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:
Magic Unfurled
Book One of the Interdimensional Magic Series
M.L. Ryan
2021 Bronze Medal
275 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Magic Unfurled by M.L. Ryan is a fascinating and entertaining urban fantasy novel. This is a world of the Haves and the Have Nots--those with magic powers who rule with an iron fist, and those with very few magic powers that are ruled by those warlords. This story centers around one of the Have Nots, named Kya, but that isn't the only disadvantage. The other is, she's a woman, but this is where the story gets even more interesting. From the time she was eleven years old, she's had to fend for herself, stealing food just to survive. Since women are on the lowest rung of the ladder in the land, she passes as a boy, and it works for her. When Kya is taken by a gang of warlords to their camp, she discovers that she has magic powers she didn't realize she had. And in this world, magic is power.
This book is full of drama, clever humor, and interesting characters, especially Kya. The award-winning M.L. Ryan has crafted a world and a plot that you'll love to lose yourself in, with charismatic Kya leading the way. The character of Kya is strong enough to lead you through chapters and storylines that enchant and impress. There is a good balance of action, drama, and humor, and the first-person POV makes the reader's relationship with Kya even more personal. I like that the story gets into the meat of things on the first few pages, and before you know it, you're deep into the plot. The author's worldbuilding skills are amazing, and the attention to detail adds so much texture and volume. I appreciate that Ryan doesn't talk down to her readers, and has an inviting, earnest style. There are some sex scenes that add energy to the story as well. By all means, grab Magic Unfurled by M.L. Ryan the first chance you get.
Recommend this book:
The Search for the King's Staff
A Song of Hope
Sophia Davidson
2021 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
A Song of Hope by Sophia Davidson is the first book in the Search for the King’s Staff series. As a child, Cierra was gifted with a key and the knowledge that she has been chosen as the Keeper of the Key, which means one day it will be up to her to search for the King’s Staff. That day arrives just before her coming of age ceremony which finds her life veering in a new direction as she embarks on the path to discovering her destiny. As darkness seeps through the Spirit Realm and grows closer to claiming everything she knows, Cierra is the only one that can find the staff and destroy the darkness. With the help of her cousin James, her tutor Windsong, temperamental dragons, and a mysterious stranger, Cierra sets off through a dangerous wilderness and must discover the strength of her power if she’s to save them all.
Sophia Davidson weaves serious themes throughout though the tone remains light-hearted thanks to the genuine personality of Cierra and the way she sees the world. The writing is lovely with descriptions that paint vivid images, beautiful and action-filled, which transport you along with Cierra’s emotional journey. The beginning finds Cierra preparing for her coming-of-age ceremony, which is a lovely way of introducing her journey into self-discovery, the depth of her powers, and becoming a hero. The adventure is full of action-packed moments, bandits, dragons, dangerous assassins, and unexpected allies which make for an exciting read for all ages. The other characters in Cierra’s life play key roles in her journey with James and Windsong as her two greatest influences and who aid her along the way. Windsong is her tutor and mentor, serving as a father figure to them and who keeps them in line while providing a source of wisdom and understanding. James is her cousin but acts like a brother to her, with bickering and fighting while also supporting and building each other up. James is a great source of camaraderie and family as he stands by her and helps throughout her journey every step of the way. Davidson knocks it out of the park with The Search for the King’s Staff which is a lovely debut about self-discovery, darkness, and finding the light.
Recommend this book:
Eyes Last Seen Dying
Colin J Adams
2021 Finalist
508 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Eyes Last Seen Dying by Colin J. Adams is a book for anyone who enjoys action and clashes with swords and magic. The author creates beautiful, cinematic action in excellent prose and with unusual storytelling skills. The protagonist is Lena, a girl with spectacular skills with the sword, who is tricked by her own sensei into stealing one of the six stones holding back the dangerous Nithrain, a dark power capable of untold destruction. Now Lena is a hunted young woman and she must fight to stay alive and redeem herself. Surviving in Ithander is not easy, even for a woman with incredible skill with the sword. Follow this protagonist on a journey in a land where magic is commonplace and where legendary fighters abound. Can she protect herself and do the right thing before she is cut down?
