Published in paperback in February by Manilla Press, Bonnier Books UK and inspired by the astonishing true story of Marie-Anne Adelaide Lenormand, The Tarot Reader Of Versailles is a sweeping, powerful novel where allegiances, betrayals and even fate itself can be forged or broken by the turn of a card . . .

The Prize longlist comprises American, British, British-Nigerian, Irish, Indian, and Malaysian authors, and includes three debut novels as well as recognition for three independent presses and was curated by a panel of UK librarians and library workers.  All housing adventure within their pages, the books reflect the many places adventure can be found, spanning historical fiction to contemporary fiction, alongside crime, science fiction, eco-thriller, and, for the first time in the Prize’s history, horror.

The Prize now only accepts titles from the point they are published in paperback. In doing so, the Prize’s ethos of ‘An Adventure for Everyone’, extends beyond the content of the novels. The belief that paperback books are better accessible and affordable for readers, both library-users and the book-buying public, guided the decision, which has been substantiated by a 48% increase in entries since 2025.

Melissa Ames, Assistant Library Manager at Inspire Mansfield Central Library, and Prize panellist, said, “The exciting and welcome shift to books released in paperback within the past year gives library services greater buying power, enabling them to fully support the Prize and ensure that both physical and digital editions of shortlisted titles reach as many readers as possible. Once again, the longlist reflects the Foundation’s commitment to championing adventure writing for everyone. These titles promise immersive journeys across both geography and time. Readers will travel from ancient Thebes to present‑day Chicago, via 19th‑century Nigeria, 1920s London and post‑independence India. Along the way, there is the opportunity to relive the joy of childhood reading through a choose‑your‑own adventure; to consider how you would face an imminent nuclear attack; to delve into the world of a secret society sworn to protect magical artefacts; and to explore the aftermath of Boudicca’s failed rebellion against Rome via her eldest daughter. Prepare to lose yourself in this exceptional longlist, and discover your own kind of adventure within the pages.”

Niso Smith, Prize Founder, said, “It feels fortuitous to be celebrating a decade of adventure fiction in the National Year of Reading. Adventure stories are a gateway into reading for both children and adults, but they can also offer devoted readers something new - such as this expansive longlist does! Wilbur Smith shared over 60 years of his adventures with the world and now, we’re proudly working with readers to celebrate and support the contemporary writers who are redefining the genre. The focus on paperback will allow us to bring adventure stories to even more readers, and to do so with such accomplished books is incredibly exciting. Congratulations to each of the authors!”

A shortlist will be announced on 28th May, and the winning book will be selected by a panel of judges whose combined experience straddles adventure and storytelling, before being revealed on 17th September at the Prize’s awards reception at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, London.