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:
Demons Also Dream
Summoned
Ava Lock
2024 Finalist
420 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Demons Also Dream: Summoned by Ava Lock is a supernatural fiction novel that blends elements of horror, suspense, and fantasy. The story follows Joscelyn Wild, a psychic and bestselling supernatural suspense writer, whose dark visions fuel her creative work. When Joss becomes a prisoner in a haunted house on Christmas Eve, she is rescued by Fury, Hell's top bounty hunter tasked with capturing souls that evade death. As dreams blur into reality, Joss finds herself entangled in a chilling adventure where good and evil collide in a gripping supernatural narrative with complex, overlapping realities.
The detailed portrayal of Joscelyn as a lonely but strong psychic writer is compelling, and her connection with Fury creates a fascinating dynamic told through brilliantly nuanced dialogue that moves both their relationship and the plot forward naturally. Ava Lock expertly combines atmospheric touches of horror, suspense, and fantasy to immediately ground readers in a scene or concept, then gets right back on with the action. This isn’t to say that the worldbuilding isn’t also vast and detailed, because the innovative concept of Hell’s bounty system and the unique portrayal of demons and psychic powers provide a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. These are also active elements of the plot that help readers make sense of the story world. Lock's ability to build tension and deliver unexpected twists keeps readers on edge in this exciting world for an unpredictable and immersive tale that they'll never want to end. Overall, Demons Also Dream: Summoned is a highly recommended read for fans of atmospheric and action-packed supernatural adventures.
Recommend this book:
Volk
D. Werkmeister
2024 Honorable Mention
268 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
FBI agent Terri Watson is deeply absorbed by her current career and potentially most important case. Her investigation to track a powerful Russian laundering money is interrupted by a streak of exceptionally horrific murders reminiscent of a wild animal attack. Terri and her partner Marc find themselves knee-deep in the supernatural world of shapeshifters, which reveals a connection between their Russian investigation and the murders. D. Werkmeister has hit the ground running with Volk, a supernatural / werewolf thriller that will surely lead to a highly successful series.
As a fan of horror stories, I am particularly drawn to shapeshifters, and werewolves are my shifters of choice. I am also drawn to horror stories that add to or move ahead of the standard villains, whereby the author presents a well-known creature but with traits that make them different from all others. In Volk, D. Werkmeister has accomplished a 'meisterwerk' with his werewolf, Alex. Volk's unique portrayal of werewolves intrigues readers, presenting a different perspective on these creatures. Listing these unique traits would create spoilers... so I'll leave it there for now. Verisimilitude is, for me, a big plus in fiction. Authors who can translate and use their life experiences, careers, and extensive research to provide that sense of reality are exceptional. Here, too, Werkmeister has scored. His occupations included the FBI and the Marine Corps, and research into the history/mythology of shapeshifters provided the experience necessary to express that vital sense of reality throughout Volk—a winner right from the chute that leaves me looking for the sequels.
Recommend this book:
By the Dimming Light
Juliet Rose
2024 Bronze Medal
295 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
"We all deserve to go home." Yet, sometimes the voyage is difficult or downright impossible. Juliet Rose's novel, By The Dimming Light, explores the dangerous journey of life through Caleb, a young man living in an idyllic small town with a future full of promise. His world shatters in the blink of an eye when his beloved Shannon is murdered, and the crime remains unsolved, slowly fading from memory. However, Caleb can't forget and starts to drown his feelings in the abyss of a bottle. As his life disintegrates and spirals out of control, Caleb realizes something sinister and inexplicable is watching from the woods. To make matters worse, an old high school nemesis moves in next door with his hidden demons. Determined to confront a monster, Caleb sets out on an adventure that offers salvation in the least likely manner, discovering that some monsters can smile politely to your face.
By The Dimming Light defies easy classification and expertly blends science fiction, horror, and mystery into a single thrilling tale. However, the underlying theme is much simpler and relatable: love in all its forms. The story is so heartwarming that it even made me choke up a few times, which doesn't happen often, but the author evokes emotion like a sorceress casting a spell. The characters are well-written and believable; they feel like real people, and I would love to have them as friends or family. The setting is also equally beautifully described and feels like paradise on Earth. The pace and tone of the novel are no-nonsense and gritty at times but also overwhelmingly cathartic, evoking a range of emotions. Juliet Rose crosses multiple genres to deliver an exceptional tale and deftly reminds us that "sometimes, through tragedy, we find what we've been waiting for." Just a great novel.
