Awards & Reviews
Recognition for Zach’s Quest and Dawn of Legends.
Zach’s Quest: A Tale for Christmas
- Mom’s Choice Award — 2023
- Book of the Year Award — Creative Child Magazine
- Zoom Into Books Author
- Runner-Up — London Book Festival, Best Young Adult
- Runner-Up — Southern California Book Festival, Best Children’s Book
- Five-Star Review — Readers’ Favorite, reviewed by Jack Magnus
“Zach’s Quest is destined to be a classic and a favorite not only for young readers but for parents and caregivers who’ll appreciate the dynamic tension, action, and adventure found within the pages of this deceptively slim volume.”
— Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite
Magnus also praised the book’s fantasy influences, noting that Matt and Melanie Dragovits combine elements of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit with a touch of James Bond-style adventure, and highlighted illustrators J.J. Varabkanich and Irma Torre’s “dramatic and feature-rich” artwork.
“Zach’s Quest: A Tale for Christmas is most highly recommended.”
— Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite
Dawn of Legends
- Mom’s Choice Award
- Winner — San Francisco Book Festival
- Winner — Beach Book Festival
- Hollywood Book Festival Award
- Runner-Up — Paris Book Festival
- Runner-Up — Los Angeles Book Festival
- Runner-Up — London Book Festival
- Five-Star Review — Readers’ Favorite, reviewed by Pikasho Deka
“A fascinating epic adventure tale highlighting the importance of hope, friendship, resilience, and faith.”
— Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite
Deka praised Matt Dragovits for creating a magical world that “sparks your imagination and leaves you with wonder and awe,” highlighting the book’s fast-paced narrative, unexpected plot twists, memorable characters, and positive message about the unique strengths every individual can contribute to the world. He also praised J.J. Varabkanich’s illustrations for enhancing the reading experience.
“I absolutely loved the Santa reveal and thoroughly enjoyed the book overall.”
— Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite
What Reviewers & Christmas Experts Are Saying
“Matt’s book channels the heart and warmth seen in the Rankin/Bass Productions’ Christmas specials and films. In our ever-changing world, Christmas stories like these are welcomed by parents and children everywhere!”
— Rick Goldschmidt, Official Rankin/Bass Productions Historian & Biographer
“This imaginative novel will appeal to young readers, who enjoy adventure, fantastic surroundings, and mysterious beings, with a joyous Christmas message to boot!”
— The Children’s Book Review
“Great adventure with a solid Christian message!”
— Santa Claus, SantaClausNorthPoleAlaska.com
Together, these awards, festival honors, and professional reviews show that Zach’s Quest and Dawn of Legends have been recognized for more than simply being Christmas stories — for their fantasy adventure, imaginative world-building, memorable characters, family-friendly storytelling, and meaningful Christmas themes, from organizations and festivals across the United States and internationally.
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