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:
Unleashing Colter's Hell
A National Park Thriller
Sean Smith
2013 Gold Medal
324 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
“Unleashing Colter’s Hell” by Sean Smith is a top notch, suspenseful thriller of the highest quality. The author’s authoritative life experience and thorough research have enabled him to fashion a story so realistic that you will be waiting for the sound of the explosion to reach your ears. This story consists of at least four distinct sub-plots, interwoven into one remarkably believable tale of extreme religious fervor at opposing ends of the spectrum, and a very real ticking time bomb setting right below our feet in America. The entire scenario is so feasible that I have to wonder if such a thing hasn’t already been tried, fortunately without success. Sean Smith has masterfully cast his characters to make them as sincere and legitimate as any living human being.
The title, “Unleashing Colter’s Hell”, is a reference to the original name applied to what is now called Yellowstone National Park. Numerous authentic details about the enormous Yellowstone caldera and its devastating potential for destroying life on Earth make this superb novel a rather respectable geology lesson as well. Though specific events in the story are fictional, they are absolutely legitimate, genuine concerns. The natural continuance of the caldera’s eruptive cycle is perhaps the single event most likely to end life as we know it today, ushering in an extensive era of apocalyptic conditions on Earth. Far more likely than a meteor crashing into the planet, or a new virus decimating the global population, a Yellowstone eruption is more a matter of “when”, than “if”. Given the ebb and flow of nature’s many cycles, the periodic escalation of seismic volcanic activity, followed by a period of de-escalation, seems more likely than not. This thriller is not only a superb novel of suspense, but it will remain with you as one of the scariest books you will ever read. Don’t be surprised to see “Unleashing Colter’s Hell” making it to the Top Ten Bestseller’s list.
Recommend this book:
Terrorists and the Terchova Treasure
In My Brother's Place
George Banas
2013 Finalist
706 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
The September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States fortified Joe Legion's determination to fight in order to protect his family from a yet unknown enemy. Illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons, and nuclear materials seem to have a strong link to the 9/11 attacks. Joe Legion aims to destroy these illegal operations. He enlists the aid of friends and family members to seek the legendary treasure of Juraj Janosik, the early 18th century bandit and national hero of Slovakia. The treasure, or related gossip will be used to lure the terrorists out of hiding. Joe and his companions face deadly enemies as they make their way through Russia, India, Europe, North Africa, and Latin America.
"Terrorists and the Terchova Treasure - In My Brother's Place" is written by George Banas, an early Vietnam veteran. He was traveling with his wife between Tangier, Morocco and Madrid, Spain when the attacks occurred. This book bravely brings back the rude shock and painful experience that the United States suffered on that fateful day. The attacks provoked the strongest anti-terrorism sentiments, not just from Americans, but from people around the world. The book is intended to be a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives on that fateful day. The author skillfully entwines his personal experiences with actual historical events from President Carter's administration through President George W. Bush's term. Banas dedicates this book to the military and civilian defenders of this country for their sacrifices that will never be forgotten if he has anything to say about it. I highly recommend this multi-genre book to readers of all types.
Recommend this book:
EMMA
Emergent Movement of Militant Anarchists
Michael Segedy
2013 Silver Medal
395 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
"EMMA: Emergent Movement of Militant Anarchists" by Michael Segedy is every bit as exciting as you’d expect a novel by this talented author to be. A group of political anarchists - in the true sense of the word as meaning a political philosophy that holds the state to be unnecessary at best and harmful at worst - use the Web as a tool to achieve what they see as improvements in society. However, within the ranks are some extremists who will only be happy if corporate figures they see as evil are removed permanently. The key figure in the action is Brent Cossack, a CIA operative who is forced to resign after becoming disillusioned at discovering some grim truths in his work. Events conspire to keep him on the edge. Another somewhat disillusioned man, FBI agent Rick Clark, is trying to forget tough personal circumstances and becomes involved in the action. He turns to his psychologist for support and help comes from another quarter too.
