feel what Ana is feeling. Night of the Fae is a complete book with a conclusion to this part of the story that leads smoothly and naturally into the second volume, Hidden Light. It is certainly well worth the time and is sure to please.
Recommend this book:
Minstrel
Tir Athair Volume 1
Marissa Ames
2014 Finalist
384 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
An unlikely hero becomes the center of royal dispute and intrigue in Marissa Ame’s exciting tale, Minstrel. When Liam and his band of theatrical brothers arrive in the city of Cynegil, they have only the desire to make enough money to buy food and a place to lay their head. But when they see the signs that the city is in mourning they have a difficult decision to make. Do they ignore their empty bellies and move on in the hopes of finding sustenance someplace else, or do they disregard the rules against merriment in a time of mourning and entertain people? The needs of nourishment require them to go against the rules, and this decision lands them in the hands of the new king Riordan’s court. Riordan rules the country in excess, throwing parties and feasts, ignoring the emptying larders and purses of the country. Shamus, his twin brother, realizes that it is imperative that someone knows the truth of events and hires Liam to be his personal historian in order to record the happenings of Riordan’s reckless rule. But, can a simple minstrel right the wrongs of an entire kingdom? Will anyone listen to him if he tries? Find out in Marissa Ame’s Minstrel.
It was with much excitement that I downloaded a copy of Minstrel to review. Having previously read Marissa Ames’s short story, Darrion, which is also a story of Tir Athair, I was expecting the same intrigue and excitement in Minstrel that I had come to associate with Ames’s writing. I was certainly not disappointed. The feudal society that Ames has created, the intrigues involved in the opposing twin royal brothers, and the unlikely heroism of the minstrel, Liam, are wonderfully thought out and beautifully crafted. Rather than the lofty idealism that surrounds many fantasy landscapes, there is a grit and grime that is just as enchanting in the city of Cynegil. The world the author has created lives and breathes amongst the pages of her book. I highly recommend Minstrel, and I can’t wait to read her next book, Vassal.
Recommend this book:
The Crystal Key
T. L. Howard
2014 Honorable Mention
604 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
The Crystal Key by T.L. Howard is a captivating story about a young girl named Mirah, whose life was disrupted by a man named Rasmun, a man searching for the girl with the crystal key that will help his Lord come into power. Though he initially failed, Rasmun is determined to get his hands on Mirah. Many years later, after the death of her mother, Mirah is suddenly forced out of her familiar life to spend several months on the road with three knights. Though none of them know Mirah's importance, this much is certain - she's in danger.
T.L. Howard kept me captivated throughout the whole story. The plot was interesting and very different from other books in this genre. The characters, especially Mirah and Roenin, were interesting. Their constant fighting throughout their travels kept their journey somewhat lighthearted, despite the fact Mirah was being targeted repeatedly by Rasmun. Watching the characters grow as people and build new relationships helped with the overall plot. Each character was well thought out and had an in-depth angle to their backgrounds. I don't like books with flat, unrelatable characters, so being able to put yourself in the story is important to me. This book made it easy to do so.
The reader can identify with the personal struggles of the characters, such as being being forced to have something familiar taken away from you and having a huge responsibility placed on your shoulders. The book had some humor, romance, action and suspense, making it interesting for almost anyone. I would reread this book many times over.