(Fantasy)

Duchess Ambrose Killaher was just seventeen years old when exiled to Shinery—a city of snow and darkness—to marry a man who despised her, finding her only solace in an invisible companion named Roan. Now as the poor starve in the streets below and rebellious acts become a frequent occurrence, Shinery holds its yearly celebration to commemorate Legalia’s rule.

Judge’s Comments
“The grand prize goes to Ashley because of her beautiful presentation and intricate story writing, using a popular Steampunk theme that is somewhere between The Golden Compass and The Hunger Games.”

Fiction

(Fantasy)

Duchess Ambrose Killaher was just seventeen years old when exiled to Shinery—a city of snow and darkness—to marry a man who despised her, finding her only solace in an invisible companion named Roan. Now as the poor starve in the streets below and rebellious acts become a frequent occurrence, Shinery holds its yearly celebration to commemorate Legalia’s rule.

Judge’s Comments
“Somehow this book seems to have slipped through the net, and we felt that it deserves a chance to be seen, as it reads like a truly commercial work with original and enchanting touches while remaining an adult book – the main character is married instead of being a teen with her parents, and this is what brings an unusual palette worth reading. An accessible and gripping story.”

(Crime/Humor)

Off-off-off-off Broadway actress Kate McCall inherits her father’s New York private investigation business after he’s a whole lot of murdered in a life insurance company elevator. A concrete-carrying, ballroom-dancing construction mule says he fell off the scaffolding and can never work—or dance—again, and then sues the contractor for a whole lot of money.Judge’s Comments
“This book is so entertaining and well-written that it stands head and shoulders above other entries. A rolling, funny and brilliantly-told tale.”

(Literary Fiction)

Success has always eluded Lemat. A brilliant storyteller, he struggles with rejection, depression, and anxiety in his lifelong goal to become an author. After hitting rock bottom, Lemat compromises his principles and writes the most offensive novel he can think of in hopes to garner some attention. The book soon skyrockets him to unexpected fame and fortune, leaving Lemat to deal with the wonders and pitfalls of his new career, and with the realization that the life of his dreams comes at a great price.Judge’s Comments
“Beautiful writing and formed language here with a wonderful premise that leads the reader down a rabbit-hole into the twists and turns of a writer’s mind.”

 Shorts

(Thriller/Women’s Fiction)

Helen has waited for months for the heart that will save her life. After reaching out to the grieving mother of her donor heart, Helen realises that a second chance comes at a price. The price, she soon realises, is much steeper than she’d ever have chosen to pay. There’s more than one way to break a heart. There’s more than one way to destroy a life…Judge’s Comments
“Gripping and  dramatic, this is a book that uses every inch of the page to deliver. Donna wins for superior, commercially-viable writing and a great plot.”

(Romance/Humor)

When Jack learns his marriage is in trouble, he turns to his wife’s Pinterest boards to help save it.Judge’s Comments
 “A snarky and poignant tale that could be a short story in something like Playboy or The Atlantic, with a nice cover and good presentation.”

(Science Fiction)

Brandon knows today will be his last. He has been dreading this moment his entire life. Scientists had long ago predicted the year and the day when all living things, everything Brandon has come to know, would go up in flames – the day Earth hit the Gertrude Threshold.

Judge’s Comments
“An unusual and gruelling fable that haunts well after reading. Here. characters are formed brilliantly and deliver a cinematic feel, with a wonderful cover.”

 Non Fiction

(War/Memoir)

“During World War II, under Japan, my father was imprisoned because he was a Christian minister who refused to bow down to the picture of the Japanese emperor. My elder brother volunteered to join the Japanese military in the hope of having his father released from the prison.”

Judge’s Comments
Chai’s book is heartbreaking, exciting, harrowing and yet inspiring. This book is the Unbroken of the Korean War.  Again, this book needs a chance to be seen by readers, and hopefully this contest prize will give Chai the push this book deserves.”