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:
Colombian Betrayal
A Bruce & Smith Thriller
Randall Krzak
2022 Finalist
330 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
After the demise of her father, Olivia Moreno took charge of the Barranquilla drug cartel. But she was surrounded by wolves. Who could she trust? Things got more complicated when Colombia caught the attention of the CIA. Agent AJ and Colonel Smith arrived in the country to foil the plans of Islamic terrorists using the country as a training ground. They crossed paths with Olivia and extracted her from hiding to get information relevant to their mission. However, when their boss stepped in, Olivia struck a private deal that would either make her or sink her. Will AJ and Colonel Smith succeed in their mission? Will Olivia come out of this unscathed? It’s a cold and cruel world, and only the tough will survive in Colombian Betrayal by Randall Krzak.
Colombian Betrayal by Randall Krzak is an action-packed novel that features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, selfishness, and more. This novel pulls back the curtain and shines a light on drug cartels, politics, law enforcement, government, and the intersection where they all meet. It is a typical case of the more you look, the less you see. Everyone had agendas, and they all doubled as prey and predators. Randall is a superb storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat with gripping scenes, a brilliant plot, and stylish writing. The characters were formidable, and besides AJ, my favorite cast member was Silvina. She had grit, mental strength, energy, and backbone. This novel is a masterpiece! Do Ramon and Kruz have anything else up their sleeves? Will there be a sequel?
Recommend this book:
Terror's Sword
A Kyle McEwan Novel
Kevin Kuhens
2022 Honorable Mention
364 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
A terrorist known only by the nom de guerre "Terror's Sword" is barrelling toward America to attack it with an undetermined weapon of mass destruction. With millions of his citizens facing certain death, Terror's Sword: A Kyle McEwan Novel by Kevin Kuhens relates how the president unleashes elite counter-terrorism case officer Kyle McEwan, the desperate last measure America's chief executives use when all other conventional methods fail to eliminate national security threats.
Verisimilitude, a sense of reality, is vital to stories that revolve and expound upon current events. Terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, in particular the potential use of biological weapons, is as real as any potential threat can be. Kevin Kuhens's background provides all the tools necessary to make Terror's Sword come alive with inside information on the command and control, operational systems, and quantifying factors that make up a counter operation against potential and actual terrorist activity.
Kuhens's writing style is reminiscent of the great conspiracy thriller authors of old - writers like Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File or Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity. The lead character, Kyle McEwan, like the starring actors of the aforementioned novels, is simultaneously larger than life and as realistic as they come. The terrorist mastermind is equally formidable, and the battle of wits and action between the two and their supporting characters is realistic. In Kyle McEwan, Kuhens has created a heroic character on the scale of a Jason Bourne that will surely be around for many more adventures. This is a top-flight, fast-paced story guaranteed to satisfy readers across the genre spectrum.
Recommend this book:
A Matter of Payback
The Michael Wolfe Saga Book 3
J.C. Fields
2022 Bronze Medal
335 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
A Matter of Payback (The Michael Wolfe Saga Book 3) is the latest in the series by J.C. Fields. Two women perished in terrorist bombings in Haifa, Israel, and Madrid, Spain. The attacks were organized by Iranian terrorist Mohammed Al-Qaedi. Michael Wolfe and Ian McGill both lost their loved ones in these bomb attacks, and both are black ops operators who find themselves together on a mission in Iran some twenty years later. When Al-Qaedi targeted London's Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Wolfe was sent on a mission to stop the extremist. What follows is a harrowing roller coaster ride in an intricately woven espionage story filled with cliff-hangers and international intrigue that culminates in a confrontation between the protagonists.
