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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
First
Randy Brown
2024 Bronze Medal
448 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction

First by Randy Brown is a space travel science fiction novel about the race for outer space that can get out of hand very easily. Lewis wished to be the first astronaut to reach another star system and get back home safely. He dreamed big, and SpaceFirst shared the same goals. However, they are not the only ones racing toward the same goal which is to reach Proxima Centauri. Lewis was excited about the journey, but nothing could have prepared him for what lay ahead. The perilous journey proved to be deadly but there wasn’t much Lewis could do about it. All he could do was face each problem head-on and struggle to survive. He had to find a way back home, or else he would be lost in space forever. With lies, deceit, and sabotage dogging his every step, Lewis needed to survive. But could he?
A space race is a theme I haven't read before, but I enjoyed First so much. Author Randy Brown created a believable world where space travel is real (even if it is terrifyingly dangerous). Lewis’s character was fantastic. I understood his passion and excitement, but I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach the moment Lewis started his journey. I knew something would go wrong, and it did. The action was relentless, the pace was fast, and the suspense was incredible. I loved how intelligent and courageous Lewis was. He was a leader through and through, and it showed in how he navigated the obstacles ahead. If you love space exploration novels, you will adore this one! First by Randy Brown was simply perfect for me. I loved the camaraderie between Lewis, Colt, Sandra, Peter, and Eve. I enjoyed the thrill the story gave me (even though I was a little scared at times), and I loved the narrative style. I hope there will be a sequel!
Recommend this book:
Ultimatum
Ultimatum series Book 1
Vladimir Fleurisma
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction

Ultimatum: Ultimatum series Book 1 by Vladimir Fleurisma is a dystopian novel set after a nuclear war decimated the world's population. Something sinister has emerged that feasts on anything living. The creatures are evolving, and more human survivors die from their insatiable hunger. D is a marine who has his sights set on reaching Three Mile Island. As Zach is running from the beasts, D rescues him. They find a bunker with a small group living inside. Zach spends his time trying to get close to Dede. D feels Hank, the leader, is hiding something. He takes an interest in Cella because of the chemical weapons and healing medicines she has created. D feels heightened trepidation when Wanda asks him to make sure her grandchild Saffire learns the same skills he has used to survive outside of the bunker.
Vladimir Fleurisma included several moral lessons in the narration. I found an interesting conversation between D and Cella during which they discussed what age group adapted the quickest and what social behavior would not form without parents. The amount of competition between the role players with military experience and civilians was intense. The women did not get along well and were quick to stab each other in the back. There was never a dull moment to be found anywhere. The dialogue is engaging and revealed the unique personalities of every character. Watching the shift in opinions gave me a clear understanding of the intentions of each person. The monsters kept everyone on their toes, and I kept thinking the worst whenever silence followed any encounter. The transitions were seamless, and the ending was unpredictable. I recommend Ultimatum to dystopian readers who enjoy stories with intense suspense and danger.
Recommend this book:
Ares
Jayson Adams
2024 Gold Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction

