The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Magic, Steampunk and Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction. Our judges from across North America and the U.K. will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
These titles have moved forward from the 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction Short List to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards Semi-Finalists. Finalists will be chosen from the Semi-Finalists and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC26.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday April 18th, 2026 in beautiful Bellingham, WA.
These titles are in the running for the Finalists of the 2025 Ozma Book Awards novel competition for Fantasy Fiction!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
A.T. Balsara – The Great and the Small
Abigail O’Bryan – Iron Rose
Anya Rousselle – The King’s Blade
B.L. Mostyn – Heroes of Another Age
David Nos – The Final War of Wizards and Dragons
C.R. Ware – All We Have to Remember: Volume One of the Seventh Layer Saga
Crystal D. Grant – Lightshed
David Nos – The Final War of Wizards and Dragons
Evette Davis – The Campaign
Evette Davis – The Gift
Helen Garraway – Sentinals Origins Part One
J.A. Nielsen – The Winter Heir (Fractured Kingdoms, Book 2)
J.C. Wade – Summer’s Reaping
Jason P. Crawford – The Trials of Poseidon
Jeffrey L. Kohanek – The First Wizard
Molly M. Hammond – Daughter of Starlight
Nicholas Varner – Warriors of the Red Wolf
Nikhil Prabala – The Duchess of Kokora
Nikki Mccormack – Child of Vanris (The Warden’s Son Book 1)
Oleg Veretskiy – Tales of the Wandering Mists a Ukrainian Fairy Tale
Palmer Pickering – Dark Town
R. M. Krogman – Sundering
Richard M Wagner – The Chronicles of Amerista: Griefold
S.E. Reed – The Darkness of Dying in the Light
S.G. Blaise – Eldryan Elders
Samantha Schinder – The Drowners
Sean M. Tirman – Dreamweavers LLC
Simran Sadana – Itehas
Tamar Anolic – The Keepers
Ted Neill – Lost Elawn
William H. Johnston – Shards of Unbroken Will
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky pages. We try to tag all authors listed here on Facebook and LinkedIn. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed @ChantiReviews on these platforms.
Please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE on these platforms!
Submissions for the 2026 Ozma Awards and other Speculative Fiction Divisions are open now! For other genres, we still have 25 divisions open for the 2025 CIBAs! Whether you write mystery, romance, historical fiction, or something entirely different, there’s likely a perfect fit for your work.
Winners will be announced at the 2025 CIBA Awards Ceremony that is sponsored by the 2026 Chanticleer Authors Conference.
April 17-19, 2026! Save the Date for Registration!
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Join us for our annual conference and discover why!
The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Magic, Steampunk and Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction. Our judges from across North America and the U.K. will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
Each of these authors is already winning with their books are now featured on our high-traffic website, shared across our social media, and promoted to our newsletter subscribers. But this is just the beginning of their CIBA journey.
These titles have moved forward from the 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction Long List to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards Short List. These entries are now in competition for the 2025 Ozma Semi-Finalists. Finalists will be chosen from the Semi-Finalists and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC26.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday April 18th, 2026 in beautiful Bellingham, WA.
These titles are in the running for the Semi-Finalists of the 2025 Ozma Book Awards novel competition for Fantasy Fiction!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
A.T. Balsara – The Great and the Small
Abigail O’bryan – Iron Rose
Anton Anderson – The Seekers Perrin Peters
Anya Rousselle – The King’s Blade
B.L. Mostyn – Heroes of Another Age
David Nos – The Final War of Wizards and Dragons
C.R. Ware – All We Have to Remember: Volume One of the Seventh Layer Saga
C.V. Vobh – Somnus Palace
Catharina Steel – Vanishings
Clifton Wilcox – The Immortal Witness
Crystal D. Grant – Lightshed
D. Dalton – Heartstealer
David Waugh – The Will of the Wayfarer the Forgotten Legacy Part One
Evette Davis – The Campaign
Evette Davis – The Gift
Helen Garraway – Sentinals Origins Part One
J Prakash – Sedna of Hanaway
J.A. Nielsen – The Winter Heir (Fractured Kingdoms, Book 2)
J.C. Wade – Summer’s Reaping
Jason P. Crawford – The Trials of Poseidon
Jeffrey L. Kohanek – The First Wizard
Kristin Wahlne – When the Tree Calls
Michael a Wexler – Jatora
Michele L. Sayre – Darke Realms: One Tough Temporary She Alpha (Arcana 2)
Molly M. Hammond – Daughter of Starlight
Nicholas Varner – Warriors of the Red Wolf
Nikhil Prabala – The Duchess of Kokora
Nikki Mccormack – Child of Vanris (The Warden’s Son Book 1)
Oleg Veretskiy – Tales of the Wandering Mists a Ukrainian Fairy Tale
Palmer Pickering – Dark Town
Philip Carlisle – Surviving Eros
R. M. Krogman – Sundering
Richard M Wagner – The Chronicles of Amerista: Griefold
S.E. Reed – The Darkness of Dying in the Light
S.G. Blaise – Eldryan Elders
Samantha Schinder – The Drowners
Sean M. Tirman – Dreamweavers LLC
Simran Sadana – Itehas
T.A. Styles – Shift: An Urban Supernatural Fantasy (The Shift Series Book 1)
Tamar Anolic – The Keepers
Ted Neill – Lost Elawn
William H. Johnston – Shards of Unbroken Will
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky pages. We try to tag all authors listed here on Facebook and LinkedIn. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed @ChantiReviews on these platforms.
