Get ready to dive into a season of extraordinary worlds and thrilling adventures with 12 highly anticipated sci-fi and fantasy books arriving this fall 2023. From cunning heists and space operas to mysterious realms and AI escapades, these new releases promise to captivate fans and newcomers alike with fresh stories and unforgettable characters. Whether you crave epic battles, intricate magic, or futuristic intrigue, this fall’s lineup is packed with must-read titles that will ignite your imagination and keep you turning pages well into the colder months.
The Free People’s Village by Sim Kern
Sim Kern’s The Free People’s Village is a gripping climate fiction novel set in an alternate 2020 where Al Gore won the 2000 U.S. presidential election and launched a War on Climate Change. The story follows Maddie Ryan, an English teacher and queer punk musician, who becomes deeply involved in the Save the Eighth movement, fighting against the gentrification and destruction of Houston’s Eighth Ward. When protests escalate into an occupation known as “The Free People’s Village,” Maddie confronts issues of environmental racism, police violence, and anti-capitalist revolution. The novel explores themes of activism, identity, and community through a diverse cast, offering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of social justice struggles in a dystopian yet hopeful future.
Sept. 12
Do you ever catch yourself wondering what our world would look like if Al Gore had won the 2000 election and proceeded to declare a war on climate change? In Sim Kern’s upcoming novel The Free People’s Village (the first adult title to be published by Levine Querido, previously known for its diverse, award-winning children’s literature), the answer is considerably greener and more eco-friendly, but not for everyone.
When the historically Black neighborhood in Houston where she teaches – and where the queer punk band she’s part of meets to play – is threatened by the development of a new electromagnetic hyperway, disillusioned Maddie Ryan decides it’s time to take a stand. In an effort to keep her band together – and, importantly, to spend more time with her crush – Maggie joins a local, Black-led movement on the brink of an anti-capitalist revolution that will change history forever.
A timely tale that feels like it could be ripped from the headlines, The Free People’s Village could easily fall prey to the white savior trope. Kern instead has Maddie reckon with her whiteness and the damage that she has unwittingly caused to the community she calls home in a thought-provoking and unflinching story of revolution.
Rouge by Mona Awad
Rouge by Mona Awad is a dark, gothic fairy tale that blends horror and biting social satire to explore the toxic beauty industry and its impact on identity, grief, and mother-daughter relationships. The story follows Belle, a lonely dress shop clerk obsessed with skincare, who, after her estranged mother’s mysterious death, uncovers unsettling secrets tied to a lavish, cult-like spa. With its sharp social commentary, surreal horror elements, and themes of envy and mortality, Rouge offers a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal beauty standards and the price of perfection.
Sept. 12
Don’t plan on starting Rouge if you have any chores that need to be completed sometime in the near future. Mona Awad is an expert when it comes to crafting surreal (and often horrific) gothic tales that suck you in from the very first page and stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
In Rouge, Awad ruthlessly tackles the beauty industry and the often unachievable standards it holds modern society to, drawing inspiration along the way from Snow White, Egyptian mythology, and of all people, Tom Cruise. Rouge’s protagonist, Belle, is lured to a reportedly transformative and undeniably cultlike spa known as La Maison de Méduse (a name that should be enough to raise a few eyebrows) after her glamorous mother’s mysterious death. Once there, Belle learns of her mother’s unhealthy obsessions and the monsters (both of the fairy-tale variety and otherwise) that seemingly lurk around every corner.
Inspired by the skinfluencers that populate TikTok, Awad has crafted a cinematic and gripping tale about the relationship between mothers and daughters, and what we’re prepared to do to “fit in.”
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
Starter Villain by John Scalzi, published in September 2023, is a fast-paced, humorous sci-fi novel that follows Charlie Fitzer, a down-on-his-luck substitute teacher who unexpectedly inherits his estranged uncle’s supervillain empire. The story blends action and comedy as Charlie navigates a bizarre world of volcano lairs, rival villains, and sentient, management-level cats, all while dealing with corporate-style villainy and social commentary on capitalism and power. With its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and clever satire, Starter Villain offers a fresh, entertaining take on villainy for readers who enjoy humor and imaginative sci-fi adventures.
Sept. 19
Following in the footsteps of sci-fi greats like Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, who embraced the absurd and tackled larger subjects like workers’ rights, trade unions, and late-stage capitalism, John Scalzi is truly a must-read no matter the subject. His new novel, Starter Villain, is no exception.
Divorced and living alone with his cat, it’s fair to say Charlie’s life hasn’t gone exactly according to plan. It’s not a bad life, but it’s not a particularly remarkable one, either. All of that changes when Charlie’s estranged uncle, a notorious supervillain, passes away and leaves him his business. Being a supervillain isn’t all sunshine, secret lairs, and super-intelligent spy cats. Charlie’s uncle had enemies, and now it’s up to him to put these soulless goons in their place and follow in his family’s footsteps. Starter Villain is a madcap, hilarious adventure and a truly delightful story of a villain you’ll end up rooting for.
