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 3rd Option
Ben A. Sharpton

2014 Gold Medal
176 Pages
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Fiction - Action

The 3rd Option by Ben Sharpton opens with Allan Chappel arriving at Inc. Ubator for a job interview with a long-time friend. All he knows about the company is that it is a medical think-tank that is doing cutting-edge research that promises to change the medical landscape. Allan tried the seminary as a young man but was disillusioned and left the ministry before taking his vows. He sees this potential job as a way to escape from a life that does not have much to offer him. As Allan arrives for his interview, the building is destroyed by a blast that kills everyone inside the building. Allan awakens in the hospital with a police inspector standing by his bed asking him why he was at the family planning clinic that day. As they talk, Allan begins to understand that he is a prime suspect in the bombing. After the inspector leaves, Allan runs, knowing that he must leave in order to clear his name. So begins a suspenseful tale that becomes an international event as Allan follows the minimal clues he has.
In The 3rd Option, Sharpton creates an intricate story that examines what might happen if the pro-life/pro-choice debate really did have a third option that might be agreeable to both parties. The characters in this fictional work are very well-developed and each one has their own motivation for the actions they take. As Allan uncovers more of the story, he is pursued by the law and a large, bald, goateed man who is intent on killing him. As he runs, his psychic Aunt Julia sends text messages that keep Allan one step ahead of his pursuers. A well-written thriller that explores the possibility of a 3rd option, this novel is a wonderful read!
Recommend this book:
The Spark
A Novel
John Kenny

2014 Honorable Mention
334 Pages
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Fiction - Action

The Spark by John Kenny is set in the aftermath of a fire which claimed the life of one firefighter and left another, Donny, in critical condition. Slightly over a year later, Donny returns to work, doing the same thing as before, putting out fires and saving lives. He still thinks that the fire that killed his captain and mentor was not an accident; there were way too many coincidences for his liking. He decides he will not rest until he finds out the truth so he starts digging, looking over reports, speaking to witnesses, and making calls. There is, however, someone on the other side who will do anything to ensure that the truth never sees the light of day, and she has help from powerful people who can call in favors from as high up as the NSA. But Donny is determined to get to the bottom of it and will not stop, no matter what.
The Spark portrays the life of the men and women of the fire department. It has interesting details of the inner workings of the fire department and the tough love that keeps the teams together. John Kenny shares in deep detail the day-to-day life inside the fire department, while at the same time unfolding an enticing and fast paced thriller about a man willing to go to any lengths to discover the truth about the fire that killed his boss and mentor. I learnt so much about the fire department and got to appreciate firefighters even more for putting their lives on the line all the time, while at the same time enjoying an incredible story. I loved every single page of it and read it nonstop to the very end.
Recommend this book:
Gambit of the Glass Crowns
Volume One of The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy
Ethan Risso

2014 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure

Gambit of the Glass Crowns by Ethan Risso is Volume One of The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy. Connor unwillingly becomes a herald of his era, due to the poisonous Féinmhuinín’s arrow that nearly killed him. Wars, tension between clans, political conspiracy as well as magic and romance -- Connor must find his destined path through all this.
Gambit of the Glass Crowns hits the ground running with the attack of Castle Cærwyn in Chapter I. The pace of the story is excellent. Political drama, magic, and other elements blend perfectly in this exciting fantasy tale. I appreciate the fact that a glossary for characters' names and backgrounds is provided in the beginning of the novel. It certainly helps to identify with the diverse set of characters. Ethan Risso brilliantly weaves the story with faultless prose and ensures each character receives enough attention and development as the novel progresses.
Volume One is, without doubt, a great start for the trilogy, and I genuinely think that Ethan Risso has sealed his place in the writing industry through his debut. The plot is unpredictable and multi-layered. Readers will definitely gravitate toward Connor in no time, and will support his endeavors and cheer every time he survives an ordeal. I'm also fascinated with the Meïnir and I cannot wait to see how Connor will adjust to his new role in Arlais.
All in all, I highly recommend this beautifully crafted fantasy to fellow readers and I look forward to Volume Two of The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy.
Recommend this book:
The Sword of Demelza
J.E. Rogers