Please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE on these platforms!
Submissions for the 2026 Ozma Awards and other Speculative Fiction Divisions are open now! For other genres, we still have 25 divisions open for the 2025 CIBAs! Whether you write mystery, romance, historical fiction, or something entirely different, there’s likely a perfect fit for your work.
Winners will be announced at the 2025 CIBA Awards Ceremony that is sponsored by the 2026 Chanticleer Authors Conference.
April 17-19, 2026! Save the Date for Registration!
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Join us for our 14th annual conference and discover why!
The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Magic, Steampunk and Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction. Our judges from across North America and the U.K. will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
Each of these authors is already winning with their books are now featured on our high-traffic website, shared across our social media, and promoted to our newsletter subscribers. But this is just the beginning of their CIBA journey.
These titles have moved forward in the first look rounds from all 2025 OZMA Fantasy Fiction entries to the 2025 Ozma Book Awards Long List. These entries are now in competition for the 2025 Ozma Short List. The Short Listers will compete for the Semi-Finalists positions. Finalists will be chosen from the Semi-Finalists and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC26.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday April 18th, 2026 in beautiful Bellingham, WA.
These titles are in the running for the SHORT LIST of the 2025 Ozma Book Awards novel competition for Fantasy Fiction!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
A. Keith Carreiro – The Penitent Part II
A.T. Balsara – The Great and the Small
Abigail O’bryan – Iron Rose
Andrew D.H. Moore – Children of Solo
Andy Brooks – Love and Fire
Anton Anderson – The Seekers Perrin Peters
Anya Rousselle – The King’s Blade
B.L. Mostyn – Heroes of Another Age
David Nos – The Final War of Wizards and Dragons
C.R. Ware – All We Have to Remember: Volume One of the Seventh Layer Saga
C.V. Vobh – Somnus Palace
Catharina Steel – Vanishings
Clifton Wilcox – The Immortal Witness
Crystal D. Grant – Lightshed
D. Dalton – Heartstealer
David Waugh – The Will of the Wayfarer the Forgotten Legacy Part One
Evette Davis – The Campaign
Evette Davis – The Gift
Gracie Dix – Vork Chronicles Welcome To Superhero School
Helen Garraway – Sentinals Origins Part One
J Prakash – Sedna of Hanaway
J.A. Nielsen – The Winter Heir (Fractured Kingdoms, Book 2)
J.C. Wade – Summer’s Reaping
Jason Farrell & Michael De Weever – Secret of the Emerald Star
Jason P. Crawford – The Trials of Poseidon
Jeffrey L. Kohanek – The First Wizard
John Nassari – The Dream Traveller Dark Rising
Kristin Wahlne – When the Tree Calls
Michael a Wexler – Jatora
Michele L. Sayre – Darke Realms: One Tough Temporary She Alpha (Arcana 2)
Misty J Thurmond – Saku Binder of Voids
Molly M. Hammond – Daughter of Starlight
Nicholas Varner – Warriors of the Red Wolf
Nikhil Prabala – The Duchess of Kokora
Nikki Mccormack – Child of Vanris (The Warden’s Son Book 1)
Oleg Veretskiy – Tales of the Wandering Mists a Ukrainian Fairy Tale
Palmer Pickering – Dark Town
Philip Carlisle – Surviving Eros
R. M. Krogman – Sundering
Richard M Wagner – The Chronicles of Amerista: Griefold
S.E. Reed – The Darkness of Dying in the Light
S.G. Blaise – Eldryan Elders
Samantha Schinder – The Drowners
Sean M. Tirman – Dreamweavers LLC
Simran Sadana – Itehas
T.A. Styles – Shift: An Urban Supernatural Fantasy (The Shift Series Book 1)
Tamar Anolic – The Keepers
Ted Neill – Lost Elawn
T. V Holiday – T.V. Holiday’s Cataclysm: Legend of The Iron Warrior Vol. 2
William H. Johnston – Shards of Unbroken Will
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky pages. We try to tag all authors listed here on Facebook and LinkedIn. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed @ChantiReviews on these platforms.
Please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE on these platforms!
Submissions for the 2026 Ozma Awards and other Speculative Fiction Divisions are open now! For other genres, we still have 25 divisions open for the 2025 CIBAs! Whether you write mystery, romance, historical fiction, or something entirely different, there’s likely a perfect fit for your work.
Winners will be announced at the 2025 CIBA Awards Ceremony that is sponsored by the 2026 Chanticleer Authors Conference.
April 17-19, 2026! Save the Date for Registration!
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Join us for our 14th annual conference and discover why!
