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
Search Results for: the
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Jules Khan
A Teenage Muslim Superhero
Karim K Devji

2020 Finalist
167 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Religious Theme

The Adventures of Jules Khan: A Teenage Muslim Superhero by Karim K Devji is an action-filled young adult fantasy with a strong spiritual thread which crosses all faiths. Set in the World War II era, it describes the coming-of-age of a superhero with fantastical powers while the theme of respecting people, regardless of religion, nationality, or culture, is emphasized throughout. Born in Europe of mixed religious and ethnic heritage, Jules is sent to a secret boarding school in Africa at the age of thirteen to learn martial arts along with spiritual and intellectual studies to prepare him to become the protector of a book that holds the secret to world peace. At eighteen, Jules heads to Harvard and is immediately pursued from one country to another by the warmongering National Weapons Association that wants the book.
In The Adventures of Jules Khan, Devji gives us a teenage superhero for our times; a spunky and faith-filled young man who is a proponent of world peace through understanding what unites us. Although Jules is a Muslim superhero, the story is engaging for teens of any faith and Devji is respectful of all traditions. Prayer and meditation are as much Jules’ weapons against evil as the impressive superpowers he possesses. There are a series of violent encounters in the story, but Jules is always a defendant, not an initiator of it. The narrative is descriptive and moves along at a good pace. The story is told in Jules’ own words and laced with his charming sense of humor. My favorite scene is when he initially gains his powers. It’s pure fantasy and utterly beautiful in construction. An entertaining and thought-provoking read. I hope we see more of Jules and more from Devji.
Recommend this book:
The Healing Room
A Young Adult Novel
Michaela James

2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Social Issues

The Healing Room is a work of fiction around social and emotional issues written by author Michaela James. Penned for young adult and adult audiences, the work does contain sensitive themes such as the termination of a pregnancy and some milder curse words. The conceptual background of the story surrounds the mysterious No Divide company, which claims to present peace and solace for those who have lost loved ones via The Healing Room. With the prospect of knowing that there is indeed a hereafter, our young protagonists Bronwyn and Mateo grow suspicious of No Divide’s motives and seek to investigate what’s really going on behind the scenes.
This was a really intriguing concept from the outlook and one which is sure to hook readers in and keep them invested as the mystery elements of the book unfold. Amid the set-up issues of grief and loss, there are also multi-genre elements going on in the plot such as romance, speculative fiction and plenty of interpersonal drama. I liked the switching points of view, which bring us closer to both central characters and allow author Michaela James to deliver some excellent character development in their thought and speech presentation. This makes for a compelling narrative with characters you can easily root for, and also gives a lot of food for thought when the conclusion of the mystery element is brought about. Overall, The Healing Room is a recommended read for fans of YA fiction looking for convincing teen drama and an interesting high concept mystery.
Recommend this book:
Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart. Abridged Edition
Part I of The Windflower Saga Trilogy
Aleksandra Layland

2020 Bronze Medal
268 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Ansgar - The Struggle of a People, The Triumph of the Heart is written by Aleksandra Layland. Over a century after explorers conquered and settled in Kimbria, King Bogumil finally managed to unite all its regions, appointing each of his sons a leader of one of the four regions. Ansgar, the king's youngest son, was given the Southlands where the Kimbrii, the indigenous people, now resided under very unfair colonial laws. Ansgar had never met the Kimbrii but he was keen to find them. He did not expect his first journey to the Southlands to be an easy one but it was much more challenging than he could have imagined. It was while on this quest that he woke from his second near-death accident to find himself staring into the face that he could only describe as that of an angel. This accidental meeting started a union between two people so different and yet so alike, with its effects spiraling far beyond the two of them.
Ansgar by Aleksandra Layland is a beautiful story with a heartwarming sense of love, family, and community. Although set in an unknown place and time, it carries an important message on many issues that our society still struggles with. It delivers a message about race and social injustices and a hopeful reminder that love conquers all. It also shows us the true meaning of civilization; beyond power and status. I absolutely loved this story and as Ansgar began to learn and understand the ways and traditions of the Kimbrii so did I; falling completely in love with the beauty and simplicity of their ways. Aleksandra Layland did an amazing job bringing this incredible tale to life.
Recommend this book:
The Jealous Son
A Novel
Michele Chynoweth

