Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!
This week there are so many exciting new book announcements including a Love Island Cookbook (what?!), some local writers bringing out debut novels that we cannot wait for, beautiful Aotearoa bird books, more weird lit from the author of Motherthing, and more. Enjoy this week's round up of all the latest literary news.
Cover revealed for Kazuo Ishiguro’s upcoming novel
The Australia and New Zealand cover for Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro’s upcoming new novel ‘Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger’ was revealed, with the book releasing in March 2027. The novel is a spy caper set in the 1930s, focused on an encounter with Miss Lambert, a mysterious woman who is possibly at risk and on a journey bound for Scotland.
Salman Rushdie to receive the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 77th National Book Awards
Acclaimed author of 15 novels and numerous other works of non-fiction, Salman Rushdie, has been announced to receive the prestigious National Book Awards for Lifetime Achievement. This award, which is reserved for the most esteemed American writers, will be presented on November 18th at the 77th National Book Awards.
Queen of Ice Hockey Romance, Elle Kennedy, reveals her newest cover
Elle Kennedy has revealed the cover of her newest romance, ‘Bad Idea’, releasing in March 2027. Kennedy described the new novel in her Instagram post as a “secret dating hockey romance” and confirmed it will feature characters we know and love from Briar University—Ivy, AJ, and some Daddy Dean too!
The most important reveal of the year - the Personal Penguin figuring for 2026 Love Your Bookshop Day!
Available exclusively on Bookshop Day, the 2026 Personal Penguin is an adorable, limited-edition figurine—perfect for book lovers. We love this year’s edition—a credit to the power of sharing books with those we love, and it will be available with the purchase of any two Penguin books on Saturday, 10th October, Bookshop Day, while stocks last!
Stuart Grieve shares insider view of NZ legal cases in upcoming book, ‘Nothing But the Truth’
Stuart Grieve has had a front-row seat for many of the biggest legal cases of our nation, and now we get an insight into his experience with his book ‘Nothing But the Truth,’ which is being released later this month and published by Allen and Unwin NZ. As one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent Queen’s Counsel, specializing in criminal law and advocacy, Stuart Grieve has spent his life in pursuit of what justice looks like and who it truly serves.
Penguin Random HousePublishers launch new imprint for romance and fantasy crossover fiction
Launching this autumn, DUSK is the romance-focused imprint launching as part of Penguin Random House, featuring YA, new adult, and adult fiction titles. Recognizing that a lot of readers don’t see themselves in traditional genre categories, DUSK is a chance to connect reading communities over the books they love, as they move between different areas of storytelling.
Emily Broadmore announces debut novel with Penguin NZ
Wellington-based writer and founder of New Zealand’s print-only publication ‘Folly,’ Emily Broadmore is now bringing out her first novel. Published by Penguin NZ in February next year, The Break Down Clause sounds right up our alley—a darkly funny satire about politics and parliament, motherhood, and marriage. As someone who worked in her twenties as a political advisor, we cannot wait to see Broadmore bring it all to life in her debut novel.
NZ scientist and writer shares an intimate look at isolated native bird populations
Aotearoa seabird scientist and conservation photographer Edin Whitehead will be releasing a book all about birds, published by Penguin NZ and being released in October. Edin has spent the past six years working on the book, which includes ten years of Edin’s photographs documenting birds and their homes in Aotearoa. If you love birds or enjoy browsing stunning photography, then this book is for you!
Leaked audio sneak peek excited ACOTAR readers with Azriel’s POV
An Azriel point of view has been accidentally confirmed after a snippet of the audiobook was leaked revealing his perspective. Now removed, fans are going wild speculating on what this means about what is going to be the focus of the upcoming novels.
A new cookbook has entered the villa...
The cookbook you didn’t know you needed is coming, full of piping hot tea and pancakes for the hideaway. Love Island is releasing an official cookbook in May 2027, inspired by our favorite guilty pleasure reality TV show and the most important meal of the day - Breakfast. It’s called ‘Breakfast for Bombshells’ and it’s perfect for overnight stays with 40 easy-to-make recipes that will be just as perfect to start your day with as the babe you share it with.
Rebecca Yarros calls on booksellers to keep Threshing Day a surprise
Since deleted, Rebecca Yarros reached out via social media to bookstores and retailers asking for secrecy around her upcoming new novel, ‘Threshing Day’, after spoilers were leaked for Onyx Storm before its release. She confirmed that originally she had wanted to drop ‘Threshing Day’ without warning, but publishers warned her that leaks would be heartbreaking. Arriving on September 29th, we are so excited for the collection of stories coming our way.
First look at Eclipse Deluxe Collector’s Edition
Twilight fans rejoice, we finally have confirmation that Eclipse is coming with the deluxe edition and character-revealing sprayed edges that we are all obsessed with. Releasing in September next year, in time for the 20th anniversary of the series (HOW), ‘Eclipse’ will have beautiful floral details and a stunning foil-stamped slipcase.
New Kristin Hannah novel arriving in May 2027, first in three years!
Circle the date in the calendars; we have a fresh Kristin Hannah novel heading our way in May next year, with ‘The Fire’ announced, her first new novel in three years. Set in America current day, ‘The Fire’ will follow a mother who is thrust into the public spotlight and ends up on a transformative cross-country trip. Hannah says about the new novel, “I’ve been living with these remarkable female characters for years, and I am eager to share their story. I look forward to the conversations this novel will spark about the difficult choices we must sometimes make and the transformative power of finding your voice.”
H.M. Wolfe announces standalone gothic murder-mystery romance
M. Wolfe, author of the incredibly popular dark dystopian romance ‘Daggermouth’, has announced that her next standalone novel will be a gothic murder-mystery romance, and we are obsessed. Coming in December 2026, the novel titled ‘Twelve’ will be set in 1880s America and is perfect if you adore the toxic romance of Wuthering Heights. We cannot wait for the cover reveal and to get our hands on this new story!
YA fiction debut novel from Nina Mingya Powles acquired by Harper Fire
Nina Mingya Powles is a poet and writer from Aotearoa, and now her debut novel, ‘Jade River’, has been picked up by Harper Fire, the imprint of HarperCollins Publishers that is the home for young adult novels. The novel will be published in paperback in July 2027, and is about 15-year-old Leah who relocates to Shanghai and makes new connections at the Jade River International School where mysteries hide at the heart.
New novel announced from author of ‘Motherthing’, Ainslie Hogarth
Another dark, strangely funny, and eerie novel is coming in March 2027 from Ainslie Hogarth titled ‘Strange Harm’ and published by Penguin Random House. With a wonderfully disturbing cover, we are so excited for this novel about a teenager who disappears from a haunted wood, the town of theories about what might have happened, and the podcaster who turns up 15 years later wanting to feature the parents in a new show.
Author of ‘Alchemised’. SenLinYu, has announced a short story set in the same world
SenLinYu has announced that she is sharing a short story from the world of ‘Alchemised’, called ‘Underbelly’. SenLinYu referred to the short story as a “sort of anniversary celebration” and confirmed that it will be published on October 1st, 2026, in issue #48 of Grimdark Magazine, a quarterly publication dedicated to fantasy, sci-fi, and horror.
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!