2014 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals

The Sword of Demelza by J.E. Rogers is a fantasy adventure that is geared towards preteen and young adult readers, but should have many adult fans as well. The author set her fantasy in Australia, and the heroes and villains in the tale are native Australian animals. Devon is a young fox who was orphaned at an early age and raised by Bede, a Bilby monk. When dragon lizards attack the monastery where they live and kill Bede, Devon swears that he will avenge the killing. On his travels, he meets Erik and Emma, two young Kowaris who are gathering the herbs and flowers needed to help their mother survive the venom of the brown snake that bit her. Devon continues on his quest, leaving the two Kowaris, who then meet Slade and Stokely, young Echidnas, whose village was also assaulted by the king's dragon lizards. They are following the lizards to try to rescue two young Puggles, baby Echidnas, who're being taken to the castle's dungeons. Erik and Emma must decide if they should help them rescue the young Puggles, which means a delay in getting the medicine back to their mother.
J.E. Rogers' The Sword of Demelza is high epic fantasy, complete with swords and sorcery and lots of adventure. It's also a great way to learn about the animals and their environments in Australia. The illustrations by Guy Atherfold and William Hulbert make Devon, Erik, and Emma, and the rest of the questers and villains come alive. While the author geared The Sword of Demelza toward a young adult and preteen audience, I found myself every bit as enthralled and entertained as I would be with a first-rate fantasy geared towards adult readers. I hope there'll be a sequel as the characters brought to life in The Sword of Demelza are well worth following in their future adventures. The Sword of Demelza is great fantasy, and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Dr Pepper Prophecies
Jennifer Gilby Roberts

2014 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit

Jennifer Gilby Roberts' The Dr. Pepper Prophecies is about Melanie Parker, who is going through a rough patch in life. After getting her boyfriend a job as her boss, he dumps her and now seems to be making her life a living hell at work, not that she even enjoyed the job in the first place. Her family never stops reminding her of what a loser and a failure she is. Her one positive constant in her life is her best friend, Will, but she's convinced that won't last long because his girlfriend hates Mel and wants her out of Will's life. In an effort to try and at least improve the lives of her friends, she makes it her personal project to make sure they follow her advice. While she tells herself she is thinking of their best interests, things begin to backfire. Yet, she sticks to her motto: what's the worst that can happen?
After reading The Dr. Pepper Prophecies, I can honestly say that Jennifer Gilby Roberts is now at the top of my list of favorite chick lit authors along with Sophie Kinsella. Her writing style had me practically on the floor in uncontrollable fits of laughter. Mel and her crazy antics were just hilarious. Her relationship with Will was adorable. And the plot and the dialogue were incredibly entertaining, amusing, and even heartwarming. I am so grateful for discovering this author; I will definitely be reading the rest of Roberts' books. I highly recommend this book for any chick lit fans. Trust me. You'll thank me.
Recommend this book:
The iCandidate
The Michael Bennit Series
Mikael Carlson

2014 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Drama

Mr. Bennitt isn’t your average high school history teacher. He’s a teacher determined to make a difference in his students’ lives and the lives of everyone in America. What begins as a simple bet with his students over their grades turns into something much bigger than any of them could have ever imagined. Running an entire political campaign with no true opinions on the issues and no face-to-face meetings with constituents may seem like a set-up to fail, but it’s actually a match made in heaven for the socially connected world we live in. The iCandidate by Mikael Carlson is the story of a man who is determined to teach a lesson to the masses.
Michael Bennitt is the type of character anyone can relate to. He’s a seemingly normal man with his own quirks and failings, just like everyone else, but he’s also a driven man. He’s someone who is determined that the world really could be a better place if the American people were only willing to stand up and do things rather than sit back and allow things to happen. Unfortunately for all of us, standing up and doing means putting down the social media we all love so much. But it doesn’t mean putting down this amazing book. The iCandidate is one of the best books that I have read in a long time and the characters and twists will keep you reading long into the night. I will recommend this book to my friends and family and I'm sure anyone else who reads it will do the same.
Recommend this book:
The Way Back
Jeffrey Turner

2014 Honorable Mention
314 Pages
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Fiction - Drama

The Way Back by Jeffrey Turner is a powerful novel of love, deception, and mistakes. Jack Elliot is a college professor, teaching a creative writing class. He is also a published author, husband to Claire, and father to Nathan. The day starts ordinarily enough - until they discover they have mice in the attic. What should have been a simple enough task kicks off a chain of events that have the potential to devastate lives and families. Jack discovers a series of emails hidden away in the attic, emails between his wife and another man. Instead of confronting Claire, he decides to investigate first. Meanwhile, things take a nasty turn in his classroom when two students cause serious disruption and end up being escorted off the premises by security. Jack briefly entertains an affair with one of his students, Rachel Pond, not knowing who she is. A series of events conspires to join all parties in one crashing conclusion, drawing on events from the past. With whom did Claire have an affair? Who is Rachel Pond? And what happened so many years ago to kick-start the chain of events?
The Way Back by Jeffrey Turner is a powerful novel. Anyone who reads this may be able to identify with parts of the story - this isn’t just a novel; it’s a real-life lesson and one that many would benefit from reading. Turner kept my eyes glued to the pages as his skillfully written story unwound. At first, it was difficult to see where all the little side stories fitted in, but with a few curve balls thrown in for good measure, it all becomes clear. Great story, exceptionally well written and thoroughly enjoyable, if a little humbling. Would love to see more from Jeffrey Turner.
Recommend this book:
The Wrath of Karma
Vimal Vaz

