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:
Oric and the Alchemist's Key
The Oric Trilogy Volume 1
Lesley Wilson
2019 Finalist
264 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Oric and the Alchemist's Key by Lesley Wilson is the first book in The Oric Trilogy. No one knows loss better than young Oric who lost his parents as an infant and was taken in by Master Deveril. One morning, he returns from forging to find his home destroyed. A band of raiders attacked the manor and the nearby village, leaving everyone dead. Oric's mentor, Master Deveril, was left for dead, living long enough to give Oric a dire warning and a mysterious key. Little did Oric know just how valuable the key would be. Esica Figg will stop at nothing to retrieve it and obtain the wealth that Master Deveril hinted at, even if it means destroying what gets in his path. Oric is saved by the mysterious stranger Ichtheus who takes him on a journey back to his home. Oric befriends new people and must fight the jealousy and torment of Master Guwain, the heir of Bayersby Manor. As Figg draws closer to obtaining the key, Oric gets closer to understanding the message his mentor wished him to possess.
Lesley Wilson breathes life into this unique setting with a variety of characters, a detailed world, and an intriguing mystery. The setting is an important element in the plot with alchemy, greed, and power creating dangers and obstacles. The plot is fast-paced, diving straight into the plot and never slowing down as Oric's journey is only just beginning. Lesley Wilson weaves other characters into the story with each taking a different role in Oric's journey and with each having a different station in society. Oric is an apothecary apprentice so you see his role healing and caring for those with sickness, which puts him in the pathway of Dian whose family has fallen ill. Dian is a character of strength and shares several commonalities with Oric as she's sick herself but still cares for everyone else. Guwain is at the opposite end of society as the heir to Bayersby Manor and balances out Dian as she's one who gives of herself. She has a compassionate attitude and he has a bad attitude towards everyone. Oric and the Alchemist's Key is a brilliant start to a series with endearing characters you'll quickly like, a plot with a rich mystery, plenty of danger, and an intriguing world.
Recommend this book:
Waypoint
Deborah Adams and Kimberley Perkins
2019 Gold Medal
376 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Waypoint by Deborah Adams and Kimberley Perkins is a fabulous post-apocalyptic adventure story. Three months ago, the world went dark. Society has broken down into chaos and Simon Harper is on the case. A genius with tech and an avid gamer, Simon is trying to find out what caused it but every turn just throws up more questions. At last, he has the answer, the key to restoring light and power but there’s one problem – the only way he can bring it back is with West, his twin brother, and not his favorite person. It’s 500 miles to Waypoint and the brothers will face tests along the way. Two girls, harboring their own secrets, join in and the brothers have to make a decision – do they trust the girls or is it more than their lives are worth? What if the first girl that Simon has ever really liked or cared about turns out to be the enemy? What if Simon and West can't restore power to the world?
Waypoint by Deborah Adams and Kimberley Perkins is an amazing tale of kinship, courage, and trust. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a typical YA adventure but it really isn’t. This has suspense from the first word and, trust me, you will never guess what’s coming next – there are so many surprises that you simply won’t put the book down until you’re done. Except, you won't be done because the book ends on a cliffhanger that clearly leads to the next book in the series. The four main characters, Simon, West, Riya, and Alexandria, are all well developed and each chapter swaps points of view between the four characters – a great way of getting to know them better. It’s a descriptive book so you’ll be living the story as you read it; a glimpse into the future if you like, and an intriguing one at that. Amidst the suspense and the tension of a steady plot, there’s enough humor to lighten the story and a little romance to sweeten the deal. Fantastic story and I am really looking forward to reading more.
Recommend this book:
Divide et Impera
Magicae Mathematica Book 3
Mr. Jim West
2018 Finalist
336 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Divide et Impera by Jim West is a compelling entry in the Magicae Mathematica series, a Latin title reminiscent of the strategy used by most colonial powers to control their colonies. “Divide and Rule” seems to be the strategy through which Yrral wants to rule the City, but he is hardly aware of the challenges that could come by sharing responsibility. The council has its traitors, those who will do everything to sink the city. But things just get more complicated when an extremely powerful device falls into the wrong hands. Two wizards are poised to do the worst imaginable evil to the city and with this device, they have high prospects of succeeding. Who can stop them? And can they be stopped before they get access to a power that can destroy the whole of mankind?
There is a lot to be enjoyed in this great story, a novel with wonderful classic elements and compelling characters. In fact, I couldn’t help thinking about the film Prince of Persia while reading this riveting tale. The story has a great opening, with engaging dialogue between two brothers, Ethan, the older brother, who has been refused his rightful place as heir to the City, and Yrral, who becomes the king. The reader gets a general idea of the nature of the conflict that will be developed throughout the story, only the reader isn’t aware that there are great twists and turns still to come. The intense action and the overwhelming feeling that something awful could happen in the next moment makes the read intoxicating. Divide et Impera by Jim West is fast-paced, intelligently written, and utterly entertaining.
