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:
Spirit Legacy
Book 1 of The Gateway Trilogy
E.E. Holmes

2016 Silver Medal
269 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

One night, Jess Ballard wakes up from a horrible dream, only to find her alcoholic mother dead. Weeks later, she temporarily moves in with her estranged Aunt Karen, who tries her best to make her niece feel welcome. A strange visit to her grandfather in the nursing home makes Jess feel even more curious and uneasy about her family’s past. As she starts college, she befriends the pretty but neat, neurotic Tia, and life in college appears to be normal. It seems like she could finally move on – until she meets the mysterious Evan.
Spirit Legacy (The Gateway Trilogy, Book 1) by E.E. Holmes is a fascinating paranormal thriller. Her Goth style aside, Jess is easy to root for, ‘a nice kid who happens to dress a little differently’ according to her Aunt Karen. She’s smart and bravely perseveres after her mother’s tragic death. I have a soft spot for Tia, whom I feel complements Jess’ persona well. There were some slow build-up moments in the story as Holmes introduces the characters and lets readers get to know their lives. That said, these only make you wonder what frightening surprises and secrets are waiting to be discovered.
In a nutshell, Spirit Legacy is undeniably engaging. The well-constructed, unpredictable plot and the clear narrative would tempt any reader to finish this book in one sitting. Holmes writes absorbingly well and, as a paranormal fan, I’m truly entertained. Despite leaning more towards the YA demographic, adult readers who are fans of the genre should not overlook this series.
Recommend this book:
XODUS
The Astralis Series Book 1
K.J. McPike

2016 Silver Medal
388 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

In XODUS by K.J. McPike, Lali’s sixteenth birthday is marred by the absence of her mother, who disappeared two months prior, but equally disturbing is discovering intruders in her home. The fear related to that discovery triggers a unique ability to astral project. Little does Lali know how her new ability is tied into her mother’s disappearance and a twenty-year-old battle against the evil forces of her mother’s home world.
XODUS provides a dark, mysterious hero who shows up just in time to help Lali understand her powers. Their give and take interaction adds another layer of tension that kept me reading. I enjoyed the underlying empowerment given to all of the children so suddenly abandoned by their mother, while I could have done without the Cinderella reference of Lali, as the oldest, doing the majority of the cooking and cleaning instead of a more balanced division of the duties by the entire family. The youngest daughter is adorable. McPike clearly understands children and was able to capture the nine-year-old's personality.
K.J. McPike builds a whole new world as the backstory to the paranormal happenings in this world. She artfully balances the current storyline of Lali learning to control her astral projection abilities with enough history to explain how her family ended up in their current predicament. I enjoyed how XODUS makes the development of paranormal powers a process that reminds me as a reader to understand how much work, and sometimes bruises, it takes to be good at something new. I recommend XODUS and am looking forward to the next installment in the Astralis Series.
Recommend this book:
Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things
Dead Things Series Book 1
Martina McAtee

2016 Gold Medal
508 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Martina McAtee wrote an unconventional paranormal romance in Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things: Dead Things Series Book 1 that readers will love. It is told in multiple POVs because there is a slew of interesting and engaging characters. First is Ember, a young girl who is swept into a new, paranormal life when her father dies. Ember’s new family is happy to take her in and teach her about the incredible powers that she has. With her new family, Ember meets a host of different paranormal characters. There are shape shifters, male and female witches, and reapers. There’s a love interest, of course, and he may be the only reason that Ember is still alive (her incredible “gift” is trying to kill them all)! Talk about stakes and action! For Ember to survive, she has to trust her new family and friends, and come up with a way to control the power within her so it doesn’t kill them all.
First of all, I absolutely love the title of this piece, Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things! And the cover is beautiful, too. Martina McAtee did a great job on the visual aspects of this story, which just helps to draw a reader in from the very beginning! McAtee tossed out all of the traditional rules of the paranormal romance genre, making this story fresh and unique. While it may be refreshingly different, fans of paranormal romance won’t be disappointed! This is a fun, entertaining story with remarkable and memorable characters that you will root for, fall in love with, and cry over. Even the ones you are supposed to hate you will love because Martina McAtee is that good!
Recommend this book:
The Space In Between
Jen Minkman

