EJ Swift Wins 2026 Arthur C Clarke Award for Science Fiction 2026

The Arthur C Clarke Award for science fiction has been won by EJ Swift for her novel When There Are Wolves Again, a powerful story about rewilding and climate activism in Britain. The award, now in its 40th year, honors the best science fiction novel first published in the UK in the previous year.

About the Winning Novel

When There Are Wolves Again follows two women across half a century in a near-future Britain. Lucy, shaped by Covid lockdowns, becomes a climate activist; Hester, a documentary-maker, is marked by the Chornobyl disaster. Their paths converge in 2070, exploring themes of environmental recovery and long-term hope.

Why It Won

The judges praised the novel as an "ambitious study in the power of long-term hope in the face of climate breakdown." Judging chair Dr. Andrew M. Butler called it "a story of environmental change and possible recovery." The book stands out for its character-driven narrative and passionate advocacy for rewilding.

The Shortlist and Competition

This year, a record 132 books were submitted by 52 UK imprints and independent authors. The five other shortlisted authors were Matt Dinniman, Laila Lalami, Silvia Park, qntm, and Lorraine Wilson. The award comes with £2,026 in prize money, continuing its tradition of incremental increases since 2001.

Critical Reception

In her Guardian review, Lisa Tuttle described the novel as "evocative and beautifully written," praising it as an "argument for rewilding in Britain." Like Swift's previous work, The Coral Bones, it is "powered by a passionate love of nature and deep concern for the planet's future."

Comparison of Recent Winners

Key Takeaways

• EJ Swift wins the 2026 Arthur C Clarke Award for When There Are Wolves Again.
• The novel tackles climate breakdown and rewilding with a hopeful perspective.
• Record 132 submissions were considered this year.
• Swift receives £2,026, continuing the award's incremental prize tradition.
• The book is praised for its beautiful writing and deep environmental concern.

FAQ