The book has everything a modern high-tech thriller needs: computers, terrorists groups, reference to recent actual figures and events, corporate baddies, fanatics driven too far and troubled but competent strong, moral investigators. There is breathless tension by the truckload and plenty of high emotion, but it also has pathos and genuinely moving moments. Segedy always creates complex, convincing characters with enough emotional baggage to make them interesting but not crippled. He plunges these rounded individuals into thoroughly researched and imaginative yet disturbingly realistic and plausible scenarios to keep his readers glued to the pages. Even the chapter headings show the thought that this author puts into his work and help keep every word he uses charged with energy and interest. If you haven’t already realized from this review, let me tell you that this book is frankly brilliant and you really should read it.
Recommend this book:
Killing Sharks
De Profundis
Eric Wentz
2013 Bronze Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
"Killing Sharks: De Profundis" by Eric Wentz is in some ways a typical modern political thriller in that it has the elements we have come to associate with such literature – a strong military figure who is something of a maverick, fuzzy ineffectual politicians, a variety of settings in some of the world’s more tortured regions and acts of terror either realized or threatened. However, this novel takes it to a deeper level. The characters are rounded, actions are considered and explained, and there is substance to the emotions portrayed. Lieutenant Commander Grant Chisolm, who has already appeared in a previous novel by this author, is a powerful, resourceful and courageous protagonist, and provides a suitably strong heart for this gritty, pulsating novel. In his new role as liaison officer at Guantanamo he has to have very close dealings with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The threat of terror is constantly there. You will almost forget to breathe when you are reading this book.
The author clearly has a vast knowledge of military matters and history and he shares this with us in this novel. We can’t help but share his fascination as we are pulled into this tightly woven story. We meet a wide cast of characters, from likable and noble to downright evil, and encounter many different emotions. There are touches of humor to lighten the generally serious and suspenseful atmosphere. There is a very helpful glossary of terms which explains terms like jihad, CENTCOM, etc. It is a good thing as you don’t feel silly if these are terms you either haven’t come across before or have never fully understood. There are also notes and a map. I would have preferred not to have the reviews at the beginning of the book. They would be better on the book’s website or at the end. They also mean you have to wait longer to start reading this excellent book. And more is given away by the table of contents with chapters with such headings as ‘Caffeinated Diplomacy’ and ‘A Wary Interview’. Definitely a book to read.
Recommend this book:
CAPTIVE
Timothy Allen Smith
2013 Honorable Mention
270 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be captivating! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down!
On 9-11-2013, a brazen terrorist attack took place at the Annenberg theater in Center City, PA. Though 290 people were taken hostage this story focuses on nine of the hostages who were separated from the other hostages and locked into a basement room where they were held for over eighteen hours until they were rescued by police. As we get to know each of the nine hostages, we feel their fear and frustration, but we also see faith and sacrifice. We learn each character's story, and ultimately see most of them grow and change as the story progresses. Some of the hostages survive but some don't, but one thing is for sure: each person who was held in that room will changed forever!
What a gripping read! "Captive" is such a realistically written story. From the voices of the hostages to the situation that they found themselves in, I couldn't help but think that this could actually happen! This fact alone kept me on the edge of my seat to see what would ultimately happen! Mr. Smith created characters that literally jump off the pages. It was easy to feel not only their fear, but the tension in the room was palpable at times, but the hope that flowed from several of the characters was just as strong! It takes a true wordsmith to create a story where you feel as if you are part of the story, but also outside of it as well. The character of Marla Cruz added another layer to the story, and gave it even more authenticity. The author begins his wrap up in a way that totally floored me and then provided a cliff hanger ending that left this reader hoping that there might be a sequel! Anyone who enjoys a well-written story, that touches on some tough subject such as religion, racism, sexual bias, terrorism, and relationship issues just to name a few, will certainly enjoy this story. Perhaps though you are just looking for an edge of your seat read with memorable characters, "Captive" certainly fits the bill. On a scale of one to five I would easily give "Captive" a six because it is a mind-grabbing, attention-holding read from beginning to end!