J.C. Fields certainly does not disappoint his readers. With well-developed characters, and an action-packed and fast-paced plot, it is an extremely suspenseful read. The author’s use of multiple plot twists, foreshadowing, red herrings, and other literary devices is highly effective, so much so that it is difficult not to finish reading the book in one sitting. This is a story of revenge and reprisal set in the dangerous and surreal world of international espionage. A Matter of Payback has a strong main character and an equally strong villain and this makes the story doubly interesting as there is always the element of danger as well as apprehension as to how things will turn out in the end. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Doctor Assassin
A Medical Science Thriller
Mark R Belsky, Jon DiSavino
2022 Silver Medal
316 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Doctor Assassin: A Medical Science Thriller by Mark R Belsky and Jon DiSavino is a fast-paced action thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the end. Dr. Max Dent was an ex-assassin for the Israeli Intelligence Services but that was in his past. Max is now a heart surgeon and ready to move forward. However, he was asked to do one more mission. Strange and terrible things were happening. HQ wanted him back as it looked as if Max was the only one who could get the job done. A mysterious illness was slowly taking root in the world. First, it was a case of some college students in Atlanta, and then there were dead people in the Caribbean who had the same symptoms. The threat was way too close to home, and Max needed to do something urgently. Could Max and Lilah solve this case before it was too late?
I did not expect to love this novel as much as I did. There was never a dull moment; something was happening in each chapter that brought new revelations. The twists and turns were believable, and the plot was crafted to be realistic. Jon DiSavino and Mark R Belsky did a fantastic job of creating characters that were human and relatable. Max was smart, understood his options, and made decisions based on what was best for him and the mission. Lilah was the total opposite of Max. She was a little impulsive, more aggressive, and acted before she thought. The two were in complete contrast to each other, which was exactly what the story needed. The chapters were short, the pace was fast, and the dialogue was fun. Doctor Assassin is a perfect medical thriller!
Recommend this book:
The Chameleon
A Jake Palmer Novel
Ron McManus
2022 Gold Medal
358 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Jake Palmer - investigative consultant and former US Navy SEAL - has signed on as a contractor with a top-secret US Joint Special Operations Command team in Islamabad, Pakistan. Palmer is teamed up with Fiona Collin, an operative he's worked with in the past and a woman he may still love. The pair is set to investigate a Pakistani nuclear launch in a major dispute over the Kashmir region. The situation grows ever tenser with the discovery of a shadowy figure, the Chameleon, who may intend to divert a nuclear warhead to the West when the war begins. The nuclear clock has moved from one minute to midnight, and Palmer and Fiona must risk everything to stop what would be the world's first act of nuclear terrorism.
Though fourth in the Jake Palmer series, The Chameleon is my first read from author Ron McManus, and I guarantee it won't be my last. Verisimilitude, a sense of reality, is a vital key for my determination in rating any book I read for review, and Ron McManus clearly understands the art of making a fictional story real. The Chameleon story rocks with reality from the action scenes to the in-depth knowledge of covert military action, counterintelligence operations, government foreign policies, institutional insider information, and finally, but most assuredly not the least, characters that are as real as any living person you'll ever meet. Setting the story in the middle of the years-long, real-life saber-rattling between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is another example of McManus' understanding and skills incorporating that all-important authenticity. Ron McManus has either worked in intelligence or covert military organization, or he's done some phenomenal research. Regardless of which it is, I am confident he has produced a fast-paced, action/adventure thriller that will ultimately give every international top ten bestselling thrillers a run for its money!
Recommend this book:
Without Reserve
A Novel of the War on Terror
Steven B. Howery
2021 Finalist
298 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Without Reserve: A Novel of the War on Terror by Steven B. Howery is a military fiction and suspense thriller that follows lawyer and reservist intelligence officer, Captain Chris Gates, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attack in New York. Initially, Gates is followed to Hawaii. But on arrival, he is quickly informed of the role he will play in Singapore, where he is sent in a race against time to try to subvert another planned attack against the United States in the region. He is assigned to work with a local intelligence officer, Captain Jessica Ling, a partner who—as he soon discovers—appears to be as driven and dedicated as he is, especially when it comes to her fascination with apprehending a bomb maker named Khalid...a mission that comes at an incredibly heavy cost.
