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:
Seize
A Magnus Blackwell Novel Book 3
Alexandrea Weis, Lucas Astor
2019 Bronze Medal
359 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Seize is a work of supernatural fiction penned by authors Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor, and forms the third book in the Magnus Blackwell series of novels. Lexie Arden has already been through a lot because of her supernatural gifts, not least being connected to the spirit of Magnus Blackwell because of them. In this new addition to the series, Lexie’s life is slowly coming apart at the seams because of the powers which Kalfu has bestowed upon her. Evil is growing, changing and hurting Lexie and those around her, and Magnus can see it happening. But when Lexie has the chance to be rid of Kalfu for good, it might be that the sacrifice proposed is too great a risk to take.
Combining voodoo, spirits, possession and magic into one cohesive plot is no easy feat, but authors Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor achieve an excellent balance and a plot which makes great sense in this novel. Seize is a relatively short read, made all the quicker by its excellent pacing, drama, action and intrigue. It also takes the time to delve deeper into the main character’s psyche and examine the damage that power, used for good or ill, can do to a person. Lexie’s struggle is well written, with effective dialogue and inner narration that endears us to her as readers. I also really enjoyed the developments in the cottage in the swamp, and the references to many horror-esque locations and atmospheres which give Seize its highly effective gothic, creepy vibe.
Recommend this book:
Henchman
A Novel
Apollo Villa-Real
2019 Honorable Mention
309 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Author Apollo Villa-Real introduces us to a new world of magic, deception, and casinos in his novel, Henchman. This fast-paced tale follows H, who is a mob enforcer and magic wielder with a natural gift. During the annual convention of magic, a wielder is murdered. And the signs are pointing at the Syndicate, which has worked for so long to keep the peace. So H is sent on a journey to clear the Syndicate of any suspicion. But is a war unavoidable?
This is probably one of the top ten books I've read this year! It's not a short read, but it never dips into boring fluff content. It's continuously packed with excitement and intrigue. And the main character, H, is developed thoroughly. So much so that readers will connect with him and cheer him on. And the setting of a magical Las Vegas underworld is so unique that you can't help but keep reading in order to immerse yourself in the world author Villa-Real has created. Henchman keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times.
One of the things I respected about this book is that the magic system the author has developed is realistic and consistent. Nothing worse than trying to learn a magic system when it contradicts itself because the author couldn't make concrete laws. Even magic needs to follow rules! And Apollo Villa-Real does that beautifully here. And that's why I can confidently give it five stars! If you're looking for adventure and magic, look no further than Henchman.
Recommend this book:
The Vatic Confluence
The Ardent Halo, Book II
Edie James
2019 Finalist
506 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
The Vatic Confluence by Edie James is the second installment in the epic fantasy series The Ardent Halo, following in the footsteps of book one, The Steel Road. The story is told from multiple points of views, giving readers varied and fresh views of the expansive world of Arizware that James has built. The world has changed and the coming of a storm sets the stage for the continued adventures of Dreyah (a half-human, half-elf crossling) and Kennason, the lady steward, who is uncomfortable and precariously perched in a scheming royal court, waiting for her own opportunity to strike. This is a story of survival, not just of self and family, but of the people and the future. This is war.
Edie James delivers a masterful book two with The Vatic Confluence, further elevating two worthy female protagonists in a world that is depicted beautifully. The writing is clear and eloquent, and the characters dance comfortably within the narrative, the dialogue, and their internal thoughts—some of which provided my favorite ones in the book i.e. “The tongue talker is the shadow thief... Let the lady steward hear the truths he has stolen from her.” The battle scenes are so perfectly drawn that they unfold seamlessly, driving a reader from one scene to the next and unveiling a climax that explodes onto the page. Even ancillary characters come to life, but it's Dreyah and Kennason who, both jointly and independently, keep the pages turning. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who love first-rate epic fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Believe
Annaliese Darr
2018 Gold Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Believe (Irish Enchantment Book 1) by Annaliese Darr is a southern fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy magic, romance, and coming of age stories. Springen O'Flaherty has always been different with her ability to see the auras of those around her and later with the development of psychic abilities. That difference has always forced Springen to hold herself back from other people due to her fear of what they would think of her. Yet, that all changes when she meets district attorney Jed Collinsworth and she finds she wants to share all of who she is with him. Will Springen be able to overcome her need to keep her abilities locked away, and embrace them and share them with the man she loves?
Believe (Irish Enchantment Book 1) by Annaliese Darr is a well written book filled with beautiful figurative language and a story that I could not put down. This book ended up being unique in that it is a true blending of multiple genres with no single genre being more prevalent than another. The author seamlessly combines psychic abilities, romance, and coming of age genre elements together in a way that made the story seem so realistic. Springen O'Flaherty was by far my favorite character and I felt that I could truly understand why she found it so hard to share parts of herself with Jed. Yet at the same time there were moments when I just wanted to yell at her to tell him already and that he would still love her regardless of her abilities. Overall, I found this book to be a compelling read and I would love to read more about Springen O'Flaherty in the future!