The Navigating Fox by Christopher Rowe
In The Navigating Fox by Christopher Rowe, readers enter a richly imagined world where humans coexist with “knowledgeable” animals-sentient creatures capable of speech and thought. The story follows Quintus Shu’al, the world’s only navigating fox, who alone can traverse the mysterious Silver Roads that span the continent. After a disastrous expedition that left no survivors but himself, Quintus is given a chance at redemption by leading a new, diverse group-including humans and knowledgeable animals-on a perilous journey to the gates of Hell. Set in an alternate North America colonized by a persistent Roman Empire, the novella deftly blends adventure, complex characters, and sharp worldbuilding without overwhelming exposition. Themes of identity, colonialism, and trust weave through this concise yet profound narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of speculative fiction.
Sept. 26
They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but Quintus Shu’al, the world’s only navigating fox, learns the hard way this isn’t always the case.
In Christopher Rowe’s novella, animals are divided into two categories: “knowledgeable” and “voiceless.” Quintus, being knowledgeable, has been gifted with human intelligence and the ability to communicate using spoken language, and he can maneuver his way through a network of mysterious pathways otherwise invisible to the human eye. After a trip to the gates of hell goes horribly awry, Quintus is pressed into guiding a second expedition (consisting of a sinister priest, a bison ambassador, and twin raccoons, among others) in order to save his own skin.
Set in an alternate North America and taking inspiration from Roman history, The Navigating Fox is perfect for readers who grew up on a steady diet of Redwall and enjoy complex philosophical debates about creation. It’s part tall tale, part intricate heist novel and, quite frankly, downright weird in the best way possible.
The Undetectables by Courtney Smyth
Courtney Smyth’s The Undetectables is a witty and queer paranormal mystery set in the occult town of Wrackton, where a magical serial killer known as the Whistler leaves no evidence behind except strange magical carvings and victims who chew off their own tongues. The story follows a detective agency run by three witches and a ghost in a cat costume as they tackle this chilling case. Central to the narrative is Mallory, a forensic science expert grappling with fibromyalgia, whose personal struggles add depth and representation to the story. Balancing humor, emotional complexity, and a richly imagined magicnorm world of witches, vampires, and fairies, Smyth crafts a compelling tale of friendship, mystery, and magical forensics that fans of urban fantasy and queer protagonists will enjoy.
Sept. 26
What do you get when three witches and a ghost stuck for eternity in a cat costume join forces to solve supernatural mysteries together? Courtney Smyth’s downright delightful and unapologetically queer new novel, The Undetectables.
The citizens of the occult town of Wrackton have a big problem. There’s a serial killer on the loose, and the hypnotic whistling that heralds their arrival is causing victims to chew off their own tongues in a truly gruesome act of violence. With very little evidence to go on, virtually no leads, and a less-than-stellar track record when it comes to solving mysteries – their first case is technically still open – the job of catching the killer falls to Mallory, Cornelia, Diana, and Theodore (the aforementioned unlucky ghost). What transpires is a compulsively readable race against the clock to stop a supernatural killer before they strike again.
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab marks a triumphant return to the richly imagined world of the Shades of Magic series, set seven years after the original trilogy’s events. This first installment of a new trilogy explores four distinct Londons, once connected by magic but now isolated after the doors between them were sealed to protect their realms. Amid rising tensions, political intrigue, and a brewing rebellion, a young woman named Tes, gifted with a unique magical ability, discovers a device that could alter the fate of all four worlds. Schwab masterfully weaves together familiar characters and new faces in a dark, pulse-pounding fantasy that is both opulent and impossible to put down, making it a must-read for fans of epic magic and adventure.
Sept. 26
Everyone’s favorite world-hopping magicians are back in the start of a brand-new series from V.E. Schwab, beloved author of the Shades of Magic trilogy.
Seven years have come to pass since Kell Maresh and his fellow Antari saved the world from devastation. He and Lila have since been spending life at sea, living as privateers, while Kell struggles to cope with the loss of his magical abilities. When news of an assassination attempt on his brother reaches them, Kell and Lila are forced to return to Red London. It’s there that they learn of a precocious new Antari, Kosika, who has claimed White London’s throne in Holland’s absence, and of a rebellion set on tearing down the monarchy in its entirety. Amid all of this magical chaos and political intrigue, a young thief discovers a device that could bring friends and enemies together, and change the world as they know it.