2015 Finalist
260 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Moira, an art student, along with her sister, Tabitha, and her brother, Dai, travel to Meini Hirion, a stone circle in Wales, just outside the town they live in. They go to perform a spell from Tabitha's Wiccan religion to try to contact their late grandparents. With this simple spell cast in a circle of stones, they are thrown into a dream world which they share between the three of them. There they find a man, trapped, and Moira is tasked with the job of saving him and setting him free. Throughout all of this, she has to juggle a part time job, school at the university and an overbearing boyfriend.
The Space In Between, a world between worlds, where time is simply an illusion. This is the story you are thrown into by Jen Minkman, the brilliant writer of this book. The story tells a tale of love, mystery and adventure. This book was amazing. From the moment I started it, I was caught in Jen Minkman's web of words that reeled me in as I read. By the time I had read the first three pages, I did not want to stop reading. The word play was clever in such a way my attention was always focused on the book and nothing else. There was never a point in the book where I found it boring or dull. If you want a book to become immersed in, this is the book for you!
Recommend this book:
Destiny Awaits
Juniper Grove Chronicles Book 1
Jaidis Shaw

2015 Finalist
274 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Destiny Awaits by Jaidis Shaw is a story about a young woman who has visions, some of which are of the man she is destined to fall in love with. A year after her parents' tragic deaths, Alayna has decided to start over in the sleepy town of Juniper Grove. Thanks to the help of her realtor, Dominic, she's bought a lovely fixer upper that only requires yard work. A chance meeting with the young man tending her garden begins stirring a feeling of belonging that she hasn't felt since her parents passed away. An evening stroll turns into an encounter with a vampire, and she quickly learns nothing is quite what it seems in Juniper Grove. Is Jayden the mysterious young man that haunted her visions since she was a little girl? Will Gavin succeed in ending her life?
Destiny Awaits is a wonderful paranormal romance. Jaidis Shaw's descriptions were very detailed. I was able to picture every aspect of the story vividly. The attraction between Jayden and Alayna was instant, and you also watch them grow as a couple. There's some mystery in the story as well; it kept me engrossed and I was really sorry to see the book end. If you like vampire and shifter novels, you will absolutely love this one. I can't wait for the next book in the series, as I'd love to see more written about Juniper Grove and the other residents there - are there other supernatural beings living in the town?
Recommend this book:
Rest In Peace
See You Later (CUL8R) Romance / Time Travel Series Volume 4
Bob Kat

2015 Finalist
226 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Time travel is a great way to keep occupied during the summer and that’s exactly what Kelly, Austin, Scott and Zoey do when they get a message over the Spirit Radio. Rest in Peace (RIP) by Bob Kat is the fourth volume in the See You Later (CUL8R) Romance/Time Travel Series about these high school students going back in time to right some wrong done to the ghosts who contact them. In this adventure, the group is transported to 1911, to The Stanley Hotel in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, made famous in recent times by both Stephen King and TAPS - the Ghost Hunters on TV. Arriving in time to hopefully prevent the kidnapping and death of a young girl, the teens take jobs at the hotel to keep an eye on things. Working in the hotel is a challenge since the guests are all wealthy and have certain expectations, but the friends do their best, knowing someone’s life is at risk. Unfortunately, they miss the abduction due to the commotion surrounding complaints from a guest and have to hustle to find a solution. Will they get help from a ghost or will the trip prove to be unsuccessful?
Time travel, ghosts, the history of a classic hotel and even more interesting automobiles provide plenty of great themes for everyone in Rest in Peace (RIP) by Bob Kat. This husband and wife writing team combine excellent writing, the right teenage perspective, and fascinating characters with amazing facts for a book that is extremely interesting and entertaining. You travel right along with the teens and hold your breath as they face danger, as if you are part of the action. This is an excellent story in a series that is well worth reading.
Recommend this book:
Reluctant Guardian
Melissa Cunningham

2015 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal

When pain and despair seem insurmountable, Alisa Callahan chooses suicide. Right away, however, she discovers that she did not make a good choice because she does not get welcomed into heaven and the loving arms of her Gram and best friend, Natty. Instead, she has to redeem herself and that leads Alisa to the same feelings of insecurity and hopelessness she had in life. Reluctant Guardian by Melissa Cunningham relates the task Alisa needs to fulfill in order to be redeemed and have a chance to get to heaven and enjoy the everlasting peace she thought she would find. Acting as the guardian for Brecken Shaefer, a teenager with plenty of troubles of his own, is not the easy job Alisa thought it would be. In fact, this assignment leads both Alisa and Brecken to the gates of hell where they face demons trying to steal their souls. For a girl who always took the easy way out, is there any hope of success?
Reluctant Guardian by Melissa Cunningham casually but clearly portrays not only the anguish that leads a young girl to suicide, but also the devastating effect this event has on the entire family. Without preaching, there is a message about salvation and redemption and the choices that can have a dramatic effect on the eventual outcome of every life. It is easy to feel Alisa’s doubts and joys, wondering with each new scene whether she will be successful or not in her role as Brecken’s guardian. With some interesting twists and surprises, this is a story well worth reading.
Recommend this book:
Witches
Runes, Volume 6
Ednah Walters

