I am proud to announce that Inheritance of Silence has been named a Finalist in Contemporary Fiction in the 2026 Storytrade Book Awards.

This recognition marks another exciting milestone for Inheritance of Silence and its continuing journey since publication. Seeing this story recognized within Contemporary Fiction is especially meaningful because of everything the novel explores—grief, identity, resilience, relationships, healing, and the complicated realities of moving forward from the things we carry.

Every award recognition represents another opportunity for this story to reach new readers, and I remain incredibly grateful to everyone who has read, reviewed, recommended, and supported Inheritance of Silence.

Thank you to the Storytrade Book Awards for this recognition and congratulations to the other 2026 finalists.

Another milestone. Another reason to keep writing.

John Erik Dunnam

Author of Inheritance of Silence