Recommend this book:
I Am Automaton
Edward P. Cardillo
2012 Honorable Mention
276 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
"I Am Automaton" by Edward P. Cardillo is the story of two brothers, Carl and Peter Birdsall, both eager to serve their country despite how their country serves them. Our story begins with a high action scene. Ten highly trained military men led by Command Sergeant Major Peter Birdsall are in Tijuana, Mexico. US Special Forces had recently trained the Navajas so that they could assist the Mexican government in fighting the drug cartel. Some of the Navajas became the drug cartel. Someone had tipped off the Navajas; they knew the elite team was coming. Several members of Birdsall’s team were quickly picked off by a sniper. After being taken captive, Birdsall was saved by an unlikely character. Upon his return to the US he was informed of a new assignment but all he wanted was another chance at the Navajas. His next assignment would be the ID Program (Insidious Drone Program.) He had no idea the nightmare he was walking into.
Edward P. Cardillo offers readers a great read filled with action, thrills, danger, fear, horror and a touch of romance. The pace is fast and the action tight. This reader was horrified at the torture of the Navajas and even more horrified at the monsters in the ID unit. Cardillo managed to create a nightmare that I won’t soon forget; I am not easily frightened but Cardillo left me checking in the closets and under the bed. I can easily imagine a government using such a biological weapon as the ID Project. I liked Carl and Peter; they are the central characters, courageous, quick thinking, intelligent and loyal. Zombies has become a very popular subject matter in our culture almost to the point of needing its own genre. Cardillo has a unique style of incorporating them into his tale. Well done!
Recommend this book:
Tracking Terror
Howard Giordano
2012 Bronze Medal
340 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Our story begins with NYPD Narcotics Detective Pete Fanning rear ending an SUV; his mind had been preoccupied, flashing back on the previous Thursday when he had shot and killed a man in self-defense. The angry owner of the SUV, Teddy Vijay, an Indian Muslim, came at Pete with a pipe. After defusing the situation the two men began to talk and formed a bond. Days later Teddy frantically called Pete and asked to meet with him; he’d overheard something that frightened him. Pete reported the information to the proper authorities and joined them in the investigation of a joint effort between the New IRA and Al Qaeda. The investigation places Pete in the cross hairs of the terrorists.
It is hard to believe this is Howard Giordano’s first full length book. He writes like a much seasoned author. The plot of "Tracking Terror" could have been ripped out of the headlines. It is believable and a bit frightening. The plot is dynamic and action packed: thrill a minute block buster. Giordano allows each character to fully develop. There are several sub-plots that bring out the personality of Fanning, such as: the tension between family members feeling neglected helped to create a multidimensional cast. Fanning loves his family but has strong loyalties to his country. The fact that his family feels neglected is something most police officers must face daily. It would be difficult to juggle such an intense career and home life. I liked the way Giordano showed readers the “other side” of Muslims. Many are frightened; they know other citizens look at them in fear, often stereo typing them. They are also as afraid and angry at terrorists as all other citizens. I believe this book is being made into a movie. I will be first in line for tickets.
Recommend this book:
Portrait of a Spy
Gabriel Allon
Daniel Silva
2012 Gold Medal
528 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
There are books that will linger in the reader's mind forever and "Portrait of a Spy" is one of them! Gabriel Allon is both a master spy for Israeli intelligence and a restorer of art masterpieces, but now he is retired from his work at King Saul Boulevard in Israel. Gabriel and his wife, Chiara, also an Israeli spy par non, now live a quiet life in Gunwalloe Cove, Cornwall, until an explosion occurred in Paris, and then another in Copenhagen, killing far too many innocent bystanders including children boarding a school bus. Gabriel nearly succeeds in killing the gunman in a third attack in London and is drawn back into the fray by his friend, Adrian Carter of the CIA. Gabriel and his group of Israeli intelligence operatives are set to go after Yemeni silver-tongued cleric Rashid al-Husseini but they know that money is needed to shore up his branch of Jihad operatives. Gabriel works to bring in beautiful Arabic heiress, Nadia al-Bakari, whose father Gabriel himself assisted in assassinating. Nadia is against the treatment of Arabic women and uses her billions to bring relief, but she is convinced to pose as supporting Islamic terrorists. What she is willing to do is highly dangerous and Nadia may lose her life. What happens? Read and find out but have a box of tissues nearby to catch those tears that will fall.
