The Aziola’s Cry Wins Gold in Historical Fiction at 2025 IBPA Book Awards
History Through Fiction is proud to announce that The Aziola’s Cry: A Novel of the Shelleys by Ezra Harker Shaw has received the Gold Award for Historical Fiction at the 2025 Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Book Awards—one of the most esteemed national honors in independent publishing.
Written with poetic depth and historical precision, The Aziola’s Cry explores the passionate, turbulent lives of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Bysshe Shelley. From their defiance of societal norms to their creative collaboration and devastating losses, Shaw brings to life a radical love story that helped shape literary history.
Dr. Ezra Harker Shaw, a non-binary Scottish writer based in London, was inspired to write the novel while earning their PhD on the collaborative writings of the Shelleys. In addition to their fiction, Shaw is a celebrated performance poet, playwright, educator, and host of the Meliorist Writes podcast.
“This award is a tremendous honor for Ezra and a reflection of the level of excellence we strive for at History Through Fiction,” said publisher Colin Mustful. “Their novel exemplifies the depth, emotion, and rigorous research we believe define powerful historical fiction.”
Adding to this recognition, The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg—released in October 2024—earned the Silver Award for Fiction Cover Design. Based on the remarkable true story of an 18th-century sea captain and a rhinoceros named Clara, Forsberg’s dual-timeline novel captures the wonder and danger of a world confronting the unknown.
Together, these honors underscore History Through Fiction’s commitment to publishing meticulously researched, emotionally resonant narratives that uncover hidden histories and give voice to overlooked perspectives.
The awards were presented during the IBPA Publishing University conference and gala, where winners across more than 50 categories were announced before a national audience of publishing professionals.
About the IBPA Book Awards
Established in 1985, the IBPA Book Awards recognize editorial and design excellence in independent publishing. Administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association, the awards are judged by over 170 professionals from across the book industry.
About History Through Fiction
Founded in 2019, History Through Fiction is an independent press dedicated to character-driven historical novels grounded in deep research and literary quality. We champion stories that illuminate the past in innovative, resonant ways.
