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
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Recommend this book:
The Awakening
What Lies Inside
Davina Reddic

2024 Finalist
288 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Medical

The Awakening: What Lies Inside by Davina Reddic is a psychological thriller. When Em James wakes up, she feels like she has the worst hangover ever. She shivers, she aches, and her head is pounding. Em can’t keep her eyes open, but as she drifts, she begins to describe her tortured life of loss and love. But there’s more to this than a hangover. Could it be that someone is trying to bring Em to her knees? As her memories go deeper, they get darker and more tortured, but it soon comes to light that she may not be telling the truth. She’s hiding something, something huge that haunts her, and she has to face her demons. When Em finally wakes up, she shows us her true self and reveals who is trying to bring her down – and why.
The Awakening: What Lies Inside by Davina Reddic is a stunning psychological thriller, totally different from any other I have ever read. This is a debut novel but it’s a pretty explosive one, a fantastic start to what I believe will be a fulfilling career. This book is for adult eyes only as it covers some sensitive subjects that could be triggers for some readers. This is one of the twistiest thrillers I’ve ever read, and just when you think you have it all worked out, you’ll be sent off on another tangent that takes you in a different direction. This is one wild ride that you will not forget for a long time. The writing is wholly gripping, suspenseful, and full of surprises – you’ll never guess the ending, not in a million years! This is a very brave debut. Davina has all the hallmarks of an excellent writer, and I hope there is plenty more to come.
Recommend this book:
Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy
Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke

2024 Silver Medal
293 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political

Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke begins with Blake Conners, a former U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant, leading a team of international operatives to steal three priceless Caravaggio paintings in Rome, and orchestrated by Russian oligarch Anatoly "the Wolf" Volkov. Meanwhile, U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and his wife Sara, a Carabinieri officer, arrive in Rome for Jake’s new diplomatic assignment. Jake becomes suspicious of Conners, whom he recognizes from a past military operation. As the theft unfolds, Jake uncovers a broader criminal network involving the illicit movement of nuclear weapons, with the stolen paintings serving as a diversion. Conners and his team, including the cybercriminal Alexei, aim to launder their gains and destabilize geopolitical relations. Jake and Sara's investigation into the theft unknowingly brings them closer to uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke hits out hard with his international thriller, Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy. Jake Fortina is a likable protagonist, with all the necessary power traits, but still flawed just enough to feel authentic. Steinke's writing is sharp and his skill lies in the ability to balance tense moments with some intentionally thoughtful social commentary. The standout to me is when Fortina confronts Lt. Colonel Beauregard Bragg's alarming, racially charged rhetoric. It was a pleasantly surprising juxtaposition of America's racial past with the unfolding international conspiracy of the plot. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, even Jake's fake Russian accent, and the pacing is fast and kept me fully invested throughout. Even though this book is the sequel to Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat, it reads perfectly well as a standalone and is a satisfying and timely story. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
On the Precipice
Brianna MacMahon

2024 Bronze Medal
315 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political

On the Precipice by Brianna MacMahon is a political sci-fi thriller set in Imperium, a paradisiacal world of great success. At the core of this success is the god they worship, Mystia, and the seven Lord Regents, as they are called, who rule and manage Imperium's different divisions. Amid an important election, Levin Liston, Lord Regent of Diplomacy and leader of the Affiliate Party, seeks to ally with another planet, Civitan. Civitan had recently broken free from the stronghold of The Core, a great enemy of Imperium. However, Civitan had been an ally of the Core some decades ago, and millions of Imperials had died in what was known as the Glass War. Not everyone, including some in Levin's close circle, believes that Civitan can be trusted. The stakes are high, trust is gained or lost, and in many cases, deception proves to be the ultimate weapon.
Although On the Precipice is set in a fantasy world, it had me thoroughly glued to the reality of the dynamics of politics. For this novel to succeed, Brianna MacMahon created exceedingly complex characters who, by virtue or vice, roused me with their words and actions. The continuity of each one's character or nature is steadfast, making for authenticity and a hyper-immersive novel. The dialogue is also intriguing, ranging from meaningful conversations to sarcasm and, at times, hilarious wit. I also enjoyed how there was always an air of suspense leading up to major events and how I never knew what to expect next. This novel towers above many others for its exceedingly skillful craftmanship of characters in a world where the weaker will get by but the strong will thrive.
Recommend this book:
The Kiev Confession
Kathleen Hart

