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/Novella
- 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/Novella
- 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:
Willow Marsh
Jo Cassidy
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

“The sudden breeze, plus the séance gone wrong, left a cold sensation in the pit of my stomach like a bad omen. Willow Marsh could be the death of me.” After the death of her mother and younger brother, Tessa Isaacson and her father move to Willow Marsh to start over. Still unable to let go, Tessa tries to contact her mother and brother through a séance. However, other souls slip through from the realm of the dead with selfish intentions, bringing problems that threaten to play havoc with Tessa’s mind. Several town residents also have their own dark secrets and Tessa isn’t sure who to trust. Willow Marsh is a supernatural YA story by Jo Cassidy.
Willow Marsh is perfect as a small town that holds a dark secret of its own. The supernatural concerns are balanced with the complications of losing family members, starting over, and adapting to a new life. The narrative is engaging and the plot has a steady pace; it’s full of interesting characters who are somehow connected to the town's buried past. Tessa's struggle is understandable and it's easy to empathize with her emotional state. I gravitated toward Leya, Tessa's best friend, who provides much-needed support despite being miles away from each other, while the shy but intriguing Graham Dixon becomes a comforting presence. Unfortunately, 'unwelcome guests' and some residents quickly establish themselves as unexpected trouble for the teen. Time is of the essence as Tessa's mind and soul are at stake. With love, trust, and hope as prominent themes combined with suspense and horror elements, Jo Cassidy's Willow Marsh is an entertaining read that will satisfy its targeted readers.
Recommend this book:
Astral Alignment
Randall Sharpe
2026 Honorable Mention
305 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Astral Alignment by Randall Sharpe is a two-part horror and science-fantasy novel. In Forestrunner, a young woman, Clover, finds herself in an alien world or dimension. She has almost no recollection of her previous life on Earth and soon forms a strong bond with the natives of the alien world. Having psychic abilities and being able to communicate with the wild gods, she takes on a leadership role and leads the tribespeople in a war against their powerful and monstrous enemies. In Alignment, Josiah, an autistic teenager with psychic abilities, comes into contact with an alien being. As he learns about the nature of reality, Earth is thrust into a process called astral alignment that causes portals to open to monstrous beasts that wreak havoc on Earth.
Astral Alignment is an amazing feat of creativity, with themes of alien abduction, apocalypse, and the nature of reality. Randall Sharpe combines two stories with converging characters into a melting pot of horror, suspense, and intrigue. In both stories, the use of psychedelic drugs, including ayahuasca, strengthens the users' godlike and psychic abilities, and this ties in well with the theme of questioning reality and its ultimate truth. The characters vary from heroic and exciting to witty and sarcastic—a great balance that adds to the novel's enthralling intrigue and sharp humor; Josiah Powers' internal dialogue when presumably on LSD is especially striking. Astral Alignment is an absorbing and exceedingly unique fantasy novel that caters to lovers of New Age spirituality, ufology, and all things paranormal.
Recommend this book:
Channeling Marilyn
Mima Tipper
2026 Bronze Medal
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

In Channeling Marilyn by Mima Tipper, high school senior Alexandria “Lexa” Donovan is thrust into a world she hasn’t prepared for. She is randomly selected by lottery to play the lead role of Cherie in the school’s production of Bus Stop. She struggles with stage fright, and the idea of reproducing the legacy of Marilyn Monroe intimidates and overwhelms her. Lexa wants to quit, but something unexpected happens: the actual spirit of Marilyn Monroe inhabits her mind. It offers guidance and inspires confidence while helping her create a connection with the world she misses. Lexa must also handle complex relationships with her best friend, Em, her co-star, Brian McKinnon, on whom she has a crush, and her growing attraction to the intriguing Jeremy Leith. The production moves toward professional theater, and the schedule tightens. Lexa must face her insecurities, grief over the death of her mother, and a classmate sabotaging her. Can she succeed in this new role, and what becomes of her identity?
Channeling Marilyn is thoughtfully plotted, and the author demonstrates a great deal of skill in character development. Lexa is timid, she is not physically appealing, and she is aware of that. The beauty of this story is how theater can help people shape their perceptions of self and build confidence. Mima Tipper brings to life the dynamics of high school life and creates relationships that feel genuine. The plot kept me thinking about the drama of my high school days. I enjoyed following the two objects of Lexa’s obvious anxiety and Marilyn’s captivating input. It is interesting as Lexa morphs from an obscure character into a lead player in the production. There is a lot of humor and heart in this story, and I couldn’t put it down.
Recommend this book:
Paramour
Of Ballads and Banshees, Book 1
Robin Alvarez
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Iseult is a teenage banshee, a harbinger of death, and a stalker of fate. Her abilities are shrouded in death and doom, and in the paranormal world, they are far from welcome. She and her mother, Saoirse, live as outliers among werewolves, vampires, dryads, and other Paras, bound by three rules for survival. On one of their missions, they are ambushed by hunters, humans dedicated to finding and destroying Paras, and Iseult is poisoned. As they flee, she is mysteriously drawn to a town where, for the first time since the attack, she finds relief. In Great Barrington, Iseult and her mother begin to make friends, find a sense of belonging, and even experience the stirrings of romance. But beneath the charm lies a deadly truth: the town is a trap, and no one can be trusted.
Paramour by Robin Alvarez is an unforgettable urban fantasy that I devoured from cover to cover. From the very first line, “I am a murderer,” readers are plunged into a thrilling new adventure. Fierce and principled, Iseult abides by the banshee rules under her mother’s guidance, until stranger things begin to happen. Iseult, who keens for the soon-to-die and is a shepherd to grief-stricken survivors, has never been fully welcomed as human or Para. Robin Alvarez writes with the aching intimacy of someone who understands forbidden love and the fine line between duty and desire. The slow-burn connection between Iseult and Nathan, the ever-present danger, the rich lore, and the unflinching, evocative prose make Paramour a compulsively readable paranormal fantasy. It all builds to a pulse-pounding twist that sets the stage for a sequel that I can’t wait to read.
Recommend this book:
The Haunted Purse
2nd Edition - Newly updated
Kimberly Baer
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Immerse yourself in a gripping tale of paranormal mystery with The Haunted Purse by Kimberly Baer. Libby Dawson's life isn't like any other high school sophomore in her class. After her self-absorbed mother left Libby to live with her new boyfriend, Libby has been living alone in her shabby apartment, determined not to end up in foster care. But her life turns upside down when she ends up owning a mysterious denim purse that used to belong to a teenage girl who went missing two decades ago. The purse seems to have supernatural powers, offering up old photographs and vanished perfume bottles that Libby soon comes to realize are clues to a bigger mystery. However, as she investigates further, Libby inadvertently puts her own life in grave danger. Can she uncover the truth and find justice for the innocent victims of a decades-long crime?
The Haunted Purse is a captivating tale full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. At its core, it's a sleuth mystery with a dash of the supernatural. Author Kimberly Baer weaves a mesmerizing narrative that draws you in from the first page, with an absorbing plot that delivers twists and turns you never see coming, keeping you engaged until the last page. However, the protagonist and her characterization truly made me appreciate this book. Libby is a fascinating character. She is easy to like and even easier to root for. Baer absolutely shines at portraying the different relationship dynamics with Libby, her friends, family, and the other adults in her life. I also loved the ending and found it immensely satisfying. If you're looking for a compelling paranormal mystery with layered characters, this is the book for you.
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.