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:
Ten Seconds to Dead
L.A. Clayton
2020 Gold Medal
389 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
I loved Ten Seconds to Dead by L.A. Clayton. I whipped through it in about twenty-four hours. There seem to be two types of women in action novels; the wimp and the badass. Kate Edison lands firmly in the center, the perfect happy medium. She’s vulnerable but capable and the novel puts her in a really testing environment. I loved the twists and turns in the storyline because, trust me, nothing is the way it seems. L. A. Clayton takes a huge amount of trouble laying out the stakes and then smashing them to pieces.
Ten Seconds to Dead moves the reader through a startling range of emotions, from excitement to devastation. It’s handled with such slick precision that you find yourself on the precipice of disaster without acknowledging any part of the journey that led you there. When Kate Edison is recruited into the secret government department as a spy, she has no idea what she’s stepping into and nor does the reader. The missions, the urgency, all just feel relevant and patriotic. I kept reading late into the night because I needed to know what happened next. Her new life and the gutsy way she approaches it seemed so engaging. The tension was perfect, a fast pace propelling you at speed to the unexpectedness of the cataclysmic discovery which changes everything.
I spent a lot of my reading time in doubt, not liking certain characters, such as Cave, but carried along by their plausible role in the story. At the end, I wished I’d trusted my instincts. At one point - which I won’t spoil - I was left genuinely devastated. Spy novels are ten a penny, but this one stands out as different. It’s engaging right until the final word. I was as taken in by the AGI as Kate, right up until the moment I wasn’t. It's a great read and I really enjoyed it.
Recommend this book:
Tears of Fire
Gordon Bickerstaff
2020 Silver Medal
393 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Zoe's own tactics had been used against her with precision execution. Captured, shamed, and manipulated into silence, it seems her only option is to accept death in order to protect those she loves. The people who thought that obviously didn't know her, or her allies, well at all. But her liberation just serves to throw fuel onto an already raging fire. Given the choices that await her, perhaps the hangman's noose would have been preferable. Gavin Shawlens has been recruited to investigate an insurance fraud, but he had not been given all the details. Behind a seemingly innocent front, murderers hide in the shadows, seeking revenge, and that revenge is now within their grasp and they will stop anyone who gets in their way, or threatens to expose them. Unfortunately, Gavin's investigation does just that, and he has already made some powerful enemies, but this time he doesn't have Zoe at his side to protect him. The clock is ticking before they up their game.
Gordon Bickerstaff was born to write this genre. Tears of Fire is the latest instalment in his Lambeth Group thrillers and to date I have read every book in this immersive and tension-filled series, and they just keep getting better and better. They read as stand alone and yet also reward the frequent reader. Twists and turns don't do justice to the complexities of the masterful plot, and it is so involved that revenge, murder, questions, betrayal, and suspense are just the tip of the iceberg. Gordon Bickerstaff achieves the perfect balance between a character and an event driven plot. You'll be hooked from the first page to the last, wondering how things will turn out. This is one hell of an involved plot, and a word to the wise as you navigate through the dangerous tale; remember to breathe. A truly masterful and amazing book, written with flair, style, and an intensity that will leave you wanting more. Tears of Fire is, without question, a five star and highly recommended read.
Recommend this book:
Fallout
William Hunter
2020 Bronze Medal
336 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Fallout is a fast-paced spy thriller with roots in the partitioned Berlin of the 1980s and a joint operation that went badly wrong. Today, a former high-ranking officer has put together a team of highly professional killers to wipe out those responsible. The team includes one of the victims of the failed operation who had been brutally tortured and was thought to be dead. The narrative moves from locations in the USA, Canada, England, Russia and an extensive number of European settings, including of course Berlin. Using short succinct chapters, author William Hunter weaves a complex tale of double-dealing and deceit. After the death of an innocent victim in the USA, the deputy head of the British secret service, MI6, realizes that he was the intended target and the race to stop the killers becomes personal. Working through layers of old intelligence and tracking down those involved in covert operations during this period, he pieces together an incredible plot to protect an important ‘asset’ at the time. Many blameless operatives lost their lives and the killing is continuing to this day. Can the oddly-named Banastre Montjoy identify the ‘mole’ behind the current killing spree and put an end to the bloodshed?
It is difficult reviewing a book like Fallout as the twists in the plot and slowly revealed mysteries in the narrative need to be protected. That having been said, I can confirm that William Hunter has produced a brilliantly thought-out, well-researched thriller, the detail of which quite takes the reader's breath away. He handles a large cast of characters with skill, ensuring that their positions and backgrounds are clearly understood and the many locations in which the action takes place are brought to life with lucid, accurate descriptions. The central characters are well-drawn and if there are some graphic scenes of violence, they are nothing that would not be expected in this type of novel. An astounding achievement and a worthy addition to the genre. A great read for the spy thriller enthusiast.
