Robert Fraterrigo The US has divided into the CNU (Conservative National Union), and the UST (United Socialist Territories). Sonny and Maggie’s family is torn apart. Within a few short years, movement between territories is forbidden. Follow their journey as they attempt to reunite their family in this all too near dystopian future.
Native Brush StrokesHonorable mention
2025 New York Book Festival
Antoinette Godin Wuthering Heights meets Indian Country. Native Brush Strokes is a resonant literary novel that weaves themes of identity, belonging, and self discovery in a love story grounded in Native American experience. Set against the vibrant backdrop of post-relocation-era Los Angeles, the novel explores how art, culture and ancestry shape resilience.
The Mermelf : A Fable for Our TimesRunner Up
2025 London Book Festival
Deirdre Anne Hines In a future a long time ago, the Nomenclature have banned books and imprisoned all anomalies. Escaping The Outerskirts, 25-03 A, the girl with a blue birthmark, meets Xiu, the Cygnian Mermelf, and the fantastical Resistance. What if dreams are Imagination’s stars? A haunting verse fable from an award-winning poet.
The Stranger WithInHonorable mention
2025 San Francisco Book Festival
AJ Maloney AJ Maloney’s powerful story is a gripping journey through childhood trauma, spiritual warfare, and emotional healing. From early abuse and abandonment to confronting dark forces—both literal and symbolic—The story is raw, real, and redemptive. With unwavering honesty, she shares the pain of being misunderstood, the struggle with mental health, and the miracles that…
Catching MemoriesRunner Up
2025 Beach Book Festival
Peggy Lotz Young Peggy visits the Oregon coast with her parents and siblings, Gayle and John, and it’s a magical day. The sand, the waves, the tidal pools… what could be better? When her dad goes fishing and catches a perch in the ocean, Peggy and her siblings are in for the surprise of their…
Seasons Change and So Do IHonorable mention
2025 Beach Book Festival
Carol A Vigoda-Fuchs Johnny mourns his uncle. He misses him, as he doesn’t come to play with him anymore. Or does he? A touching and affectionate story about a boy, who finds consolation in nature and is lovingly supported by his parents and grandmother. He discovers that his uncle is by his side through all…
Life in the Shadows- A Story of ResilienceHonorable mention
2025 San Francisco Book Festival
Kathleen Geuder Martin Her father was schizophrenic but she was not. So why keep it a secret? Martin’s memoir reveals heart wrenching honesty of family dynamics dealing with mental illness. The emotional journey also transmits joy, enchantment and love as she limns her family roots. Mental illness the silent stigma!
Sentience HazardRunner Up
2025 San Francisco Book Festival
Alexandru Czimbor In 2053, the US struggles to create an Artificial Intelligence to rival the one that China had already developed. A tragic love story ends up bootstrapping the AI creation. The Chinese authoritarian regime and their plan to conquer the stars put the world in unprecedented danger. Can humanity survive?
Scars Of The HeartWinner
2025 San Francisco Book Festival
Bob Van Laerhoven Through ten stories set in different countries and eras, Van Laerhoven explores the destructive consequences of our passions as a common thread that unites them. The stories highlight the dark side of love, which fuels our violence, inner loneliness, and greedy egos.
If They Won’t Bend, Break Them!®Runner Up
2025 San Francisco Book Festival
Geoffrey Michael This book focuses on practical negotiating advice that can be used by everyone to get what they want at the price they want. We all negotiate in our daily lives, sometimes without realizing it. This book is valuable to the average person and to anyone who negotiates for a living.