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:
Gravity
The Alex Cave Series - Book 4
James M. Corkill
2017 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Gravity by James M. Corkill is the fourth installment in the Alex Cave Series, a throbbing sci-fi with a gripping plot. Geophysicist Alex Cave has just been informed by the Director of the Nordic Volcanological Center about an unusual volcanic occurrence in Iceland, where huge blobs of molten rock float out of an ancient glacier. With his friend Okana, Alex sets out on an investigation that uncovers a 180-million-year-old alien artifact, but it is stolen by Janice Sloan, who demands $2 million in exchange. Things get even more complicated when Sloan abducts Alex’s girlfriend and her ten-year-old daughter as part of her ploy. But something worse is happening — an emerald asteroid is on course to collide with the earth, and there are only six days left until the impact.
A lot is happening in this sci-fi novel that features blackmail and kidnapping, as well as a man’s desperate race to save the earth and those he loves. Alex is a well-developed character, a man facing multiple conflicts at the same time. Readers will love the characters in this book and the author’s writing voice — strong and clear. Although I have not read the previous books in this serious, I was able to connect with the story and the characters without any need for much backstory, thanks to the author’s gift for intelligently weaving elements from his previous book into the new one, without distracting the reader. The plot is fast-paced and it has many surprises for the reader. One has to read on, eager to know what will happen to the ancient artifact and if the asteroid will collide with the earth. Gravity by James M. Corkill reads wonderfully and I loved the originality in plot and characters.
Recommend this book:
Wizzy Wig
Thanatos Rising Book 2
Tiffany Pitts
2017 Silver Medal
306 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Wizzy Wig (Thanatos Rising Book 2) by Tiffany Pitts is a science fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy reality bending stories. Jake Denny is an average looking gamer who lives in the basement apartment of his mom’s building, and has a crush on a Pizza Joe’s delivery driver by the name of Kix. Kix remembered that Jake needed a closed box with something inside that is unknown to everyone for an intentional collapse of a wave function experiment, and she has such an item. Kix’s decision to bring the mystery pizza to Jake results in a hole being torn through reality, and a cat named Toesy having to take action to end the reality bending. Does Toesy have what it takes to put reality back in order, or will the cat cause the end of the world?
Wizzy Wig (Thanatos Rising Book 2) by Tiffany Pitts has an intriguing cover that hinted at the fact that a feline would play a large role in the story; this instantly pulled me in, as I am a huge fan of animals that are developed into full characters instead of just pets. Toesy is a Maine Coon cat that the author developed into a full character with its own personality and role in the plot. I specifically liked how the cat had its own role that did not overshadow the roles of Jake and Kix in the story. The book can easily be read as a standalone novel and I did not feel that I was missing plot elements of character development in not reading the first book in the series. Overall, I truly enjoyed the way the author wove together multiple plot elements into a reality defying story - it kept me so enthralled that I read the whole book in one sitting.
Recommend this book:
Corvette
Ken McConnell
2017 Silver Medal
250 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Corvette by Ken McConnell is a sci fi/fantasy novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy fast-paced science fiction that takes place in space. Lieutenant Armon Vance despairs that his career in the fleet is over when he finds himself assigned to an ancient ship at the edge of the known galaxy. Yet, little does he know that his career is not over but only beginning as he will face an important mission. His assistance will be relied upon to ensure the safe return of the ship and crew when they encounter a warship of the Votainion Armada. Will Lieutenant Armon Vance manage to keep the crew alive and get them back home safely or will he die trying?
Corvette by Ken McConnell is a well-written novel that reminded me of a combination of the different Star Trek movies and the TV series. I enjoyed the combination of past and future that Ken McConnell seamlessly combined in this novel in that it had the feel of a naval battle with a futuristic setting. I found Lieutenant Armon Vance to easily be my favorite character because, even though he was only a Lieutenant, he did not let that stop him from showing himself to be a hero. The ways in which he aided his captain and his crew showed the strength of his character and his determination. Overall, I found myself impressed by both the book and the author as I was captivated by not just the plot, but also by the author’s unique writing style.
