College Station, TX - February 16, 2026 - Beneath The Rings, the award-winning debut novel by author and journalist Joe Battaglia, has received its fifth major literary honor, further cementing its status as one of the most compelling thriller releases in recent years. The novel was most recently named Winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards for Outstanding Literary Achievement in Mystery/Thriller and Suspense & Action, joining a growing list of prestigious accolades.
Published on October 2, 2025, Beneath The Rings has quickly gained attention for its gripping narrative, investigative depth, and near-future setting against the backdrop of the 2040 Summer Olympics in Doha, Qatar. The novel follows veteran sports journalist Nova Mendelsohn as she uncovers a global conspiracy involving vanished athletes, terrorism, and institutional silence beneath the world’s most celebrated sporting event.
“Receiving this level of recognition for a debut novel is incredibly meaningful,” said Joe Battaglia, author of Beneath The Rings. “This story was born from decades spent in sports journalism, witnessing both the triumphs and the darker realities that often go unseen. I wanted to explore what happens when truth itself becomes dangerous.”
In addition to the International Impact Book Award win, Beneath The Rings has been recognized as a Finalist in the 2025 American Writing Awards (Fiction – Thriller/Adventure), a Gold Medal Winner in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Book Awards for Adult Fiction, a Finalist in the 2025 Literary Global Book Awards for Fiction-Thriller, and a Literary Titan gold book award. As of this writing, the novel has a total of five awards. It also earned strong reader praise, amassing 77 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Critics have praised the novel’s pacing, scope, and literary ambition. Literary Titan, a collective of professional writers, editors, and academics, highlighted the book’s relentless momentum and execution, writing, “Momentum never lags. Once the plot kicks into gear, it drives forward with remarkable speed… Putting the book down becomes a challenge.” The review further described Beneath The Rings as “a high-stakes thriller with international scope and literary ambition,” underscoring its blend of suspense-driven storytelling and thoughtful thematic depth.
Battaglia’s background as an Emmy Award-winning producer for NBC Olympics brings authenticity and urgency to the narrative, blurring the line between fiction and real-world investigation.
As Beneath The Rings continues to gain momentum, the novel is positioning itself as a standout title in Olympic-inspired, high-stakes adventure fiction.
Readers interested in learning more about the mind behind Beneath The Rings are encouraged to explore Joe Battaglia’s work, discover the story’s origins, and experience the novel firsthand. Visitors can browse the book, learn more about the author’s award-winning journalism career, and purchase copies directly at https://booksbybattaglia.com, where Battaglia shares updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes context about the story.
Beneath The Rings is also available for purchase on Amazon, inviting readers into a high-stakes world of mystery, suspense, and investigative courage set against the global spectacle of the Olympic Games. To stay connected, follow Joe Battaglia / Beneath The Rings on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (joe-battaglia75), and TikTok (@joe.battaglia1), where readers can engage with exclusive content, announcements, and ongoing conversations surrounding the novel.
About Beneath The Rings
Beneath The Rings is an award-winning thriller brand built around the acclaimed debut novel by author and journalist Joe Battaglia. Set against the high-stakes world of the Olympic Games, the story blends investigative journalism, mystery, suspense, and action to expose the hidden forces operating behind global spectacle. Known for its richly developed characters, near-future setting, and unflinching exploration of power, corruption, and truth, Beneath The Rings has earned international recognition from major literary awards and widespread reader acclaim, establishing the brand as a compelling voice in modern thriller fiction.
About Joe Battaglia
Joe Battaglia is an award-winning journalist, writer, and producer whose career spans more than three decades in sports media and storytelling. A two-time Sports Emmy Award winner, Battaglia has been recognized by the International Sports Press Association and the Track & Field Writers of America for his compelling, in-depth reporting. His debut novel, Beneath The Rings, draws on his extensive experience covering global sporting events, including the Olympic Games, to deliver a high-stakes thriller rooted in authenticity and investigative insight. Battaglia’s work is known for blending realism, suspense, and character-driven narratives.
Media Contact
Company Name: Beneath the Rings
Contact Person: Joe Battaglia
Email: Send Email
Phone: 201-463-1317
Country: United States
Website: https://booksbybattaglia.com
