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:
Entangled
Clive Ash
2015 Honorable Mention
340 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Finding the balance of peace and harmony in one’s soul is difficult enough when a beautiful woman is involved, but nearly impossible when she has a deadly secret. When Pandey first runs into Sally, in Entangled by Clive Ash, it is a “chance” meeting in which he is rescuing her on the sharp ridge of a mountain peak. She is very thankful and leaves a piece of paper with her number on it. Although he doesn’t believe for a second that anything will come of their meeting, he promptly loses her number and is certain that he will never hear from her again. She shows up on his doorstep one day, however, and asks him to help her stop the noises in her head. Unable to avoid carrying out her wishes partly because of his curiosity, but partly because he is absolutely smitten with her, he starts off on a journey. This turns him in every direction, plunging him into the clandestine world of megatons and Russian brain research that could get him killed. As Pandey’s own doomsday clock winds down, he must use every ounce of his skill to survive and, in the process, save Sally and get rid of the noises in her head.
This book took me by storm and held my attention throughout. Clive Ash has done a masterful job of creating a profound intrigue that won’t allow the reader to put the book down. The real live characters will keep your heart and mind attached and your pulse racing right along with them. This is a fascinating story which is certain to thrill anyone who picks it up. Realistic, suspenseful and entangling, Entangled is a must-read for anyone who loves intense action and intrigue with a touch of romance on the side.
Recommend this book:
Moral Infidelity
Rebecca Warner
2015 Bronze Medal
339 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Moral Infidelity by Rebecca Warner takes on the controversial topic of abortion and a woman’s right to her own body. Governor Michael Romano is on the verge of changing the laws of the State of Florida by bringing forth an abortion law. He starts his campaign for an anti-abortion law and things are going from good to great. Happy with his marriage and his wife, he is finally satisfied with his career as well. But things are not as peaceful as it seems. When a beautiful supporter comes knocking on his door, he cannot help but fall for her charms and seduction.
Their affair takes a nasty turn when Kristin Long (the supporter seductress) becomes pregnant and is happy beyond measure to have him and his baby. But this situation is suicide for his career and seventeen years of marriage. When push comes to shove, Kristin promises to ruin his life and his career if he does not do what she wishes. Now Romano is faced with a battle between what is right and what is wrong. One wrong step can destroy his political career while his other steps can destroy his marriage and his love. What will he do?
Rebecca Warner perfectly executed a controversial topic by not forcing opinions, giving life to her characters and letting them speak for themselves. She masterfully wrote dialogues that are complete, understandable and perfect. Nothing is left out, and the reader understands what is happening. The reader is thoroughly invested in the story. A good novel that deserves to be read again! Amazingly written.
Recommend this book:
Pendulum of Justice
Hank Rangar Thriller
D.K..Halling
2015 Bronze Medal
448 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Hank Rangar, former cyber warrior, has revolutionized cardiac surgeries, and is able to save millions of lives and medical expenses with his lab Made By Man. Unfortunately, his technology is stolen and his gravely ill sister desperately needs this crucial lifesaving procedure. Hank has to face a corrupt Washington bureaucracy – will he succeed? Pendulum of Justice is the first installment in the Hank Rangar Thriller series by husband and wife, authors Kaila and Dale Halling, aka D.K. Halling.
Absolutely brilliant – that was my first thought after I finished reading this compelling novel. Pendulum of Justice is a fascinating political thriller that grabbed my attention right from the get go. I want to have the intelligence, ethics, and bravery of Hank Rangar. I really admire this well-developed protagonist, who is a high-tech expert with a history as a skilled combatant in the government's computer warfare efforts. Corruption is an essence of the story’s premise that is familiar to all of us, so that we will instantly relate to Hank and the problems that he faces. His pain, frustration, and triumphs are also ours, against powerful people who let greed take over their ethical sense.
Kaila and Dale Halling are able to harmoniously create a deft prose in this engrossing tale about one man’s justice against a broken system. The message of this novel is bold, reminding us about the prejudice of government’s regulations regarding the merit of innovations. Overall, this is a commendable novel and an excellent debut for a great series.
Recommend this book:
My Beautiful Suicide
Atty Eve
2015 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
My Beautiful Suicide by Atty Eve tells the story of Cosette Hugo. Cosette is unhappy; she has every reason to be. Her brother, Victor, has died, her parents are divorced, and she runs the gauntlet of the school bully each day. But she survives. Until a serial killer strikes in the community and she becomes a vigilante. Her view of life changes for the worse. Then, she begins to plan her own suicide.
