Mary Ann Bernal's Anarose And Medusa's Curse Honored As Distinguished Favorite By Independent Press Award

(MENAFN- GetNews)

Action-adventure novella earns national recognition for excellence in independent publishing

Omaha, NE - AnaRose and Medusa's Curse by Mary Ann Bernal has been named a Distinguished Favorite in the Novella category by the Independent Press Award (IPA), one of the most respected global award programs for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators. The IPA recognizes outstanding literary works based on overall excellence, with winners selected by a panel of industry professionals, including publishers, editors, writers, designers, and copywriters.

About the Book

Genre: Action & Adventure Thriller

A Legendary Pendant. A Forgotten Curse. A Race Against Time.

When relic hunter Miles Bordel calls AnaRose Preston for help, she knows danger is close behind. A nationalist cult determined to restore ancient Greece to its former glory is hunting the Medusa pendant - a powerful artifact said to turn anyone who meets its cursed gaze to stone.

AnaRose and Miles manage to locate the pendant, but it is stolen before they can secure it. Now the cult is after its missing ruby eyes, hidden along the Aegean coast. From sunken ruins to mountaintop shrines, AnaRose must follow a trail of clues, evade assassins, and stop a plan that could transform ancient superstition into modern terror. The danger is real - and the curse may be too.

About the Independent Press Award

The 2026 Independent Press Award drew thousands of entries from authors and publishers across more than ten countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The competition highlights the creativity and innovation of today's independent publishing community.

“The 2026 Independent Press Award recipients reflect the incredible momentum within the independent sector,” said Gabrielle Olczak, IPA President.“Independent voices are leading the way in literary innovation and setting new benchmarks for excellence.”

For more details about the Independent Press Award, visit independentpressaward. To see this year's winners and Distinguished Favorites:

• 2026 WINNERS

• 2026 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITES

The Independent Press Award is announced each spring and is open to independent authors and publishers. The fall NYC Big Book Award accepts submissions from all authors and publishers, including the Big Five.

Join the Awards Dinner on April 24, 2026, and the BookCAMP event April 24–26, 2026.

About Whispering Legends Press

Whispering Legends Press is an independent publishing company focused on compelling, story-driven fiction. More information is available at .

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