2024 Honorable Mention
364 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political

Dmitry was starting to take too eagerly to the party's doctrine. He wanted to be a scientist like his uncle, and nothing would get in his way. Larysa and Vasyl are worried about their children, not just the increased tantrums by Dimitry but also the recently occurring disaster. What should they do to keep their children safe? Anatoly had been a director of a nuclear facility and a staunch loyalist of the Communist Party, even at the end of his brother's life. Was he a seeker of truth or a keeper of secrets? From Indiana to Washington, Vickie has to survive politics and the intrigues of Washington's journalism world. Her boss, who sees Vickie only as an assistant, doesn't make her life easy. But how does a lowly journalist in America relate to a nuclear disaster that happened miles away? To find out, get a copy of The Kiev Confession by Kathleen Hart.
This is a wonderfully written book and a page-turner. The plot takes you through endless adventures in the Soviet Union and America without you having to leave your couch. Kathleen has managed to use suspense to great effect. The reader can't wait to see what happens in subsequent chapters. I loved how the characters were developed and how realistic the dialogue was. The vivid descriptions of events and the characters' emotions will also capture the reader's attention. Despite this being a work of fiction, The Kiev Confession is thought-provoking, and as I was reading, I couldn't help but think about a government's role in keeping its citizens safe. This book is a must-read.
Recommend this book:
The Girls in the Cabin
Caleb Stephens

2024 Bronze Medal
310 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological

The Girls in the Cabin by Caleb Stephens is a nail-biting psychological thriller. Chris lost his wife six months previously, and his daughters won’t talk to him. In a last-ditch attempt to fix things, he arranges a camping trip in the mountains. But things are not right. Kayla is still angry with him over something he did before her mom died, and Emma goes off into the woods. When they find her, she has a broken leg, and they need to seek shelter from the storm heading their way. A woman in a cabin offers them sanctuary and helps strap Emma’s leg, but things are not what they seem, and neither is she. With the roads blocked off and the phones down, Chris and his family are in trouble. Will they get through this night, and if they do, will their experience bind the family once more?
The Girls in the Cabin by Caleb Stephens is one of those books that will grip you right from the start. Some of the descriptions are not pretty, but that’s the nature of the story. It is hard-hitting and heartbreaking all at the same time, and you’ll feel so many emotions as you read it. The characters are amazing and well-developed, and you’ll find them likable and easy to relate to. It’s a dark tale with a twisty plot, and it switches seamlessly between the present and the past in a series of flashbacks, and you won’t see the twist at the end coming. This is a great psychological drama with horror wending its way throughout. If you loved Misery by Stephen King, you’ll love this book.
Recommend this book:
The Price of Revenge
She can't run far enough...
Rita M Boehm

2024 Finalist
354 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological

The Price of Revenge is a gripping psychological thriller by Rita M. Boehm. The town's middle-aged police chief, Frank Peters, showed interest in Cathy, who had lost both her parents and the young man she was in love with. After Frank handed Cathy an envelope with the words Pine View Travel Agency printed all over it, she was left wondering how in the world she ended up traveling to Las Vegas with him. When she woke up in a hotel room, naked, alone, and bewildered, a Nevada marriage license was on display next to a picture of Cathy and Frank taken in a wedding chapel. Cathy faked her death and framed Frank for her murder after realizing that he was a killer and that she was next on his list.
Rita M. Boehm's The Price of Revenge was an exciting, bizarre, and terrifying roller coaster journey. The story was full of suspense, brutality, mystery, and resolve. I was hooked from the first page until the very last, and there was never a dull moment. I never knew what would happen next, and I was guessing until the end. The characters' histories were gradually exposed by their backstories, which made them likable. Cathy took all the necessary measures to avoid Frank, even at times having to run for her life. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat as I constantly wondered when Frank would appear again. The story was well-written and had a strong message. I was taken aback by the ending and did not see it coming.
Recommend this book:
The Dyodyne Experiment
James Doulgeris and V. Michael Santoro