The Fragile Threads of Power is a delightfully nostalgic addition to the world V.E. Schwab has created that still keeps things fresh with the introduction of new characters and the promise of more story to come.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow is a gripping modern gothic fantasy set in the small, struggling coal town of Eden, Kentucky. The story follows Opal, a determined young woman who takes a job as the housekeeper of the eerie and mysterious Starling House, a mansion steeped in dark secrets and supernatural history. As Opal becomes entwined with the house’s enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Starling, she uncovers the sinister past of the estate and the town, while fighting to protect her brother’s future and resist the exploitative forces threatening their home. Harrow’s atmospheric writing blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery with themes of empowerment and environmental resistance, making Starling House a haunting and richly layered read for fall 2023.
Oct. 3
As sumptuous and romantic as it is sinister, Alix E. Harrow’s foray into Southern gothic literature is a perfect book to ring in the start of spooky season.
Set in the rapidly decaying town of Eden, Kentucky, Starling House tells the story of a hardscrabble young woman named Opal, the sentient manor house that haunts her dreams, and its stubborn, self-sacrificing (and frustratingly handsome) heir, Arthur Starling. Destitute and desperate for work, Opal takes a job as a house cleaner for Arthur despite her initial misgivings about him – he’s far too broody – and the Starling House, both of which are fueled by small-town rumors about a reclusive 19th-century author who mysteriously vanished years ago. But what begins as a relationship built on mutual mistrust soon turns into a tenuous alliance and undeniable attraction as Opal and Arthur spend increasingly more time together in the face of the sinister forces that threaten both of their lives.
Menewood by Nicola Griffith
Nicola Griffith’s Menewood is a powerful sequel to her acclaimed novel Hild, continuing the story of the formidable Hild of Whitby in seventh-century Northumbria. Now eighteen and Lady of Elmet, Hild faces a world on the brink of chaos as rival kings vie for power and war looms. The novel explores themes of womanhood, motherhood, survival, and the fragile nature of political stability through richly detailed historical fiction. Griffith’s narrative combines intimate character study with sweeping political intrigue, portraying Hild’s struggle to protect her people and forge a new future amid devastation and uncertainty. Menewood is praised for its immersive worldbuilding, emotional depth, and its seamless blend of personal and political drama, making it a standout in historical fantasy.
Oct. 3
Ten years after the release of Hild, Nicola Griffith is finally returning to the meticulously researched and gorgeously rendered seventh-century Britain that St. Hilda of Whitby – known for turning snakes into stone and leading one of the most important abbeys in Anglo-Saxon history – called home.
Like its predecessor, Menewood continues to expand upon the canon of what little is known about Hild’s life and her rumored otherworldly abilities. No longer a bright-eyed young girl, though still as fierce and determined as ever, Hild is faced with a world on the brink of war. Former alliances are tested and surprising new friendships are struck as she strives to protect her kingdom and navigates the unconventional community that has built itself around her.
Clocking in at just over 700 pages, Menewood is easily the longest book on this list, and is sure to keep you reading through the fall months and into the winter.
Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs
Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs is a richly detailed historical fantasy debut that reimagines the Beowulf legend from the perspective of Fryda, a young woman determined to reclaim her power despite a childhood injury that left her unfit for battle. Set during the celebration of her uncle King Beowulf’s fifty-year reign, Fryda faces treachery among foreign lords and must rise as a true shield maiden, wielding a mysterious power that awakens within her. The novel blends epic storytelling with intimate character moments, featuring immersive medieval detail, a subtle romance, and the awakening of an ancient dragon that challenges Fryda to prove herself once and for all.
Oct. 3
If you’re someone who can’t resist a story based on epic mythology or who couldn’t put down Maria Dahvana Headley’s recent, powerfully feminist translation of Beowulf, then you might want to put Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs on your TBR pile.
Subversive and action-packed from start to finish, Shield Maiden tells the story of Beowulf from a very different perspective. Fryda, raised on tales of her uncle, King Beowulf, wants nothing more in the world than to be a shield maiden, but a childhood accident has kept her from achieving her dreams. At least until now. Fryda must muster her courage and what power she wields when her father’s kingdom is threatened by foreign lords and a dragon of legend begins to stir in its fabled lair.
A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand
From award-winning author Elizabeth Hand comes A Haunting on the Hill, the first authorized contemporary novel set in the world of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House. The story follows Holly Sherwin, a struggling playwright, and her girlfriend Nisa as they rent the eerie, crumbling Hill House in upstate New York to rehearse Holly’s new play. As strange phenomena escalate-disembodied voices, mysterious creatures, and shifting time-the house’s malevolent presence draws the group into a tense, haunting ordeal. Hand skillfully balances homage to Jackson’s gothic atmosphere with fresh, chilling horror and complex characters, making this a compelling read for fans of literary horror and psychological suspense alike.
