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We’re very happy to share the news that Adam Oyebanji‘s ESPERANCE has been Shortlisted for the 2026 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize! As explained by Niso Smith, founder of the Wilbur & Smith Foundation, the shortlisted 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.’
ESPERANCE is out now, published in the UK by Arcadia Books. Here’s the synopsis…
An impossible death: Detective Ethan Krol has been called to the scene of a baffling murder: a man and his son, who appear to have been drowned in sea-water. But the nearest ocean is a thousand miles away.
An improbable story: Hollie Rogers doesn’t want to ask too many questions of her new friend, Abi Eniola. Abi claims to be an ordinary woman from Nigeria, but her high-tech gadgets and extraordinary physical abilities suggest she’s not telling the whole truth.
An incredible quest: As Ethan’s investigation begins to point towards Abi, Hollie’s fears mount. For Abi is very much not who she seems. And it won’t be long before Ethan and Hollie find themselves playing a part in a story that spans cultures, continents… and centuries.
Here are just a few of the many great reviews the novel has received so far…
‘A fast-paced, superbly plotted blend of mystery and science fiction.’ — Guardian
‘This mixture of mystery, SF, and historical fiction is highly recommended for readers who love intricately blended genre stories that ask big questions. Those who fell hard for Rivers Solomon’s The Deep or Leslye Penelope’s Daughter of the Merciful Deep will find a kindred story here.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)
‘This excellent sf-thriller opens with Ethan Krol looking at three beings on the floor of his twentieth-floor Chicago apartment: a man, his son, and a barracuda … Fans of Charles Stross’ near-future police procedurals will be drawn to this one.’ — Booklist (Starred Review)
‘Oyebanji dextrously blends genres in this suspenseful sci-fi mystery … yielding a satisfying, if grim, solution. Rob Hart and Blake Crouch fans should check this out.’ — Publishers Weekly
‘Oyebanji utilizes lots of suspense, thrills, humor, cryptic allusions to ancient deeds, and moral debates to propel his plot. The result is a very satisfying read on all levels.’ — Locus (Paul Di Filippo)
Zeno represents Adam Oyebanji in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.