Commander Kate Holman is assigned to lead the first mission to Mars. She's honored to fulfill this duty. Unfortunately, Kate is relieved of her command and replaced by the mission's security officer at the last minute. The order came from NASA's assistant director himself. In the blink of an eye, their entire mission went from being an exploration mission to a military assignment. The security officer retrieves a foreign object from the face on Mars (an alien site), leaving Kate and her crew shocked. They don't know what he removed from the site, but it leads to dire consequences. Astronauts suddenly begin to die under mysterious circumstances. There's talk about a curse affecting the entire crew. The only thing that can save them now is if they put the stolen item back in its rightful place on Mars. Kate does some digging around of her own and finally discovers the truth. She understands why some people would kill to keep the truth hidden, but exposing it isn't simple. People with powerful political influences are involved. Do you want to learn the truth too? Then grab a copy of Jayson Adams' riveting tale, Ares, to find out.
Ares is an exuberant tale with a compelling storyline and well-developed characters. Kate's character is down-to-earth and identifiable. She is a strong main character with intelligence and wit. I got a great sense of the story's setting and atmosphere through her point of view. I like that she doesn't succumb in the face of adversity. When she was relieved of mission command, she immediately sensed that their protocol was jeopardized and didn't yield until she got to the bottom of the issue. Her performance is believable and kept me submerged in the overall story. Her only Achilles heel is her past and I love how Jayson Adams ties in her past issues with her present dilemma and inner conflict. There are a few tension-ridden and fear-inducing plot twists nicely packed into the storyline that will entice horror and murder mystery fans. The plot is also full of political intrigue and shocking reveals that will impress fans of conspiracy theory novels. Without reservation, I recommend Ares to sci-fi fans worldwide.
Recommend this book:
The Undulating Shadows
A Scifi Suspense Thriller
DC Eastman
2023 Finalist
268 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction

DC Eastman's The Undulating Shadows is a well-crafted sci-fi horror thriller that follows the intertwined destinies of three orphans as their lives are haunted by a deadly specter. Justin and Raven, both still reeling from tragedies that have left them utterly alone, meet the brilliant and driven Albert. The three form an unlikely bond amidst the dangers of the orphanage, one that will be tested as they unravel the mystery of the sinister shadow that has woven its way into the fabric of their existence.
It is a rare talent that can make their debut novel self-restrained enough to satisfy yet expansive enough to warrant another foray into a wider universe. DC Eastman writes with detailed yet confident strokes, painting characters that resonate with the underdog in each of us. Indeed, each character’s experiences and thoughts felt like a familiar memory, and each tragedy that befell them felt like a punch in the gut. The first few chapters were difficult to get through as Eastman expertly leverages empathy to make each scene vivid and visceral. The second half showcases the breadth of his knowledge base as he creates a gentle reminder that what we consider fiction now may not be that far removed from the scientific realities impacting our lives today. It is hard to pigeonhole The Undulating Shadows into one specific niche since it overlaps various genres and does so in a way that stays true to its characters and story. A well-written debut deserves a sequel and it would be a joy to see how our protagonists stack up against new and more insidious threats. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Recommend this book:
CRISPR Evolution
Charis Jones
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction

As a revolutionary biologist dabbling with CRISPR, Dr. Howard Wake’s life is extraordinary. He is perpetually on the run from the Federal Institute for Biomedical Research, which would love to put him in prison or worse. His genetically modified eight-year-old twins are adept at performing experiments. His lab can be packed within hours on the back of his RV, which he uses for shuttling between his hideouts. However, it seems that the continuously active CRISPR machine incorporated into his children’s genome is about to take an enormous leap. At the same time, someone from Howard’s past finally catches up with him, and he has a lot to answer for. To find out what happens next, read CRISPR Evolution by Charis Jones.
This thoroughly engaging work of speculative fiction rejuvenated my love for science fiction. Set in the near future, it has a dystopian theme. FIBR closely monitors most of the ongoing biological research projects. The independently working scientists must flee underground, keeping themselves off FIBR’s radar. The beauty of the storyline is that, although imaginary, this scenario never seems far-fetched. Based on the issues the research community faces today, such a future seems all too plausible. Charis Jones shows how a combination of funding crunches, government intervention, and misinterpretation of results by the media could ultimately hinder scientific progress. At the same time, this thought-provoking story raises questions about the interplay of science and ethics. The characters are spellbinding, each shining in their own light and demanding center stage. As a brilliant and dedicated rogue scientist with a questionable sense of ethics, Dr. Howard Wake changed my outlook on a hero.
While hardcore scientific facts form the book's foundation, Jones’ literary tweaks help it soar to unprecedented heights. I especially loved the visuals of a cell, with chromosome rafts and glittering hubs of gene transcription, the busy proteins, and enzymes having distinct personalities. In CRISPR Evolution, Jones recounts the beauty of life and imagines the unleashing of one’s full potential. I recommend it to those who appreciate science fiction. This story would be perfect for the fans of Michael Crichton’s Next.
Recommend this book:
Unanimity
Spiral Worlds Book 1
Alexandra Almeida
2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction

Unanimity (Spiral Worlds Book 1) is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres and is the opening novel in the Spiral Worlds series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Alexandra Almeida. In this thrilling tale which sparks off a series set over six fateful days that change the course of all known universes, we meet Shadow, a god among men who rose from the life of a screenwriter to become a revered figure, thanks to his involvement with an AI reality that helps humanity face its darker thoughts. But Shadow’s darkness haunts him endlessly, from his struggles with long-lost love to the young and merciless new goddess who would seek to take his place.
I adored this work by Alexandra Almeida from cover to cover for its modern take on fantasy and the subversion of so many typical themes and ideas that have become tired and overdone in the genre. I love the fluidity of the characters and that nobody was set in a predestined mold. Everyone can change, quickly or slowly, and for good or evil, and it was fascinating to watch Shadow’s emotional inner journey and the knock-on effect that it has on his life in the immediate present. The queer storytelling elements are included beautifully and never made into a gimmick or overdone for the sake of themselves, and as such, they flow naturally with the fantasy and emotional elements of the narrative. I would not hesitate to recommend Unanimity as a sensational opening novel to a very promising series.
Recommend this book:
The Intrepid
Dawn Of The Interstellar Age
Arnie Benn
2023 Bronze Medal
502 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction

The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age by Arnie Benn revolves around the first human expedition to the Alpha Centauri star system, a mission undertaken by an international team of exceptional individuals, during an era of global unity and abundance. Strangely, they discover another vessel, seemingly from their own solar system, equipped with weaponry on the habitable planet they were sent to explore. This puzzling discovery leads to a disagreement between the two mission crews, escalating tensions and pushing them toward a potential nuclear confrontation. The perplexity of their findings provokes profound questions about humanity's origins, existence, and destiny in the universe, and the situation becomes critical as communication with Earth is impossible due to the vast interstellar distance.
Arnie Benn's The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age very much balances hard science fiction's technicality with a tightly woven and relatable narrative. Benn has a talent for handling intricate scientific concepts and integrating them into the storyline without wandering off into weeds of jargon and overexplaining which, frankly, in and of itself sets him apart from other contemporary authors. And there's a glossary! I love the discovery elements, the fantastic characters that are all well-developed, and the world-building that bridges the gap between Benn's imagination and ours as his readers. We are set for the next book in what is a solid start to a new series and I am really looking forward to seeing where we go next. I have no doubt others will feel the same. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Disunion
Book One
John Whitman
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction

Matthew (Matt) Ryder knows there is a war on the horizon because of tension between the Union of the Earth and one of its colony planets, Acadia. Matt serves under one of Acadia’s feared commanders, Admiral Jim Hollingsworth, but his maternal family is from Earth. Torn between the two sides, Matt goes to Earth to visit his grandparents to avoid participating in the coming conflict. But when the war begins, Matt’s plan to stay out of sight is foiled because he is forced to serve on a secret intelligence mission led by Amanda Chester, the Deputy Secretary of Alien Affairs. Amanda is convinced there is a third party in this war that has caused misunderstandings between The Union and Acadia, which have led to the unnecessary war. Amanda's crew's mission is to stop the war by exposing this third party and its motives. Get a copy of Disunion by John Whitman, and join Matt and Amanda on their action-packed adventure across the galaxy.
This story had me on the edge of my seat, from the space battles to the action scenes and assassination attempts. Suspense, adventure, mystery, and a dash of romance, Disunion brings you all this and more. It is the first installment in the book series by John Whitman, and it established a good foundation for this amazing adventure. Whether it is the characteristics of alien species or how the ships work with human links, every detail is vital to the plot. The book also covers familiar topics like racism, climate change, and corrupt politicians. The characters are great, and I enjoyed each one’s development. Matt and Amanda had complex relationships with their fathers, and this helped them bond and understand each other. Matt’s struggle to choose between his Earth or Acadian roots came full circle in the final battle. I loved seeing him grow from someone who did not want anything to do with the war to a person who desired to save all lives, whether Acadian or from Earth. The book is fast-paced, well-written, and has a smooth flow. I highly recommend Disunion to science fiction lovers and cannot praise it enough for its memorable story.
Recommend this book:
The Defense of the Commonwealth
John J Spearman IV
2023 Silver Medal
310 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction

The Defence of the Commonwealth by John J. Spearman IV is pure science fiction at its best. The author takes the reader on a journey through space and how the new Commonwealth was born. There are so many characters that march through the pages of the book but the ones that count the most are King William VIII, his daughter Queen Charlotte who inherited the throne, Captain Perseverance, Ester Andrews, Admiral Freshly, Commander Ken Berger, Captain Hank Boyd, Commander St John Powell, Advocate Alex Papadopoulos, Mr. Gilchrist, advisor to the Queen, and Samantha, Mr. Gilchrist's housekeeper and confidant.
The Defence of the Commonwealth shows how human nature does not change, even in the year 2527 when new discoveries are made to help the ships in space. There is still corruption and underhanded work and trying to get the better of everyone and everything and don’t forget the greed. The author has taken present wars and turned them into a space war with the exact same parties in the most interesting way. It took a bit of time to get into the story, especially with all the technical knowledge that was relayed. But as you read, you realize why this is relevant and very important to the plot. I eventually understood the need for all the technical knowledge although it was a bit daunting. Once I got past that, I realized why the author had included it and that it is a very important part of the story.
The Defence of the Commonwealth is a serious but light-hearted tale of the future with all of humankind’s greed, inactivity, and apathy. The twist in the tale at the end is delightful and leaves room for the reader’s imagination to take flight. Thank you for an eye-opening book. I really enjoyed reading it.
Recommend this book:
The Movement
Time Corrector Series Book 2
Avi Datta
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction

The genius CEO of AI company Quantum World and a time corrector, Dr. Vincent Abajian had just brought his long-lost love Akane Egami back into his life, but at what cost? Akane had been lost in a time turbulence for over three decades since 1991. It was during this time that Vincent met Emika, whom he later realized had Akane’s soul trapped inside her. In a bid to separate Akane from Emika, Vincent had gone back in time to alter the current reality. Although he now had Akane back, he had lost fragments of his memory involving Emika, with whom he shared a past. It turns out that Emika is still in love with Vincent and is hiding a big secret from him. What secret, and what will happen once Vincent recovers his memory? On the other hand, Vincent’s new powerful adversary Vandal plans to sabotage Quantum World’s new AI invention, the Neurolink. As if that is not enough, Vandal is hell-bent on destroying everything Vincent has accomplished and everyone he loves. Get yourself Avi Datta’s The Movement: Time Corrector Series Book 2 to find out what transpires.
Avi Datta’s The Movement is just what you should be looking for if you love a science fiction novel with a touch of mystery, action, and romance. Featuring the savvy Dr. Abajian, Datta once again delivers a compelling tale. I strongly recommend that you read the first installment of this series to fully appreciate the story. Datta hatches an intriguing plot, giving vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life. He alternates the narration between the past and present, while at the same time switching the action between designated characters. This gave the storyline a complicated but beautiful flow. Datta spices the narration with humor, adventure, thrills, and suspense, keeping readers enthralled throughout the reading experience. The emotion in his words allowed me to experience his wonderfully developed cast’s feelings. I pitied Markus. He gave Emika all the love and care he could, but she didn’t choose him. She was obsessed with Vincent and Markus should have realized that. I loved the book and am looking forward to the next installment of this amazing series.