Colin J. Adams’ Eyes Last Seen Dying just made him one of my favorite storytellers in the fantasy genre. He has crafted an extremely bewitching tale with fascinating characters and a setting filled with more than magic. This is one of those books that I read and felt like I just woke up from an enchanting dream. The action is aplenty; the characters well-developed, and the conflict built to move the story forward through every page. This book contains the complexity that anyone will adore in a plot; it is what fantasy is for — transporting the reader to a world that is strange yet exciting. The sweeping and picturesque imagery the author conjures left me fascinated, and there is a level of emotional and mythical sophistication within this epic fantasy that sets it apart. Eyes Last Seen Dying is just gorgeous and enjoyable.
Recommend this book:
The Last Seer King
Book two of the Shadow Sword series
S.J. Hartland
2020 Gold Medal
611 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
The Last Seer King is book two in the Shadow Sword series by S.J. Hartland, a well-plotted and wonderfully written epic fantasy with characters and worlds that transport readers. In a realm that is fast heading towards annihilation, heroes and brave warriors fight to restore the realm to its former glory. There is only one way for Roaran to beat the tyrant and it’s very painful, but will he tread the path he swore he never would and find redemption in doing what is right? Once a dangerous man and a slaver, Dannon is heeding a new call, one that compels him to change his old ways and embrace a new path. Val Arques is a powerful warrior, but he is in chains and all he yearns for is to find Kaell, but he only has one small opportunity to escape. Can he succeed?
A tale filled with action, dark magic, and powerful heroes fighting deadly enemies, The Last Seer King is replete with suspense and told in a style that is atmospheric, in prose that is delightful, and with characters that are real and compelling. What grabbed my attention as I opened the book was the author’s prose. It is filled with vivid descriptions and strong imagery. For instance, the description of Kaell caught up between the twilight zone of death and wakefulness is appealing to the senses: “But familiar sensations poured into him. Groping hands that pulled him towards wakefulness. The aroma of candlewax. The sight of dawn’s pink flush beyond a window. Cloth rubbing his skin. Even the weight of his head on a downy pillow.” The beauty of the language is one of the elements that set this narrative apart, both highly descriptive and insightful with poetic lines like “the silence sank into him, a beast of a thing that pawed his neck with unease as the clanging, pealing iron and the screams of men ebbed away.”
S.J. Hartland has a strong gift for plot and the shifts in points of view create suspense that gets the reader racing through the pages, always looking forward to what happens to the characters. The subplots are used to reinforce the suspense and sustain the reader’s interest in the story. This is a series I’d love to watch on screen. It is delightful and utterly gripping, with strong plot points and elaborately developed characters.
Recommend this book:
Through the Redwood Hollow
Kenna Paige
2020 Silver Medal
258 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Through the Redwood Hollow by Kenna Paige is the first book in The Zylandia Series. It all starts with a normal camping trip for two little girls and their family when an earthquake changes everything. Suddenly, cousins Molly and Jill find themselves in a different world. One where they meet pixies and giant triplets and where everyone seems to think they're here to save a pixie queen because a prophecy predicted their arrival. The two cousins turn to new allies as they embark on an adventure to save a queen and to find their way back home. As they make their way through this other world, they make new allies who quickly step up to help them.
Molly and Jill have a deep bond between them but the two are very different girls with a few years between their ages. This age difference creates a clash between them as Jill feels that, being older, she shouldn't be hanging around a little kid. Jill has an air of maturity about her in the sense that she thinks of herself as more grown up, enjoys reading about old cultures, and looks down on Molly for crying like a little kid. As they band together to try to find a way home, they face various dangers and obstacles which help them create a stronger bond. The other world they find themselves in is a place of wonder and magic with a variety of magical beings and prophecy. The adventure is fun as the girls have the role of savior placed upon their shoulders and they're faced with unusual things which start off with three giant triplet kids who think they're talking dolls.
Kenna Paige keeps the story light and with a tone that's reminiscent of a child's imagination. The names add to this sense of fun and fit perfectly into this unique world with unusual rhymes and sounds, including the triplets Lolly, Nolly, and Bolly, and the various beings Quizzlebin, Herzdon, and Philbellee. The story also includes an evil sorcerer for them to face and conquer their fears. The prophecy places a destiny upon them as the fate of the queen and others becomes their responsibility. Through the Redwood Hollow is a delightful read and a magical adventure about friendship, family, prophecy, and the journey home.
