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:
Death Mask
Eric J. Gates

2021 Gold Medal
263 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Death Mask by Eric J. Gates is an espionage thriller that makes you doubt your neighbor. Zoe Davis (or Sheran) is a bookstore owner living with the man she loves, which is normal enough. After he proposes, her past collides with her present and she puts him and his sons in danger. One freak mistake saves her life, giving her enough time to put distance between herself and Liam. Transforming back to her ghost agent days, she must decide if she will try hiding again or take the fight to them. It has taken them six years to find her, but now she doesn't even know who is leading this renegade team of killers.
I found Eric J. Gates' writing similar to Robert Ludlum's. Death Mask is a military thriller that will have you hanging onto every step Sheran takes. The Egyptian process of mummifying a person is behind the meaning of Death Mask. The Egyptians constructed a similar face on the outside of the coffin so that the soul would recognize and join its body in the afterlife. Sheran had to find her death mask when she left the special ops so she could distinguish her soul after she left it behind. This novel is a fast-paced journey from near-death to impossible odds. With an edgy precision for details and danger, Gates creates a web of espionage and deceit at the highest levels. I loved how the characters come alive, with strong personalities that connect readers to the terror that awaits them.
Recommend this book:
Project Renaissance
White Wings
Brian Gates

2021 Silver Medal
295 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Project Renaissance: White Wings by Brian Gates is a thrilling novel that quickly draws you in with its unique plot. Detective Booker is thrown into a chaotic bank robbery but it soon becomes apparent that this is no average bank robbery in Cleveland, Ohio and that there are greater forces in play. AI technology, corruption, and kidnapping are all major factors in a larger conspiracy. Brian Gates does a wonderful job of connecting all these major plot points while keeping the reader engaged. Detective Booker's need to locate his family is what ultimately drives this rich and well-thought-out plot.
Detective Booker is a wonderfully crafted character that questions the world around him and desperately searches for "the truth". Booker's partner Sam is a wonderful supporting character that plays off Booker well. The relationship between the two is that of a long-time partnership and Brian Gates does a superb job relaying this to the reader. Booker's psychedelic dreams will have the reader questioning what is real and what is simply happening inside Booker's head. If you are a fan of thrillers, you will relish Project Renaissance: White Wings. I have not read many thrillers but this book may change that. It has so many different components that it can appeal to just about any reader and that is what I truly loved about this book. The writing style is notable and it makes the book feel individualistic. Its quick pace and witty dialogue are just a few of the reasons that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I eagerly await the next in the series.
Recommend this book:
The Killing of Faith
William Holms

2021 Bronze Medal
376 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

The Killing of Faith by William Holms is truly different from any thrillers I’ve previously read, not just in the basic plot concept, but especially in the characterization of the female protagonist, Faith. When we first meet Faith, she comes across as a very pretty, but rather vacuous teen airhead who feels her looks can get her what an education can’t. As she matures, it appears Faith is right: she wins the heart of Ryan, a lawyer, and through several years of marriage, Ryan gives her a life of which most women would be envious. But, over time, the material trappings and even her 3 children aren’t enough for her. They divorce, much to Ryan’s heartbreak, and by the time Faith is in her mid-thirties, two more men have come into her life.
At this point, readers find themselves disliking Faith: she is self-centered and manipulative and blames everyone but herself when things go wrong. But karma is a bitch as Faith finds out in a most shocking twist that both readers and Faith don’t expect. Readers feel her pain, relate to her unfortunate plight, forgive her former treatment of Ryan, and begin liking the nicer human being she becomes as a result of her brutal misfortune. And just when we all think all is well, the author throws in another shocking twist that leaves everyone asking, “What just happened?”
The Killing of Faith is a riveting read, not just because of the clever twists in the plot, but because of the intimate look William Holms gives us into Faith’s psyche. Readers who enjoy knowing why and how people think, as much as what people do to themselves and each other, will appreciate this novel. Holms doesn’t waste time or words in telling his story; he uses dialogue well and often, and the pace is always moving forward quickly. As we watch Faith’s misfortunes mount, the book becomes very informative, but if I were to tell you in what way, I’d spoil the story for you. In short, read it for yourself. You’ll love it. A terrific book and great writing. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Miranda and the D-Day Caper
Shelly Frome