The horror fiction genre is full of scary and scintillating sub-genres, each offering its own unique flavor of terror and suspense. From the eerie atmosphere of gothic horror to the intense, cerebral tension of psychological horror, there are sub-genres that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Like romance, including a little horror can elevate your story and drag the reader kicking and screaming to the next page.
The key to effective horror writing lies in choosing the right sub-genre approach for your story’s needs. Each sub-genre offers unique methods for building suspense, developing atmosphere, and connecting with readers who crave that spine-tingling experience.
Classic Foundations: Where Horror Began
Gothic Horror
Gothic horror combines atmospheric dread with romantic elements, creating stories that feel both timeless and deeply emotional. Think Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula—these foundational works established horror tropes that continue to captivate readers today. Gothic horror typically features decaying settings, family secrets, and protagonists caught between love and terror. The underlying themes often explore human nature’s darker impulses, making readers question what we’re truly capable of when pushed to our limits.
Perfect for: Historical fiction writers, romance authors seeking darker themes, or fantasy writers building atmospheric world-building.
Psychological Horror
Rather than relying on jump scares or gore, psychological horror gets under your skin by exploiting fundamental human fears: losing control, being manipulated, or questioning reality itself. This sub-genre creates tension that lingers long after readers close the book because the horror is experienced internally. When done subtly—settling into the subconscious without overt horrifying acts—it’s called “quiet horror.”
Perfect for: Literary fiction, contemporary drama, or any story exploring mental health, family dynamics, or social pressures.
Action-Driven Horror: High Stakes and High Fear
Slasher Horror
When a slasher is on the loose, no one is safe. These antagonists hunt methodically, treating their victims like prey in stories designed to keep readers on edge. The appeal lies in the relentless pursuit and the question of who, if anyone, will survive. A newer variation, “splatter horror,” emphasizes excessive blood and gore as integral story elements—messy, shocking, and viscerally terrifying.
Survival horror places characters in environments where death lurks constantly—whether from supernatural beings, natural disasters, or post-apocalyptic scenarios. The key is creating relatable situations that could theoretically happen to anyone, then amplifying the danger beyond normal human experience. Zombie fiction falls into this category, with its methodical, unstoppable threats that transform familiar environments into deadly landscapes.
This sub-genre ventures beyond known reality into realms of magic, spirits, and otherworldly phenomena. Characters face threats they can’t fully understand or prepare for—extrasensory perception, ghostly encounters, cryptozoology, and unexplained phenomena that leave everyone tenuously off-balance. While similar to gothic horror, paranormal horror often features contemporary settings and modern characters encountering ancient or otherworldly forces.
Perfect for: Fantasy writers, urban fantasy, or contemporary fiction with magical elements.
Science Fiction Horror
Sci-fi horror blends familiar horror elements with scientific complexity, introducing innovative threats that make readers question what’s possible. H.P. Lovecraft mastered this fusion, creating cosmic horror that made humanity feel insignificant against vast, unknowable forces. Modern sci-fi horror might explore AI gone rogue, genetic manipulation, or extraterrestrial threats that view humans as nothing more than obstacles.
Perfect for: Science fiction writers, dystopian fiction, or stories exploring technological advancement’s dark side.
Dark Fantasy
When horror meets fantasy worlds, anything becomes a potential threat. Witches, shapeshifters, dark wizards—these antagonists wield magic that defies conventional solutions. Characters face seemingly insurmountable odds against supernatural powers, creating terror through the unknown capabilities of magical threats. The fantasy setting allows for creative freedom in crafting unique, otherworldly fears.
Perfect for: Fantasy writers seeking darker themes, fairy tale retellings, or urban fantasy with horror elements.
Specialized Horror Approaches
Body Horror
Body horror exploits our fundamental fear of physical transformation and decay. From Oscar Wilde’s The Portrait of Dorian Gray (accelerated aging) to Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis (human-to-insect transformation), this sub-genre makes the human body itself the source of terror. Modern body horror might explore medical experimentation, genetic mutation, or loss of physical control.
Occult Horror
Satan, demons, and religious corruption dominate occult horror. Stories like Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby blend supernatural terror with religious themes, creating atmosphere through familiar spiritual concepts turned malevolent. The power of faith—and its potential corruption—provides rich material for exploring good versus evil.
Eco Horror
Environmental catastrophes and nature’s revenge characterize eco horror, serving as metaphors for real-world ecological crises. Samanta Schweblin’s Fever Dream exemplifies this sub-genre, combining maternal anxiety with environmental pollution. Common elements include deadly toxins, mutated creatures, animated plants, and killer viruses—all reflecting our complex relationship with the natural world.
Techno Horror
When technology becomes the enemy, techno horror explores our dependence on systems we don’t fully understand. AI malfunctions, computer viruses, and rogue robots create scenarios where characters must fight threats beyond their technical capabilities. This sub-genre resonates particularly well in our increasingly digital world.
Hybrid and Flexible Approaches
Comedy Horror
Sometimes writers want chuckles instead of screams. Comedy horror takes terrifying elements and places them in absurd situations, creating three distinct approaches: black comedy, parody, and spoof. Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow demonstrates how humor can actually enhance horror by making readers lower their guard before delivering genuine scares.
