Welcome to The Book Briefing, your weekly wrap-up of everything happening in the book world. From major announcements and cover reveals to new releases, literary news, and the moments everyone’s talking about, this is where you’ll find it all in one place. If it’s trending in books, it’s probably in here.
Major publishers sue Meta over AI training copyright claims
Five major publishers, Hachette, Macmillan, McGraw Hill, Elsevier and Cengage, alongside bestselling author Scott Turow, are suing Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg over claims the company illegally used millions of copyrighted books and journal articles to train its AI model, Llama. The lawsuit alleges Meta relied on pirated material sourced through sites linked to LibGen and Sci-Hub, and even claims Zuckerberg personally approved the infringement. Meta has not yet responded publicly.
Indie bookstores are having a comeback era (yay us!)
Independent bookstores are officially fighting back against Amazon, and according to Bookshop.org founder Andy Hunter, they’re actually winning. In a new interview with Fast Company, Hunter says indie bookstores in the US have grown by around 70% since 2020, driven by readers becoming more intentional about where they spend their money and wanting community-focused spaces instead of faceless online shopping. Honestly, book lovers choosing vibes and local bookstores over Bezos feels very 2026.
Devney Perry just confirmed ‘Shield of Sparrows’ book three
The third and final book in Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows romantasy trilogy is officially on the way, with its release planned for 2027. While the title and cover are still under wraps, the final instalment will continue Odessa’s story and bring the trilogy to its long-awaited conclusion. Romantasy readers, prepare yourselves now.
‘The Lamb’ wins the Nota Bene Prize 2026
The winner of the Nota Bene Prize 2026 is ‘The Lamb’ by Lucy Rose. Championing influential fiction and the power of the reading community, the Nota Bene Prize celebrates thought-provoking books that readers can’t stop recommending, and ‘The Lamb’ is clearly one of them. Dark, unsettling and completely enthralling, Lucy Rose’s folk horror novel follows Margot, a young woman raised in isolation at the edge of a forest who begins to question the life her mother has built around her.
Elif Shafak just announced a new novel
She has officially announced ‘In One Brief Moment All Eternity’, calling it the novel she “always wanted to write but never before could dare to write” and describing it as her love letter to literature. Safe to say our October TBRs just got longer. The new novel lands on October 15.
PEN America is auctioning off the ultimate bookworm flex
Ever wanted to become canon in your favourite author’s next novel? PEN America’s new “Name a Character” auction is making that dream weirdly real. Readers can bid to have their name featured in upcoming books by authors including Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Egan, David Baldacci and Christina Lauren, all while supporting PEN America’s Author Safety Program. Honestly, being immortalised in fiction might be the most iconic thing ever.
Dominic Hoey pens new gothic horror novel
Auckland poet, author and musician Dominic Hoey has announced his new novel ‘Port’, publishing with Allen & Unwin NZ next year. Blending New Zealand gothic with cosmic horror, the story follows a washed-up actor returning to Port Chalmers after his father mysteriously disappears, only to uncover strange happenings, buried secrets and something sinister stirring beneath the harbour town. Dark, poetic and deeply unsettling, this one already sounds impossible to look away from.
Emilia Hart reveals stunning cover for new novel The Enigmas
The cover for Emilia Hart’s upcoming novel ‘The Enigmas’ has officially dropped, and honestly, it’s beautiful. Set across wartime Britain, the new historical fantasy follows Beatrice Bone, a gothic-loving woman who discovers an antique pocket watch that allows her to travel back through her own memories in a desperate attempt to save her sister’s life. Blending time travel, family secrets and impossible choices with Hart’s signature atmospheric storytelling, this already feels destined for everyone’s 2027 TBR.
The winner of the Booker Prize ‘Book of the Decade’ announced
For the International Booker Prize’s 10th anniversary, readers voted ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith, as their favourite winner of the past decade, and honestly, it wasn’t even close. The 2016 winner took almost a third of the nearly 10,000 votes cast, proving it still absolutely lives rent-free in readers’ minds.
Victoria Aveyard reveals cover for new fantasy Tempest
Victoria Aveyard has officially announced ‘Tempest’, a sweeping epic fantasy following Cat Rose on a perilous journey of survival, betrayal and forbidden love. Forced to hunt Valerian Kane, the last pirate captain defying the empire and the only man she has ever loved, Cat is pulled into a dangerous game as a storm rises over the Lyrian Sea. We’re already obsessed and can’t wait for it to drop in September this year!
Tim Winton announces new book ‘Songs from the Firefront
Set for release on November 3, and it already sounds like an emotional powerhouse. Described as a deeply personal collection of reflections on family, friendship, community and survival in a “burning world,” the book explores the big questions about grief, resilience and what we leave behind. Full of “rage and laughter and mourning,” it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable read from one of Australia’s most beloved writers.
Laurie Gilmore signs four more books with HarperCollins
Laurie Gilmore is officially bringing readers more Dream Harbor romance after HarperCollins acquired four new novels from the bestselling author. The lineup includes The Apple Pie Ice Cream Parlor, a Dream Harbor novella arriving in June 2027, followed by another full-length romance later that year. Gilmore’s cosy romance series, which began with The Pumpkin Spice Café in 2023, has already sold more than 7 million English-language copies.
Kim Kardashian is getting the biography treatment
A new biography, Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future, is set to explore Kim Kardashian’s evolution from reality TV chaos icon to billionaire business mogul, fashion force and aspiring lawyer. Written by journalist Jonathan Van Meter, the book promises all the behind-the-scenes insight into one of the most influential and endlessly discussed celebrities of our time. Love her or hate her, she fully changed the celeb game.
That’s it for this week’s Book Briefing. Whether you’re adding to your TBR, keeping up with the latest book news, or just here for the chaos, we’ve got you covered. Check back next week for more updates, and in the meantime, happy reading!