2014 Finalist
258 Pages
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Fiction - Drama

Author Vimal Vaz tells us at the outset that his main character, Ashok Choudhary, has changed his destiny by choosing a very different path than the one he chose in The Kiss of Karma. As a result, he finds himself in a future that is more brutal than his past – much more brutal. It is ten years later, and Ash is working for the ruthless Ramesh Rahman, who has built an empire through intimidation, manipulation, and pure greed. Ash’s amoral employer has taken care of him and his mum and sister by providing a high level of financial assistance – in return, the taskmaster has demanded loyalty and obedience. Ash, now twenty-four years old, follows orders and moves through life like a zombie, never allowing himself to feel regret or remorse, only gratitude. However, when Sherifa, the young girl he thought he had lost forever, comes back into his life accidentally, a fire ignites inside Ash. This makes him wonder if he can someday find a different path, one that is wholesome and filled with love. Is there a way out for the lovers, or will they face death while trying to escape? Can Ash ever really divorce himself from his past? Find out in The Wrath of Karma.
Vimal Vaz’s second book is raw and deals with a very seedy side of life. He holds nothing back in describing the baseness of Ash’s different path, one that he chose by his own actions. I loved the way Mr. Vaz gets into the heads of his characters. These are not likable people, but we end up understanding them and even rooting for them to survive and find another way. The plot can only be described as gripping. You will find yourself not able to set it aside for very long. The tantalizing promise of the next chapter will soon bring you back. I highly recommend this book, but you must read The Kiss of Karma first to get the full impact of this intriguing story. This is another fine read from Vimal Vaz - it could find itself on the best seller list very soon.
Recommend this book:
The City Center
Volume 1
Simone Pond

2014 Gold Medal
316 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia

The City Center (The New Agenda Series Book 1) by Simone Pond is a dystopian tale set in the future. A group of elitists have killed off most of the people, leaving two sects; the elitists that reside inside the utopia of Los Angeles City Center and the rebels that live on the Outside. The elitists have devised a way to live for an extended period of time. Ava Rhodes is the citizens' favorite of those competing for the office of Queen of City Center. Unlike the other candidates, Ava has a lot of unanswered questions. When Joseph, an Outsider, is captured, Ava not only assists him in escaping but she also goes with him. She discovers the lies and deceit that have been perpetrated on her people. The Outsiders discover a traitor in their midst.
It is difficult to believe that The City Center is Simone Pond’s first novel for she writes like a seasoned author. The City Center reminds me of Donor 23, The Hunger Games, Logan’s Run and Brave New World, which are all dystopian tales. The characters are well developed. Morray was so well developed that he gave me the creeps just reading about his despicable crimes. My only complaint with this novel is the lead character, Ava Rhodes. I would have liked to see her as a stronger character and not quite so needy. This tale is well written and the plot is interesting. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Recommend this book:
The Blade of Eve
Shaun Penney

2014 Silver Medal
516 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia

Carol is not your average woman. In fact, she’s not a true woman at all, she’s a clone. But that’s only one of her problems at this point. The other problem is that people seem to be after her for no reason she can think of. It’s going to take everything she has and everything Vanguard and the Sashurai have as well to ensure she survives the trouble she’s found herself in. After all, the Uwemass, Mionne and Kernn all have their own agenda, and Carol’s happiness doesn’t play into any of them. Somehow she’ll have to survive, but she isn’t the only one struggling for her life in The Blade of Eve by Shaun Penney.
The characters in this story seemed very lifelike. Carol was quite a survivor and had not only a sweet side but a very strong-willed side as well. She was stronger than you would think just starting out. I also couldn’t help being drawn in by Gen and her story as well. There’s a lot going on in this world and the women especially are going to be taking the brunt of things. It’s hard to say whether they’ll all make it out alive or not or whether it’s even going to be worth getting out of alive. The Blade of Eve is a story of the future, of survival against the odds, and definitely of bravery. It was a book I enjoyed and I’ll be looking out for the next book from this author as soon as possible.
