Marilynne Eichinger's 'Antheia in the Thorns' wins Gold in 2026 Manhattan Book Awards

Manhattan Book Group said Marilynne Eichinger's environmental thriller 'Antheia in the Thorns: A Rightfully Mine Novel' won Gold in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. The recognition spotlights the second book in the 'Rightfully Mine' series as the third installment is slated for early next year.

Why it matters: - The Gold award puts "Antheia in the Thorns" in a top tier of the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. - The win can lift visibility for Marilynne Eichinger's "Rightfully Mine" series as the next book moves toward release. - The recognition also reinforces interest in climate and environmental fiction with a thriller format.

What happened: - Manhattan Book Group announced that "Antheia in the Thorns: A Rightfully Mine Novel" by Marilynne Eichinger won Gold in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. - The announcement was dated July 23, 2026, in New York. - "Antheia in the Thorns" is the second novel in the "Rightfully Mine" series. - The Kindle edition is available on Amazon for $3.99, down from $6.95. - The novel is also available in paperback, hardcover and audiobook formats.

The details: - The Manhattan Book Awards is a year-round recognition program for books from independent and hybrid publishers worldwide. - An industry-experienced panel judges entries on narrative strength, originality, production quality and overall impact. - Gold honors go to books that show exceptional craft and stand out in their genre. - Eichinger previously led Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, Michigan, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. - Eichinger later founded the Museum Tour Catalog, which brought science kits and educational materials into homes across the country. - Eichinger's work in science education and environmental stewardship helped inspire the "Rightfully Mine" series. - The series focuses on environmental thrillers tied to major planetary challenges. - The first book, "The Water Factor," centers on the corporate takeover of water resources. - The third book, "Kingdom of Greed," is scheduled for release early next year and will examine the loss of America's old-growth forests to corporate greed.

Between the lines: - The award positions the series as both issue-driven and commercially accessible. - The Kirkus Reviews quote suggests the book's core appeal comes from conflict between family ties, corporate power and environmental stakes. - The book's framing around petcoke, illegal dumping and whistleblowing points to a broader critique of industrial pollution and secrecy.

What's next: - "Kingdom of Greed" is expected early next year as the next entry in the series. - The Gold win may help broaden readership ahead of that release. - Manhattan Book Group continues to use its awards program to spotlight independent and hybrid publishing talent.

The bottom line: - The Gold award gives "Antheia in the Thorns" a timely boost and sets up momentum for the next book in Eichinger's environmental thriller series.