2015 Bronze Medal
372 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Wow! I just finished reading Ednah Walters’ gripping book Witches, the sixth book in the Runes series, and all I can say is that I am impressed. What a great young adult read, full of intrigue, excitement, adventure, and yes, romance. This installment of the book follows the beautiful Raine Cooper, an immortal Seeress, as she traverses both the difficulties of high school drama at Kayville High, her relationship with the gorgeous quarterback, Torin St. James, and of course, all of the stresses that come from her decision to side against the Norns and with Valkyries and Mortal Witches long ago. Raine’s life is nothing if not complicated, especially when she has to figure out how to repair the battlegrounds and make sure that no Mortals have any memories of those dramatic events.
I loved this book! I had not read any other books in the Runes series, and I certainly will now, but I was still able to understand Witches with no problem. Ednah Walters is a phenomenal writer, and any young adult who enjoys fantasy, romance, or just a great read will love this book. This book kept me engaged from the beginning to the end, and once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend Witches, and I cannot wait to read more in the Runes series. Ednah Walters, your books will be added to my ‘must be read’ list, and I sincerely hope you’re hard at work on your next book!
Recommend this book:
Lorehnin
A Novel of the Otherworld, The Otherworld Series Volume 6
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

2015 Silver Medal
335 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

In Lorehnin by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Robyn Dunbarre is about to start her sophomore year at college and is on her way to get an awesome business degree that will help her buy the Green Tea Leaf Café. Her life was on a steady roll until it was interrupted by the Otherworld. A demonic gang has made her their target and she finds no way out of the situation. That was until one deliciously handsome stranger saves her life and brings her back to safety, and now she cannot get him out of her mind.
That handsome stranger is Devlin O’Brolaigh and she does not want to tangle with him right now. The Otherworld is hot on her heels and they are not giving up. Devlin is there by her side to help her out and their attraction is getting hotter day after day. With her life threatened and out of control, Robyn takes a chance and gives in to her more rebellious side. Sure, this could turn dangerous, but it will be worth it if she could save her friends and maybe even fall in love with a handsome devil.
Paranormal romances are not usually my cup of tea. Lorehnin by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson was a nice surprise. The story line was great, but it was the female protagonist that attracted me. Robyn is smart, savvy, and actually really cool. She is a not usual damsel in distress and is not afraid to get her hands dirty and fight for her rights. A great novel if you like to read paranormal romance with a steamy hero and a savvy female protagonist. Thumbs up for a job well done.
Recommend this book:
Angels Dawn
Komali da Silva

2015 Gold Medal
232 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal

Angels Dawn by author Komali da Silva is a refreshing and thrilling young adult paranormal read. The story follows a young girl named Dawn Huntington. At the start of the story, all is right with the world as Dawn looks forward to having an amazing sweet sixteen birthday party. Life is good at throwing curve balls though, and Dawn’s perfect party is ruined and her life changed forever when she witnesses a terrible crime on the night of her party. Unable to turn her back on what she’s seen, and also having conflicting feelings toward two different guys, Dawn is forced to make hard choices. There are paranormal aspects to the book (can’t list without getting into spoiler territory) along with romance, mystery, conflict, betrayal, heartache and more. And WOW, what a cliffhanger ending! Can’t wait to read more and see what happens next.
I found Angels Dawn to be an ‘I can’t put this book down if I tried’ type of read. The author does a superb job of creating an intense, angst-driven paranormal storyline and I was hooked right from the start. Dawn is a very likeable heroine; I felt her dialogue and reactions to what was going on around her seemed realistic. She was strong-willed, but always tried to make the right choices. She faced so many hardships and obstacles; I was really rooting for her the whole time. Fans of young adult and paranormal genres are sure to find a new favorite author in Komali da Silva.
