A Terrifyingly Good October: Over 80 New Books to Scare Up Your Reading List
October is upon us, and with it arrives a flood of new book releases, a veritable deluge of literary delights and chilling tales. This month boasts over 80 new titles, catering to every imaginable taste, from seasoned authors like Alan Moore and Jeff VanderMeer to emerging talents making their mark. The range of genres and themes is equally impressive: frisky witch romances, deep-space adventures, monstrous quests, haunted houses, fantastical missions, and so much more. Prepare to be overwhelmed (in the best possible way!) by this extensive list, categorized by release date.
October 1st: A Feast for the Senses (and the Soul)
October begins with a bang, offering a diverse collection of narratives that promise to captivate readers. This launch day alone includes:
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi: This enchanting romance debut blends "a kitchen witch with a penchant for baking and a (literally) cursed love life" with a healthy dose of "spice and an equal measure of heart." A perfect blend of magic and romance for a cozy autumn read.
Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time: True Stories From a Career in Hollywood by Barry Sonnenfeld: A behind-the-scenes look at the illustrious career of veteran director Barry Sonnenfeld. This promises insightful anecdotes from the sets of classics like The Addams Family, Addams Family Values, Men in Black, and Wild Wild West, offering a unique perspective on Hollywood’s inner workings.
The Brightness Between Us by Eliot Schrefer: The highly anticipated sequel to The Darkness Outside Us, described as "another ambitious, genre-bending novel and epic love story that spans thousands of years and the far reaches of the galaxy." This suggests a sweeping space opera with an emotional core.
Candle & Crow by Kevin Hearne: The concluding installment of the Ink & Sigil series. The blurb teases a thrilling conclusion: "an ink-slinging wizard pursues the answer to a very personal mystery: Who cast a pair of curses on his head?" Expect magic, mystery, and a satisfying resolution.
Catan by Klaus Teuber: A unique offering from the creator of the popular board game. The novel, set in "Viking-era Norway, follows a trio of half-brothers who embark on a journey to Catan, Land of the Sun, to escape their past and forge a new life. A fascinating blend of history and fantasy.
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo: This novel offers a captivating premise: "A demon loves her city until it’s destroyed by angels—then must team up with an angel to help rebuild." The description further hints at "a brilliantly constructed history and an epic love story of death and resurrection, memory and transformation, redemption and desire."
Coup de Grâce by Sofia Ajram: An experimental horror novel promising a visceral experience: "A mind-bending and visceral experimental horror about a young man trapped in an infinite Montreal subway station." This suggests a claustrophobic and unsettling descent into the surreal.
The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski: A captivating blend of family drama and supernatural elements. A trio of clairvoyant sisters run a tea shop, until "different forces—supernatural, pragmatic, and romantic—begin to pull them apart, and an old family curse begins to take hold."
Deja Brew by Celestine Martin: A cozy romance with a magical twist, featuring "an ex-celebrity chef whose magic powers are on the fritz" who gets a second chance at October after making a wish.
Good Dogs by Brian Asman: A werewolf story promising emotional depth: "a heartfelt and harrowing story of survival, belonging, found family, and the lengths we’ll go to protect it."
The Great When: A Long London Novel by Alan Moore: The highly anticipated new release from the acclaimed author, this is "the first book in an enthralling new fantasy series about murder, magic, and madness in post-WWII London." This promises a gritty and atmospheric exploration of magic in a historical setting.
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara: This blends fantasy and mystery as "a grim reaper toiling for SCYTHE (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences)" is thrust into a thrilling investigation.
House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning: The launch of a new romantasy series opens with "a young woman moves to Divinity, Louisiana, to inherit a large fortune and a Gothic mansion full of mysteries and ominous secrets."
The Hushed by K.R. Blair: A college student with a dark secret – she’s a "Hushed—a creature spawned from a dying human’s secret"—investigates origins while navigating a potentially dangerous romance.
The Last Dangerous Visions edited by Harlan Ellison: A posthumous release of the final installment of a legendary science fiction anthology. This collection features contributions from notable authors such as Max Brooks, James S. A. Corey, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Cory Doctorow, and more, ensuring a diverse and impactful anthology.
