Shortlist Revealed – Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize

2026 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize

Just yesterday, the 2026 Adventure Writing Prize shortlist was announced – and what a list it is!

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)

The Wilbur Prize team say

“We always say the desire for adventure is at its highest over the summer and these six books are guaranteed to transport you! All you have to do is choose where to go.”

Looking at the six, we’re so proud of what the Prize has delivered over the first ten years – bringing a contemporary idea of adventure to today’s readers. One of our judges for this year, Captain Preet Chandi, MBE, said:

“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.”

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.

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.

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