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:
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.
Recommend this book:
Ares
Nomad Series Book 1
K.A. Finn
2016 Silver Medal
524 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Ares by K.A. Finn is the story of Gryffin, a cyborg who was left to die in the Outer Sector by the Foundation. Part of a failed experiment, Gryffin was a lost cause, but he survived. The human in him was almost dead, the machine in him was more alive than he ever was. For twenty years he survived only by taking up his machine side. However, his time is now. He will save his people from the cruel rule of the Foundation. Officer Terra Rush has been a loyal server of her community. The Foundation wants her to prepare the Sector for colonization. However, when Gryffin saved her life from an attack that might have killed her, she rethinks everything. The Foundation had lied to her, kept things secret from her, and it looks like there are more secrets that might need uncovering.
With Gryffin on the Foundation’s hit list, there is not much they can do. However, Terra Rush does not know that Gryffin has honed his machine side. He is the “killing machine” that the Foundation has deemed him to be. But his human side is awakening. Terra has awakened the human in him and together they are going to stop all the bad in the community and save the people who deserved to be saved.
A great sci-fi that kept me entertained, this is a novel that makes you want to read more. The whole story, including Gryffin, is very cool. The story unfolds in the best possible manner and the characters are well developed. Terra is an amazing female protagonist. She is smart, confident and very courageous. She braved the challenges and resisted the change. It was a joy to read. Kudos to Finn for writing such a great novel.
Recommend this book:
Blood Tide
Aquarius Rising Book 2
Brian Burt
2016 Gold Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
In a highly inventive second installment of the Aquarius Rising series, Blood Tide by Brian Burt certainly will not disappoint readers who have been anxiously waiting for a follow up on the excellent In the Tears of God. Follow the story of Megalops, an Aquarian - a human/dolphin hybrid. Earth has been decimated by climate change, but the reef cities found under the sea are thriving. Angry humans released a plague on the Aquarians, and Megalops' wife and daughter were affected and entombed in stone. Set on revenge, he releases the Vendetta plague on humankind, turning them into Aquarian corpses. Ocypode, an Aquarian and one of the group of both humans and Aquarians that had stopped the original Medusa plague, must direct his group once again to try to stop Megalops from an act that may be the end of them all. Will they be able to do it? You'll need to read the book to find out!
I so enjoyed Blood Tide. Author Brian Burt has done a stellar job in creating characters that his readers will be able to relate to, connect with, and care about. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. His world creation abilities are simply second to none, and that's saying a lot in the highly congested genre of science fiction. Any reader who enjoys science fiction, or simply an adventurous and exciting story of any type, should absolutely pick up Blood Tide. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to more from the talented author, Brian Burt, as soon as I possibly can!
Recommend this book:
The 9/11 Machine
Greg Enslen
2015 Finalist
364 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Dr. Don Ellis is a brilliant quantum physics scientist and widower. After losing his wife and child in the South Tower, he spends the next ten years building a time machine. His intent is apparent — to change the course of history and reanimate his family. That alone would be a fascinating story. Greg Enslen, however, takes that tale to an entirely new level in his Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Alternative History novel, The 9/11 Machine.
Although I was unable to connect with any of the primary characters, particularly Dr. Ellis, I was amazed and pleasantly surprised at the inventive characterizations of many well-known, actual personages. People such as G.W. Bush, Cheney, Gore, Clinton, et al. I realize, too, that not everyone will share my discomfort with Dr. Ellis. It’s the story that really counts, anyway, and this one is a winner. I’m certain that a great deal of research went into this tale. I was beguiled by the manner in which Enslen introduced and treated the attempts to alter each of the several timelines. Future readers will certainly appreciate Enslen’s deft hand in avoiding several of the emotional ‘hotspots’ connected to this historical tragedy. I’m talking about his avoidance of any of the several conspiracy theories and, at least in the case of Iraq, the fact that they didn’t actually have WMDs. After all, this is a tale of alternative history, of time machines, and the effects — often disastrous — that changing a timeline can induce.
All critiques, every why-not-this or that, what-about-these questions, and prompts, are left in the dust of this fascinating and highly entertaining story. The 9/11 Machine is a great read for all fans of any of the genres I mentioned at the beginning of this review. I, for one, will be reading more of Greg Enslen’s work.
Recommend this book:
The Death Maze
Richard Parnes
2015 Finalist
410 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Scientist Dan Adams accidentally falls into a portal he had no idea existed. While working on a project to develop a better energy source for mankind, he disrupted Apep, an entity from ancient Egypt, or Nubia, from 2,500 years ago and now has to pay the price. Will Dan be able to find his way out of the portal and back home? Will faith in God help him through it all, or will the power of his own mind, or both?
The Death Maze by Richard Parnes is an amazing science fiction novel introducing readers to an ancient Nubian or Egyptian entity, spirituality, and science. The character and plot building within are both creatively and skillfully developed. The author keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout as the plot thickens, and more character qualities, personalities, and histories are revealed. Author Richard Parnes does an amazing job intertwining romantic scenes, spiritual statements, and scientific elements thought impossible that will leave readers with not a moment of down time.
The Death Maze is a book that will "rattle your brain", so to speak. Once you finally think you know what the main characters are going to do next, you are hit with a surprise. The author has a unique and entertaining way of introducing details of a character and scene into the book. Each chapter has a transition between both the character and the plot. Each character has flash back monologues throughout the chapter. With its very vivid and descriptive text, amazing story line and characters, The Death Maze is a book that will make your mind run wild with thoughts of parallel universes, different time dimensions, scientific theories, spiritual entities, and much more. I would recommend this book to all readers who like science fiction.