ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE UNVEILS “TRANSPORTIVE” SHORTLIST IN LANDMARK TENTH YEAR
28 MAY 2026
LONDON, UK, THURSDAY 28TH MAY, 2026 – Six novels are shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, now in its tenth year. The six authors are in the running to receive the £10,000 award to mark their success. The shortlisted titles 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)
British, Indian and Irish authors are represented on this year’s shortlist, including one debut novelist. Submissions were open to writers of all nationalities, writing in English.
The shortlist was selected by a panel of 35 dedicated librarians and library staff from across the UK, reflecting the Prize’s 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 the 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. Readers will also be invited to cast three online votes which, collated, will represent one seat on the judging panel.
In this tenth anniversary year, the Prize has moved to working with books from the point they’re published in paperback. Following research and feedback focused on impact and accessibility, the Prize team believe that their mission to connect the best adventure novels of today with new readers can be best achieved at this point in a book’s life.
The Prize is offering free point-of-sale materials to bookshops across the UK, asking them to ‘Put adventure front and centre’ throughout the summer, when the appetite for it is at its highest. In partnership with The Reading Agency, the Prize works with UK-based book clubs who shadow the judging process and invites 100 libraries nationwide to access physical and digital packs to support them to bring these books to their communities.
Alongside celebrating ten years of the Prize, 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.
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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION: The Prize is awarded by The Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation, a charity established in 2015 by the late bestselling author Wilbur Smith and his wife, Niso. The Foundation empowers writers, promotes literacy and advances adventure writing as a genre, working to uplift, inspire and educate writers and readers of all ages across the world.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR: All downloads and more information on each title will be available on the Foundation website, here, from 8am on 28th May 2026.
UK Booksellers can request materials here: https://forms.gle/W3x6cFFHv5mDoM5k8
UK-based Book Clubs can apply to shadow the shortlist here: https://bookclubhub.co.uk/noticeboard/19543
Libraries can request POS packs here: https://shop.readingagency.org.uk/
Contact: Charlotte Maddox | Prize Manager charlotte@wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org | 07792 614652 i: @adventurewritingprize | f: @WNSmithFoundation | x: @Wilbur_Niso_Fdn www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org