2021 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Miranda and the D-Day Caper by Shelly Frome is a sleuthing mystery story. Miranda Davis is a realtor. Her cousin Skip has turned up in town and she needs to deal with him. Babbling about conspiracy theories, Skip is on the run, his beloved cat has been abducted and he has nowhere else to go. Miranda doesn’t quite believe what Skip is telling her at first but her initial impressions prove to be wrong. Miranda gets onboard and together they try to figure out the conspiracy threatening the USA, even though the powers-that-be are intent on shutting them down. Skip and Miranda are heading straight into danger – can they save the day before their worst fears come true?
Miranda and the D-Day Caper by Shelly Frome is a sleuthing mystery set against a political backdrop of conspiracy theories and a plot to destroy the country. It has everything – good-old-fashioned mystery, a political thriller, humor, and plenty of suspense. It’s descriptive and well-written, with a smooth flowing plot and some great characters that are well-developed and relatable. It is an intricate story, and there is plenty going on with lots of twists and turns. At first, there seem to be lots of threads but believe me when I say that they all tie together very neatly. You won’t fail to be hooked by this story that seems more than just fiction, a story that draws you into its web and keeps you there until the end. If you love mystery stories and political intrigue, then you will love this story.
Recommend this book:
Revolution
The Sol Saga Book 1
James Fox

2021 Finalist
533 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Revolution is the first book in The Sol Saga by James Fox, an enthralling science fiction tale with strong political themes and interplanetary intrigue. Brigadier General Keith Brennan of the Protectorate Forces is a skilled soldier who prefers battle to state dinners, and when we meet him, he is not comfortable in his dress-whites — the stiff collar, the constant fear of accidentally smearing the planet’s pervasive red-black dust on the too-tight fabric. But when the President of the solar system is assassinated on Mars, he is the best choice to carry out an investigation. He uncovers a conspiracy that is carefully designed to push the entire system into war, and only he can stop Earth and Mars from engaging in a full-blown war. He might be the best person for the job, but time is against him.
There couldn’t be a better opening for a promising science fiction series than Revolution, a tale with a world that is well thought out and carefully executed. The writing, from the first page on, is descriptive and atmospheric, exploring a world that instantly occupies the imagination of the reader. This is an interplanetary thriller with wonderfully written characters and a conflict that affects the very survival of the solar system. James Fox is an author who outfoxes readers, crafting a twisty tale that is hard to put down, keeping readers guessing what happens next. It was delightful to read this opening book in the series, and I must say that I was completely immersed in the story, gripped from the first to the last page, thanks to the author’s expert storytelling skills and the deft plotting.
Recommend this book:
The Curious Case of the Missing Head
A Medical Thriller (Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 5)
Gabriel Farago

2020 Gold Medal
577 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

The Curious Case of the Missing Head is a work of thriller fiction set in the medical sub-genre and was penned by author Gabriel Farago. This involved and cunning mystery is a standalone novel, but it also features as the fifth book in the Jack Rogan Mysteries series. In this particular adventure, the Australian journalist Jack Rogan finds himself derailed once again in the search for answers about the vanishing of his mother years ago. When a famous astrophysicist is kidnapped, Jack dives in headfirst to search and rescue, but when his exploits see him arrive at a horrifying hospital ship, things really take a turn for the worst.
Author Gabriel Farago knows how to make a good thriller tick, and the pacing of this quite long novel makes for a fast and furious read that will keep you turning its pages. The different obstacles and enemies which come into play in the novel are grounded in realistic roots, which makes them all the more dangerous and exciting to read about as Jack gets deeper into the mystery. Fans of detective fiction are sure to enjoy this capable hero for his intellect and sharp thinking in a crisis, but there’s also a generosity from the author to allow us to share in the investigation without everything being spoon-fed to us as we solve it. Overall, The Curious Case of the Missing Head is a heart-stopping adventure tale that is sure to become a favorite amongst fans of thriller and crime action books alike.
Recommend this book:
Spider's Truth
Christa Yelich-Koth

2020 Silver Medal
370 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Spider's Truth by Christa Yelich-Koth is a compelling psychological thriller with a strong appeal to readers who enjoy dark novels and stories featuring serial killers. The first book in a series, the story follows a serial killer out to teach a lesson to a detective who has gotten too close to stopping their life’s work. Spider's Truth follows an intricate plot, masterminded by Boston’s notorious serial killer, Spider, to get revenge on Homicide Detective Sean Trann. The serial killer targets those closest to the detective and as the killings get too close to home, Sean must find a way to stop him. But can he stop the killings without getting personal and does the detective have what it takes to stop a mind as twisted and dark as that of the serial killer?
Spider's Truth is dark and disturbing and if the reader isn’t used to writing that explores criminal minds, they can end up with the wrong message of this book. The author has done an impeccable job in painting an anti-hero that readers will detest while matching it with the struggles of a detective determined to stop the evil. The writing is detailed and at times it is disturbing to follow the dark trail left by the Spider. Christa Yelich-Koth’s novel is very imaginative and the plot features many twists. I loved how the author deals with the criminal mind of the killer and his elaborate plan to execute revenge. The prose is strong and filled with vivid descriptions. Spider's Truth is dark and suspenseful, a novel with great potential to entertain fans of crime and sleuthing and readers who enjoy stories with strong characters.
Recommend this book:
Wolf's Head Bay
Journey of the Courageous Eleven - BOOK II: The Race for Home
Jeffery Allen Boyd