My Beautiful Suicide by Atty Eve is the first book for a long time that has sparked an overwhelming surge of emotions in me. I could truly relate to Cosette's suffering at the hands of Hilda, her enemy at school. The hate, the humiliation, the frustration, and the fear. But, then I started to feel frustrated by Cosette. She has friends who are connected to Hilda and she has her mother, and yet help doesn't seem to be forthcoming. Then, the attack on Hilda occurs by the serial killer(s). Cosette becomes a vigilante. Why? I couldn't understand the reasoning behind her decision.
Throughout my reading of My Beautiful Suicide, I experienced a roller-coaster of emotions, amongst them confusion and incredulity. I have to say it did leave a lasting impression on me for a few days after. It was this fact alone that convinced me to up my rating. I'm now left with two points that I feel I must disclose: Atty Eve is an author to watch for, and suicide is not selfish, but it is not beautiful either.
Recommend this book:
Grant of Immunity
Garret Holms
2015 Silver Medal
412 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Grant of Immunity is a legal thriller written by Garret Holms. The story begins in 1976, when Danny Hart sneaked out of his bedroom late at night while his grandmother was asleep. He was going to party with Snake, an older guy he met at the pet store, a scary dude who had snakes and was unpredictable and cruel. Danny usually babysat for Snake's girlfriend, Sarah, who had two small children, but Snake invited Danny along for this evening's fun. The three of them drove to a lake and started to smoke some weed, but then things got crazy and violent. Years later, Snake is now a sergeant with the LAPD and Danny is a Superior Court Justice. Sarah's two small children have grown up, and Erin, her daughter, is being stalked by Jake.
Garret Holms' debut legal thriller, Grant of Immunity, is an outstanding combination of courtroom drama and police procedural. The author, a judge and legal expert, creates an enthralling story and a truly thrilling series of courtroom scenes that had me forgetting about doing anything but reading on. Babbage ranks up there with Lecter and other legendary sadistic/sociopathic criminals, and seeing him assume a policeman's uniform was chilling. Better even than the grisly Babbage, however, are the other characters who people this remarkable story: Fitzgerald, the cop who never stopped seeking justice for Sarah, and Danny Hart, among others. Holms' writing is smooth and assured, and his story-telling skills are superb. Grant of Immunity is going to thrill fans of both the police procedural and legal thriller genres. It's a most impressive debut novel indeed. Grant of Immunity is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Taming the Telomeres
A Thriller
R.N. Shapiro
2015 Gold Medal
424 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
In Taming the Telomeres by Richard Shapiro, we meet Andrew Michaels, an attorney. A Hemispheres airplane crashes, killing his brother and sister-in-law; only his niece Amanda survives. Amanda has a mild brain injury leaving her with amnesia; she must wear a halo until her bones heal. Andy Michaels is suing the airline on behalf of his niece and several others who lost loved ones. Kent is a volunteer at the hospital. He and Amanda become close. Someone has bugged Amanda’s hospital room. Amanda’s father was a blood biologist and had given Amanda special treatments. The PRC is after her father’s research and the US has a mole. Can Amanda be protected?
Taming the Telomeres is a thriller that hooked me from the beginning. The scene in the introduction was a real attention grabber. Chapter one was filled with tension as the author allowed the momentum to build. Author Richard Shapiro has included plenty of twists and turns. The characters are well developed and the plot flows smoothly from scene to scene. The plot is interesting and falls into the genres of intrigue, mystery, suspense, and a little sci-fi. I really liked the character of Amanda Michaels, although at times she seemed out of control - who wouldn’t be in her circumstances? I enjoyed watching the relationship between Amanda and David grow. Taming the Telomeres is a great read. Author Richard Shapiro has created a tale that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.
Recommend this book:
No One Can Know
Adrienne LaCava
2014 Finalist
384 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
There is no better place to be than a remote Texas ranch with thousands of acres if you’re looking to disappear. For Gabriel Haines, in No One Can Know by Adrienne LaCava, his friend’s ranch is not only the best place to be when the heat is on for a CIA operative, but a welcome change from company life, which hardly resembles the exciting action of James Bond, but holds all of the very realistic danger. Though Haines would rather retire and spend his time riding all 50,000 acres of the ranch on his mare Bella, he is caught up in the action of Cold War politics when the President comes to Dallas. Having been mere yards from President John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated, Haines feels like he was a little too close to being involved in the threat. With the combination of a motherless preteen worrier, a teen cousin that is always in trouble and a high-society aunt and her uncle’s mistress mixed into the equation, Haines isn’t certain if the marksmen who tracked him to the ranch or Ivy Jean Pritchard and her family are worse. He does know one thing: secrets, even those that are supposed to benefit the entire nation, are never good for a democratic society or the families involved.