Recommend this book:
Resurrection America
Jeff Gunhus
2017 Gold Medal
375 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Resurrection America by Jeff Gunhus is an awesome, action packed thriller. I was hooked after the first page. Resurrection is a small town. Rick Johnson is a small town sheriff. He is a hard headed, common sense, combat veteran, who also is a very smart and conscientious cop. He is my kind of guy. His world changes one morning with one strange radio transmission from his deputy and this is the beginning of an amazing roller coaster ride of a thriller. Resurrection America doesn't start with a big bang. It starts with a spot on look at policing in small town America. The first scene is actually a little comical. The sheriff’s morning ablutions are interrupted by a frightened deputy. This scene is written very well and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. The action and tension grow until you can hardly stand it, before exploding into a satisfying conclusion.
This is how good Jeff Gunhus is. I kept thinking that Resurrection America might have been written by Stephen King. The portrayal of ordinary life in America was just that spot on. The plot is brilliant. The portrayal of a Marine veteran who has kept his professionalism, even though he is working law enforcement now instead of running combat patrols, is perfect. A lot of the reason I like Resurrection America so much is because I like Sheriff Rick Johnson. We could be friends sharing war stories in a bar somewhere. He was that real to me. A great thriller all round.
Recommend this book:
In Situ
Arzat Series Book 1
David Samuel Frazier
2016 Finalist
284 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
In Situ is a conceptual science fiction novel by David Samuel Frazier. The plot centers around paleontologist Alexandra Moss, a charming young woman who sets out to discover the ancient fossils of dinosaurs on a dig in Utah. What Alexandra discovers there will change her opinion about the 65-million-year-old reptilian beasts forever as a living specimen is uncovered, one that survived the apocalyptic end of days. The creatures of this book are far more intelligent and sociable than the likes of those in Jurassic Park, and the central message seems to be that life continues on Planet Earth, no matter what the catastrophe.
David Samuel Frazier’s novel has a concept which is a little hard to get your head around at first, but once I was invested in the story, I found it a very enjoyable read. Fans of alien-style fiction, where bizarre hyper intelligent beings interact with humans, are certain to enjoy Frazier’s new and unique upgrade on the dinosaurs and their extinction legend. A particular strength of the work is the character development; Alex, Ara, Mot and Tom were especially lively people who leap off the pages and keep the reader turning pages to see what they’ll do. There’s plenty of action in In Situ too, as well as a deep philosophical theme about intellect, survival and human nature. Overall, I’d recommend In Situ to science fiction fans who are looking for something really out of the box, as well as to open minded deep thinkers.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Horizon
Beyond Saga Book 2
Greg Spry
2016 Finalist
366 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
“Ensign Maya Davis has had her sights set on the captaincy of a starship since she launched her first toy rocket into Earth's orbit at age four. But not long after she departs the solar system aboard humankind's first interstellar vessel, New Horizons, sabotage cripples the ship, killing a third of the crew and stranding the expedition light years from home under the siege of hostile forces. Without knowing who she can trust, Maya must risk her life to get the crew home and prevent the genocide of the very exospecies Horizons set out to contact.”
Beyond the Horizon is the second book of the sci-fi drama/adventure series Beyond Saga by Greg Spry. Having read the first installment, Beyond Cloud Nine, I looked forward to reading more about Brooke Davis and her niece Maya, whom Brooke had raised following the death of Brooke’s sister, Marie. Spry gives readers of the series another intricate and intriguing plot laced with conspiracy. The quality of the world-building is maintained and vividly described; the action scenes are as thrilling as its predecessor.
Personally, I feel the narrative is more solid compared to Book 1. Maya is not as flawed as her aunt, but no doubt she can match Brooke’s stubbornness and wit. I’m glad that both Maya and Brooke carry the story together as lead protagonists. It certainly makes the reading more exciting. Brooke is not meant to be a grounded civilian flight instructor anyway. Simply put, this is a great follow-up to Book 1. The story continues in Book 3, Beyond Yesterday.
Recommend this book:
The Time Traveler
Volume 1
Joe Corso
2016 Finalist
243 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
The Time Traveler by Joe Corso is the story of a man named Lucky Campo. He can travel in time and experience things that no one else can. He was not always like this. He got this ability after a horrible accident which rendered him open to the fragile balance between present, past, and future. Lucky is recounting how everything happened to him and even takes a Professor Lindstrom with him to introduce to his medieval England family. In return, Lucky asks the good Professor to help him find the person who captured Lucky and why. Now, with the help of Professor Lindstrom, Lucky and his band of friends will take revenge and find the person who imprisoned and kidnapped Lucky. But can they protect Professor Lindstrom and his family? Or will they slip and let the evil mastermind behind this scheme get away?