The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August: A space opera where "Scout is an Archivist who scours the dead worlds of the cosmos for their last gifts:" This intergalactic quest suggests exciting discoveries and high stakes.
Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun (translated by Shanna Tan): A magical laundromat that "erases people’s painful memories" lies at the heart of this bestseller from Korea. A heartwarming tale exploring themes of healing and self-acceptance.
The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky: A queer holiday romance where a Christmas mishap leads newlyweds to become Santa and his helper, potentially saving their festive season and more.
A Pirate’s Life for Tea by Rebecca Thorne: The Tomes & Tea queer fantasy series continues, blending adventure with a complex romantic reunion.
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Laing: An epic tale described as "an epic novel steeped in myth about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds".
- The Undetectables Series – The Undead Complex by Courtney Smyth: A witty murder mystery with magical elements featuring magical forensics investigators.
October 8th: More Magical Adventures Await
The second week of October brings another wave of captivating stories including :
The Black Hunger by Nicholas Pullen: A queer gothic horror debut that plunges two men into an "otherworldly spiral… a journey that will only end when they reach the darkest part of the human soul."
Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim (translated by Anton Hur): An empire powered by necromancy forms the backdrop of this gripping fantasy which features "Arienne, born with magic, resigned to her dark fate, who may find another path."
The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke: A mother’s desperate fight "for her daughter’s life in this fierce and haunting tale of witchcraft and revenge."
Dark Space by Rob Hart and Alex Segura: A sci-fi spy thriller blending "the epic scope and character-driven spark of Star Trek with the intrigue of John le Carré’s Smiley novels."
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J. Mayo: A comedic twist on Cinderella with a stepsister summoning magical help, though not without unforeseen consequences.
The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan: Inspired by Chinese mythology, a young man with matchmaking skills finds himself on a dragon-filled adventure.
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch: A rom-com, blending the spirit of _Red, White & Royal Blue_and The Nightmare Before Christmas featuring a star-crossed romance.
The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni: A thrilling mystery involving "two sisters, a lost imperial treasure and the world’s greatest puzzle master."
A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden: Concludes the Sacred Stones fantasy trilogy with a battle for both the world and personal love.
Sargassa by Sophie Burnham: The beginning of a new speculative trilogy exploring rebellion and oppression.
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole: The start of an epic romantasy series where a woman risks everything to save her family and the world.
The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Pañaranda: A dark romantic fantasy loosely based on Greek myths, combining elements of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and Shadow and Bone.
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche: A historical fantasy set during the Black Plague, following a woman with healing powers who returns to the city that once banished her.
Swordcrossed by Freya Marske: A queer fantasy romance with a "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic.
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen: A Southern gothic horror debut following a Black woman who discovers a dark family secret and possible curse.
- The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo: A lawyer and her great-aunt use their gifts to rescue a missing child.
October 15th: A Mid-Month Magic Infusion
The middle of October continues the trend of exceptional releases:
Alliance Unbound by C.J. Cherryh and Jane S. Fancher: Expanding on the challenges of humanity’s journey among the stars in the Hinder Stars series.
American Rapture by CJ Leede: Blending elements of American Gods and The Last of Us, this novel depicts a post-apocalyptic world.
The Ancients by John Larison: A post-apocalyptic quest focusing on siblings searching for their captured mother who plans a rebellion.
And the Sky Bled by S. Hati: In a dying city, three rivals race to find magic to decide its fate.
Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller: A direct sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman, facing new threats to Gotham.
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon: A steamy romantasy in a world filled with magical artifacts where a woman teams up with a minotaur.
Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton: A chilling tale reminiscent of "The Lottery" and The Hunger Games, set in a town with a sinister tradition.
House of Frank by Kay Synclaire: A heartwarming story of healing and found family centered around a lonely witch and a magic arboretum.
If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens: A spooky enemies-to-lovers romance set in a haunted castle.
An Instruction in Shadow by Benedict Jacka: Exploring how the ultra-rich control magic, and one individual’s quest to change that.
