"The Essence of Adventure": £10,000 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize shortlist is announced.

The Prize celebrates the best adventure fiction of the last year, honouring Wilbur Smith’s legacy and his hunger for exceptional storytelling. Niso Smith, Founder of the Prize, said:

'This award is a celebration of these authors and their remarkable novels, but it is also for readers. A great adventure novel should spark the imagination and ignite the spirit. We invite readers to find their next favourite book here: one about facing challenges, discovering new horizons, and experiencing the thrill of the unexpected. This shortlist embodies the very essence of adventure. Congratulations to each of the authors behind these stellar works.'

The shortlisted books were selected by a team of librarians and library staff from across the UK. Submissions were open to writers of all nationalities, writing in English. Hand-picked from over 100 entries, British, American, Australian, Georgian and Nigerian authors are represented on the shortlist.

Olga Naden, Librarian at Lostock High School and Reviewer Bookish Olga, said:

‘I found this year's selection absolutely captivating. There's truly something to delight every reader on this shortlist. From gender-shaking, adrenaline-fueled high-sea adventures, to heart-pounding WWII art heists, and even deliciously dark gothic tales with gripping chases — this list has it all. Dive in and discover your next favourite read, I say!’

The six shortlisted books will now progress to the judging panel, all experts in either the fields of literature or adventure. The panel comprises Matt Barr writer, journalist and host of the Looking Sideways Action Sports podcast; Lee Craigie, former professional mountain bike racer and director of The Adventure Syndicate; Dr Alasdair Harris, a marine conservationist and National Geographic Explorer; Sarah Outen, record-breaking athlete and therapist; and Emma Styles, author and winner of the 2023 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize.

When asked what the panel will be looking for this year, Styles said:

‘I want to be hooked. I want to know what the quest is, what’s at stake for the characters. I want to feel I’m alongside them, know who they are and why I should care. I want to experience the setting with all my senses and most of all, I want the adventure between the characters to be as vivid as the physical journey. How do they help each other or get in one another’s way? How do they change each other? How will they have changed me when I get to the end of the book? I can’t wait to dive into these stories.’

One seat on the judging panel is reserved for readers. The Reader’s Vote is open now, and will remain open until 31st July, and gives everyone three votes to award, whether they go all to one or to three different titles. Readers are encouraged to dive into the shortlist, to read, share and recommend, and decide where their votes are placed. The votes will be collated and awarded the equivalent weight to one seat on the panel, giving readers a voice in determining the winner.

This year, UK-based book clubs will also be invited to shadow the judging. Six book clubs will each receive copies of one shortlisted title, which they will be asked to read, discuss and provide feedback for. Participating clubs will have the opportunity to discuss the novel with the author, and their thoughts will be shared with the judges. Libraries up and down the country will also be able to access digital and physical packs containing posters, discussion sheets, bookmarks and stickers. Both opportunities will be available via The Reading Agency website.

Readers can also download the shortlist poster and share with their library, bookshop, or book club.

Cast your vote here.

Download the artwork here.