Teen Horror
Stephen King’s Carrie perfectly exemplifies teen horror, where adolescent experiences—physical changes, social pressures, identity formation—intersect with supernatural or horrific elements. This sub-genre recognizes that teenage years already feel terrifying to many people, then amplifies those fears through genre elements.
Pulp Horror
Fast-paced and lurid, pulp horror embraces accessibility and entertainment value. Born in the late 19th century and popularized in the 1950s, pulp horror delivers quick thrills through sex, drugs, violence, and supernatural elements. It’s horror designed for pure entertainment rather than deep psychological exploration.
Finding Your Horror Approach
The beauty of horror sub-genres lies in their flexibility. Writers can blend multiple approaches—combining psychological elements with supernatural threats, or mixing sci-fi concepts with body horror. The goal isn’t purity but effectiveness: which horror elements serve your story’s emotional core?
Consider your primary genre first, then identify which horror sub-genre complements your story’s needs. A romance writer might find gothic horror perfect for historical settings, while a contemporary fiction author could use psychological horror to explore family trauma.
With all these fun and frightening horror sub-genres, writers can mix and match them or go heavy one specific theme. With a goal to twist their readers into knots with plots that will keep them up at night, these stories will have you questioning every noise you hear and every shadow that passes your way.
Thanks for reading about these spooky Horror Sub-genres, and don’t be scared of that beast under your bed tonight!
Whether you’re writing pure horror or incorporating horrific elements into other genres, professional recognition celebrates the craft behind effective fear. The Chanticleer International Book Awards recognize outstanding speculative fiction across multiple divisions that welcome horror elements:
The 2025 deadline is June 30th—less than a week away! These awards recognize the skillful blending of genres that creates memorable, impactful fiction.
Horror isn’t about shocking readers—it’s about creating emotional experiences that resonate long after the final page. Whatever your primary genre, the right horror elements can transform good stories into unforgettable ones.
Submit before June 30th and let professional judges recognize your skill in crafting compelling, genre-blending fiction.
Only 10 days left to submit your books to the prestigious CIBAs and embark on an extraordinary journey to success. With over $30,000 in prizes awarded annually, now is the time to make your mark!
We’re looking for the best of the best for Speculative Fiction! Chanticleer started with a mandate to offer a platform specifically to indie authors and presses, and now every year we receive every type of work, from brilliant manuscripts to Big Five publications. Does your book have what it takes?
We are proud to recognize ALL of these 2024 CIBA Winners in Speculative Fiction Divisions!
Cygnus Award Winners!
Timothy S. Johnston –A Blanket of Steel
Peter Dingus –Deep Time
A. R. Black –No Man’s Land
Thomas R. Weaver –Artificial Wisdom
Shami Stovall –The Half-Life Empire
Ozma Award Winners!
Curt Locklear –Treasure and Murder In Ireland
Glen Dahlgren –The Realm of Gods
Susan Wands –High Priestess and Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series
Prue Batten –The Red Thread
S.G. Blaise –Meddling Mages
J.A. Nielsen –The Claiming
Shelley Award Winners!
Evette Davis –The Gift
Alexander Fernandez –Above the Ashes
Keith Steinbaum –In Lieu of Flowers
Tim Facciola –Ghosts of Rheynia
AA DaSilva –Periphery
Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle –Vein Pursuits
And the 2024 Grand Prize Champions of Speculative Fiction
Congratulations once more to these powerhouse authors!
From left to right we have The Cygnus Grand Prize Winner Ares, the Ozma Grand Prize Winner Circle of Stars, and the Shelley Grand Prize Winner Time-Marked Warlock
More than just recognition
The CIBAs are your portal to discoverability in a world with millions of books published annually. Whether your book makes it to the first lists or all the way to the coveted Blue Ribbon, the CIBAs signal to readers, booksellers, and industry professionals that you’re serious about your craft.
Join the ranks of celebrated authors who’ve taken this critical step.
Your book deserves to be discovered, celebrated, and shared with the world. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your talent and gain valuable recognition at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (April 2026) where Winners from all 28 Book Award Divisions will be announced and honored.
If you’ve been looking for a Fantasy to read, try out some of our Award winners!
A Circle of Stars By Erin Lark Maples
If you’re looking for a beach read with supernatural intrigue,A Circle of Starsby Erin Lark Maples will draw you in from page one. Ember “EJ” James, a newly-arrived stranger in the strange land of Prescott, AZ, immediately begins navigating unfamiliar territory, both physically and metaphysically.
Forty-something EJ doesn’t know it yet, but when she agreed to take over her deceased uncle Hollis’s shop in Prescott, she stumbled into a world of magical realism. The plant shop, as it turns out, is more than just that—it hides secret access to other realms, which supernatural beings will go to great lengths to access. Much like the plants in the shop, this tale is dark, tangled, and intriguing beyond belief.
Anyone else may have felt helpless. But EJ remains upbeat, charmingly self-deprecating, and resourceful to the end. There’s a great joy in seeing how she works through her new surroundings, unfazed by (almost) everything they throw her way.
