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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
The Slither Queen
Tamera Lawrence

2025 Finalist
318 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Tamera Lawrence's The Slither Queen is a dark fantasy narrative that centers on Rachel Garth, an 18-year-old girl with the supernatural ability to transform into a serpent. Her life is anything but uneventful and predictable. Already, Rachel has discovered love, struggles to control her shapeshifting powers, comes from a troubled past, and has chosen her path in a battle between good and evil. Yet, quite unexpectedly, her complicated life is interrupted when an infant with similar powers telepathically sends her a distress call. The child in question is Prisca, a hybrid shapeshifter who has more in common with Rachel than both of them could ever imagine. Blake, the charismatic and dangerous leader of a serpent cult, is holding Prisca and her mother hostage. He intends to use the infant in a dark ritual unless Rachel can disrupt his vile plans first.
The Slither Queen offers an invigorating narrative that will have you hooked till the end. The character dynamics are what make this book a stellar read. Each character's development is bold, unflinching, and contains depth. For instance, Rachel and Ariel's 'frenemy' dyad, Rachel and Gabe's romantic connection, Prisca's noticeably advanced powers despite her age, and the full extent of Blake’s ruthlessness are just some of the intriguing story arcs that Tamera Lawrence masterfully explores in the book. Adding to this is the novel's flawless pacing—there isn’t a single stagnant moment. Every chapter reveals scenarios meticulously constructed to immerse readers further into a plot. In summary, The Slither Queen is a well-written, imaginative, and utterly engaging story, with just enough suspense and plot twists to keep readers on their toes. It will leave fans of dark fantasy fiction wanting more.
Recommend this book:
Al Ana's Curse
The Legends of Folklore
Jerome McGinn

2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Set in a small Michigan town called Cheboygan, this tale follows Aedan and his high school friends Lindsey, Tim, and Mary. An extraordinary and unforeseen change is looming in the air. The teens are preparing to graduate from high school and embrace college life. On the last day of school, Aedan and Lindsey decide to walk past the eerie Chook River in their town. A banshee suddenly appears out of nowhere and scares them with her terrifying warnings. Aedan vows to discover the truth behind this mysterious demonic apparition, dubbed Al Ana, that haunts the town and steals her victims' souls. His friends join him on this riveting quest. Can they unearth the secrets of Cheboygan and bring closure to an old mystery surrounding the disappearance of its townsfolk? The answer awaits you in Jerome McGinn's Al Ana's Curse.
If you're a fan of TV series like Locke and Key, Supernatural, and Salem, you'll fall in love with this novel in a heartbeat. The plot hooked me from the start and refused to let me go. Jerome McGinn's Al Ana's Curse is a YA suspense thriller written like no other. The mysteries surrounding Al Ana will send a shiver down your spine. The suspense alone will cause you to glance over your shoulder--ever so often--while reading this enthralling tale. The characters are well-conceived, and the storyline takes a few unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed reading it. Al Ana's Curse has the right amount of trepidation, horror, action, and suspense. The dialogue and interactions between Aedan and his friends really capture the youthful vibe in an eerie little town overshadowed by impending doom and unforeseen dangers. Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime.
Recommend this book:
Forever Boy
Michael J Bowler

2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Forever Boy by Michael J Bowler is a paranormal tale of a strange friendship between two 14-year-old boys, highlighting their differences and unique bond. Exotic and mysterious, Drágan is captivating with perfect features and a goth-style wardrobe. He reveals that he is an orphan and mentions he is handsomely compensated as a fashion model. In contrast, Isaac is an outcast at school and often gets bullied by other boys, while the girls hardly notice him. The two connect and their friendship sparks immediately. Everyone at school is astonished by how protective Drágan is of his new friend, though Isaac senses that something is not right. Stephanie, a popular student at their school, uncovers via internet research that Drágan's modeling career dates back to the 1920s, and she then confronts Isaac about it. Drágan‘s honesty with Isaac about the truth solidifies their bond, but their whirlwind journey is just beginning.
While Forever Boy is a supernatural and mysterious adventure aimed at young adults, it is also highly entertaining for adults. From the outset, the tale enthralls, leading readers to anticipate its course only to be surprised by a series of unexpected turns. With an engaging narrative, Michael J Bowler ensures that readers become deeply invested in the people and the plot. The characters are utterly captivating, and, as the events unfold, the reader will resonate with troubled secrets and appreciate the deepening friendships. Descriptive details of events and settings build rising tension, suspense, eerie atmospheres, and satisfying outcomes. The author skillfully intertwines themes of fantasy, horror, suspense, romance, secrets, and self-discovery. Forever Boy is a masterpiece that YA fans will love!
Recommend this book:
The Ghost Ring 2
Shadows of Caligo Falls
Tom Hoffman

