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:
Forever
A Medical Thriller
Geoffrey M Cooper

2020 Gold Medal
184 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

When two FBI agents showed up in the research laboratory at Harvard’s Institute for Genomic Engineering, professor Brad Parker was irritated and skeptical. His goal was to use his sabbatical year for his own research while being relieved from his teaching duties at Boston Technological Institute. He was surprised when the agents asked for his assistance regarding the possibility of a Chinese spy in the laboratory. Brad’s almost live-in partner, Karen Richmond, was also an FBI agent, and he asked her advice before agreeing to become involved. In Forever: A Medical Thriller, written by Geoffrey M. Cooper, a riveting adventure unfolds. While Karen is immersed in tracking down a serial killer, Brad becomes enmeshed in a treacherous scheme.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is the depiction of medical research. Brad’s continual search for grant funding, competitiveness, and cooperation among researchers and the quest for life-changing treatments illustrate the complex realities of medical progress. It is an interesting, behind-the-scenes look at how medical advances are made. Additionally, there is a large cast of fascinating characters, and it takes time to determine which ones are the criminals. The plot is well-crafted and easy to read. The story is balanced well, moving smoothly from the research lab to the personal relationship between Brad and Karen. Author Geoffrey M. Cooper has written a chilling page-turner in Forever: A Medical Thriller. This gripping tale has many unexpected twists and turns, and the ending is unforeseen. It is a captivating read!
Recommend this book:
Night Zero
Rob Horner

2020 Silver Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

Night Zero is a work of zombie fiction with science fiction themes, horror elements, and small-town terror, and was penned by author Rob Horner. In this story set in contemporary times, scientists have discovered a mass-vaccination method, but the inevitable disaster occurs and a dangerous contagion is suddenly out on the loose. It results in an illness that creates hyper-aggressive monsters who spread their illness through violence, dead or alive. The central action takes place in the hospital of a tight-knit community where survival is key. So begins a thrilling and exciting page-turner with plenty of sudden scares and clever plot devices at play.
As a huge fan of the zombie horror genre, it was a great experience to encounter such an intimate and psychological take on classic ideas. Author Rob Horner delivers a highly original narrative to add flavor to this popular genre, allowing us close insight into the lives of his characters, and indeed some of their afterlives too. The effect is chilling as if one is losing friends in the process, and this creates a highly emotive plot arc and the suspense of wondering who will be next. The plot works on several levels with some politically minded themes working away in the background too, switching perspectives to deliver terror from all angles as the story unfolds. There is also a unique quality of believability to the work which makes it all the eerier, especially from the scientific and governmental points of view. I would highly recommend Night Zero for zombie, horror and sci-fi fans alike.
Recommend this book:
A Cure For Deceit
Margie Miklas

2020 Bronze Medal
360 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

When San Francesco travel nurse Allison Jamison becomes concerned with the surgical failings of medical colleague Dr. Gary Tamarino, she is not prepared for the disastrous outcome. Fortunately, Allison is the creator and owner of Critical Cover-Up, a private business that investigates the faulty actions of medical professionals. Dr. T. is famous for his God Complex and cavalier attitude toward others as well as a monstrous ego, but his credentials are impeccable as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Or at least that is the public opinion until Dr. T loses two patients in one week to excessive post-surgery bleeding. Initially, Dr. T. finds an alibi in a vision problem and is relieved to “fix” the issue with medication, temporarily assuaging Allison’s concerns. But when Mark Derning, a Cover-Up employed private investigator discovers an even darker side to Gary Tamarino, Allison’s fears are validated.
Filled with fascinating medical terminology and procedure descriptions, A Cure for Deceit by Margie Miklas is a disturbing, fast-paced novel that plants unfortunate suspicion in the medical world. For conspiracy theorists, this is the perfect conversation starter. As a romance grows between main characters Allison and Mark, much needed reading tension is sporadically placed to balance a mix of suspense and surprise. Author Margie Miklas successfully uses her knowledge of the medical profession to give adequate reality to this story. A nicely placed balance of good and evil between medical partners Tamarino and Dr. Kumar Chanrami furthers the believability of A Cure for Deceit.
Recommend this book:
Fatal Limit
Inge-Lise Goss

