Our Discover Prize Winner 2026

Our Discover Prize aims to celebrate debut authors who put out exceptional, thought-provoking stories that stick with readers. After months of debate and deliberation, our booksellers from across the country are ecstatic to announce Seek Immediate Shelter author Vincent Yu as the winner of the 2026 Discover Prize. 

What would you do if you thought you only had minutes to live? Vincent Yu takes this impossible conundrum and turns it into Seek Immediate Shelter, a thought-provoking story of choice, connection, survival and self-discovery. After a false alarm causes a town to spiral into chaos, the community confronts the harsh truths of their panicked decisions in this clever tale inspired by real events. You won't be able to put this one down.

Here's what our booksellers are saying about Seek Immediate Shelter:

“Seek Immediate Shelter took my breath away with the depth of how much I felt for the characters and their plight. The way Yu masterfully wove the character's stories together provoked in me every emotion known to man. I laughed and I cried, I saw red and I saw hope, I yearned and was left at peace with the closing. It was definitely one of my favorite reads of the year, and I cannot wait to read more from him.” – Amy D., New York, NY

“Wry, tender, and fantastic; this book brings readers back to the "what would YOU do?" style of novel while bending the rules in the best way. I didn't want to stop hanging out with this cast, with all their chaos and catharsis.” – Marc C., West Chester, OH

“Seek Immediate Shelter is beautifully written and thoughtful. The characters pop off the page and make you question your own life choices. One of my favorites of the year for sure.” – Brenda A., Bentonville, AR

“This is my favorite kind of writing.   One big story weaving together small stories that show how we are ultimately all connected.” – Tamara W., Southlake, TX

“Told through interwoven vignettes, Lu’s writing is packed with emotional depth that all readers can connect to. I could feel the characters fears, desires, dreams, and heartbreaks all come to life.” – Emily G., Puyallup, WA

“Seek Immediate Shelter is a novel of linked stories looking at a community who gets a false signal for a nuclear-style attack. Each chapter looks at how the residents respond, for better or worse in some cases, and a look at each person getting a second chance at life. How would YOU respond in a dystopian crisis? I love linked stories--it's a cool way to write a book, and I think you'll love this one too.” – Tara S., Murfreesboro, TN

 

Explore all of the finalists here.