Silver Spring author Morgan Cole has been recognized in the Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest for the book “Children of Jade“.
The book scored the Silver Medal in the Fiction – Fantasy – Epic category.
According to a press release, Readers’ Favorite receives thousands of entries from all over the world, allowing them to organize the contest into 140+ genres. Each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against others in the same genre. The submissions come from independent authors, small publishers, and major publishing companies like Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster. The contestants range from first-time, self-published authors to established bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and Daniel Silva.
“Children of Jade” is the third book in a trilogy. The first book, “Marilia, the Warlord”, was released in early 2020 and has sold thousands of copies, receiving over 500 reader reviews.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cole authored the book while residing at The Blairs apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring.
“This recognition is not only a huge honor for me, but also shines a spotlight on the literary community within Silver Spring, and might hope to motivate and inspire other local authors and readers alike,” Cole said in an email to the Source.
Demetria Head, in the review for Readers’ Favorite, describes “Children of Jade” as a poignant and emotionally charged story that explores human suffering and resilience in the midst of war and political intrigue:
Set in a world teetering on the brink of chaos, a powerful tale of loss, betrayal, and the unwavering pursuit of justice is weaved. From the very first lines, the reader is plunged into the life of the protagonist, Marilia Sandara, whose world has been torn apart by war’s violent and tragic events. Her longing for revenge against her enemies and herself is palpable and heart-wrenching as she grapples with the weight of her past decisions and their devastating consequences.
Morgan Cole masterfully tackles themes of war, power, and the destructive nature of humanity. The characters’ complexities, particularly Governor Victoria Ildoran and the Graver, add depth to the narrative, questioning the nature of good and evil and exploring the blurred lines between righteousness and cruelty. The vivid and evocative descriptions of the setting, from the stunning landscapes to the claustrophobic confinement, create a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop that heightens the story’s emotional impact. It is poetic and gripping, drawing readers into Marilia’s internal struggles and battles. The narrative’s vivid descriptions and raw emotional intensity make it impossible to look away, captivating readers until the very last page. Children of Jade is a masterfully written and emotionally charged story that explores the depths of human suffering, resilience, and the quest for justice in the face of impossible odds.
Morgan Cole’s books are available at Loyalty Books in Silver Spring and People’s Book in Takoma Park, as well as online at MorganColeWriting.com.
Graphic Courtesy of Morgan Cole