Judging & the Panel

Before the shortlist of books reaches our expert judging panel, they are carefully assessed by a panel of librarians and library staff. Working to strict guidelines of what constitutes an adventure story, the panel decide which of the novels entered should be put forward for the longlist and then shortlist.

Once a novel reaches the shortlist, copies are distributed to our judges. Each year, we invite professionals from the literary and adventure worlds to join us.

The 2026 panel will be announced in the coming weeks.

You

One chair is reserved for you, the reader. Adventure is a genre beloved by many, but it only truly comes alive when someone picks up the book and steps into the story. Readers are at the heart of everything we do. After all, as Samuel Johnson said, “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”

You will have three votes to award and whether you want to share them between titles or award them all to one is your choice. The votes will be collated and together, will be awarded the equivalent weight to one seat on the judging panel.