AWARDS

Christian Hurst's debut novel, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander, has won the 2026 IPPY Gold Medal for Best First Book (Juvenile/Young Adult) at the Independent Publisher Book Awards, one of the oldest and largest honors in independent publishing.

Quantum of Light Magazine

Honors & Literary Awards

Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY)
Honor: Gold Medal – Best First Book (Juvenile / Young Adult)
Work: Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander
Year: 2026
Official Announcement: IPPY Awards 2026 Medalists
The BookFest Awards
Honor: First Place (Three Categories)
Work: Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander
Year: 2026
Official Announcement: The BookFest Honors Announcement
Readers' Favorite Book Awards
Honor: Award Winner / Finalist Recognition
Work: Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander
Year: 2026
Official Announcement: Readers' Favorite Official Listing
Indies Today Awards
Honor: Finalist
Work: Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander
Year: 2026
Official Announcement: Indies Today Awards Listing
National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA)
Honor: Finalist
Work: Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander
Year: 2026
Readers' Favorite Book Awards
Honor: Silver Medal
Work: Lily Starling and the Storm Riders
Year: 2026
Official Announcement: Readers' Favorite Official Listing
PenCraft Book Awards
Honor: Annual Winner
Work: Lily Starling and the Death Machine
Year: 2026
Official Announcement: PenCraft Award Listing