Recommend this book:
Apollo's Raven
Curse of Clansmen and Kings Volume 1
Linnea Tanner
2020 Bronze Medal
392 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Apollo’s Raven is a work of mythological and historical fantasy fiction written for adults by author Linnea Tanner. Written as the opening novel to the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, this sweeping narrative takes us back to the first century AD, at a time when Celts battle Romans in the fight to rule Britannia. Forbidden love and political power plays abound as Catrin, the daughter of a Celtic king, finds love in the arms of the enemy, but also discovers that she may be key to a Druid crusade that could destroy her own father if it comes to pass. So begins an epic tale with plenty of excitement, romance, and mystique.
I adored this book from start to finish for its non-stop atmosphere of authenticity that draws you deep into the world of early Britain and the constant battles for supremacy at the time. As a person of Celtic heritage myself, I was delighted to see the accuracy portrayed in the tribes, but also the more modern twist on dialogue and depiction that makes the book accessible, faster-paced and easier to absorb as a modern reader. History truly comes alive under the pen of author Linnea Tanner, but there’s also plenty of room left for characters to breathe and develop under watchful narration. The plot is stellar: well-thought-out and executed with a great sense of beat and pacing as each moment of both the romance arc and the curse is portrayed. Overall, Apollo’s Raven is an un-put-down-able fantasy adventure from start to finish.
Recommend this book:
Plague of Witches
John Patrick Kennedy
2020 Honorable Mention
368 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
While a young woman searches for the answer to her mother's disappearance, a sinister entity locked away for twenty years is released and is wreaking havoc in the supernatural novel, Plague of Witches by John Patrick Kennedy. On her twenty-first birthday, Kana discovers she is a witch and is offered admission to an exclusive university. One of the reasons she wishes to attend that particular college is to find out what happened to her mother, Akemi. Twenty years before, while working on a project at the school, Akemi vanished without a trace. Believing the answers to Akemi's disappearance rest in the experiments she was conducting, Kana studies her mother's notes and restarts the project. Meanwhile, something is on a grisly murdering spree, and the student witches at the university seem to be the main target. Has reopening the science lab awakened a dormant entity? Does this being have anything to do with Akemi's disappearance?
Plague of Witches by John Patrick Kennedy is the first book in an exciting new series about witches and their supernatural skills. If you are looking for something more than a cozy witch mystery, then you have found it! Filled with action, horror, and passion, this is an exhilarating book complete with evil villains, murder, and a macabre plot. It is a thrilling tale of deceit, betrayal, mystery, and murder. From beginning to end, it is non-stop excitement. Although it is an intense and exciting story, the conclusion is a little baffling. Stopping on a cliff-hanger, the ending is quite abrupt, making it necessary to read the sequel. Despite that, it is a riveting novel that will enthrall readers who enjoy a series brimming with suspense and action-packed supernatural mystery and mayhem. With explicit sex scenes, graphic violence, and foul language, it is more suitable for mature readers.
Recommend this book:
Phoenix
Queen’s Avatar
T. S. Alexander
2020 Finalist
348 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Phoenix is a work of fiction in the science-fiction genre that is aimed at all ages of reader and was penned by author T. S. Alexander. The first book in the Queen’s Avatar series, this story marks the beginning of a saga of the interstellar conflict between humans and the alien civilizations which they stumble across whilst first exploring the stars. As the science that brought humanity into the cosmos comes into conflict with the magic-like abilities of the aliens, mankind is drawn into the midst of an ancient conflict with the exploration ship Endeavour struggling to survive in the middle. What results is a highly engaging tale with both technical and sensational merits.