Recommend this book:
Directive One
A Riveting Spy Thriller (Michelle Reagan Book 2)
Scott Shinberg
2020 Honorable Mention
325 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Directive One is an espionage thriller work of fiction for adults and was penned by author Scott Shinberg. The book is the second installment in the Michelle Reagan series of spy thriller novels and follows the heroine in her mission to rescue the CIA Director as part of a dangerous plan. But with a fully prepared and well protected military base standing between her and her objective, Michelle Reagan may be forced to enact the closely guarded secret instructions of the titular Directive One. What results is a high octane tale with plenty of intrigue, high stakes action, and military hijinks.
Author Scott Shinberg presents an excellent addition to the action and military genres along the lines of those who enjoy Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Andy McNab, but with a distinct twist in the central figure of a powerful and capable heroine. Michelle Reagan is a powerhouse of a woman who still retains a truly feminine narrative quality, without pandering to any particular trope of the genre. With this core strength, the novel takes shape in both the plot and the atmosphere around her. The elite soldiers and operatives of the team are well-drawn characters with realistic behavior and dialogue, which adds to the heart-in-mouth feel of the action, as though we are rooting for real people when we read about them. When this is coupled with the tense descriptive power of the action scenes, it results in a well-paced thriller not to be missed. Overall, Directive One is a highly recommended read for thriller and spy novel fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Secret Brokers
Alexandrea Weis
2020 Finalist
380 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
The Secret Brokers is a work of thriller fiction with plenty of intrigue and was penned by author Alexandrea Weis. Written for adults but highly accessible to all readers due to low levels of graphic content, this mystifying and engaging read takes the world of spies and espionage to dangerous new heights. We find ourselves embroiled in an investigation into the mafia, where protagonist Dallas August puts his organization of elite spies to the task, and charges in headfirst to lead them by going undercover. His target is Gwen Marsh, a beautiful but reclusive character who will give nothing away, no matter how close he tries to get. What follows is a fascinating mystery with plenty of dangerous twists and turns.
Readers who love action novels, as well as spy thrillers, will get plenty of bang for their buck out of reading this excellent and engaging Secret Brokers Series novel. Author Alexandrea Weis has a real talent for keeping her audience guessing right until the very last chapters of the novel, which maintains intrigue and tantalizes readers with clues throughout. Gwen and Dallas make for an interesting pair with strong personalities that clash, but when they come together the sparks do fly. As a series opener, the novel does a great job of setting up Dallas as a central figure in his own right, and fans of the previous Nicci Beauvoir series will also find flashes from the past here and there too. Overall, The Secret Brokers is a highly entertaining and recommended read.
Recommend this book:
The Black Fox
Run for your life
Gordon Bickerstaff
2019 Gold Medal
313 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
In The Black Fox by Gordon Bickerstaff, scientist Gavin Shawlens has been targeted by the CIA for assassination for holding vital information that could bring the entire country to its knees. MI5 secret service captain Zoe Tampsin has been assigned to keep him alive and takes him underground until he can remember what is so valuable to the US government. A huge manhunt begins as not only the CIA trawl the UK to find them, but also British special forces who have been promised billions in military upgrades in exchange for Shawlens. With few weapons and even her own mentor trying to track them down, Zoe is facing her toughest mission yet and a decision that goes against all her instincts. But even she doesn't realize how far the intelligence services will go to flush them out.
I am not normally a fan of espionage novels but this author's skill in storytelling has certainly changed my mind. The plot is unique and fast paced with twists and turns throughout. I could not see how Zoe could escape from the dangerous situations, but somehow, she did. Every one of the many characters was so realistic, but all with personality flaws which made them all the more believable. The intricate details in the dialogue and narrative showed the author had researched his subject well. The deals that went on behind the closed doors of intelligence agencies were very interesting. I loved the relationship between Zoe and her brother Michael who knew her character so well; it was clear Zoe only allowed a few people close to her and he was definitely top of the list. Without giving anything away, I thought the scene between Karen and Zoe was a real tear-jerker. Zoe and Gavin had a great relationship too. They were complete opposite personalities and their exchanges were quite comical in parts as away from the subject of science, he wasn't the brightest or bravest. The tension and suspense were broken up cleverly with real emotional moments but also humour too. I highly recommend this novel but be prepared to go on a roller-coaster of never-ending action, thrills and intrigue.
Recommend this book:
Moscow Venture
A. K. Celer
2019 Silver Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
In an exciting and highly engaging new read by author A.K. Celer, Moscow Venture is a true thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and obsessively turning the pages from the start all the way through until the very end. Follow the story of John Baran, a man determined to find out the truth behind the death of his best friend. John is convinced he didn't die from a stroke caused by natural causes, but from something much more nefarious. He heads to Moscow to find answers, and gets much more than he bargained for, including espionage, a bio-terror plot, and the middle of hard-line communists' attempt to reverse history, plus the opportunity to save countless American lives and help derail a second Bolshevik revolution. But he'll only be able to do that if he can stay alive. Will he? You'll need to read the book to find out!