2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Tom Hoffman's book Ghost Ring 2: Shadows of Caligo Falls follows two amateur paranormal investigators, Simon and Clara. Simon inherited an ancient ring from Edmund Wilder, known as the ghost ring, which granted him the ability to see and communicate with spirits. While traveling to meet Clara, Simon encountered a police ghost car; the driver was dressed in a police uniform, and there was an injured man in the back. Simon and Clara followed the vehicle and witnessed the policeman yelling at someone, who could not be seen, while pulling the wounded man out of the vehicle before it vanished. Clara managed to note the ghost car's registration number, and she and Simon started their quest to solve long-forgotten murders with the assistance of the ghosts they encountered.
Ghost Ring 2: Shadows of Caligo Falls by Tom Hoffman was a roller coaster ride of betrayal, murder, romance, and secrets. The paranormal aspect of the plot was interwoven with the story and appeared as a natural phenomenon. The story had hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud and was filled with action. The main characters and the ghosts were authentic and relatable. Each ghost had a backstory that added to the suspense. Clara and Simon's romantic relationship and their skills as investigators reflected the strong bond between them. My attention was captured by the writing style right away and remained gripped till the very end. I am looking forward to following Simon and Clara on any future adventures because this was one of the most thrilling paranormal stories I have read in a while.
Recommend this book:
Girl on Fire
Girl on Fire Book 1
Eden Hart

2025 Gold Medal
375 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

In Girl on Fire by Eden Hart, Kassia Madison received the news on her sixteenth birthday that she had only a few months left to live. While Kassia and her father were on the roof of their apartment building, they witnessed hundreds of red meteors falling from the sky, bursting into sparks that illuminated the city with a red mist. The planet was shrouded in a red mist, and people began collapsing into comas. The medical professionals labeled it the Red Fever and theorized it was linked to the red mist covering the planet. Only a small number of people were immune to the Red Fever, causing the world to come to a halt with just a few left alive. Kassia was among the survivors, and her fight for survival was being observed and monitored by a being that was not entirely human.
Girl on Fire by Eden Hart had an amazing storyline and was packed with death, intrigue, and non-humans. There was so much going on in the story that I could not put the book down; I was too worried about missing something important. The writing style drew me in, and I became immersed in the new world that Kassia entered. The environmental changes were vividly described, making it easy for me to visualize the setting. I felt a deep connection with Kassia's fight for survival and accompanied her through each intense moment. It is a fantastic story about humans battling to regain their world, even though they understand the struggle might be futile. I will remember this story for a long time and am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book.
Recommend this book:
Out of Body
Kimberly Baer

2024 Finalist
336 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Out of Body is a work of fiction in the science fiction, fantasy adventure, and coming-of-age subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience. Penned by author Kimberly Baer, this intriguing story follows Abby Kendrick, who discovers that her peculiar dreams are not dreams at all but out-of-body experiences. This revelation connects her to her cousin Logan, who shares the same unique ability. Initially, Abby enjoys the fun side of this newfound skill, using it for mischief. However, when Logan faces trouble in the astral plane, Abby's journey takes a serious turn. The story unfolds as Abby bends the rules of out-of-body travel, embarking on a perilous mission to a distant realm that will test her to her limits.
Author Kimberly Baer has crafted a thrilling adventure tale with an engaging narrative, and I found it well-balanced to offer YA fans a perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and supernatural elements. The concept of astral travel adds an intriguing new dimension to the action and psychology of the plot. Abby's character development throughout the journey is captivating as we see her mind tested emotionally, logically, and physically by the exciting challenges and dangers that lie ahead. The story's unpredictability keeps readers hooked, with compelling dialogue exchanges that offer a lot of plot exposition in a highly accessible way that I think is really suitable for YA audiences. Overall, Out of Body is an enthralling and atmospheric exploration of friendship, family bonds, and the challenges of navigating uncharted territories, both physical and metaphysical. I would not hesitate to recommend it to sci-fi and fantasy readers everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Bondwitch
Chelsey M. Ortega

2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Bondwitch is a work of fiction penned by author Chelsey M. Ortega in the paranormal adventure, fantasy, and action subgenres and is intended for the young adult reading audience. We are introduced to protagonist Annamaria Lyons, an eighteen-year-old girl from a small Wyoming town who has never ventured beyond its limits. Her guardian, Trinity, restricts her movements after dark until one fateful night during senior prom when her long-lost sister arrives, unveiling a world of family secrets and the supernatural.
Author Chelsey M. Ortega has crafted an exciting new YA read filled with suspense, mystery, and a sense of magical discovery. The story unfolds at a captivating pace as Annamaria is thrust into a world she never knew existed, and I enjoyed the sense of discovery and wonder as we saw this brand-new world through her eyes. The characters are well-drawn, and their relationships and interactions add an emotional component to the narrative that keeps you deeply invested. Annamaria's struggle to navigate her new reality while dealing with her human life and first love creates a compelling internal conflict. The world-building in Bondwitch is also an impressive feature, immersing readers in a richly imagined realm of magic and intrigue that is more than just visual but multi-sensory in the experience, waking up all corners of the imagination. Overall, Bondwitch sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and enchanting journey, and I would highly recommend it to YA paranormal and fantasy fans alike. I look forward to following Annamaria's adventures further as the series unfolds.
Recommend this book:
Born Torn
Kiara Noir Mother Nature Series
Suz Eglington

