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:
Tegen Alliance
Tegens Book 6
Inge-Lise Goss
2024 Finalist
297 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Tegen Alliance is the sixth book in the Tegen series by Inge-Lise Goss. Sara was running high on her mission to eliminate organized crime families that had a direct link with Conner Crusset. However, this time Conner and Sara wanted the same thing. A customer of the crime syndicate had murdered three of his people, and Conner wanted revenge. While his father advised him against retaliation, Conner was ready to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, while Sara was always happy to kick any organized crime family where it hurt them the most. Joining hands, the duo devised a plan to infiltrate the customer’s business and break it down from within. However, things were not as easy as they seemed in the beginning. It didn’t take long for Sara to start questioning whether her cover had been blown. Was this the end of the road for her?
Sara’s growth truly blew me away in Tegan Alliance. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I adored her. She was comfortable with herself, had complete control of her abilities, and could manipulate situations. She was confident and the perfect protagonist. Conner, on the other hand, was not exactly her opposite, but he complemented her incredibly well. He was cunning and loved Sara. Inge-Lise Goss made sure her readers were fully invested in the story from the outset. The prologue set the tone of the story, and Sara took over from the very first chapter. I loved the pace, the action, and the elements of mystery and suspense. The foreshadowing was on point, the development was perfect, and the character development was fantastic. I have never followed a series as passionately as I have with this one, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Recommend this book:
Pringle Prawn
Michael Scott Clifton
2024 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Ben thought his luck was changing. He has his career, an iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he'd bought an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood. His new home has a secret that Michael Scott Clifton reveals in Pringle Prawn. His new home is fully furnished so when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn who saves his life. When Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him. A series of hilarious events unfold as Pringle adjusts to the modern world and tries to help Ben using pinches of fairy dust. Pringle's feelings for Ben have grown over time and she must decide whether to return to her world or follow her heart and stay with Ben.
Michael Scott Clifton's plot drops you right into the action in Pringle Prawn at a rapid pace. I was overwhelmed with turmoil as Ben was trying to figure out how to save his life and the lives of his friends. I loved the vivid descriptions of the creatures and the beauty of the new land inside the grandfather clock. The crew Pringle makes brings fun and hilarious characters. I was always surprised and snorted with laughter. The witty door is my favorite. The theme of sacrificing for the ones you love is carried strongly throughout Ben and Pringle's relationship. I would recommend fans of action, drama, and romance to indulge in reading this book.
Recommend this book:
The Storm Awakened
Chronicles of Storm Book One
N.M. Thorn
2024 Bronze Medal
416 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
The Storm Awakened is a work of fiction in the fantasy, mythology, and adventure genres, and is the opening novel of the Chronicles of Storm series. Penned by author N.M. Thorn, the novel introduces Declan Storm, who seeks peace after a stint in prison, only to be thrust into chaos when vampires terrorize Key West. Amidst this, a priceless codex theft and a deadly monster ramp up the tension. As Declan investigates, ancient secrets and betrayals surface, forcing him to confront his dangerous past and outsmart a vengeful foe. This is an electrifying read that kept me engrossed from the first page with its rich blend of urban fantasy and Slavic mythology.
N.M. Thorn dives into the mystique, grit, and depth of these cultural and atmospheric influences, creating a richly textured world filled with dynamic characters and intense action that is realistically dark and dangerous. Declan Storm's journey is fraught with suspense thanks to the close narrative style and the emotional presentation of the character that has us rooting for him as we feel every struggle and challenge viscerally. While the intricate plot and unexpected twists really put him to the test, they also keep us guessing until the very end, thanks to some very satisfying details. Thorn's vivid descriptions and skillful pacing introduce us to a gorgeous, dangerous world and a thrilling adventure that leaves us eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Overall, I would highly recommend The Storm Awakened as a must-read for urban fantasy and mythology fans everywhere to enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Resurrection
Book I of The Martyr Series
MC Hunton
2024 Silver Medal
406 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Resurrection is the first book in The Martyr Series by MC Hunton. Darius Jones lived in New York City with no excitement, just existing. All he wanted was to survive, live to see another day, and do his best. With no one to live for and no one to fight for, Darius simply exists but then he is suddenly exposed to the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sins, walking among humans in host bodies, caused chaos. To counteract the evil, the Virtues also walked the earth, but they needed the help of more people to lessen the impact of the evil. These people were called the Martyrs, and Darius was the new recruit. Needless to say, Darius was in over his head and had no idea what he was supposed to do. He needed to figure out a way to find his footing in this new reality before it was too late. Was Darius cut out to be part of this battle between good and evil?