Oct. 3
With three Shirley Jackson awards to her name, it should come as no surprise that Elizabeth Hand’s upcoming novel, A Haunting on the Hill, is “the first-ever authorized novel to return to the world of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House.” And what better time to read a chilling tale of isolation and madness than when the weather grows suddenly colder and the sun begins to set earlier in the day. It’s incredibly creepy, and will have you jumping at every sound your house makes at night.
Desperate to find the perfect space to work on her new play, Holly Sherwin jumps at the opportunity to rent Hill House when she discovers it on a weekend getaway. The old mansion – massive and unsettling – speaks to her the moment Holly sets eyes on it. Her girlfriend is less sure about it, but agrees to accompany Holly to the house. As they settle in, strange things begin to occur. Time begins to play tricks on them, and disturbing sounds are heard echoing in the empty halls. Soon, what begins as a writing retreat turns into a fight with something ancient and sinister that refuses to stand alone.
Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind by Molly McGhee
Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind by Molly McGhee is a sharp, inventive debut novel blending magic realism and social critique. It follows Jonathan Abernathy, a debt-ridden young man who lands a surreal government job as a dream auditor, tasked with cleansing the nightmares of white-collar workers. Through this bizarre role and his fragile relationships, especially with his neighbor Rhoda and her daughter, the novel explores the crushing weight of debt, the absurdity of work, and the search for connection in a late-stage capitalist society. McGhee’s prose is both funny and heartbreaking, delivering a fresh, poignant take on millennial anxieties and the cost of survival in today’s world.
Oct. 17
Death is present from the first page in Molly McGhee’s hotly anticipated and surprisingly touching debut novel, Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind. It’s a delightfully searing critique of late-stage capitalism in which McGhee examines what might happen if the worst of the worst in our society figured out a way to audit dreams.
Jonathan Abernathy has had a bad string of luck. He’s lonely, broke, and spinning his metaphorical wheels in the mud. When a job opportunity comes to him in a dream (literally), Jonathan jumps at the chance to change his life. He soon finds himself marking anxieties for removal from the dreams of white-collar workers, which is all well and good until the lines between his life and his work become increasingly unclear.
A Power Unbound by Freya Marske
A Power Unbound, the final book in Freya Marske’s acclaimed Last Binding trilogy, delivers a thrilling conclusion set in an alternative Edwardian England where magic is hidden from the uninitiated. The story follows Jack Alston, Lord Hawthorn, who thought he had left magic behind after his sister’s death, but is pulled back into a dangerous world as a powerful ritual threatens all magicians in Britain. Alongside the sharp-witted writer and thief Alan Ross, Jack navigates a tangled web of secrets, power struggles, and romance. Their prickly relationship, set against the backdrop of a magical London townhouse and the ancient, oath-bound Cheetham Hall estate, culminates in a night of champagne, betrayal, and sacrifice that will reshape the foundations of British magic. Praised for its lush writing, complex characters, and satisfying resolution, A Power Unbound masterfully ties together the series’ intricate plotlines with a mix of adventure, politics, and heartfelt romance.
Nov. 7
If I had the ability to make everyone read one trilogy of books, it would be The Last Binding, Freya Marske’s phenomenal (and extremely spicy) fantasy series. No one intersperses gleeful, squeal-inducing sexual tension with tender and painfully human interactions between characters quite like Marske does. Think of your favorite romance trope. Is it rivals to lovers? Enemies to something more? Sunshine and grump? Forced proximity? Chances are you’ll find it in one of these books.
A Power Unbound is a deeply satisfying conclusion to this series. Not long after the devastating death of his twin sister, Jack Alston finds himself drawn back to an alluring world of magic and mystery he wants nothing to do with. Waiting for him is a bizarre London townhouse, a group of eccentric and unlikely friends, and the inimitable Alan Ross. A writer and a thief by trade, Alan finds Jack to be absolutely insufferable. Jack, on the other hand, finds Alan to be insufferable and very attractive.
Which fall sci-fi or fantasy release are you most excited to read first
Among the exciting fall 2023 sci-fi and fantasy releases, the most anticipated for many readers is Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, the sequel to the breakout hit Fourth Wing, promising a continuation of its high fantasy intrigue and strong storytelling. Additionally, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the beloved Murderbot series, known for its unique blend of humor and AI-driven narrative. Other notable mentions generating buzz include The Fragile Threads of Power and Murtagh, both expected in November and highly anticipated by the community. Personally, Iron Flame stands out as a compelling first pick due to its established fanbase and the momentum from its predecessor.
Which fall sci-fi or fantasy release are you most eager to start reading first
I’m most eager to start reading Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros this fall. As the sequel to the widely acclaimed Fourth Wing, it promises a captivating continuation of a high fantasy series that has enchanted both longtime fans and newcomers with its mix of strong characters and thrilling plot twists. This book stands out for its blend of great writing and engaging storytelling, making it a compelling first pick for the season.
