Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!
Read on to find out what Instagram post had Sacha screaming, which children's book announcement has Lizzy placing a pre-order, and what's keeping the bookish world busy chatting as per usual!
Dua Lipa Opens Library Dedicated to Banned Books
Dua Lipa has opened the Manifesto Library, a permanent collection of 100 banned, censored and challenged books inside the iconic Livraria Lello bookshop in Porto, Portugal. Created as the first physical home of her Service95 Book Club, the library celebrates books that explore themes of power, freedom and identity, with works by authors including Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie and Olga Tokarczuk.
Rebecca Yarros Fans Spiral Over Cryptic Instagram Tease
Rebecca Yarros has the Empyrean fandom spiralling after posting a cryptic Instagram caption: "Pardon my niece's face while she's reading NOT BOOK FOUR, but she just got to the part where Ridoc..." before ending the sentence there. That unfinished thought has sent readers into full detective mode, with Reddit flooded by theories and one big question on everyone's mind, including ours: WHERE RIDOC WHAAAAT!? Fans are now desperately trying to work out what the teaser could mean while counting down to the next Empyrean release.
'Careless People' Author Takes Meta to Court
Sarah Wynn-Williams, author of the bestselling memoir 'Careless People', is suing her former employer Meta in an effort to overturn the gag order that has prevented her from speaking publicly about the company or promoting her book. Wynn-Williams argues the order is unlawful, while Meta says it is enforcing the terms of a severance agreement. The case has sparked renewed debate around whistleblower protections and freedom of speech.
NZ Listener features Eight Kiwi Writers Named Ones to Watch
Eight exciting New Zealand authors have been named the 2026 New Voices of Aotearoa, an annual list celebrating the country's most promising emerging literary talent. This year's writers are Tīhema Baker, Amber Esau, Nafanua Purcell Kersel, Dr Atakohu Middleton, Zoë Rankin, Liv Sisson, Jennifer Trevelyan and Dr Madi Williams. The initiative shines a spotlight on authors making waves across fiction, poetry and non-fiction, with previous recipients seeing a significant boost in book sales after being selected.
Michael Caine's AI Voice Brings 'The Odyssey' to Life
Michael Caine has licensed an AI version of his voice to narrate a new audiobook of Homer's 'The Odyssey', created by audio company ElevenLabs. The 13-hour production combines Caine's AI voice with a full cast, music and sound effects, arriving just weeks before Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film adaptation hits cinemas. The release is also reigniting conversations about the growing role of AI in publishing and entertainment.
Ann Patchett Receives Prestigious Library of Congress Honour
Bestselling author Ann Patchett has been named the 2026 recipient of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, recognising her outstanding contribution to American literature. Best known for novels including 'Bel Canto', 'The Dutch House' and 'Commonwealth', Patchett will receive the award at the Library of Congress National Book Festival this August. It's another well-deserved honour for one of the most celebrated authors writing today.
More Than 250 Publishers Back New AI Licensing Scheme
More than 250 UK publishers have signed up to a new collective AI licensing scheme designed to ensure publishers are paid when their content is used by AI companies. The voluntary initiative aims to give publishers of all sizes a legal way to license their work for AI training while protecting copyright and creating new revenue opportunities as the publishing industry continues to navigate the rapid growth of generative AI.
Agatha Christie's Classic Mystery Is Getting a Manga
One of the world's best-selling mysteries is being reimagined as an official manga. Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' has been adapted by Japanese artist Aya Nikaido, bringing the iconic locked-room mystery to life in a striking new format. The first English-language volume will be released later this year, introducing Christie's unforgettable story to a whole new generation of readers.
Debut Novel Wins Prestigious Carnegie Medal
Debut author Beth O'Brien has won the 2026 Carnegie Medal for Writing for her novel 'Wolf Siren', a feminist retelling of 'Little Red Riding Hood'. Inspired by O'Brien's own experience of living with a visual impairment, the novel was praised for its fresh storytelling, powerful themes and richly layered symbolism. O'Brien also took home the Shadowers' Choice Award, making it a standout double win for her very first novel.
First Look at the Cover for the New 'Red, White & Royal Blue' Novella
Fans of Casey McQuiston's beloved romance have another reason to celebrate. Red, White & Royal Blue: The Private Correspondence is a brand new novella told through handwritten letters, postcards and journal entries from Alex and Henry, following their relationship over the next 20 years. The newly revealed cover has readers counting down to its release, with the story promising an intimate look at the couple's future together.
Beloved Japanese Crime Series Heads to English Readers
One of Japan's bestselling mystery series is finally coming to English-speaking readers. MacLehose Press has won a competitive nine-way auction for four novels in Jiro Akagawa's much-loved 'Mikeneko Holmes' series, which follows Detective Yoshitato Katayama and his crime-solving calico cat. The first book, 'A Game of Cat and Killer', is set to be published in September 2026, bringing the hugely popular series to a whole new audience.
Cover Revealed for Lucy Score's Next Riley Thorn Mystery
Lucy Score has unveiled the cover for the next Riley Thorn novel, giving fans their first look at the festive new mystery. The Christmas-themed story sees reluctant psychic Riley Thorn and private investigator Nick Santiago tackling an undercover case, with Score promising plenty of laughs, romance and a long-awaited payoff for longtime readers.
Brandon Sanderson’s upcoming Novel gets a cover reveal!
TOR announced that the final cover for the new standalone fantasy in the epic Cosmere universe was confirmed last week. The cover for 'The Fires of December is', quite simply, stunning, and excitement for this new project which is being released in December continues to grow.
Author of Hooked and Butter is bringing out a Children’s Book!
Scheduled for release in September this year, Asako Yuzuki, the best selling author behind both Butter and Hooked, is bringing us the magical children’s book of our Studio Gibhli loving dreams. Mari the Unwonderful Witch is about an 11 year old with who loves using her powers for conjuring up treats.
That's all for this book briefing! For more bookish news, new releases, staff picks and plenty more from all the team at Book Hero, follow us on Instagram at @bookheronz and check back here on our blog as we post regularly!