2020 Silver Medal
304 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction

The Jealous Son by Michele Chynoweth begins in the Navajo Nation as Eliza’s father, unhappy with her behavior, bans her from her home forever, along with her friend Alex. They suddenly are forced to live in a new world that they know little about and have only each other to lean on. They soon find themselves in love, married, and expecting a child. Cameron is their first son and next comes son number two, Austin. The boys share a happy childhood living a somewhat normal family life. As the boys become teenagers, and young men, Austin lives a charmed life, getting everything he wants and more as everything goes his way. Cameron, on the other hand, has to struggle for the things he wants and often he doesn’t succeed. After many disappointments, Cameron comes to blame Austin and believes the only way he will get love from his parents and the things he desires so badly is to get rid of Austin.
I felt as though I was on an emotional roller coaster as I read The Jealous Son. My emotions went from happy to sad to angry to surprised to inspired in a matter of a few pages. The story is mainly told via Eliza, wife of Alex and mother to Cameron and Austin, in a very real and heartfelt way. The Jealous Son is clearly taken right out of the Bible and transformed into a contemporary story of what if Cain and Abel were alive today. Eliza tells the story with all the joy and pain of a mother wanting only the best for her sons in a way that only a mother can feel. Michele Chynoweth has written a book that will quickly become a classic in the inspirational fiction genre. This is without a doubt a book one should not pass up.
Recommend this book:
Scattering the Ashes
Paul Russell Semendinger

2020 Bronze Medal
278 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction

Scattering the Ashes by Paul Russell Semendinger is the story of a young man who had to go on a quest that would change his life forever. Sam Holmes was a 28-year-old school teacher who was living a contented life. All he wanted was to train for the New York City Marathon and try something new. However, his plans changed when his father passed away and left a special quest for Sam. To gain his inheritance, he must travel to specific places and spread the ashes wherever his father wanted. With his summer plans ruined, Sam had nothing else to do but to fulfill his father’s wishes. But what started as a journey to gain his inheritance turned out to be a journey to change his life. He met someone special, he gained a better perspective of life and finally understood what it means to be happy.
Oh, the way Sam grew in this story and how he developed into a mature man right in front of my eyes! I loved his development and his journey to find depth inside him. I got to visit Sam’s memories of his father as he went through it all, as he traveled far and away to complete the quest. I got to experience his growth first hand and understand why his father wanted him to go through all this. The narrative was perfectly paced and incredibly rich with details. Sam’s voice proved to be exactly what the reader needed to immerse themselves in the narrative and feel each part of the story resonate inside their heart. Scattering the Ashes was just as self-reflective as it was entertaining. I enjoyed the descriptions of the places where Sam went, I enjoyed the way the story flowed and I loved the way Sam over thought everything (that was common and human of him!). Scattering the Ashes by Paul Russell Semendinger was phenomenal.
Recommend this book:
The Coming Glory
Hope Now for Life After Death
Paul W. Swets

2020 Honorable Mention
175 Pages
Check current price
Christian - General

Every person has his own reason to look for answers. It could be age, illness, injury, or disease of oneself or a loved one, or it could even be a worldwide pandemic. In any case, most people are incentivized at one time or another to look for a work such as The Coming Glory: Hope Now for Life After Death by Paul W. Swets. In The Coming Glory, Swets addresses the issues of grief and of how suffering can be lessened or at least better understood if a person has an understanding of what comes after this life that we know. Swets’s goal is to comfort those in the last stages of their own lives, or who are dealing with loved ones soon to journey beyond. He begins with a note to the reader, providing a summary of what is to come: “Death is not the end of the story,” he says. Then Swets walks readers through what they can do to prepare themselves spiritually for their departure. He emphasizes that God hears His people, and he encourages the reader to keep his faith to the end.
I appreciated how Swets took biblical verses I know well and put them in the context of preparing for an end to this life and for the glory to come. It is always encouraging to be reminded that it is never too late to go to God, to ask for His help and forgiveness, and to rest in His word. Swets covers topics like what happens after death, how to get ready for Christ’s return, what bodily resurrection means, how to face God’s judgment, and how to find present comfort. At the end of each chapter, he poses a series of questions designed to get the reader to think about faith and life. It seems Swets’s questions could be used and meditated upon during a personal devotional, but they could also be used to prompt larger study or support group discussions. This work is sure to be helpful to many, as Swets provides information in a personal way without confrontation or judgment. If you or someone you know is looking at end of life issues, I recommend you pick up a copy of The Coming Glory.
Recommend this book:
The Dream
Deborah Arlene