2024 Silver Medal
437 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist

James Doulgeris and V. Michael Santoro's terrorist thriller, The Dyodyne Experiment, examines the extreme means taken in the name of defending America. When Muslim terrorists hijacked an oil tanker, transformed it into the biggest conventional bomb possible, and set it off in New York City's harbor, thousands of people were slaughtered. America’s best chance of facing and defeating the terrorists was with Sarah Randall leading the Dyodyne organization. By using a virus to interact with terrorists' DNA, Sarah and her team located and tracked them. Sarah developed romantic feelings for Tim Hatcher, a satellite tracking specialist who assisted her and her team in resolving the issue brought on by relying too much on wireless phones. Together with diplomats and CIA officers, Tim, Sarah, and her team were racing against the clock to protect America from her enemies.
The Dyodyne Experiment by James Doulgeris and V. Michael Santoro was filled with espionage, terrorist threats, and romance. With all the twists and turns, the plot moved quickly, and I found it impossible to put the book down. There was just the right amount of intrigue and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. The story captivated me right away and kept me wondering right up until the very end. The characters were well-developed and authentic. Since Sarah and Tim were drawn to one another right away, I liked following their relationship as it blossomed. The story was told from multiple points of view on the same day, which enhanced the plot. This book was an exciting read, and it is evident that extensive technological research was put into it.
Recommend this book:
The Timepiece Legacy
Book One of the Timepiece Series
Kevin D. Miller

2024 Finalist
265 Pages
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Fiction - Time Travel

Things take a drastic turn for James when Elena steals the timepiece and his grandmother's diary from him out of desperation to save her sons. He had trusted her, and she betrayed him. On the positive side, she had left information about the hourglass. Could it help him get back to Cassandra? James had received something peculiar from his grandmother on her deathbed: the timepiece and her diary, which he discovered later. Her only hope is that the device gets back to its rightful owners. Diane Cross doesn't want it back because of the curse she believes it possesses. Is time travel possible? And can James use the device to positively influence events? To find out, get a copy of The Timepiece Legacy by Kevin D. Miller.
The Timepiece Legacy by Kevin D. Miller is wonderfully written and uses a unique approach to time travel. Unlike most books in this genre that are riddled with too much jargon, it's not too technical and uses easy-to-understand language that makes it accessible to all kinds of readers. Kevin also used suspense to great effect, and the twists and turns in the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well-developed, and the vivid descriptions of events and places help to create a mental picture of what is happening. The fast-paced narration kept me on my toes, and I was always looking forward to the subsequent chapters. I cannot wait to read something else by this talented author.
Recommend this book:
The Die
A Novel
Jude Berman

2024 Gold Medal
336 Pages
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Fiction - Visionary

The Die by Jude Berman introduces Darah, who joined a group at HastinSys after taking refuge in California before it declared itself a separate nation. The group of close friends shared a home, and what began as friendship ended up becoming a family. Darah is tasked with submitting a report on the KnoMor science game, and, skimming through the graphs on her screen, something catches her eye. Darah is shocked to discover alterations to the game she is working on for the Silicon Valley software company. One of her friends, Jedd, explores the darknet and discovers the unthinkable. An app has been created that leverages quantum computing and neuroscience to secretly change people's brains. The friends must decide whether to remain silent and be safe or risk their lives to oppose the global authoritarian force behind this conspiracy.
Jude Berman weaves aspects of metaphysical fiction and techno-thriller together in The Die, creating a fast-paced and action-packed story. The characters were authentic and relatable to readers. There is the sensitive tech writer Darah, the brash programmer Beers, the cool-headed super coder Jedd, and the forward-thinking ultra-coder June. The plot centers around this group of friends who are employees of the same company and the challenges they face to stop the coming disaster. This book is a page-turner, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a story about friendship, courage, and democracy. Each chapter was dedicated to one of the friends and was told from their perspective. The chapters flowed together and were easy to read. The story is masterfully written and combines corporate intrigue with science fiction.
Recommend this book:
Smoke and Other Storms (The Revere Trilogy Book 1)
J.L. Delavega

2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Western

Out in the Rim, everything goes and your survival depends on you alone. In Smoke and Other Storms: The Revere Trilogy #1 by J.L. Delavega, we follow the Revere family headed by the matriarch Moira and her descendants. Having made a name for themselves in all the worst ways, no one would dare try to take on this family. Only it seems that someone is stupid enough to target the Reveres. It is up to Adelaide and her family to protect one another and everything they have worked to build in this desolate place they call home.
Smoke and Other Storms by J.L. Delavega was a pleasant surprise for many reasons, the first being that it is a story led by a family of strong female characters; from the matriarch Moira who has a strong will and even stronger resolve to protect her family to Adelaide, the silent but vigilant granddaughter, and her sister Leagan who is a badass sniper. These women embody their strengths and cover each other’s weaknesses and it was so refreshing to read a book that didn’t have a man coming in to save the day. As much as I’m a fan of romance, I loved the tone and plot of this book. Delavega did such an amazing job, not only with the world-building but the dialogue in the story. I felt as though I was being transported to the Rim and facing every obstacle alongside the Reveres. Smoke and Other Storms truly is a breath of fresh air and I highly recommend this book to any avid reader.