Daniel Silva has created characters and a storyline in "Portrait of a Spy" that are brilliant and multidimensional with the twists and turns that a thriller should contain. Gabriel, Chiara, Navot, Mikail, Sarah, Shamron, Dina, Isherwood, and Adrian Carter, to name some, are literary figures that will live in the reader's mind long after the story is concluded. Nadia al-Bakari is an unforgettable literary character. "Portrait of a Spy" is a phenomenal work, exquisitely written, formatted, and plotted; never to be forgotten as the reader goes on to read other stories.
Recommend this book:
The Boston Fracture
Herve Jaubert
2012 Silver Medal
330 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Herve Jaubert begins "Boston Fracture" with a description that made me want to fly to the Caribbean and scuba dive. In my mind’s eye I could see the blue waters, the colorful fish swimming by, the coral reefs, and the bubbles floating to the surface as Floyd enjoyed the solitary peace of the depths. FBI Senior Agent Floyd Allister, an expert diver assigned to San Juan, was on a diving vacation with friends when he spotted something in the depths that should not be there. Something wasn’t right; the seasoned investigator followed his instincts and began investigating. What he discovers filled him with fear. He turned to his CIA connection for assistance. His investigation led to an Al Qaeda terrorist plot to cause a nuclear explosion in the Boston Harbor. The unthinkable happens, the consequences are wide spread, and the United States has to face a disaster unlike any the citizens have ever imagined. The economy is affected, the death toll is beyond belief, Muslims are dancing in the streets proclaiming their victory, and Americans are grief-stricken and angry.
It is difficult to know just how much of a summary I should give when writing a book review. Too much and I ruin the book for others; too little and I don’t tempt you to read this book and you definitely need to read this book. This is not your typical terrorist plot to destroy America book. Herve Jaubert goes at this plot from a different angle. I was originally captivated by the vivid descriptions in the book, and then I was captivated by the non-stop action, the action built to an intense crescendo. There are several important characters in this book and each has been well-developed or at least developed enough to more than fulfill their roll. I’d like to comment also on the reactions that take place in this book: anger, fear, revenge, etc. The reactions are very realistic. We all would like to think we would take the higher road in any given situation but would we really? As I read this book I thought of the TV series 24 starring Keifer Sutherland. This book would make a fantastic movie or perhaps a TV series. I look forward to more books by this author!
Recommend this book:
The Time of Jacob's Trouble
Sharon Alice Geyer
2012 Finalist
256 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Ari, half Israeli, half Persian, is married to unpampered Lily who is of American Jewish descent. They live quietly in the Arizona desert until an unsigned letter arrives stating that "The time has come for the Hidden One to make himself known and fill the world with justice". Ari and Lily know they must flee and they do so, leaving Arizona where Lily hoped to settle and raise a family. They cross the border and abandon their jeep in Mexico, as they head to Rome. Their pursuers are the radical Madhi Brotherhood who are after Ari, but only because they hold him in high esteem as their chosen one. Ari is descended from ancient Persian holymen. But Ari has ties to the Israeli Mossad and Agent Motti Pincus helps Ari and Lily in their flight as disguised unknowns. They finally settle in a small Israeli town. Meanwhile, Lily's mystic, religious senses lead her to save the Israelis from terrorist attack on their water system and Ari confronts his brother, Reza, who is a part of the terrorist Madhi Brotherhood. This tale of terror and intrigue is to be continued in the author's next book "The Return of the Madhi".
"The Time of Jacob's Trouble" is an extremely well-written, readable thriller with a plot that proceeds believably to the story's end. All sub-plots, such as the help Ari and Lily receive from American archeologist Eugene Scott, are woven well into the main story. Characters, both major and minor, are totally believable and the lessons on Mid-East history are integrated into the text without being intrusive. "The Time of Jacob's Trouble" is a book that belongs in all collections and libraries. Highly recommended!