A Vengeful Realm Book 1: The Scales of Balance
By Tim Facciola
The Scales of Balanceopens with an amnesiac gladiator, a queen certain her husband must die for the sake of the kingdom, and a prince who will do anything to save his father. Tim Facciola’s first novel in the high fantasy seriesA Vengeful Realmis threaded through with plots of assassination and political intrigue, all fueled by a divine struggle for dominance.
A Vengeful Realmis a study in richness. Its characters, setting, and world-building, the vital elements for a strong fantasy, pull the reader into the land of New Rheynia where the most valuable currencies are loyalty and power.
Facciola excels at characterization, beginning with an engaging tapestry of backgrounds.
The gladiator Zephyrus’ first memories are in a temple hearing the words of a prophecy that he can’t understand. Depending on the interpretation, he could bring peace or destruction. His only guide is his iron morality, which he hopes is enough to bring him back to who he once was.
Earth is linked in a symbiotic relationship with its spirit twin, a hidden utopia called EonThera. But as the paradise begins to inherit the harsh realities of Earth’s drastic climate change, EonThera urges action – before both realms collapse, in Steven Michael Beck’s Soar a Burning Sky.
What if there was an “earthly paradise,” a mirror of Earth – a terratopia that is an awe-inspiring existential representation of how amazing planet Earth could be? This fantasy fiction presents a synergic relationship between Earth and this soul, as together they sustain the Ticking – a heartbeat that nurtures both. But as Clayton Cramer puts it, “Abandon all thoughts of Utopia – humans are involved.”
As a result of the two realms’ mutual existence, one’s failing health accounts for the fall of the other. The soul of Earth, EonThera, is collapsing. It is plain that the enemy is ignorance, primarily Earth’s, and with this knowledge comes the recruitment of the four unlikely Earthly warriors to aid the two realms before they fall from a burning sky.
Sixteen-year-old Catalina Delgado’s hopes of marrying her love are troubled by strange, unnatural dangers, in Laurel Anne Hill’s novel, Plague of Flies.
Like every dutiful daughter in 1846, Catalina worries about her reputation. However, she must also gain the approval of Ángelo Ortega’s family. Unfortunately, when three strangers ride onto her family’s small ranch in Alta California, she knows that more than her dreams are at risk. Alta California has just been invaded by the men of the Bear Flag, and Catalina fears what will become of her homeland now that it has been claimed by the Yankees. The nearby ranch owned by the valiant General Vallejo has been raided, owners and their servants terrorized and held captive. Plus Bear Flaggers have murdered additional friends of Catalina’s family on a beach.
Divinity’s Twilight: Rebirth By Christopher Russell
Divinity’s Twilight: Rebirth by Christopher Russell is the opening of a High Fantasy epic about the rise and fall of vast empires.
The story grows from unfinished business between three brothers gifted with magic and power but chose different paths to achieve safety and security for themselves and the people who followed them.
These different paths culminated in a battle where the fate of their world is balanced precariously on a knife’s edge. Darmatus and Rabban are engaged in a war to the death with their oldest brother Sarcon. Sarcon believes the road to that safety lies in power alone, that the only way to be secure is to crush all his enemies, no matter how heinous the deeds required.
Remember to add your next reads to your StoryGraph or Goodreads account! Now that you’re set on your next five reads, what are you waiting for? The only way to join this amazing list of Ozma Winners is to submit today!
These Hall of Fame winners prove that exceptional fantasy comes from authors brave enough to explore magical realms, whether it’s EJ’s supernatural plant shop in modern Arizona or epic battles between godlike brothers. Each of these stories found their readership through the recognition and promotion that comes with Ozma Award achievement.
You know you want it…
Will your fantasy tale be next to join this prestigious lineup? From urban magic to high fantasy epics, the Ozma Awards celebrate every corner of the fantasy spectrum.
Don’t let your story remain hidden in an enchanted vault—submit to the Ozma Awards and join the ranks of celebrated fantasy authors who’ve found their audience through Chanticleer!
The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Fantasy Fiction. The Overall Grand Prize Winner, Erin Lark Maples’ book, A Circle of Stars will be promoted for years to come in our annual Hall of Fame article, as well as be featured on the Ozma contest page year ’round!
The best part about being a Chanticleer Int’l Book Award Winner is the love and attention you get all year ‘round!
Join us in celebrating the 2024 First Place Ozma Winners!
Curt Locklear – Treasure and Murder in Ireland
As Halloween draws close, Scrooge, Cratchit, and their newly married junior partner Sherlock “Lockie” Holmes, father of the great detective, are pulled into the complex murders of three Irishmen: a nobleman, a town mayor, and a pubkeeper. To Scrooge’s utter dismay, the three sail to Ireland, where they uncover biblical secrets and face a wide range of challenges and assailants. The trio is aided by two sharp female protagonists: one is an accomplished scientist, the other is developing martial arts skills. A crafty lawyer intends to seize the mines belonging to Lucy Holmes and her cousins, Abigail and Samuel Jiggins. An ancient cult is forming, and a young mastermind continues to plot in the shadows. Set during the horrendous Irish Potato Famine, Treasure and Murder in Ireland follows the trio as they struggle their way through dangerous circumstances, gathering clues and discovering magic does not always belong in myths.
