Manhattan Book Awards gives Gold to Antheia in the Thorns

Manhattan Book Group says Marilynne Eichinger’s environmental thriller “Antheia in the Thorns” won Gold in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. The win spotlights a growing book series built around science, conservation and corporate wrongdoing, with the next installment due early next year.

Why it matters: - The Gold award puts “Antheia in the Thorns: A Rightfully Mine Novel” in a top tier of the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. - The recognition can boost visibility for an independent title and the larger “Rightfully Mine” series. - The book’s themes tie environmental fiction to real-world issues like pollution, corporate secrecy and whistleblowing.

What happened: - Manhattan Book Group announced that Marilynne Eichinger’s “Antheia in the Thorns: A Rightfully Mine Novel” won Gold in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. - The announcement was dated July 23, 2026. - The Manhattan Book Awards evaluates books from independent and hybrid publishers worldwide. - The program uses an industry-experienced judging panel. - Gold honors go to books that show excellence in their genre and strong craft.

The details: - Eichinger is the founder of the Museum Tour Catalog. - Her background includes leadership roles at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, Michigan, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. - Eichinger’s work in science education and environmental stewardship inspired the “Rightfully Mine” series. - “Antheia in the Thorns” is the second novel in the series. - The first book, “The Water Factor,” centers on the corporate takeover of water resources. - The third installment, “Kingdom of Greed,” is scheduled for release early next year. - Manhattan Book Group says that third book will focus on the consequences of sacrificing America’s old-growth forests to corporate greed. - The Kindle edition of “Antheia in the Thorns” is available on Amazon for $3.99, down from $6.95. - The book is also available in paperback, hardcover and audiobook editions. - The story follows archaeologist Jennifer Russo in the remote wilderness of Oregon. - Jen discovers an ancient cave with prehistoric remains and a nearby pond filled with toxic yellow vapors. - A man posing as a sheriff tells Jen to stay silent. - Jen returns home grieving the death of her infant daughter and finds her husband working for oil tycoon Abdul Hammed Dillinger. - Dillinger’s refinery produces petcoke, which the book describes as a toxic byproduct that poisons land, air and oceans worldwide. - Jen joins Antheia, a network of young activists led by Brian Adakai. - The group uncovers illegal dumping, corporate corruption and a conspiracy spanning multiple continents. - The plot includes murder, kidnapping and a final confrontation aboard Dillinger’s cargo ship. - Kirkus Reviews called the book “a fiction-filled, well-plotted yarn of industry vs. nature.”

Between the lines: - The award gives Manhattan Book Group another marketing hook for a series that blends environmental activism with thriller elements. - Eichinger’s resume in science education and museum leadership helps position the novel as issue-driven fiction rather than pure genre entertainment. - The series appears designed to connect contemporary ecological concerns with suspense-driven storytelling. - The Kirkus quote reinforces the book’s central conflict between personal loyalty and environmental responsibility.

What’s next: - “Kingdom of Greed” is set to arrive early next year. - The Gold award may help drive new readers to the Kindle, paperback, hardcover and audiobook editions of “Antheia in the Thorns.” - Manhattan Book Group will continue promoting authors through its publishing services, imprints and Manhattan Book Awards program.