Januaries: Stories of Love, Magic & Betrayal by Olivie Blake: A collection of short stories exploring themes of love, magic and loss.
Killing Time by Jodi Taylor: The Time Police series continues with a thrilling adventure involving a lost ghost train.
Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland: A romance about a woman who controls the weather.
The Nightward by R.S.A. Garcia: Caribbean mythology meets the Witcher in this tale of a princess and her bodyguard fleeing a coup.
On Vicious Worlds by Bethany Jacobs: The sequel to These Burning Stars, a space opera exploring revenge, power and legacy.
Polostan by Neal Stephenson: The start of a new historical epic about intrigue and international espionage.
Pride and Prejudice in Space by Alexis Lampley: A sci-fi reimagining of the classic Jane Austen novel.
Rogue Community College by David R. Slayton: An assassin with magic abilities attends a special school and meets a Sea Elf.
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy: A tale of an impulsive sorcerer and his rival journeying through a magical forest.
Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris: A gothic tale blending the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes.
- The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, Volume 5 edited by Paula Guran: A collection of dark fantasy and horror stories.
October 22nd: The Climax Approaches
The penultimate week of October delivers some highly anticipated conclusions and exciting new beginnings:
Absolution: A Southern Reach Novel by Jeff VanderMeer: The final installment of the acclaimed Southern Reach series, promising a conclusive resolution to the mystery.
Bane of Asgard by Cinda Williams Chima: The Runestone Saga continues with a quest to prevent the destruction of the Nine Worlds.
The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy edited by John Joseph Adams and Hugh Howey: A collection of standout sci-fi stories from multiple authors.
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson: A gladiator’s journey and unexpected path intertwined with an elven royal.
The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook by Matt Dinniman: The third book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, involves puzzles and survival games, filled with additional bonus material.
The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynner: The final book in the Norse-inspired Bloodsworn series, promising a finale filled with magic, myth, and vengeance.
The Hollow and the Haunted by Camilla Raines: A dark magical fantasy debut set in Washington State, where a teenage psychic and his enemy must work together to prevent a foreseen death.
It Will Only Hurt for a Moment by Delilah S. Dawson: A young woman’s reinvention at an isolated artists’ colony leads her into a dark past.
Memorials by Richard Chizmar: A supernatural terror story during a student road trip through Appalachia.
Monstrous Nights by Genoveva Dimova: The conclusion to the Slavic folklore-inspired Witch’s Compendium of Monsters duology.
Remember You Will Die by Eden Robins: A genre-bending epic with a unique narrative that examines history using obituaries.
The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry: A magical tale of secret scholarship, faerie curses, and powerful spells.
- Stay in the Light by A.M. Shine: The sequel to Watchers, following Mina’s escape and new threats.
October 29th: A Spooky Finale
The month closes out with a final lineup of thrilling reads:
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang: A dark fantasy in which a mage unravels a secret conspiracy.
The Bloodless Princes by Charlotte Bond: The second book in the Fireborne Blade series, with a dangerous journey to the underworld.
Dungeons & Dragons: Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerǔn and Beyond by Adam Lee: A beautifully illustrated exploration of the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse.
Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta: A strange and sexy novel about queer love in a small town.
Masquerade by Mike Fu: A house-sitter discovers eerie connections between his life and a novel set in 1930s Shanghai.
Nether Station by Kevin J. Anderson: A thrilling blend of sci-fi and Lovecraftian horror.
The Nightmarchers by J. Lincoln Fenn: A journalist investigates a rare flower and relative’s mysterious death on a remote island.
The Queen by Nick Cutter: A horror novel where a woman receives a cryptic text from her missing best friend.
This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher: A cozy romantasy about former friends and lovers on a quest.
Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco: The Prince of Sin series continues, with a thrilling hunt and a fairy tale twist.
- Usurpation by Sue Burke: The Semiosis series continues as the Stevland continue their infiltration of Earth.
This October offers a diverse and exciting selection of books, ensuring there’s something for every reader. Happy reading!