In a realm where dreams and reality intertwine, the final battle brews.
The gods of Order have vanished. Despite priests like Dantess and Myra struggling to maintain peace, the Harbingers of Chaos fan the flames of rebellion, bringing the world to the brink of war.
Galen, drawn into the heart of the Dreaming—an ethereal realm where past, present, and future collide—confronts not only his nemesis, the cunning Carnaubas, but a horrifying truth: the exiled gods of Order still hunger for dominion.
Luckily, Galen is not alone. Eve, a young girl gifted with the uncanny ability to see the threads that connect everything, joins him on a desperate quest to find the elusive god of Chaos, their only hope for preventing Order’s return.
The Realm of Gods is more than just a story; it’s a descent into the battle between Order and Chaos, a testament to the enduring power of human connection, and a battle cry for rebellion against tyranny.
Join the heroes you love on their final, climatic dance between despair and hope, the last leg in an extraordinary journey that you’ll never forget.
On her return to London, artist and seer Pamela Colman Smith discovers that her nemesis, Aleister Crowley, has returned—and his sights are set on her. Despite Aleister’s efforts to stop Pamela from further developing her tarot deck and accessing its magic, she carries on casting her High Priestess and Empress muses, Golden Dawn society leader Florence Farr and popular theatre star Ellen Terry. But when Ellen is poisoned and nearly killed, Pamela realizes that Aleister won’t stop coming for her—not until her muses are dead.
When Aleister reveals his plot to assassinate Queen Victoria and all female rulers, war breaks out between the Aleister’s Carlists and the Golden Dawn. With so many lives on the line—that of the queen, and those of her friends—Pamela must access her inner magic to face the battle of her life.
A red silk thread tied around one’s wrist by the God of Fate is immovable.
Destiny is immutable.
For Lien of the First House of Silk and Ming Xao, her Emperor, the woven silk thread on their wrists brings them to the very edge of death as they are hunted by the fey for a secret map they hold in their possession.
Glenna’s heart sinks just as her boots sink in the mud, when she sees how horrid the planet Raghild is.
But there is no turning back now. She must forge onward to meet the despised charlatans, aka, mages—the only ones able to help her get rid of the corruption that’s killing her.
The sooner she finds the mages, the sooner she can rid herself of the deadly corruption, and of the pesky mage who somehow sneaked his way into her heart.
Spense is the unfortunate younger son of Lord Ferrous, with a growing talent for the magical arts and a larger talent for finding trouble, most often in the form of botched spells. Dewy is a Fae princess who tends to disappoint her aunt, the Summer Queen, through her—ahem—carefree life choices.
A chance encounter—and another botched spell—leaves Spense bonded to Dewy and able to control her will. But it’s a violation of magic. Not to mention devastating to Human-Fae relations.
To free Dewy and save Spense’s kingdom, they must journey through faerie territories—facing feral magic, treacherous wilderness, and their own distractible hearts. Unless that’s just the effect of The Claiming…
From Chanticleer:
The illegitimate son of a human king accidentally binds himself to a Fae princess in J.A. Nielsen’s YA adventure,The Claiming.As war bears down on the kingdom of Telridge, can the two of them break the spell in time?
Lord Ferrous, ruler of Telridge, smells conflict coming for his people. Even so, he denies a mysterious request from the king of the Winter Fae, and sets his sons to prepare their land for war. His eldest, Prince Dirk, gathers his knights and begins to evacuate the common people to the protection of Telridge castle. His younger son Spense, born out of wedlock to the castle’s head cook, uses his finicky magic to Claim a bridge over a powerful river. If he succeeds, the passing will be barred to their enemies. But he fails to realize that the powerful living force he encounters isn’t the bridge at all.
Dewy, crown princess of the Summer Fae, is Claimed instead of the bridge. Her aunt, Lady Radiant, must exile her from their lands. While Dewy’s careless spirit chafed under Radiant’s authority, she grieves for her lost home.
Fantasy isn’t just elves and magic—there are so many possibilities for a Fantasy tale, and we love that! From epic quests to urban magic, from steampunk adventures to mythical retellings, the Ozma Awards celebrate the boundless imagination that fantasy fiction offers.
Let’s Dive into the Categories!
Magic, Heroes and Villains is the great variety of books that involve big archetypes and adventures like Six of Crows or The Fourth Wing.
Coming of Age Fantasy typically looks at someone coming into their own, like Harry Potter discovering his magical heritage, but it can also be aimed at a younger audience. For YA Fantasy, check out the Dante Rossetti Awards, and for Middle Grade Fantasy, explore the Gertrude Warner Awards!
Steampunk/Dieselpunk/Gaslight Fantasy are types of Alternative History and Counterculture. Steampunk features Victorian-era sci-fi or fantasy with an emphasis on steam-powered technology and historical fashions. Dieselpunk has more of an industrial Art Deco, Film Noir aesthetic with elements from the World Wars and Early Cold War—think Bioshock or Blade Runner.