Recommend this book:
Within These Walls
Holly Mangin
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Within These Walls by Holly Mangin brings to life ghostly rumors and encounters surrounding the history of the abandoned Hillfield Manor. Many stories have circulated over the years about the manor, preventing people from entering and scarring those who have. When the manor opens again, Emma has an opportunity to explore its interior and look over the family’s writings. How can she say no to that? Now she gets the chance to discover the truth for herself. The last thing she expected was to meet the charming Alex Eason. She’s surprised at the feelings he stirs in her and even more so when she discovers they have one major difference - she’s alive and he’s not. As she’s drawn further into the manor’s secrets, Emma must decide if the obstacles keeping them apart are worth taking a chance at love.
The manor immediately sets the tone by giving it the ominous and eerie quality befitting a ghost story. The vivid details capture your attention by making the manor almost an entity that feels like a character, full of mystery, secrets, and danger. Holly Mangin establishes the mood with a Gothic facade and uses details to create an imposing and regal backdrop. It is a key feature that brings the ghost story to life in a setting where sightings and encounters occur. The emptiness of the manor evokes a spine-chilling atmosphere that draws you into the secrets that are unveiled around every corner. Emma's curiosity adds excitement to every discovery she makes. She’s haunted by the loss of her sister which serves as a guiding light that drives her further and further into discovering what secrets lie within the manor. Family is an important component of the story as Emma is tasked with copying journals which serve as the basis for the mystery. Woven throughout are snippets of the journal entries which create a format that dips into this family’s past and gives the story a timeless feeling. The relationship between Alex and Emma adds romance with a unique twist in a ghost story filled with obstacles threatening to keep them apart. Within These Walls strikes the perfect balance between a mystery, a ghost story, and a romance for an unforgettable and original read.
Recommend this book:
Caretaker
The Goodpasture Chronicles
R.J. Halbert
2024 Gold Medal
280 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
In Caretaker: The Goodpasture Chronicles by R.J. Halbert, the loss of her mother and a miscarriage devastated Lyana Keane. Lyana yearned to move on from her pain and continue with life. Desperate for a new beginning, she discovered the ideal house in Littleton, New Hampshire. Lyana, her husband Ian, and their children were eager to see the Farr Hill mansion. Twelve-year-old Zach and fifteen-year-old Ariel could not wait to move in and explore the property, despite the gloomy ambiance and constant fog surrounding the home. The family was required to share a portion of the land with a mysterious caretaker as a condition of the sale. The Keane family discovered they had a deeper connection to their house than they ever imagined when they dug into its mysteries.
Caretaker by R.J. Halbert was intriguing and complex. I was hooked from the start and could not put it down, too afraid I would miss something. The story was fast-paced and filled with mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. The house and small-town community descriptions were true to life, and I felt part of it. The characters were well-developed, and each had a back story. Lyana struggled with everything that had happened in her past, but her husband and children were supportive. Each family member had a unique experience of the house, which added to the suspense. The plot was masterfully crafted, beginning and concluding with an interesting historical detail. I really enjoyed reading this story and cannot wait for the next book.
Recommend this book:
Crystal Moth Conspiracy
Ash Born Book One
Konn Lavery
2023 Finalist
649 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
In the world of journalism, Lola Cabello is one of the rare ones, as she makes sure to tell the truth while risking the wrath of the wealthy and corrupt. Unfortunately, this led to her losing her family and spending the last two years in the shadows. Lola is on a secret mission to expose the Crystal Moths and the madness they've brought upon the world: a potent drug called Ash. She is soon joined on her mission by Synarion, who makes the absurd claim that he's from a different species. Synarion also claims to be bound by oath to keep the balance in the world, which Crystal Moths' drug operation appears to be upsetting. Crystal Moth Conspiracy: Ash Born Book One by Konn Lavery follows an action-packed quest for revenge and balance in a world rife with gradually unraveling secrets about the past and the supernatural realms.