Thrilling, captivating, and exciting, Resurrection was everything I hoped it would be and more. The story was fantastic. You don’t easily come across a novel that does justice to the supernatural genre, and author MC Hunton nailed it! From the beginning, I knew I would love Darius and his kind heart. He was tough, clever, and very intelligent, but he had a gentle heart that hurt for other people in bad situations. His character arc was fantastic, and his growth was incredible. There was hardly a moment in the story that made me question the plot or the author’s skill in making this a remarkable novel for the reader. The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins being real forces of evil is both terrifying and fascinating. MC Hunton crafted a world where these sins have infiltrated society and corrupted individuals. Darius is a relatable protagonist, struggling to find his place in a chaotic world. His journey of self-discovery and redemption is engaging. My heart was pounding at times, but the rush of excitement was worth it. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series, but this introduction to the characters and the universe was out of this world!
Recommend this book:
Iron Unicorn
Agents of the Royal States Book 2
Susan Copperfield
2024 Gold Medal
435 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Iron Unicorn is the second book in the Agents of the Royal States series by Susan Copperfield. RPS Agent Terry was the head of the security detail for Queen Rachel during her stay in New York. All he had to do was keep the queen safe and sound in New York, and he thought that was easy enough. However, things changed when he found out Princess Olivia of Montana needed to have surgery to breathe properly. Unable to stop himself, Terry knew he couldn’t leave her alone. He would do anything for Olivia, even if it meant breaking his heart in the process. Little did he know, Olivia had a surprise for him as well. There were sparks between them, a chemistry that neither of them could deny, but who would take the first step?
What an incredible, light-hearted romance! The plot was filled with action, great characters, and a sweet love story that had me smiling until the end. I was hooked on this book from the very beginning, and I admit that I finished it in one sitting. I loved Terry and his personality. He reminded me of myself, and I enjoyed that. I formed a connection with him immediately and waited to see what would happen next. The story was sweet, humorous, and perfect for a romantic pick-me-up. The descriptions were good, the imagery was vivid, and the dialogues were crisp. I loved the ending, and I adored the relationship between Terry and Olivia. Now, I want to read the first novel in the series and then reread Iron Unicorn. Kudos to Susan Copperfield!
Recommend this book:
Legacy Witches
Cass Kay
2023 Finalist
292 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Legacy Witches by Cass Kay introduces Vianna Roots, a young witch returning to Salem to attend her mother’s funeral. Vianna hopes to bind her mother’s ghost to prevent it from haunting her. Her plan to return to Boston is frustrated when she bonds with the resident house demon, and a procession of ancestral ghosts attempts to pass on the mantle of magic. As Vianna struggles to accept her family heritage, she is despised by the local witches, tempted by a date with an old crush, and puzzled by the disappearance of a childhood friend. What does all this have to do with a takeover scheme orchestrated by an upstart witch and can Vianna outmaneuver the various parties who covet the power residing in the Roots home?
Legacy Witches by Cass Kay provides the perfect urban fantasy read. The culture of the magical hierarchy was delineated with an attention to detail that complemented and fleshed out the other fantasy elements. I found it easy to identify with the main character, Vianna, who resented being restricted by strict customs and rules. I liked the way help and friendship came from unexpected sources, including the transgender Dee, the elderly neighbor, and a young Hoo Doo practitioner whose friendship she had been forced to abjure. I giggled at the black comedy provided by the antics of all the grotesquely annoying ghosts! I expect readers will enjoy this story because the narrative was well written, the plot invoked cathartic fantasy elements of developing identity and overcoming abuse, and the story ended at a positive point.
Recommend this book:
Beauty and the Blade
The Talented Book 1
S. C. Grayson
2023 Honorable Mention
280 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Beauty and the Blade by S.C. Grayson sees Contessa agree to an arranged marriage with the deformed Nate Woodrow in the belief that he is responsible for the murder of her mother. Contessa has sworn to bring the killer to justice, but she learns a lot about herself and her new husband along the way. Nate may not be the savage criminal he appears to be, and the Lions may not be a bunch of hardened offenders. Everything she has been taught about upholding the law may contain a bias that Contessa must navigate to arrive at the truth. Was her mother murdered by a rival gang, the Serpents, or someone even more unexpected?