2020 Bronze Medal
438 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Wolf's Head Bay - Journey of the Courageous Eleven: The Race for Home is the second book of the series by Jeffery Allen Boyd. Picking up where the first book left off, the story of Jeremy and his friends continues as they try to get back to safety. Jeremy and his friends barely escaped the clutches of their captors when they were stranded once again. They have the evidence to expose some of the biggest criminal masterminds in the world and all they need to do now is make it back home alive. Stranded in the wilderness of Michigan, the group of friends is trying to stay one step ahead of Black Scorpion and Spear. All they need is one breakthrough to be safe, but they are unable to contact anyone who could help them. Can Jeremy get his friends out of this mess?
The Race for Home brings a serious and heartbreaking truth to the forefront and forces you to take notice. Human trafficking is real and modern-day slavery is real. Jeffery Allen Boyd did a great job of conveying his message while giving readers a brilliant story. Jeremy is a good protagonist, but Travis’s growth surprised me. He learned a lot from the ordeal, he grew up a lot and somehow still had a positive outlook on things. The pace of the story is just perfect, it is not rushed but it is not slow as well. The characters are well-fleshed out, even the villains. The flow of the narrative is flawless and the suspense will have you holding your breath. I read this in one sitting, my eyes are tired but I regret nothing. This is a must-read novel!
Recommend this book:
Preying in Iran
A Tapestry of Wounds
Eric Wentz

2020 Honorable Mention
476 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

Preying In Iran: A Tapestry of Wounds by Eric Wentz is a compelling story that features strong themes and exceptional characters. This is a novel that centers on a strong protagonist, LCDR Grant Chisolm, a character on a mission to dismantle the drug and human trafficking cartels. Readers follow him across countries and continents as he easily blends in and faces dangerous situations. The novel explores very strong themes and dark concepts and creates a powerful consciousness in readers of the reality of human abuse and sex trafficking.
There is just so much to love in this novel, a work like no other — the gorgeous, lyrical prose, the exciting and elaborately developed characters, the relevant historical hints, and the suspenseful nature of the narrative which keeps the reader turning the pages. One of the strongest gifts of this author is the ability to weave humorous scenes into complex situations. The descriptions are terrific and they allow the reader to see deeper into the scenes as characters unveil more layers of their personalities. Eric Wentz is a skillful storyteller who writes with confidence, his work filled with originality and plot points that capture the attention of readers. Preying In Iran: A Tapestry of Wounds is a timely novel that is filled with realism and that addresses controversial themes and realities. It is written for mature audiences, a gripping and rollicking ride pulsating with adventure and unforgettable characters.
Recommend this book:
To Die For
To Save Her Country, She Must First Save Herself... (A Lynn Clarke Thriller Book 1)
Ray Ronan

2020 Finalist
572 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy

To Die For: A Lynn Clarke Thriller Book 1 by Ray Ronan is an action-packed medical thriller. It is similar to the Jason Bourne movies but with a twist. This story focuses on the human organ donor business that has recently become a lucrative industry. The day that happened the world turned into a frightening place. The story had a dark and intense atmosphere on every page. I could feel the urgency, the corruption, and the danger for those being pursued. It’s like something out of a fantasy novel. Yet, human organ donors are a real thing. It’s even more profitable than a drug ring, and it’s no wonder the danger presented inside is nightmarish. If someone has something, the corporation handling the human donors wants; it will go to any lengths to get it. That’s where the main protagonist comes into play. She has something the head man behind the whole thing wants.
The book contained many plot twists from government stuff to the donor corruption ring. There was never a dull moment. The leading female protagonist, Lynn Clarke, has this kick-ass attitude that works well for her. She needs to be strong in the line of work she does. Plus, it helps her as the story progresses. The pages are full of creepy high action scenes. The characters were individually well-crafted. The plot was engaging, making me not want to put it down. Of course, when I saw the number of pages, I was like, wow, that’s a lot. But once, I started to read, the faster they flew by. This tale felt so real. Dark, edgy, and one epic rollercoaster ride from the start to finish. Overall, I was impressed by how entertaining To Die For was. I look forward to reading more by Ray Ronan in the future.