I just couldn't get enough of the thrilling details about the supernatural world, which gets clearer and more intriguing the farther you go in the book. I was excited to find it includes an old, forgotten world and an unconventional hell filled with different unusual beings. Konn Lavery nails the stimulating, spine-chilling elements associated with action and horror. The action scenes take you through vivid details of combat involving wings, tails, claws, fists, and guns. Additionally, since Lola suffers from an addiction to Ash herself, Lola appears real and imperfect. However, her resilience shines through in every physical and mental challenge she faces in her quest for justice. Ultimately, Crystal Moth Conspiracy is a masterpiece. Its awe-inspiring worldbuilding and captivating missions are what fantasy fans who love series like Lucifer would find worth obsessing over. I was hooked from start to finish!
Recommend this book:
After Life
Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, Loyd Auerbach
2023 Honorable Mention
359 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
After Life is a work of fiction in the paranormal, mystery, and crime drama subgenres, and forms the second novel in the Raney/Daye Investigation series. Penned by author team Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach, it is best suited to the general adult reading audience. As we return to the exploits of our dynamic duo, we find Dr. Jennifer Daye and retired detective Nate Raney following the trail of a ghostly woman with a very prosperous secret. As if dying during a bank robbery wasn’t dramatic enough, her legacy continues fifteen years on, with plenty of people still seeking answers at any cost.
Author team Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach have pooled their collective knowledge and resources of the paranormal together to create another great crime and mystery novel for the series here. I was fascinated to delve deeper into the world of parapsychology and found myself really invested in Jennifer’s story and practices. I like the way she gently coaxes the disbelieving Nate into her world, and as the plot develops, we see him soften his resolve, and the bond between them grows wonderfully. The ghostly plot in the present day is atmospherically described and brought to life with some fantastic eerie imagery, and the crime caper story in the novel’s past timeline interweaves with this to add different dynamics and sudden thrills to the storyline. Overall, After Life offers everything you could want from a paranormal mystery novel and more, and I’d highly recommend it to fans of immersive ghostly tales everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Nosferatu Conspiracy
Book Two, The Sommelier
Brian James Gage
2023 Bronze Medal
552 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
Recommend this book:
Sea Magic
Hidden Gems Book 1
Heidi McIntyre
2023 Silver Medal
379 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Madeline was content to live a quiet and peaceful life in the seaside town of Penbrook; however, life is never that simple. Sea Magic (Hidden Gems Book 1) by Heidi McIntyre follows her journey as she begins to uncover the tale of Maria through her special ability. As she starts to learn about the life of Maria and what she endured in the name of love, she finds herself on the cusp of a budding romance.
Sea Magic by Heidi McIntyre is a book that has your heart racing one moment and gives you a warm fuzzy sensation the next. Containing both heartfelt love and deeply wounding tragedy, Sea Magic will have you hanging onto every page. I loved the concept of Madeline’s psychometric ability and how it led to a story within a story. Considering how she worked in an antiques store, it made for a compelling idea. The world-building and pacing for this story were just right, with McIntyre slowly reeling you in as layer upon layer is added. Madeline made the perfect lead with her sweet yet strong personality, and every other character in the story was just as likable. Overall, Sea Magic was just as its name suggests; it was truly magical, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was not expecting some of my emotions, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I would recommend this book, especially for lovers of supernatural stories.
Recommend this book:
The Book of Invasions
Rod Vick
2022 Finalist
474 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Rod Vick’s The Book of Invasions is an outstanding illustration of what a great novel should be. The events and moments are a mash-up of significant historical occurrences. A 5,000-year-old artifact is found in the melting ice at a Greenland ecological research station in the first chapter. The sudden deaths of a dozen climate scientists at a remote Greenland research site have shocked the entire world. Ricky Crowe, the sister of a murdered researcher, struggles with her own grief issues and her tragic past, which has left her with an eight-inch scar on her face as she attempts to determine whether the paver-map holds the key to her sister's fate. She and her new friends launch a race to solve puzzles buried in tombs in Egypt and Ireland after presenting the map to the organization that provided funding for her sister’s research.
The way the story veered off to Egypt and later Ireland, where both good and bad characters fought for control of the item and the power they thought it held, was quite entertaining. Every episode that The Book of Invasions described made me feel involved. Rod Vick is undoubtedly a master at explaining things. Any reader will be attracted to the novel because of its accurate portrayal of the events. Along the path, there are numerous surprising turns and curves. I felt a sense of intimacy with the characters or a desire to learn more about them. The storyline was quite intriguing and interesting. I advise mystery fans to grab The Book of Invasions.