2020 Honorable Mention
209 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

Fatal Limit is a work of thriller fiction on a medical theme, penned by author Inge-Lise Goss. To most people, the death of a nurse named Sheila looks very much like a tragic accident when the woman walks out of the hospital and perishes in traffic. But to her best friend, Dora, the truth is far from simple. Searching for answers amid her grief, Dora discovers a devious world of crime and betrayal that leads her back to the star surgery staff of the very hospital where Sheila worked. Could the hidden secrets, affairs, and drama in the shadows of the hospital itself be the very reason that her friend is no longer alive?
This short and pacey thriller novel rockets through different layers of intrigue, crime, lies and interpersonal drama like a soap opera on steroids, giving readers a quick read that’s literally to die for. Author Inge-Lise Goss writes snappy dialogue and quick discovery moments that are sure to shock from page to page, presenting well-defined characters who we can relate to instantly, yet make deeper judgments on as the novel progresses. From chapter to chapter, the structure keeps you reading and guessing, producing a true page-turner with new discoveries and never a dull moment in between. The conclusion of the mystery is also dangerous and satisfying, as Dora gets far too close for comfort to the nasty truth of what happened to her friend. Overall, Fatal Limit is an excellent mystery that is sure to satisfy fans of all ages.
Recommend this book:
Toxic Spirits
Inderjeet Mani

2020 Finalist
266 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

Toxic Spirits by Inderjeet Mani is the story of a man who tries to make the best of the situation he is in, but it seems like powerful forces around him have other plans. Benton moved away from his country to Thailand when his wife died. He used to be an intelligence analyst in Washington D.C, but racism and the harsh realities of his life pushed him to take this step. Living in Thailand, he realizes that finding the peace he was looking for is not possible. Sooner than he realized, he gets involved in the shady world of human trials and experiments that he tries to get out of it. Stuck in the world of human genetic manipulation, he has to fight for his rights and for the rights of other people while trying to survive. Does Benton have what it takes to do what is expected of him?
Exceptionally crafted and impactful, this novel took me on a journey that I wanted to continue. The author described Thailand in such vivid detail that I could easily imagine myself living in the moment with Benton. Benton’s character is very complex, he takes you on a journey, he makes you live his troubles with him and allows you to get up close and personal with him. The pace is fast, the suspense is magical and the narrative impactful. The story is very well-crafted, the author connected the dots in a manner that left me amazed. This is an exceptional novel, one that had me riveted from the very beginning until the very end. It was simply fantastic!
Recommend this book:
Professor K: The Final Quest
Gabriel Farago

2019 Gold Medal
608 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

Professor K: The Final Quest by Gabriel Farago is a stand-alone thriller and part of the Jack Rogan Mysteries Series. Dr. Alexandra Delacroix, Nobel Laureate, wants to continue the work on genome-editing pursued by the late Professor Kozakievicz. She has a God-given opportunity when the Vatican requests her help to save the Pope who is dying of an auto-immune disease. It is imperative that he remains alive to enable the conclusion of a crucial peace process. However, the secret to unlocking his disease is hidden away deep in time. The story transports us back in history to the Ottoman Empire and the work of another physician who is inextricably linked to the modern-day da Baggio family. Lorenza da Baggio wins Top Chef Europe, but she barely has time to celebrate her success before she is kidnapped and drawn into a sinister game played by the mafia.
Gabriel Farago writes effortlessly to present an absorbing and intriguing modern-day thriller steeped in the rich history of Italy. I was impressed with the many complex threads which were expertly interwoven and brought together to form a very satisfying finale to the book. I loved the wonderful descriptions of Venice, including the art and the buildings, all of which lent a real depth to the storyline. The dialogue was expertly written and spoken by a dazzling array of very charismatic characters including the rather unpredictable and dangerous Jack Rogan. Professor K: The Final Quest is a literary delight brimfull of culture, politics, terrorism, the mafia, and medicine. I can't fault it. Superb!
Recommend this book:
EVO
A Crime Thriller Novel with a mind-blowing twist
Diane May

2019 Silver Medal
390 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

Marchiori had seen more than his fair share of murders; in his job it was to be expected. But never before had he seen anything like this. With all the markings of a rapidly escalating serial killer, time is of the essence. And with the latest turn, the killer himself has given them a deadline with a very clear threat against one of their own. The problem is, he never touches his victims; he leaves no evidence, except for the pen drive showing him killing in the most terrifying way: hypnosis. There is more to this than meets the eye, an entire thread of things way beyond his pay grade - secret experiments, dastardly research, and the most terrifying threat humanity has to face. Luckily Marchiori is not alone, but every second is one more closer to the final toll for all but a few.
Diane May's EVO possesses some amazingly developed, realistic, and deep characters enhancing the plot of this engrossing murder mystery. But this is not your simple whodunit; an intricate web of lies, secrets, and experiments give this fascinating tale a supercharge. With a serial killer at large, mass genocide on the cards, and the CIA's experimental children, danger emanates from every page and I was hooked from the beginning. The vivid descriptions and the portrayal of emotions are well crafted and flow seamlessly, feeding and stimulating the reader's imagination. Filled with complex relationships, doubts, secrets, agendas, lies, and dangerous revelations, this book is guaranteed not to leave you wanting in any area. A must-read for lovers of the crime and thriller genres or those seeking something with a little more to offer.
Recommend this book:
The Lame Duck
Bernard Leo Remakus