Without Reserve is a deeply engrossing adventure into the world of counter-terrorism in the earliest days (as far as the general public knew of, at least) of the war on terror. Steven B. Howery writes a narrative that is intelligent and witty, bringing Chris Gates to life almost the moment he is introduced. It's impossible to read this book and not draw comparisons to another famous fictional intelligence hero. That said, Howery writes in a style all his own, and the parallels end almost as soon as we begin to try forming them. The plot and subplots here are thick and the characters are so well developed and human that they might well be having a conversation right in front of you. What makes this book special and sets it apart from the rest in the military thriller genre is that Howery, while clearly knowing a great deal about the mechanics of intelligence, war, and espionage, keeps the story firmly character-driven, and not bogged down by an author showing off their technical chops. This is a phenomenal book. It's absolutely brilliant.
Recommend this book:
Setareh Doctrine
A Nightmare WWII Weapon Reappears
Mark Downer
2021 Honorable Mention
334 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Setareh Doctrine: A Nightmare WWII Weapon Reappears by Mark Downer is an unmissable thriller for readers interested in the theme of terrorism. At the time of Japan’s surrender in WWII, the Allied forces destroyed the deadly Japanese unit 731 and the brain behind it, General Daichi Arakawa. The General had created a viral weapon of mass destruction that delivered death to thousands of Chinese in Manchuria. Two decades later, during the Vietnam War, hints of the weapon are apparent. The Chinese Defense Minister enlists the help of the indefatigable retired General Jake Woods to locate and destroy the WMD virus. Woods gets together a team of kickass military fighters, technicians, and other professionals and sets out to work. While his team has everything they need to resolve the impending crisis, they are painfully unaware of what lies ahead. Follow them as they engage in a mission that takes them across countries in the Middle East, from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. But can they find the terrorist who might have designed the fate of the entire world? Time is running out, and as each moment passes, the danger grows bigger.
It felt like watching Mission Impossible when I read Setareh Doctrine. Mark Downer is an expert who crafts terrific descriptions and focused, emotionally charged scenes that are pulsating with action. There is so much to enjoy in this novel. Readers will love the way the theme of terrorism is handled and the historical shades of the narrative. The international setting in the Middle East takes readers across rugged landscapes. The characters are robust, each written with a rich background that adds depth and complexity to the plot. There is a lot of adventure, a lot of action, and many life-threatening moments in the story. Mark Downer’s characters leap off the pages with life; his prose shines with unusual beauty, and the twisting original plot will have any reader turning the pages rapidly. Setareh Doctrine: A Nightmare WWII Weapon Reappears is a nonstop adventure replete with action and mystery, a story as intense and exciting as any terrorist thriller can be.
Recommend this book:
The Commander
Last Enemy Series Prequel
Dan E. Hendrickson
2021 Bronze Medal
288 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
In The Commander by Dan E. Hendrickson, Lieutenant Commander Jacob Edwards has just taken command of the Hamilton Class Cutter, First Responder as the captain of the US Coast Guard when news of a possible terrorist attack in the Gulf of Mexico reaches the White House. Captain Tommy Williams sends Jacob to investigate and deal with the situation. As the true extent and severity of the situation unfold, Jacob realizes there is a link to the possibility of a terrorist attack on a US oil rig, and a missing ship carrying children. Behind the sabotage are the Saudi Royal Family, the Russian underworld, and a notorious pirate assassin. As the First Responder races to the oil rig, time is quickly running out. Jacob must use every skill he has learned to resolve the impending catastrophe while obeying an order from the President to keep his movements confidential.