It is rare to find works of science fiction that have enough of the hard-boiled sci-fi concepts to satisfy fans but also manage to hold up lots of cinematic moments and blockbuster tensions, and I feel that author T. S. Alexander strikes a great balance of the two here. Combining a close human story about learning to trust one another with an epic bigger-picture threat of interstellar battle, the narrative delivers much of its exposition through intelligent dialogue exchanges rather than dumping too much information on us from the start. This journey of discovery mirrors the experience of the Endeavour’s crew as they learn about Aldeea and its many dark and fascinating secrets, which are revealed well in the plot construction. Overall, I would definitely recommend Phoenix to both super keen and casual science fiction fans for its many layers of accomplished prose.
Recommend this book:
Dagger's Destiny
Curse of Clansmen and Kings Book 2
Linnea Tanner
2019 Gold Medal
350 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Dagger’s Destiny by Linnea Tanner is the second book in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. The book picks up immediately after the events of the first book in the series, Apollo’s Raven. Set in the year 24 AD in Britannia, the young Princess Catrin must save her father, King Amren, from the wounds he suffered during the attack at the prisoner exchange. However, King Amren is more concerned about the curse his first wife, Rhan, placed upon him, and Catrin’s role in sparing the life of the Roman Marcellus. For King Amren, these are treasonous acts for which his daughter must be punished. Meanwhile, Marcellus, also wounded during the prisoner exchange, suffers at the hands of his fellow Romans and his father, Lucius Antonius, who see Marcellus as a traitor to Rome for letting Catrin lure them into an ambush. As Catrin and Marcellus struggle to save their own lives, they try to make their fathers understand the complex love that they have for each other. Each must keep war from breaking out between the Romans and the Cantiaci, while avoiding death for treason. At the same time, the curse placed on King Amren by Rhan has changed due to Catrin’s actions to save Marcellus, with dire consequences for the Cantiaci if the new curse can’t be interpreted in time.
I greatly enjoyed Dagger’s Destiny. In this part fantasy, part historical fiction tale, Linnea Tanner has woven together a wonderful web of romance, intrigue, mystery, and legend to create an entertaining and complex story. The author has done a superb job of creating a detailed and vibrant world of Celtic Britain at a time right before the invasion of the island by Emperor Claudius in 43 AD. She has taken the many myths and legends of the Celts and given them life through the characters of Catrin, Rhan, Marrock, and Myrddin. In each of these, the mythical powers of the ancient druids are brought to life. I loved how the magic of the druids was woven into the story, complementing the drama being created between Catrin’s desire to prove her loyalty to her father, and the machinations of Rhan and Marrock. At the same time, the political intrigue is played out in an epic fashion between King Amren, the Romans, and the Cunobelin tribe. Everything meshes together to give the reader a truly entertaining story of love, magic, and betrayal.
I highly recommend Dagger’s Destiny. For anybody with an interest in historical fiction, there is plenty to love in the setting Linnea Tanner has created. For those with an interest in epic fantasy, the characters and their interactions, each with their personal goals and motivations, and often in conflict with each other, Dagger’s Destiny is a book sure to keep your interest. Both genres are blended together into a seamless whole with outstanding results.
Recommend this book:
Darrienia
The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 1
K.J. Simmill
2019 Silver Medal
744 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Whoa! Can you say, "epic read?" Well, I certainly can after finishing the fantastic new book by author K.J. Simmill, Darrienia: The Forgotten Legacies Series, Book One. This book grabbed me from the very beginning, and wouldn't let go until I came to the very end. Encompassing a world unlike any that most readers may have previously encountered, the story follows protagonist Elly as she is given the quest of finding the missing Marise. But what is the true intent of her mission; is it for good or for evil? The god Night is determined to taste revenge, and will do almost anything to fulfill his desire. Elly soon realizes that there is much more than she ever expected to encounter on her path, and isn't sure if she'll ever find Marise, or ever safely return to her home for that matter. Will Elly succeed? You'll need to read this amazing book to find out.
I loved Darrienia. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's how I truly felt about this wonderful new book. Author K.J. Simmill has created characters that her readers will be able to connect with, will relate to, and will truly come to care about. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. Her world creation abilities are simply second to none. Any reader who enjoys a great work of fantasy, or any reader looking for a great epic read of fiction in general, should absolutely read this book. I highly recommend Darrienia, and I look forward to reading more from the incredibly promising author, K.J. Simmill, as soon as I possibly can!