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about this novel. However, I could not help myself, I had to read it. I’ve heard great things about Joe Corso and the way he writes, so I thought this would be the perfect time to start a novel and see what he’s got. And you know what? I was so into this story that I did not even realize that I was almost halfway done. It was interesting and very refreshing. It was so good that I started to re-read it immediately after I finished it. Huge thumbs up for Mr. Corso for writing such a great story.
Recommend this book:
The Darkest Side of Saturn
Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom
Tony Taylor
2016 Honorable Mention
492 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Wow! I just finished reading The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom, the newest work by author Tony Taylor, and I have to say it was completely worth the read! Follow the stories of spacecraft navigator Harris Mitchel and astronomer Diana Muse-Jones after their discovery that an asteroid appears to be on a collisions course with Earth, with likely disastrous effects, within the next twenty years. They aren't sure how to make their discovery known, and have a terrible argument regarding what to do. When Harris goes ahead and lets the disbelieving public know, and both he and Diana lose their jobs, it seems like their relationship will never be the same again. Harris becomes the unwilling soothsayer to a group of followers desperate for details regarding the coming end of days, led by a fanatical preacher. One thing remains uncertain, however, how will the world deal with the possibility of an asteroid strike? With the world be saved, or are we headed toward disaster?
I so enjoyed this book! Author Tony Taylor writes with authenticity that can only come from someone who has worked as a NASA navigator for most of his career. His knowledge and expertise come shining through in The Darkest Side of Saturn and his readers will certainly appreciate it! This book had me turning the pages from the very beginning, and I simply could not put it down until the end. The only piece of advice I have for readers, other than to be sure to read this book, would be to set aside enough time to read the entire thing. You simply won't be able to stop reading. Readers who enjoy science fiction, space, or simply a great read would love The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom, and I am so pleased to highly recommend it. I will certainly be keeping my eye out for more work by author Tony Taylor. If it's anything like his current offering, it will be an absolute must-read!
Recommend this book:
Tourists of the Apocalypse
C. F. Waller
2016 Bronze Medal
466 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Tourists of the Apocalypse by C.F. Waller is a time traveling adventure. The novel is about Dylan Townsend, a man who has big plans and some of them now include traveling through time, or so it seems. The end is near and Izzy, who he has a massive crush on, turns out to be a travel guide for people who travel in time. He actually loves her, even though she already has a boyfriend. So you can imagine why he is spending time with her and believes her wild story, regardless of the fact that he could have his jaw broken by her boyfriend. The end is near anyway so why shouldn’t he spend the last day on Earth with the person he loves? But what if it is all true? What if he really does travel back in time with Izzy by his side? How would he survive? Or is he going crazy?
Nothing beats a good time travel novel and Tourists of the Apocalypse is one of the best I have read in years. It was awesome. Dylan is immediately likable. He is a guys’ guy, you cannot help but like him for his determination and his impulse to survive. Izzy is quite a character. She is among those characters that will have readers torn because they want to hear her side of the story as well. This is a great novel and I would love to read a sequel.
Recommend this book:
CassaStorm
Alex J. Cavanaugh
2016 Bronze Medal
268 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh is a science fiction/fantasy that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults with a love of science fiction and fantasy. CassaStorm follows Byron, his wife, and his son, Bassan. The small family has their own daily routines that are quickly interrupted as the war comes closer and closer to Tgren. The war not only affects Byron’s life as the commander of the Cassan base, but also as a father when Bassan’s nightmares threaten the stability of his mind.
CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh is a well written science fiction novel with an amazing attention to detail that reminded me a lot of the Star Trek movies, TV series, and books. I really enjoyed the fact that CassaStorm took place on an alien world where many of the main characters were different species. I enjoyed the diversity of the races and cultures that Alex J. Cavanaugh created in the pages of CassaStorm. One moment that really stuck with me was in the beginning, when Byron comes home to his mate and child having dinner, with the mother trying to convince Bassan to eat his herren root, which he found disgusting. It just struck me as such a normal thing, yet here it was happening in a science fiction novel. I greatly enjoyed reading CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh and I hope that the author continues the series.