2019 Bronze Medal
495 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

The Lame Duck by Bernard Leo Remakus is a medical thriller. Bob Cassidy is probably the worst doctor in the USA. Already on his third suit for malpractice, Cassidy is about to find himself stripped of all hospital privileges. Angela Fratello is called the Angel of Death. Fratello is the top malpractice lawyer in the USA; she knows how to own the courtroom and own it big. On a skiing trip, she starts to suffer from severe pain in the foot and heads to the nearest facility for treatment – the county hospital where Bob Cassidy works. So begins the start of a long and involved relationship, the perfect setting for the perfect crime, and a love story that knows no bounds. The Angel of Death is on the warpath and no doctor is safe from her wrath after she nearly loses her life in the medical facility.
The Lame Duck by Bernard Leo Remakus is a gripping tale of love and crime. I got lost in this, unable to put it down until the end. This is an incredibly well-written tale, an in-depth, thrilling and fast-paced novel that will hold your attention. It is a mixture of fiction and medical fact, a combination that lends the story an air of reality and will have you believe, at times, that you could be reading a true story. Let’s face it, there is no doubt that this kind of thing happens all the time! The characters are fitting, incredibly well developed and likable – in the sense that you will begin to identify with them. The story centers on the greed of hospital management, a greed that puts money before care that will ultimately cost – either the lives of the patients or the hospital in damages. I would recommend this for anyone who likes medical thrillers and I guarantee you won’t put it down.
Recommend this book:
Project 137
Seth Augenstein

2019 Honorable Mention
298 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

In 2087, it’s not unusual for folks to live well into their hundreds. Medical miracles, like saving folks who should die in a car accident, are commonplace, thanks to machines that scan, pinpoint and repair wounds quickly. In 2087, smart phones have been replaced by Atmans, and everyone has one embedded in their arms. Folks keep themselves alert by sniffing energy sticks. The most popular TV show is “How Low Can you Go” where people do the indescribable to win money. And yet, oddly enough, for the average person, transportation is still by car, some of which are very old models. What a strange future world! For Dr. Joe Barnes, other than his newly pregnant wife, his patients are his primary concern. When inexplicably not only his patients, but even doctors start dying from what looks like bubonic plague, Dr. Barnes, with the help of his century-old mentor is hell-bent on finding the cause. What he uncovers, too late for hundreds of people, has its roots in World War 2. What he also uncovers is how many of his colleagues are not who he thought and that both he and his wife could very soon join the pyre of bodies piling up in the hospital’s basement.
Project 137 by Seth Augenstein is a complex and captivating read…even for those not really into future worlds. After finishing the book and thinking about the horrific circumstances and bloody scenes depicted in this novel, I found myself compelled to research the topic of human experimentation. Could governments, and specifically in this story the US government, truly sacrifice large populations for medical science? What happens in Project 137 set in 2087 isn’t all that improbable. Project 137 doesn’t strain incredulity the way many futuristic books do. In fact, what happens in this novel is alarmingly possible. Seth Augenstein has done his homework researching medical experimentation in our history and has cleverly plotted this story around compelling characters, some believable and others bordering on monstrosities. But what would a riveting medical thriller be without a human monster or two? If you’re hankering after a good read that will leave you thinking long after you set the book aside, pick up Project 137.
Recommend this book:
McDowell
William H. Coles

2019 Finalist
354 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

McDowell by William H. Coles is the story of Dr. Hiram McDowell. A celebrated surgeon, Dr. McDowell is single-minded in getting what he wants. His climb to the top is not without casualties and is not without some questionable practices. Cold and calculating, there is no denying his brilliance but when tragedy strikes, his world comes tumbling down. Grief and anger put him on a criminal path that will see his life of privilege and wealth all but destroyed. Can Hiram rebuild his life? On the run, Hiram embarks on a journey that will change the very core of him, change the way he lives, but is it enough to rebuild life as he knew it or will he become a different man? This could be Dr. McDowell’s one chance at redemption but will he take it?
McDowell by William H. Coles is a brilliantly written masterpiece of literary fiction. A story that could so easily be true, riveting to read. The emotion pours off almost every page and you can feel it; you can feel the sadness, the humor, the anger at the main character to start with. In the beginning, you really do not like Dr. McDowell and his fall from grace will make you happy but that is the turning point of this story. From there on, the action really picks up the pace and takes you on a journey you will never forget. This book is for everybody. It is full of lessons on life and attitude. We can all learn something here and every reader will take away something different from this book. The characterization is excellent and William H. Coles has created a main protagonist that you absolutely hate from the start but grow to love. Be prepared for an intense read; there is so much going on but every single word is relevant.