Since reading other books in The Last Enemy series, I was looking forward to more exciting exploits from Jacob Edwards and The Commander by Dan E. Hendrickson definitely lived up to all my expectations. There are new and intriguing characters, as well as many old favorites. Natasha is a real psychopath. I never thought there could be a character more despicable than Dominik, but she was evil to the core. Jacob's relationship with his daughter was endearing as they shared so many tender moments together; this was contrasted perfectly with his relationship with his enemies. I love Jacob as a protagonist. Although his character is flawed, it makes him even more relatable and his morals and character are impeccable. The action begins immediately and takes you on a roller coaster of excitement with so many interesting and strong sub-plots. I thought I could second guess how the plot would unfold by now, but the author always takes me down a path I was not expecting. His brilliance at creating tension and conflicts in the story are enviable and so satisfying as a reader. I read the final third of this novel with my heart pounding, as all the loose ends were tied up with immaculate literary genius. I cannot rate this author highly enough and would recommend his novels to everyone.
Recommend this book:
Free Fall
John Parrish
2021 Silver Medal
387 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Mathew McKenna and his niece Megan would never have attended the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the city of Liberty (the first orbital city in the whole world) had they known what fate had in store for everyone who attended the celebrations. While the First Family and other important diplomats of the United States of America rose to the occasion to celebrate their city, a group of terrorists could not imagine any better opportunity than this to launch an attack and abduct the First Family. A bloodbath was quickly made out of the venue as the terrorists went after the First Family. The only thing standing between the terrorists and their target is the sheriff of Shady Oaks, Florida, Mathew McKenna. Will McKenna succeed in saving his niece and the First Family? How does the attack affect the US? Get yourself John Parrish’s Free Fall (an installment in the Mathew McKenna thriller series) to learn more.
John Parrish does not waste any time building the pace of his story. I was treated to the introduction of Free Fall with thrilling and entertaining action. I loved that Parrish maintains the fast pace to the end. The plot is intriguing and comprehensible. He makes it even better with the aspect of rising suspense and tension. Parrish uses various themes that affect our current society to maintain a grip on reality in his story. They included terrorism, legal affairs, military, politics, family, science, technology, and much more. The characters were amazing. Parrish makes them embrace their traits uniquely; you could always tell what a character would think or do in certain situations. My favorite character was Mathew McKenna (the protagonist); his intelligence, instincts, courage, demeanor, and a lot of things made him irresistibly appealing. The vivid depictions made me feel like I was right there as the actions in the scenes unfolded. I loved the book.
Recommend this book:
Retribution
An Alivia Morgan Thriller
David Joseph Antocci
2021 Gold Medal
291 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
A terrorist group strikes and an operative in a United States counter-terrorist agency is the target in the riveting novel, Retribution: An Alivia Morgan Thriller by David Joseph Antocci. Alivia, an agent for the New England Special Terrorist Division, is on vacation. Her vacation plans rapidly change when a bomb detonates at a rally in Boston, injuring and killing her team members. Claiming responsibility for the attack, the terrorists request that NEST turn Alivia over to them. If NEST doesn't comply, the group threatens to set off explosives around the city, endangering thousands of innocent lives. Because she sees no other alternative, Alivia turns herself over to them, believing her team will remove her quickly. However, things don't go as planned, and Alivia faces the enemy alone. Unable to wait to be rescued, Alivia must rely on her own ingenuity. Can she escape before it is too late?
Retribution: An Alivia Morgan Thriller by David Joseph Antocci is a riveting novel containing high stakes, action-packed scenes, and a race against the clock. The fierce protagonists, evil villains, and a fast-approaching deadline create an intense roller coaster ride from the first page until the last. It is an unputdownable book! Spellbinding, the storyline moves briskly while the suspense and anxiety escalate, culminating in an explosive finale. For the first book in a series, it makes a spectacular splash. Comparable to a James Patterson or Jack Carr thriller, this sensational novel promises to thrill everyone who loves terrorism novels jam-packed with action, violence, and intrigue. Due to the violent scenes containing torture and bloodshed, the story is more suitable for mature readers.