The Top Speculative Fiction of 2023
Congratulations to our esteemed finalists for this year’s Realm Award! The judges have whittled a huge field of books to the best in each genre and audience, and we’re thrilled to share the list of these exemplary stories with you.
Fantasy
A Crown of Chains, by Erin Phillips, published by Ethereal Echo Press
Calor, by J.J. Fischer, published by Enclave Publishing
Exile, by Loren G. Warnemuende, published by Bandersnatch Books
Mordizan, by Alyssa Roat, published by Mountain Brook Fire
Wishtress, by Nadine Brandes, published by Thomas Nelson
Science Fiction
Aberration, by Cathy McCrumb, published by Enclave Publishing
Defender, by C.C. Urie, published by SnowRidge Press
Drawn in Ash, by John Otte, published by Geeky Grace Books
Shadow of Honor, by Ronie Kendig, published by Enclave Publishing
Vortex, by Anne Wheeler, independently published
Horror/Paranormal/Supernatural
Celestial, by Hannah Mae, independently published
Iggy and Oz: The Living Snot, by JJ Johnson, published by Dark Side Geeks
Infernal Fall, by Bryan Mitchell, published by Descendant Publishing
Shadow Angel, Book 2, by Julie Hall and Leia Stone, published by Leia Stone LLC
Shadow Angel, Book 3, by Julie Hall and Leia Stone, published by Leia Stone LLC
Debut
Exile, by Loren G. Warnemuende, published by Bandersnatch Books
Gemini’s Key, by H. Halverstadt, published by Quantum Light Publishing
Infernal Fall, by Bryan Mitchell, published by Descendant Publishing
The Vermillion Riddle, by Dana Li, published by Mt. Zion Ridge Press
The Wickwire Watch, by Jaqueline Hagen, published by Mastmarner Books
Young Adult
Daughter of the Sun, by Amanda Auler, Published by Spirelight Press
Dragon Protocol, by Ali Archer, published by Morgan James Fiction
Mordizan, by Alyssa Roat, Published by Mountain Brook Fire
The Wonderland Trials, by Sara Ella, published by Enclave Publishing
Wishtress, by Nadine Brandes, published by Thomas Nelson
Middle Grade
Haven’s Indigo, by Sarah Byrd, published by This Little Byrd Books
Magic Hunters: The Journey Begins, by Jill Williamson, published by Novel Kids Press
Iggy & Oz: The Living Snot, by J.J. Johnson, independently published
Audio
A Soul as Cold as Frost, by Jennifer Kropf, Winter Publishing House
Dawn of Vengeance, by Ronie Kendig, produced by Ronie Kendig
Dream of Kings, by Sharon Hinck, Oasis Audio
Mordizan, by Alyssa Roat, Mountain Brook Ink
Of Fire and Ash, by Gillian Bronte Adams, Oasis Audio
Short Audio
At All Costs, by Emily Grant, Havok Story Podcast
Cold Fury, by Andrew Swearingen, Havok Publishing
Of Bitter Souls, by Brian Augustyn, Untold Podcast
Novella
Frozen in Time, by T.E. Bradford, independently published
The Near Distant: By Far and Away, by Brett Armstrong, Expanse Books
The Song of the Rose, by K.M. Carroll, Less Than Three Productions
Through a Shattered Glass, by Sarah Pennington, Independently Published
Yours, Constance, by Emily Hayse, Blue Maverick Press
Short Story
“Love My Neighbor,” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Wordfire Press
“Neon Green in D Minor,” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Word Weaver Press
“Reality’s Needle,” T. E. Bradford, independently published
“Shepherd of the Llams,” Alyssa Roat, The Wild Rose Press
“Sky Rays,” Emily Barnett, Havok Publishing
Cover Design
Blood Secrets, by Morgan Busse
Designed by Emily Haney
Published by Enclave Publishing
Infernal Fall, by Bryan Timothy Mitchell
Designed by Damon Freeman/Damonza
Published by Descendant Publishing
Sacred Fire, by Karen Grunst
Designed by Emilie Haney/EAH Creative
Published by Hunter House Fiction
The Wonderland Trials, by Sara Ella
Designed by Kirk DouPonce/DogEared Design
Published by Enclave Publishing
Yours, Constance, by Emily Hayse
Designed by James Eagan/Bookfly Design
Published by Blue Maverick Press
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