PRESS: Shortlist Revealed, 2026 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize
Image © The Book Photographer
The six novels shortlisted for the £10,000 2026 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize are:
The Tarot Reader of Versailles by Anya Bergman (Manilla Press, Bonnier Books UK)
Boudicca's Daughter by Elodie Harper (Head of Zeus, Bloomsbury)
Esperance by Adam Oyebanji (Arcadia, Quercus Editions, Hachette)
The Fertile Earth by Ruthvika Rao (Oneworld Publications)
White Road by Harry Whitehead (Claret Press)
Poor Girls by Clare Whitfield (Head of Zeus, Bloomsbury)
This shortlist was selected by a panel of 35 dedicated librarians and library staff from across the UK, reflecting the our continued commitment to being reader-led.
Niso Smith, Founder of the Prize, said:
“Our Librarians and library staff are widely read, passionate about new books and understand well the power of a recommendation to suit every reader’s taste. We trust their judgement implicitly and are thrilled with the outstanding shortlist they have chosen.”
She continued: “Grounded in the page-turning storytelling that defines adventure writing, it’s exciting to see novels on this shortlist that take readers on important journeys, from exploring the historical legacy of the Atlantic slave trade to the generational changes of rural India, and bring present-day discussions such as the climate crisis to the forefront.
These novels show how adventure can be personal or political, historical or speculative, intimate or epic, but always transportive. We hope readers around the world will discover new perspectives and ideas through these books. Our heartfelt congratulations to all six authors.”
The shortlisted books are now in the hands of our judging panel, all experts in adventure or storytelling. When asked what she will be looking for, Judge Captain Preet Chandi, MBE, record-breaking army officer and Polar Explorer said:
“I’m excited by the opportunity to champion stories that might genuinely shape how readers see themselves and the world. Being part of a process that helps elevate thoughtful, imaginative, and courageous storytelling feels like a real privilege. I’m hoping to see stories that are bold, not just in plot, but in perspective. Stories that take risks, invite empathy, and stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Above all, I’d love to see books that make readers feel a little braver, more curious, or more open to the unknown.”
The full panel of judges is Josh Adeyemi, outdoor influencer, content creator & Founder of Black Scottish Adventurers; Alex Bescoby, filmmaker, author and broadcaster; Costanza Casati, author and winner of the 2025 Adventure Writing Prize; Captain Preet Chandi MBE, record-breaking army officer and Polar Explorer; and Tamsin Collison, audio director and producer. Over the summer, readers will be invited to cast three online votes which, collated, will represent one seat on the judging panel.
In this tenth anniversary year, we have now moved to working with books from the point they’re published in paperback. Following research and feedback focused on impact and accessibility, the we believe that our mission to connect the best adventure novels of today with new readers can be best achieved at this point in a book’s life and we're excited to see what impact this may have.
How can you get involved?
We are offering 100 libraries and 100 bookshops across the UK, free point-of-sale materials asking them to ‘put adventure front and centre’ throughout the summer, when the appetite for it is at its highest. Digital materials are also available for use on social media and website.
Libraries can order a pack here.
Bookshops can sign up here.
And, in partnership with The Reading Agency, we are once again opening a shadowing opportunity for twelve UK-based book clubs to shadow the judging process. Participation is free but your book club needs to be registered on The Reading Agency's Book Club Hub to apply before the deadline of midday, Monday 8th June.
Book clubs can find the details here.
We hope you enjoy the six incredible titles and join us to read, share and recommend them.
The winner of the £10,000 award will be announced on 17th September 2026 at a private ceremony held in London, UK. The winners of the New Voices award for aspiring writers and Author of Tomorrow short story award for writers aged 21 years and under, will also be revealed.