Kilpack's Sci-Fi Novella Pale Face Named Finalist in Literary Global Book Awards

West Jordan, Uta. — Pale Face by award-winning Utah author W.D. Kilpack III is one of five finalists in the Literary Global Book Awards in the Novella category.

The annual awards celebrate excellence, originality, and impact in contemporary publishing around the world. This year's competition attracted submissions from independent authors, small presses, and established publishers, highlighting the strength and diversity of today's global literary community.

Pale Face was runner-up to Camp Sunshine: A Thrilling Domestic Novella by Canadian author Heather S. Chauvin of Ontario. According to the Web site, "What stands out every year is the range of voices. You see bold debuts, deeply personal stories, and books that take real risks. That's what makes this competition special. An award is a great moment — but it shouldn't be the end of the road," said the Director. "Our goal is to help authors use that momentum in meaningful ways, whether that's through reviews, promotion, or simply helping the right readers discover their work."

Kilpack said, "I never know what to expect in novella categories, because they don't specify genres. So I was very pleasantly surprised to hear that Pale Face finished right behind the category winner!"

Other finalists in the novella category included

• Searching for Platinum Chocolate – A Platinum Chocolate Romance Sequel to Caramel and Steel by Long Temple of New York City
• The Contessa's Triumph by Nora D'Ecclesis of Philadelphia
• The Atonement (Her Sky Was Never Blue) by Ashwani Pratap of Delhi, India

Kilpack has published eight novels to date, five in the epic fantasy New Blood Saga (Crown Prince, Order of Light, Demon Seed, Rilari and Vengeance Borne), and the first two of the dystopian military science-fiction trilogy, the Battle Calm Cycle, Battle Calm and Battle Calm: Omega Message. Between them, they have won 47 book awards and honors, including the Ultimate Championship Trophy and Super Champion Medal from the Outstanding Creator Awards, International Impact Book Award, International Firebird Book Award, The BookFest Award, Honorable Mention in L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future, Editor's Choice and Top Pick from BooksShelf.com, and runner-up finishes in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category of the Online Book Club's Book of the Year Competition. Pale Face is currently in movie development. Book six of the New Blood Saga, Usurper's Might, is coming soon.

According to Sinister Soup podcast co-founder, Clay Vermulm, "Bill [Kilpack] is a wonderful man who works extremely hard on his craft. Kilpack delivers a stunning blow to the belief that Indie-Fantasy is worth any less that its salt [with] well-crafted epic[s] with unique plot mechanisms, well-developed and believable characters, and a world grounded in the visceral and the real."

Reviews of Pale Face

• Pale Face is "pretty darned good. I like it. I love how [Hector] sees the aliens and the white men in the same light. A nice, brutal, ironic twist ... this is good stuff." — Dave Wolverton, International Best-Selling Author
• "The characters [in Pale Face] are relatable and the mystery is compelling. It is a magnificent little book! I had a great time reading it. I recommend you go buy it immediately and have a good read!" — Nicolas Lemieux, author of Seven Drifts
• 5/5 Stars — Pale Face is "a thought-provoking blend of science fiction, mysticism, and deep character study. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the repercussions of the unknown. The book is notable for its vivid character portrayal and rich descriptive writing, with some reviewers highlighting Kilpack's ability to intertwine Navajo mysticism and metaphysical intrigue.The plot combines fast-paced sci-fi elements with deeper reflections on race, culture, and alienation. Fans of suspense, conspiracy thrillers, and character-driven stories will find much to enjoy in this novella. Kilpack's writing is original and possesses emotional depth. Pale Face is an immersive read that offers both entertainment and substance." — Jasveer Singh Dangi, author of The Hunter Genesis
• 5/5 Stars — Pale Face is "absolutely fascinating! The book gives whole new meaning to the phrase 'pale face.' Pale Face is, in part, sci-fi. But I found it to be so much more. It's a deep-diving character study of Hector that borders on Navajo mysticism. Kilpack's writing style was mesmerizing in the depth to which he presented Hector." — Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch
• 5/5 Stars — Pale Face is "a clever story! Well written ... juicy lines such as – 'he turned his attention upward toward the stars. It was cool, the breeze barely rustling the sparse grass, but still managing to carry along the aromatic scent of sage.' Loved the settings, well crafted characters, nicely plotted. Leaned on the metaphysical to add intrigue. A lot of research went into this story. Enjoyed the originality!" — Vine Voice, Amazon.com
• 5/5 Stars — Pale Face is a "masterful blending of fiction with historical and contemporary issues. Vivid characters and scenes play out in this intriguing and suspenseful story. Multiple characters come to life and evoke sympathy, empathy, admiration and disdain as we come to know them. Interracial, social and quasi legal issues are intertwined. Overall a suspenseful, perfectly paced, thought provoking story you will not want to put down until the end, which will catch you off guard." — Will Davis, author of Artificial Intelligence
• 5/5 Stars — "Pale Face pulled me in immediately. I loved the descriptive writing and the original plot. Hector grew up on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, where UFO sitings are common, although not readily believed. But his experience changes his life in ways one wouldn't imagine. I enjoyed the fast pace and believable struggle as he deals with trying to make sense of his life-changing experience. Close encounters of an original kind!" — V.J. Garske, author of The Raven Moonstone
• 5/5 Stars — Pale Face is "a fast-paced combo of sci-fi, intrigue, mysticism, conspiracy thriller, and inevitable romance. The author's writing is addictive and richly layered. Highly recommended!" — Jack King, author of Beyond Blood

About Kilpack

Kilpack is an award-winning and critically acclaimed science-fiction and fantasy author, with works appearing in print, online, radio and television. He has been editor and/or publisher of 23 news and literary publications, both online and in print, with circulations as high as 770,000. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Westminster University. As an undergrad, he double-majored in communication and philosophy, while completing the Honors Program. As a graduate student, he earned a master of professional communication with a writing emphasis. He was also a high-performing athlete, qualifying for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling. For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He is an accomplished cook and has cooked nearly every type of food on a grill. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he continues to live, consult and educate. For more information go to www.Kilpack.net.

About Literary Global

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