Recommend this book:
Imogen's Secret
Book 1 of the Chroma Trilogy
B Fleetwood
2018 Finalist
297 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reading B Fleetwood's Chroma: Imogen's Secret, the first volume in the Chroma series, is like taking in a breath of fresh air. Yet, the story of Imogen will keep readers on their toes throughout the entire book. Imogen Reiner, a 17-year-old young woman, has deep secrets that even she doesn't know about. Her abilities have not been fully exposed to her in an effort to protect her from an unseen and unknown dark force. While her grandfather tries to protect her from a distance, he sends her a protector. Imogen is unsure of what to make of her protector, the questions she has and a new man at college, whom she correctly reads as being a danger. Eventually, her questions are answered and Fleetwood does a wonderful job setting the stage for the next book as Imogen needs to learn how to handle the truth.
Without question, Chroma: Imogen's Secret is a book that readers won't be able to put down. It embraces fantasy and science fiction smoothly, all while being a fantastic thriller. Exceptionally well-written, the story is fast-paced and helps paint a colorful picture that will keep readers enthralled and turning pages. The emotional connection that Fleetwood helps readers feel with Imogen may very well encourage them to uncover and connect with their own powers because Chroma most certainly will give readers the desire to explore their own capabilities right along with Imogen. Fleetwood's Chroma: Imogen's Secret is billed as young adult fiction, but it has the capacity to pull adult readers into the unique world Fleetwood has created and offer hours of enjoyment, excitement and entertainment.
Recommend this book:
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling
An Orville Wellington Mouse Adventure • Book 5
Tom Hoffman
2018 Honorable Mention
339 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
There is much wisdom and humor in Tom Hoffman’s final installment of the Orville Mouse Adventurer series: Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling. But it’s hard to tell the difference.
“Sophia says the things you’re used to never seem weird.”
“Anyway, how do you know ants don’t throw up when they’re upside down?”
Devoted fans familiar with this terrific series (including old adults who hide behind reviewing jobs to disguise their guilty but glee-filled indulgent pleasures) will greet with happy recognition this latest and greatest metaphysical adventure starring Orville and Sophia, their sidekick Proto the Rabbiton with his tag-along robot dog, Squeaky, and introducing a most sagacious new little buddy, Leaf.
No need to reveal the plot line of Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling. Tom Hoffman’s uniquely appealing creation, mighty but fearful Orville, declares it precisely: “Let’s go save the universe.” What does need mentioning is the incredibly satisfying and stimulating camaraderie of Hoffman’s characters as they band together to fulfill – against some mighty intimidating and powerful odds – such an infinitely important mission. What holds readers glued to Hoffman’s books and keeps them coming back for more is the deeply human warmth and friendship shared between such small but courageous creatures. In the end, it is these friendships based on love and humor that assure our grand crusaders' ultimate success. And, along the way, generous allotments of subtle wisdom and tasty snapberry pies for me. Er … for us, the appreciative readers.
Recommend this book:
The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham
Belas Rift Volume 3
Stephan von Clinkerhoffen
2018 Honorable Mention
256 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham series by Stephan von Clinkerhoffen continues with Book 3, Belas Rift. Through a swirling inter-dimensional portal, Stig and Meg find themselves in Anet’s world, Earth, or specifically England. The humans can’t see Stig and Meg. Except for their shadows, they are invisible just as Anet was invisible to them in their world. The pair runs into all sorts of trouble, trying to manage their way in the human world and learning about it as well. At the same time, the pair tries to stop Anet who’s hell-bent on destroying their Motherland.
It’s interesting to see our world through the eyes of the two Manna. “It just tastes of salt and chemicals.” I find Stig’s disgust of a bag of chips amusingly satirical; we humans really need to lay off the junk food as well as other destructive habits. The growth of the protagonists’ characters and their relationships is deftly done. The wonderful descriptive quality of the narrative is maintained and is as engaging as ever, complementing the great artwork. There’s plenty of action and suspenseful moments in its appropriately paced plot, just like its predecessors. That said, Belas Rift is not quite a standalone. I do feel that readers need to read the series’ books accordingly to be able to grasp the unique and imaginative world-building, the continuation of the plot, and to be able to acknowledge the character development. On the other hand, there’s no doubt that Belas Rift is another solid work by Stephan. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with this third book.
Recommend this book:
The Hidden Village (book 1)
A Story of Survival in WW2 Holland
Imogen Matthews
2018 Honorable Mention
372 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
The Hidden Village: A Story of Survival in WW2 Holland is a historical young adult adventure by author Imogen Matthews. Focused specifically on how the events of the Holocaust affected Holland during the 1940s, the hidden village of the title refers to the true-life story of a group of Jewish people hiding from the Germans and Hitler’s agenda. The village of Berkenhout, hidden in the woods of Veluwe, is the new home of Sofie, a Jewish Dutch girl torn from her friends and her normal life. Secrets abound in Berkenhout, and security there may not be as secure as everyone hopes. As Jews and gentiles, Dutch and other nationalities come together to protect one another, a disaster lurks and threatens to engulf them all.