2024 Bronze Medal
348 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Born Torn: Kiara Noir Mother Nature Series by Suz Eglington begins the story of Kiara as she uncovers secrets that change her life forever. Kiara knew no one from her extended family. Growing up on a Colorado reservation with her mother, she wasn't fond of the circumstance or her mother's crazy ideas. All she wanted for her birthday this year was to join a college away from her home, travel, and become a famous photographer. However, all those plans are shattered when a woman claiming to be her Aunt Jade arrives and reveals secrets hidden from Kiara all her life. Before she knew it, Kiara was also questioning everything about herself, her mother, and their existence. It was time for Kiara and her mother to return to where they came from to protect everyone else, even if it meant Kiara would suffer the most.
Tense, intense, and packed with many emotions, Born Torn was the perfect story to keep me company. I finished this book in a single sitting and restarted it immediately. I don't remember when that happened last time. I was fully immersed in Born Torn. Kiara's predicament was fascinating. She was torn between chasing her dreams and doing the right thing. Aunt Jade was the catalyst, but Kiara always knew she and her mother, Willow, were different from others. Traveling to a new enchanted place where she was still a stranger brought emotions she wasn't familiar with. The tussle between mother and daughter was fun and very endearing. Willow and Kiara butted heads often but loved each other so much. The story's setting was beautiful, even when author Suz Eglington described monsters. This novel was a pleasure to read, and I can't wait for the sequel.
Recommend this book:
Seeking Haven
The Atlas Cliffs series 2
Angela van Liempt

2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Seeking Haven: The Atlas Cliff Series Book 2 by Angela van Liempt features Drew Harlow, a young woman who can see the dead. Drew is still relatively new to it, but after events in the first book, she is used to ghosts now. However, she doesn't expect a strange reaper-like figure to appear in her room, telling her he is going to kill her. Drew knows that there is more to her gift and her family history that might explain who he is. In a bid to figure out the truth, she goes in search of answers before the strange reaper carries out his threat. Aided by a ghost, Ori, she returns to her hometown for help. Drew soon learns that she is more powerful than she thought but must learn how to use her gift properly if she is to survive.
Angela van Liempt has written an interesting story in Seeking Haven. I have not read Book 1, but there was enough information in this book to give me the background of her earlier adventures. I liked the character of Drew. She's dealing with a crazy gift but still wants to live her life at art school. The story moved at a good pace and while it may have been a little predictable in parts, it was well written. Drew is a strong character and I really like how this developed through the plot. The mystery kept me wondering and I wanted to find out why she was being haunted by the creepy reaper. Wandering Souls is definitely a page-turner. Fans of supernatural mysteries and young adult books would enjoy this series.
Recommend this book:
The Ghost Ring
Tom Hoffman

2024 Gold Medal
321 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

The Ghost Ring is a fictional work combining paranormal adventure, action, and mystery. The book is intended for young adults and contains some mild death-centric themes as the ghosts take center stage in the story. Penned by Tom Hoffman, this highly engaging drama introduces us to our teenage protagonist, Simon Moody, just as he is swept away from all he knows in Brooklyn. The death of a relative brings Simon to the Victorian mansion of Wilder House and a little village with some really big secrets. Inheriting his Great-Uncle Edmund’s mysterious ring is only the beginning of Simon’s supernatural journey.
Tom Hoffman knows how to pitch a powerful mystical tale to his YA audience, and he keeps them on the edge of their seats from cover to cover as the various ghostly mysteries and hidden secrets of Wilder House unfold throughout this well-written and atmospheric novel. One of the things I especially enjoyed about the story was how introspective it is in revealing Simon’s character to us and crafting a poignant story arc of a displaced young man discovering who he is and the kind of adult he’ll grow into based on the challenges he faces. Simon’s central relationship with his new friend Clara is rich in realistic teen dialogue, amusing asides, and deeper emotional moments that keep you just as invested in their journey together as in the overall mystery plot. I would not hesitate to recommend The Ghost Ring for fans of intricately penned paranormal adventures, heartfelt YA characters, and plenty of Victorian atmosphere.
