The Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation have announced the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing, Best Published Novel award, shortlist for 2025.
American, British, Filipina and Jamaican authors are represented on this year’s shortlist. Hand-selected by a panel of librarians and library staff from the UK, the titles were nominated for their bold ideas, ability to transport a reader, and irresistible power to make us turn the next page. Submissions were open to writers of all nationalities, writing in English.
The shortlist
- Babylonia by Costanza Casati
- Sycorax by Nydia Hetherington
- Redemption by Jack Jordan
- A House for Miss Pauline by Diana McCaulay
- Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
- Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
The winner for Best Published Novel award will be revealed in the autumn at a private ceremony in London, UK. Also being celebrated will be the New Voices award for aspiring writers and the Author of Tomorrow award for writers aged 21 years and under who have completed a short piece of adventure writing.
The judges
The six shortlisted novels are now in the hands of the judging panel, all literary or adventure experts. This year’s panel comprises Nathan Gray, former high-risk test pilot and one of Britain’s most decorated military aviators; Keme Nzerem, journalist, filmmaker and co-founder of Opening Up The Outdoors; Francesca de Tores, author, academic and winner of the 2024 Adventure Writing Prize; and Corinne Turner, literary IP consultant and former Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications.
When asked what she would be looking for, Francesca de Tores said:
‘I’m excited to read the shortlisted novels. I’ll be looking for books in which the adventure is not just in the subject matter but also in the language – vibrant novels that dare to take risks, and to expand our understanding of what adventure writing can be.’
The Prize also celebrates readers, providing a programme of activity for them to participate in. An online ‘Readers’ Vote’ will take place over the summer, allowing the public to award three votes to one, two or three different titles. Votes will be collated and combined, will represent an additional seat on the panel, ensuring reader opinion plays a role in deciding the winner.
Get Involved
This year, UK-based book clubs will also be invited to shadow the judging. Twelve 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. Apply today.
If you work in a library or workplace and would like to promote the prize, you can download a free digital pack from our shop.
What do you think of the 2025 shortlisted titles? Which have you read and what will be added to your TBR pile? Add your comments below, or click any title above to leave a review.
Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, X and Instagram using #AdventureWritingPrize.
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