I very much enjoyed Moscow Venture. Author A.K. Celer has done an amazing job in creating a real roller coaster of a read, as well as in creating characters that his readers will relate to, connect with, and truly come to care about. If those aren't hallmarks of a great author, I'm not sure what are. Any reader that loves spy thrillers with realistic drama and action adventure should absolutely read this book. I am so pleased to be able to highly recommend Moscow Venture and look forward to reading more from author A.K. Celer as soon as I possibly can!
Recommend this book:
Gazelle in the Shadows
Michelle Peach
2019 Bronze Medal
327 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Gazelle in the Shadows by Michelle Peach is an enthralling tale of adventure and espionage set in the mid-90s. Elizabeth Booth is a student of Arabic at Durham University, someone who loves to travel, obsessed with the desire to visit legendary places. When the opportunity is offered for her to travel to Damascus to perfect her language skills, it is a dream come true. In Syria, she feels welcomed and builds new friendships and a relationship, but little does she know that the calm waters of this culture hide dangerous currents. Soon she is caught up in a web of lies and betrayal, a murder that involves MI6 and the Syrian secret police. Can she make it out alive?
The narrative begins fairly slowly with an encounter with the professor but it gathers speed pretty quickly and the reader is soon immersed in the emotional life of the protagonist, following her through exotic and lush places as she navigates this new culture and an ancient city. The language is gorgeous and the terrific descriptions capture cultural and physical details of the city with precision, giving readers clear images of where the story takes place. Gazelle in the Shadows features an interesting cast of characters, a strong and suspenseful plot nourished by a multifaceted conflict, and a setting that equally entices the reader. Michelle Peach takes readers into an adventure that is fraught with danger, along with the compelling protagonist. This is a book that makes the reader feel as though they are part of the world it describes.
Recommend this book:
The Last Caliph
T.L. Williams
2019 Honorable Mention
370 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
The Last Caliph by T L Williams is the fourth book in the Logan Alexander series and it takes the reader from the United States to Turkey and Syria as Logan goes undercover to track down the current Caliph who is continuing to run ISIS operations. While the President of the US has announced that ISIS has been defeated and is preparing to withdraw the American troops, Logan and his old allies at the CIA are not convinced. At great risk to himself, and despite strained relations between himself and his wife, Logan arrives in Turkey with the idea of crossing the border into Syria, with the help of a young Muslim woman who supports the extremist regime. The subplot involves Logan’s brother-in-law and adds an extra twist to the plot.
I loved The Last Caliph by T L Williams. It is an excellent, on the edge of your seat story in which the pace and action never let up. I was compelled to read this in almost one sitting. The book is crammed with technical details which only someone who was totally familiar with weaponry, aircraft and espionage techniques first hand could produce. This lends the book authenticity and takes it out of the realm of the usual run of the mill spy story. The author has created a believable character in Logan Alexander. While accomplishing his mission, he remains down to earth and human. There is no extraneous detail, just enough to inform the reader without slowing the story which gallops from beginning to end. I loved the realism, the possibility that these events could take place, and all the loose ends were tied up and followed through. Despite this being the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone and I for sure will be looking to read the earlier books in the series. A well deserved 5 stars for a book I highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
A Fox in the Fold
A Runway Dreams Novel
T.K. Ambers
2019 Finalist
199 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
A Fox in the Fold: A Runway Dreams Novel by T.K. Ambers is a crime thriller with strong hints of espionage. Bell Price is shocked and she knows things will never get back to normal. After her parents’ murder, an attack on the police department makes her think this is more than a coincidence. While the police department thinks a sniper has shot Bradley from two buildings away, with no one to blame, Bell isn’t convinced that the Price family is safe. But events that follow indicate this isn’t an isolated, somewhat random murder. Bell eventually becomes convinced that the Price family is involved in a deadly game and could be a target. And it really is. But who wants to take out her entire family and why?
A Fox in the Fold: A Runway Dreams Novel immerses the reader in a world akin to that which James Patterson creates for his characters. The characters are elaborately and skillfully developed and I enjoyed the way the author explores their psyches. Readers encounter a protagonist with her siblings caught up in a deadly game and they have to navigate a dangerous world together to stay alive and figure out who wants them dead. The writing is top notch for a new voice in the genre, tantalizing and packed with a lot of exciting dialogues. The drama starts from the first page and it brilliantly captures the depth of the characters and the fears that haunt them. A Fox in the Fold: A Runway Dreams Novel is a page-turner and a sheer delight for fans of espionage and crime thrillers.