I am a huge advocate of historical fiction for young adults, particularly when it’s as well-researched as The Hidden Village. Imogen Matthews has taken a truly fascinating concept straight out of occupied territory and crafted a beautiful story that removes us from the overdone fiction of the battlefield to the real places where ordinary people became heroes that weren’t venerated. A blending of religions occurs as people protect one another, regardless of their beliefs. Sofie and Jan are strong central characters who are still young and naïve despite their horrendous circumstances. The plot itself is slow and steady, but filled with tension and fascinating details of the everyday lives of people trapped in an unbelievably pressured situation. The Hidden Village is recommended for readers of all ages, and especially to those looking for a heartfelt emotional journey.
Recommend this book:
Reality Gold
The Shifting Reality Collection
Tiffany Brooks
2018 Bronze Medal
398 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Tiffany Brooks starts off The Shifting Reality Collection with Reality Gold. Reality Gold features Riley Ozaki, a high school student whose poorly thought out editorial goes viral and makes her a social outcast. To redeem herself, she joins a popular reality show that turns into an all-out treasure hunt, and if that is not enough to grab the reader’s attention ... the island setting is cursed!
This young adult adventure is filled with all the mystery, suspense, backstabbing, romance, and personality clashes that one would expect in a reality show. Combine that with the thrill of an honest-to-goodness treasure hunt and Tiffany Brooks’ Reality Gold is a surefire winner. The diverse cast of characters gives everyone someone to root for, and the thrill of a treasure hunt makes for a page-turning read.
Brooks has a dynamic grasp of the English language. She created a large cast of characters, but does a professional job of distinguishing the key players so they are easily identifiable and complete with unique backstories, some of which are as interesting as the main story. This island adventure is filled with enough detail to delight all the senses while the dialogue and character interaction feel real to a group of strangers placed in unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous situations. If Reality Gold is a fair representation of the rest of The Shifting Reality Collection, the series is certainly worth awaiting. I predict teens and adults of all ages will find Reality Gold a worthy addition to their personal libraries. I know I do.
Recommend this book:
Aegis Evolution
Action Adventure Mystery Thriller (Aegis League Series Book 3)
S.S. Segran
2018 Silver Medal
627 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
The chosen have returned to Dema-Ki to further their training, exploring abilities that are beyond even the Elders' guidance, and yet guide them they must. This group of friends must learn to combine their powers, for they will be called upon sooner than they could imagine. Riots, raids, and crop destruction have put a strain on the world, but that is only the tip of the iceberg, the first part of a deadly plan, and part two underway. A deadly plague is spreading, leaving death in its wake, and it seems almost no one is safe from infection. Can they find a means to stop the spread and cure those already afflicted, or will they be forced to watch everyone they care about die, and be powerless to do anything? Find out in S.S. Segran's Aegis Evolution.
An amazing adventure of epic proportions, Aegis Evolution whisks you away into a story that is Iron Man meets X-Men meets Percy Jackson, and spins a truly engaging and enjoyable tale. Whilst it is book three in the Aegis League Series, it works well as standalone, with key details seamlessly woven into the main plot to give the reader an understanding of what happened in the books before. I really struggled to put this down once I had started; it held me captivated from the first page to the last in a whirlwind tale of adventure, friendship, challenges, danger, and the pushing of boundaries. S.S. Segran has a wonderful writing style that effortlessly seems to flow, pulling the reader deeper in until they can't help but find themselves fully immersed and invested in the characters' struggles. There are some great developments, not only in the plot, but in the characters and their growth on a personal level. A simply amazing read, a must for lovers of the genre.
Recommend this book:
Emerson Page and Where The Light Enters
Christa Avampato
2018 Gold Medal
208 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters by Christa Avampato is a gripping story about a young girl’s search for answers and clarity regarding her mother’s mysterious death. While the NYPD has given up on the case and thinks that Nora, the renowned anthropologist, simply slept and never woke up on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, her thirteen-year-old daughter, Emerson Page, thinks there could be more to the story than the simplistic explanation the police has given. Her search for answers will take her on a dangerous journey into hidden and mysterious places beneath New York City, a magical world of secrets, where she’ll discover dread truths about her mother, her mother’s final wish, and her destiny. While time is swiftly passing by and a powerful threat lurks too close, does she have what it takes to continue her mother’s work?
This is a fascinating story deftly told, a tale of courage and a gritty investigation, featuring a young protagonist who will take readers by surprise. The plot is fast-paced and readers are pulled into an exciting world filled with mystery and exciting stuff. Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters features excellent writing, brimming with vivid descriptions and dialogues that are compelling as they enhance the different elements of the story. Here is a story that will enthrall both young adult readers and adults, a well-plotted story with powerful themes seamlessly woven into its fabric. Christa Avampato was able to win my heart from the very beginning of the story with a powerful hook, and managed to keep my eyes glued to the pages, unable to stop reading. The prose is excellent and seduces the reader right off the bat. This story is engaging. A huge success for a novel!