Adrienne LaCava has written a thriller that has all of the promise of a John Wayne western mixed with a James Bond spy thriller in No One Can Know. Set in the 1960s Cold War and tracking alongside JFK’s assassination makes it not only an interesting read, but the mixture of genres is a good one and creates not only a thrilling story, but an excellent commentary on the damage that state secrets have on families and on people as well. Suspenseful, action packed and fresh, No One Can Know is an excellent addition to your library and a thrilling read which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Recommend this book:
In a Small Town
Marc A. Di Giacomo
2014 Honorable Mention
208 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
This book right here. This is it. This is what a thriller novel should be all about. I loved this book from start to finish. Mr. Di Giacomo has taken a wonderful plot line and mixed it with amazingly captivating characters and threw his readers an intense, witty debut thriller.
The characters within the pages of this book are light hearted. They are intense. Each one has their own story to tell, yet they all are centered around the one small town in New York: Hutchville. Being a police officer is not an easy feat, I'm sure, but Mr. Di Giacomo captured the heart of being a cop on a small town's police force. When that officer is shot and out of work during recuperation, a lot is told. A lot is brought to light about a life of a cop.
Mixed into that life of a cop, is some amazing twists and turns with Italian mafia and Dons and hit men. The twists pile up, bringing with them, edge-of-your-seat anticipation of what will happen next. When a beautiful FBI agent enters the picture, it adds a bit of the spark-flying passion, making this story even better.
Mr. Di Giacomo is a wonderfully talented new author, and has quickly made a home on my favorite authors list. His style is engaging and realistic, and pulls the reader in full force, to the heart of the story. I am glad I reviewed this book, and am looking forward, with antsy anticipation, for another amazingly written novel by this new author! Well done, Mr. Di Giacomo!
Recommend this book:
School of the Assassins
W.K. Blais
2014 Honorable Mention
268 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Pieter is recuperating in his aunt’s home in the US after a stint gone wrong while in Iraq. While he’s there, he’s going to spend the holidays with his sister who he hasn't seen in years. It’s all supposed to be fun and relaxation. He also should be healing so he can go back to South Africa to claim back his stolen farm, avenge his murdered mother, and find his missing baby sister. But all his plans are thrown into a loop when his cousin gets into trouble with Los Zetas, a notorious and vicious gang. Now he’s going to help his cousin get out of the bind he put himself in, even if it might cause him his well-planned future in School of the Assassins by W.K. Blais.
School of the Assassins is a page turning and exhilarating thriller. It was captivating from the prologue to the last page and once I started I couldn't put it down. Pieter is a cool and interesting character. He was so awesome, especially when he did the Krav Maga thing and he’s also funny when dealing with her other cousin, Kenlyn. Pieter is still a young man but he has already experienced some harsh stuff. His mother was killed, their farm was taken, and he has to work to help his sister go to college. He worked as a security contractor and that was also challenging. It felt like he was faced with difficulties one after the other, but he’s so strong and he doesn't ever give up. I’m happy with the conclusion of the story.
Recommend this book:
Dismal Key
Mitch Doxsee
2014 Bronze Medal
240 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Dismal Key is an action and adventure tale set in Southwestern Florida written by Mitch Doxsee. McKlusky is a sixteen-year-old who grew up on Marco Island until his mother remarried and relocated the family to New Jersey. Every summer, McKlusky returns to Florida and crews for his grandfather, Captain Harvey, a fishing charter captain who knows everything there is to know about the swamps and islands in the wilderness of the Florida Everglades. This summer, McKlusky finds that his life-long pal, Chloe, has grown up in the last year and they begin a tentative romance. Meanwhile, Captain Harvey is hired by Becker, an ex-CIA agent, to guide him in his search for missing young women, who Becker believes have been kidnapped by slavers. Harvey and McKlusky find themselves actively involved in Becker's attempt to save those young women.
Mitch Doxsee's suspenseful thriller, Dismal Key, is an enjoyable and fast-paced story that makes the reader feel that they are out there in the mangrove swamps. It's that realistic. The women who have been kidnapped are strong and capable, and the villains each have their own stories. There are also social undertones to the tale, owing to the impact of the Northern incursion on the native Floridians and their way of life. Best of all is watching the two main characters, McKlusky, who's a lot more than just a surfer boy, and Becker, the ex-CIA agent, as they avenge the death of his sister and try to stop those responsible for the trafficking of women. Dismal Key is a bit of everything: coming-of-age tale, action story, adventure at sea, and thriller. It's also quite entertaining and highly recommended.