J.J. Hebert’s The Breaking of Time wins Gold at Readers’ Favorite

USA TODAY bestselling author J.J. Hebert’s urban fantasy novel The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth won the Gold Medal in the Fiction – Fantasy – Urban category at the 2026 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest. The recognition adds momentum to the first book in Hebert’s Chronicles of the Arvynth series and puts the title among the contest’s top winners.

Why it matters: - The Gold Medal gives The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth national visibility in the crowded urban fantasy market. - The award adds third-party recognition to the first installment in J.J. Hebert’s Chronicles of the Arvynth series. - The win could help drive attention to the book’s release on Amazon and to Hebert’s broader catalog.

What happened: - J.J. Hebert’s The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth won Gold in the Fiction – Fantasy – Urban category at the 2026 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest. - Readers’ Favorite listed the novel as the official Gold Medal winner in the 2026 competition. - The recognition was announced from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The details: - The novel follows Daniel Ward, a husband and father who can manipulate time. - Daniel freezes time to save his young son from an oncoming vehicle, exposing powers he has kept hidden. - The story brings Daniel into conflict with the Arvynth, an ancient order of immortal sorcerers tied to his past. - The book blends urban fantasy, supernatural suspense, ancient magic and family drama. - The plot centers on hidden identity, the burden of power and a father’s effort to protect his family. - Hebert said the book is “ultimately a story about family, sacrifice and what happens when the life you’ve built collides with the person you used to be.” - The Breaking of Time serves as the opening installment in the Chronicles of the Arvynth series. - The novel is available on Amazon: the book on Amazon. - Readers’ Favorite’s full 2026 award winners are posted here: the 2026 winners list.

Between the lines: - The award positions the book as both a genre title and an emotionally driven family story, which broadens its appeal beyond core fantasy readers. - The combination of time manipulation, immortal sorcerers and domestic stakes gives the series a franchise-style setup. - Hebert’s existing profile as a USA TODAY bestselling author likely gives the recognition more reach than a debut novelist would receive.

What’s next: - Readers’ Favorite recognition may help The Breaking of Time reach new readers as the series continues. - Hebert can use the win to build momentum for future Chronicles of the Arvynth releases. - More information about Hebert and his books is available at JJHebertOnline.com.