Finalist, Best Novel, 2026

The Raven Scholar

Antonia Hodgson (opens in a new tab)

Paperback, 658 pages

Neema Kraa, a scholar of the Raven, is called to solve a murder during the contest that chooses the next emperor.

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The ballot

The EverlastingAlix E. HarrowTor US; Tor UKWinner
A Drop of CorruptionRobert Jackson BennettDel Rey; Hodderscape
Death of the AuthorNnedi OkoraforWilliam Morrow; Gollancz
ShroudAdrian TchaikovskyTor UK; Orbit US
The IncandescentEmily TeshTor US; Orbit UK