Modern and Urban Fantasy is exactly what it sounds like—Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files is a perfect example. Fantasy elements in realistic, contemporary settings.
Myths and Legends and Fairy Tales feature classic Fantasy elements: fairies, King Arthur, folktale-type stories that have enchanted readers for generations.
Fantasy – Classic is High Fantasy like Lord of the Rings—epic battles between good and evil in richly imagined worlds.
Historical Fantasy is history with magic, where dark sorcerers move in ancient Viking battles or Nazis attempt to secure the Holy Grail.
Celebrating Our 2024 Grand Prize Winner!
After months of reviewing hundreds of entries, we are delighted to announce that Erin Lark Maples claimed the 2024 Ozma Grand Prize with her extraordinary novel A Circle of Stars! Throughout last year’s Ozma Book Awards, we’ve had the pleasure of promoting nearly 60 books as they advanced through our competition tiers.
Erin Lark Maples’s reluctant hero, compelling narrative, and richly layered world that exemplifies the innovative fantasy storytelling we seek to recognize. In addition to all the featured posts that have already gone out for the Ozma Awards, A Circle of Stars will be regularly promoted throughout the year on the Ozma Awards page and for the next five years in our upcoming Hall of Fame post. Erin Lark Maples will also be invited to participate in a Chanticleer 10-Question Interview, and you can read the Chanticleer Editorial Review for A Circle of Stars here!
Looking for Your Next Fantasy Read?
Check out some of these incredible books we’ve reviewed recently that showcase the amazing diversity of fantasy fiction!
DIOMEDES In KYPRIOS: Diomedia Series Book 2 By Gregory Michael Nixon
Gregory Michael Nixon’s Diomedes in Kyprios, book 2 in the Diomedeia Series, continues the adventures of the godlike yet all too human hero, Diomedes of Tiryns, as he seeks to discover a meaningful destiny in the chaos of the Bronze Age Collapse.
We begin after the fall of the Hittite Empire, four years after the destruction of Troy. He emerges from the dark river that runs through the underworld where the sacrifice of the Hittite Great King has just occurred, and he has rescued the Hittite Queen from certain death. Nearly drowned but still alive, he recalls only that he had vowed to reunite with the former Queen of the Hittites, the woman he loves named Lieia, at Paphos on the island of Kyprios (ancient Cyprus).
Lieia must undergo her own “odyssey” to get to Paphos to meet Diomedes. She depends on her band of protectors, but they pay for fare aboard a ship with evil men who cannot be trusted.
THE WINTER HEIR: Fractured Kingdoms Book 2
By J.A. Nielsen
Dante Rossetti First Place Winner
The Winter Heir, thesecond book in J.A. Nielsen’sFractured Kingdomsseries, picks up where the first book,The Claiming, leaves off—with its protagonists struggling under the weight of a vital bargain.
Lady Dew Drop, Dewy to her friends—and her frenemies—is languishing in the court of the Winter Fae, a summer princess nearly frozen in both heart and spirit as she does her best to fulfill the pact she made with the Winter King. Meanwhile, the man who got her into this mess, the human mage and illegitimate princeling of Telridge—Spence Ferrous—tries to fulfill the deal for her.
But the story is much bigger than these two young lovers. The Winter King is dying without a legitimate heir. And it’s his own proud, arrogant fault. As much as both the humans and the Summer Fae would be willing to let him suffer the consequences of his own actions—he’s not the only one who will.
SUMMER CYCLONE: Magic at Myers Beach Book 4 By Alan B. Gibson
The citizens of the three fairy kingdoms clash, forced to live shoulder-to-shoulder alongside ungoverned Outliers. In Summer Cyclone, fourth book of Alan B. Gibson’s Magic at Myers Beach series, unassuming tea-shop manager Stefán tries to find love while keeping all of fairy society from fracturing.
The three fairy kings, Theos, Zsombor, and Christophe, evacuate their people to Myers Beach. It’s only here that they have any chance of recreating fairy dust after their old sources had been poisoned, and saving every fairy life. They take in the Outliers, remnants of a fallen kingdom, and at first find good will between the groups. But with thousands of fairies moving in, they have to keep everyone on a short leash or else risk humans catching wind of their new neighbors. Resentment of these strange Outliers builds.
Stefán, a close confidant to Theos, struggles to keep anti-Outlier sentiment at bay with the help of some enigmatic and knowledgeable new friends. Rumors of him giving the Outliers special treatment grow stronger as some fairies begin to suspect that he’s actually one of them.
BOOK Of LEPRECHAUNS: The Lore Gatherers By Jonathan Uffelman Ozma First Place Winner
Three leprechauns, Molly, Shaun, and Dorker, have their lives turned upside down when a sinister figure returns to their peaceful village with greed and revenge on his mind. In Jonathan Uffelman’s middle-grade fantasy, Book of Leprechauns: The Lore Gatherers, they embark on a treacherous journey to recover their lost home.
Shaun McClanahan struggles to support his daughter Molly as she fails a crucial test for young Lore Gatherers—a subculture of Leprechauns who respect the power of stories. Though he’s weighed down by his responsibilities as the protector of his village’s communal gold stash, Shaun tries to overcome his worrying nature by trusting Molly to check on the gold by herself, hopeful that she can prove her worth to the village.