2020 Finalist
242 Pages
Check current price
Christian - General

The Dream by Deborah Arlene begins with a dream, the kind of nightmare from which the victim wakes up disoriented and drenched in sweat. But Seth Siracke's nightmare isn’t an occasional kind of dream. It has become something that disturbs his sleep, nags at the edges of his mind while he is awake, and sucks away at his energy. What makes things difficult is that he is losing interest in life and giving in to despair. His girlfriend, Katy, is worried about his dream, but even her resolve to not talk about it won’t free Seth from its grip. There is only one way to stop the dreams: find out the truth and why the dreams leave him no moment’s respite. So, Seth sets out on a spiritual odyssey, an inner journey that links him with an elderly man and a story linked to the horrors of abortion.
Deborah Arlene writes with compassion about a topic that few people feel comfortable discussing, compelling readers to appreciate the beauty and sacredness of every life. The consequences of abortion are painful, despite how much our egoistic culture tries to downplay it, and it is painful for everyone involved. The Dream explores this kind of pain and unveils the face of a loving God who makes healing and acceptance possible for His creatures. Deborah Arlene’s writing is thoughtful and filled with religious insights, a story that explores love, abortion, healing, and hope. It has a strong appeal to readers who enjoy stories that are inspiring and that involve the power of God’s love operating in the depths of human brokenness. The prose is beautiful; the narrative voice strong and compassionate, and the plot so intelligently imagined and skillfully written that the reader feels as though the story was taking place in their own lives. The Dream is a must-read for any reader who wants to understand the value of every life.
Recommend this book:
The Emperor Strikes Back
Frederick II's War against his Vassals
Helena P. Schrader

2020 Bronze Medal
433 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Historical Fiction

The Emperor Strikes Back: Frederick II's War Against His Vassals by Helena P. Schrader is a historical novel with a strong setting and compelling characters. Jerusalem is under the control of the Christians, thanks to the successful campaign of Emperor Frederick II. However, the barons are not happy with the Emperor's dictatorial approach to power and the common man holds him in great contempt. The Sultan is resolved to drive the Christians away after the ten-year-truce. The Emperor is determined to destroy the family that has inspired a sense of independence in the people: the Ibelins. But the Ibelins are a resilient family that has learned to survive the rough times and to build strong allies. Can they withstand the wrath of the Emperor with the full support he has?
Bloodshed, political machinations, conspiracy, and subterfuge are some of the characteristic features that accompany the action to drive the plot forward in The Emperor Strikes Back: Frederick II's War Against His Vassals. Helena P. Schrader doesn't just craft a beautiful story but also reinvents a historical period that quickly feels real to her readers. The exquisite prose combines with strong plot points to create a story that is page-turning. The political and historical as well as religious elements of the setting are written with a unique approach to detail and a rare sense of imagery. It is fast-paced and delightful, a real treat for fans of historical novels. I enjoyed the strong writing, the great pacing, the in-depth character treatment, and the overall entertainment value of the narrative.
Recommend this book:
Of Such Is The Kingdom
A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 Parts
James M. Becher

2020 Finalist
324 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Historical Fiction

Of Such Is The Kingdom is a work of literary fiction subtitled ‘A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 Parts’, and was penned by author James M. Becher. Generally suitable for readers of all types, with the exception of a few violent scenes, this sweeping epic work takes on the historical ambiance of the Roman era and combines it with literary considerations that bring biblical times and stories to life. The central conflict of the novel focuses on Herod’s foster brother, Manaheem, a wayward non-conformist tasked to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate. The people he recruits for this ominous task have their own quests to undergo, and their own struggles to endure.
A combination of powerful Christian fiction and compelling historical intrigue and drama, author James M. Becher has created a work which will suit many different tastes and approaches. The central plot with Manaheem and Barabbas showcases two very different men who find themselves in dire times, steeped with political intrigue and facing their own trials during the last days of Jesus Christ. Alongside this, many other figures are featured and given excellent character development to create a holistic view of ancient Palestine and its nature as a powder keg of intolerance and blood. Becher recounts some gory action moments superbly well and mediates these with tender, emotive scenes where his characters are put to the test to find their own deeper purpose. Overall, Of Such Is The Kingdom will satisfying readers on many inspiring and interesting levels.
Recommend this book:
The Fields
Our Journey through Medicine, Mission, Life, and Faith
Manh Dang, MD

2020 Honorable Mention
372 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

The Fields: Our Journey through Medicine, Mission, Life, and Faith by Manh Dang is an uplifting and encouraging book compiled from the author's short Facebook posts over the years as an oncologist, and the insights in the book will uplift all those fighting cancers. The book gives awareness about how in life the most beautiful things are the simplest and these simple things are always precious gifts from above. The characters in the book are both from real life and fiction and are a good way to understand that no matter how difficult the battles in life, Jesus is always there to fight and die for eventual salvation.
Reading The Fields is a good way to embrace and cherish the little things. It is a human tendency to often ignore the small and simpler things in life and it is important to make an effort to reach out to those who are different and find a common purpose. Manh Dang's experience and the stories shared are a good way to make readers have a different perspective on life's wisdom, nature, missions, and medicine. The inspiration, motivation, encouragement, and insights in the book will help readers appreciate life and everything they have around them, and look at everything positively. Books like this need to be read and kept on bookshelves because they can be used as a tool to motivate and encourage readers when things are dark. There is something very heartwarming and honest about the author's deep reflections on life that will help readers see the gifts and freedoms they enjoy without realizing how they have been taking them for granted.