Recommend this book:
Carved in Cherry
The Curse Collectors Series
Elizabeth Kirke
2018 Silver Medal
260 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Carved In Cherry, the first in the Curse Collectors Series by Elizabeth Kirke, had me spellbound from the first page to the last. For three sisters, the loss of an aunt they hardly knew is sad, but worse it's an interruption of their busy lives. What starts as a frustratingly necessary task of sorting through their aunt's antique shop quickly turns into one mystery after another. The antique shop is not only enormous, it seems to be full of odd sounds and sights and is starting to make the sisters question everything they thought they knew about their family, themselves and their plans for the future.
No better book to grab on a stormy night. Carved in Cherry by Elizabeth Kirke was nothing short of an enchanting story best paired with a blanket and cup of coffee because you won't be able to put it down until you've finished. The sisters are lovely and intelligent; I couldn't help but want to join them for a day of exploration in their antique shop or a day spent shopping in town. The storyline was so well defined and each character fitted that storyline so well that I never noticed how short the list of characters really is. I appreciated the author avoiding extra and unnecessary characters as well as a large amount of magic words that I can't pronounce. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery or magic story with a little romance thrown in will fall in love with this book. I'm already searching for the next book in the series. I can only hope there will be many more to come!
Recommend this book:
Love Bites
Darkness & Light Duology Book 1
TL Clark
2018 Bronze Medal
430 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Shakira has never quite felt accepted, or that she fits in anywhere. She grew up never quite getting too close to anyone, and her tall and lanky stature certainly didn’t help matters. This feeling of not belonging drives Shakira to find somewhere she does belong, and so she packs up and leaves home to find her place in the world. This leads her to a small village, though all is not as it seems. Shakira will learn things she never knew and her life will change in a thrilling way with a twist at every turn. Will she be able to find the place where she belongs? Or will she be forever searching? Follow Shakira throughout her journey in Love Bites: Darkness & Light Duology Book 1 by TL Clark.
When I was searching for a romance-themed book with a fantasy type twist, this book hit just the spot. There are books that you can just idly read through and those that demand to be read in one sitting and, if you do manage to put them down, they haunt your thoughts until you pick them back up. This is one of those books. TL Clark is a mastermind with this story, drawing you in with a relatable character and then keeping you hooked with an intense story that has plot twists at just the right times. The characters are very well rounded and develop beautifully along with the story’s plot. It is just perfect for those searching for a good story with a bit of romance. I highly recommend Love Bites, considering I just finished the first book of the duo and I have already purchased the second one to read once I finish this review!
Recommend this book:
The Steel Road
The Ardent Halo, Book I
Edie James
2018 Honorable Mention
430 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
The elves didn't believe in an afterlife; you were either dead or alive. So when Dreyah, the prophesied human/elf crossbreed whose death would spark war, was found murdered by some magical ritual, the thought of her returning had not been imagined. But death did not want her, yet. It was not her time, and thus it rejected her, sending her back to the living. Thoughts of the two bloods within her, giving her two lives, surfaced to explain away the strange phenomenon, but she had not been convinced. Dreyah knows she must avenge her murder, and seeks to find her place. She is both elf and human, and also the spark of war. She must choose a side, choose with which blood her loyalties lie.
The Steel Road by Edie James is the first book in The Ardent Halo series. It is a complex coming of age tale ripe with politics, agendas, deception, and magic, both made by machine and nature. Houses and factions are driven by their own beliefs, and the guidance of The Four and their chosen. But even those thought to be touched by the divine are not beyond manipulation. The Steel Road is immensely descriptive with impressive world building, along with myth, legend, history and lore. Magnificent scenery will leave vivid impressions, while alliances and agendas drive the complex threads of a very involved plot. This world is divided; elf, human, and the space between where war once raged. Each side is different, each side has its own levels of development, and the contrast makes for a fascinating transition in what I would have to call a steampunk high fantasy cross.
Engaging, immersive, and very much alive, this is a tale you won't soon forget. For readers who find it difficult to follow houses and alliances, there is a short comprehensive appendix at the end, ideal if you plan to read it over a few sittings and become hazy on some of the details. A strong first book in what promises to be a fascinating series.
Recommend this book:
Awakened
Semiramis Book 1
Maya Daniels
2018 Finalist
264 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Awakened by Maya Daniels is Book 1 of the Semiramis series. Alexia hasn’t had much of a life; an awful boss, a neighbor from hell and a past she doesn’t want to dwell on. And she keeps dreaming about her own death. Now she is being hunted by, of all things, warlocks. A car accident puts her in hospital where she discovers new powers. And boy is she going to need them! Gods, goddesses, witches, reincarnation and the odd sexual encounter thrown in for good measure and Alexia’s life is about to change. Learning about her destiny and her past lives, Alexia now has to fight for her future but she has a tough job ahead of her.
Awakened: Semiramis Series Book 1 by Maya Daniels is primarily a fantasy story but could also be considered multi-genre. It is written in the first person, from the main protagonist's point of view, and feels much like you are listening to her telling you the story, living it with her. The story begins with a monologue but soon moves on to a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. There are scenes of a rather steamy nature scattered throughout, a few violent scenes and some language that I would say makes this an adults only book. The story picks up pace very quickly and holds a natural rhythm. The characters are developed in depth, so much so that you kind of feel you know them, particularly Alexia. The story ends in a way that makes you want to read the next book straightaway. Great fantasy story with a bit of medieval history thrown in for good measure.