But when Molly follows her father’s magical instructions to the letter, she discovers with horror that the treasure is missing, save one ancient Roman coin.
These reviews represent just a glimpse of the fantastic worlds waiting to be discovered in today’s fantasy fiction.
See the Chanticleer Difference for Yourself!
We’re so excited about all the great books we receive every year for both the CIBAs and for our Editorial Reviews. The Chanticleer International Book Awards offers an incredible $30,000 in cash, prizes, and promotion across all divisions!
This is the journey from beginning to end for the CIBAs! Every list you make means more promotion for you and your work as each advancement tier is posted right here on our website, on our social media, and also out in our newsletter! Your book deserves to be discovered.
The magic of storytelling lies in sharing your vision with the world. Whether your fantasy features dragons soaring over ancient kingdoms or witches working spells in modern cities, the Ozma Awards are your gateway to recognition and readership.
Fantasy has the power to transport readers beyond the mundane into realms of infinite possibility. Don’t let your story remain hidden in an enchanted vault—submit to the Ozma Awards today and join the ranks of celebrated fantasy authors who’ve found their audience through Chanticleer!
The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction.
1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners were announced at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony by Tim Facciola on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at the Bellingham Yacht Club in beautiful Bellingham, Wash. sponsored by the 2025 Chanticleer Authors Conference.
This is the OFFICIAL 2024 LIST of the OZMA BOOK AWARDS First Place Category Winners and the OZMA Grand Prize Winner.
Join us in congratulating the following authors and their works in the 2024 CIBAs.
Curt Locklear – Treasure and Murder In Ireland
Glen Dahlgren – The Realm of Gods
Susan Wands – High Priestess an Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series
Prue Batten – The Red Thread
S.G. Blaise – Meddling Mages
J.A. Nielsen – The Claiming
The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2024 OZMAAwards is:
Attn CIBA Winners: More goodies and prizes will be coming your way along with promotion in our magazine, website, and advertisements in Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards long-tail marketing strategy. Welcome to the CIBA Hall of Fame for Award Winners!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, for Facebook to allow us to tag an author, that author must LIKE our page and Follow Chanticleer Reviews.
A Note to ALL the WINNERS: The coveted CIBA Blue Ribbons will be mailed out starting inMay. We will contact you with an email to verify your mailing address and other items.
To ALL the WINNERS: You will receive an OFFICIAL EMAIL NOTIFICATION with Digital Badges and more information.
NOTE: We will post at least two 2024 CIBA Divisions’ OFFICIAL Winners per business day starting April 14, 2025. We do a final sweep and reconciliation prior to making the Official CIBA Posts for the 2024 First Place and Grand Prize Winners. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. There are many moving parts involved with the Chanticleer International Book Awards Program.
Thank you for participating in the 2024 CIBAs! We are looking forward to reading your future entries.
The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Magic, Steampunk and Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction. Our judges from across North America and the U.K. will put them to the test and choose the best among them.
These titles have moved forward from the 2024 OZMA Book Awards SEMI-FINALISTS to the FINALISTS. FINALISTS will be recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference, CAC25.
We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 in beautiful Bellingham, WA at the Bellingham Yacht Club sponsored by the 2025Chanticleer Authors Conference.
These titles are in the running for the FIRST PLACE AND GRAND PRIZE WINNERS of the 2024 Ozma Book Awards novel competition for Fantasy Fiction!
Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!
K.N. Salustro – A Whisper from the Edge of the World
Roxana Arama – The Exiled Queen: A Roman Era Historical Fantasy
Curt Locklear – Treasure and Murder In Ireland
Shami Stovall – Time-Marked Warlock
Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle – An Unexpected Hero
Glen Dahlgren – The Realm of Gods
Kolton Fitz-Gerald – Leon Sharp: The Scourge of Night
J.A. Nielsen – The Winter Heir (Fractured Kingdoms, Book 2)
Susan Wands – High Priestess and Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series
R. M. Krogman – Liberation
James Malone – The Song of Theodore-Return to Rainbow Gardens
Ross Hightower & Deb Heim – Desulti
Erin Lark Maples – A Circle of Stars
Evette Davis – The Others
Ryan Schuette – A Seat for the Rabble
Rae St. Clair Bridgman – Fish & Sphinx
Rae St. Clair Bridgman – The Serpent’s Spell
S.G. Blaise – Proud Pada
Prue Batten – The Red Thread
S.G. Blaise – Meddling Mages
T.E. MacArthur – A Place of Fog and Murder
Shami Stovall – Academy Arcanist
J.A. Nielsen – The Claiming (Fractured Kingdoms, Book 1)
Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.
PROMOTING OUR AUTHORS!
This post has been posted on the Chanticleer Facebook Page. We try to tag all authors listed here in the Facebook post. However, it is easier for us to tag authors when they have Liked and Followed us on Facebook.
Seating is Limited. The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Magic, Steampunk and Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Awards is a genre division of Chanticleer International Book Awards and Novel Competitions (The CIBAs).