Beauty and the Blade by S.C. Grayson is a refreshingly original take on the archetypal Beauty and the Beast saga. I loved the essential feminism of Contessa’s character as she learns self-defense and develops skills with a blade. It is also exciting when she discovers a hidden talent. The relationship between Contessa and Nate develops slowly, with emotional realism and a sense of genuine trust. The side characters, including Julia, Gregor, and Kristoff, were all sufficiently distinguished to generate sympathy and liking. It was thrilling to read the adventure scenes where Contessa helps Nate evade danger, and I applauded when they took offensive action against enemies. I mourned the losses when young Lions were killed or injured. One character I was suspicious of throughout the story turned out to be a surprising ally! Beauty and the Blade by S.C. Grayson entertained me for hours with the perfect combination of fairy-tale and adventure stories.
Recommend this book:
Tempered Illusions
Shadows of Otherside Book 6
Whitney Hill
2023 Honorable Mention
335 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Life was complicated by shaky relationships, old grudges, and a whole lot of politics in Tempered Illusions (Shadows of Otherside Book 6) by Whitney Hill. Arden was stuck between a rock and a hard place, trying to find some semblance of balance between her many roles and titles. Just when she had resolved to get things in order, everything flipped on its head when bodies started showing up with clear signs of it having been a vampire attack. When all hell broke loose, Arden had to decide whether to deal with things her way or the manner everyone else wanted her to handle them.
Tempered Illusions by Whitney Hill was an exciting and interesting read and although it took me a while to find my bearings I soon found myself invested in the plot and characters. I think this book could be read as a standalone, but it would be much easier to follow after reading the full series as some terms and phrases won’t make sense until you are well advanced in this installment. The world-building for this book was amazing with a variety of different races, each with their particular lore and circumstances, and I enjoyed the diverse assortment of magical abilities. Hill has a knack for creating interesting characters, especially the main leads in the story. Arden’s hard-headed and feisty personality drew me to her and the same went for Troy. I loved their relationship dynamic. Even though both of them were stubborn, they found ways around it that worked for them. This was a great book and it left me itching to read the series from the start.
Recommend this book:
Archangel
The Book of Mammon
Black Mike
2023 Bronze Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Archangel: The Book of Mammon by Black Mike is the first book in the Archangel Fantasy Thriller series. Special Agent Michael Lieberman heads up the anti-terrorism unit, and his next case is about to lead him down a strange, demonic path that reveals his heritage. Detective Sara Wilson doesn't see the same as Lieberman sees, but she soon discovers a link between his case and a murder case she is investigating. Drawn into the investigation, she must face her past as they draw nearer to the answers, and the deeper Lieberman goes, the faster he pulls Sara in with him. The closer they get to one another, the harder it becomes to turn away from their past lives. Can they save each other, or will their pasts and the truth consume them?
Dan Brown, step aside. Black Mike has taken your crown with Archangel: The Book of Mammon, a compelling, action-packed fantasy thriller. This book grabs you from the first page and holds tight as it whisks you off on a roller-coaster ride you won't forget in a hurry. It's a fun read with plenty of serious action, twists and turns, romance, and humor, all wrapped up in a mysterious fantasy. The characters are amazing, built up, and developed to a degree where readers get to know them and understand their backstories, and the interaction between the two main characters is second to none. This detective story has a strong paranormal element, is unpredictable, and has an ending you won't see coming. Fantastic story and I'm really looking forward to reading book 2.
Recommend this book:
October Eclipse
October Sky Book 1
F.J. Blooding
2023 Silver Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
October Eclipse by F.J. Blooding introduces October, whose ability to connect with tarot cards allows her to see people and their intentions more clearly. At the senator’s office, she is offered an opportunity that she knows she should refuse. With her emotions pulling her toward the Valkyrie she should avoid, October embarks on a journey that will more than likely lead to another war. A war just like the last one that they lost. With paras being hunted with new and improved weapons, can Ryder and the assistance of the senator help her make the world a safer place for those that have paranormal abilities like her? Would they be able to stop those in charge from destroying the population, or will they all wind up dead or used for something much worse?
October Eclipse by F.J. Blooding is an interesting and suspenseful story that leads the reader through a world that is doing its best to get rid of or capture anyone with supernatural abilities. These gifted characters and their ability to see the things that others cannot make them a threat to normal society. The gifts range from connecting with tarot cards and reading the intentions of others to seeing small bursts of information. This keeps the paras searching for ways to move around undetected by the new and improved wands that give away their abilities. I loved the suspense in this story, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fantasy that keeps them wondering what will happen next. I look forward to the next book in the October Sky series.