Ah, November: the weird space in-between Halloween and Christmas. Some people are already playing Mariah Carey and pulling out the tinsel while others try to pretend they're not secretly planning next year's Halloween costumes. In the U.S., we have Thanksgiving to spend with our extended families, and this year will likely be especially volatile with the mid-term elections that recently took place.
If you're looking for something to keep you sane during the holidays, or an excuse to stay out of the "friendly" debates around the dinner table, you can always pick up one of these new releases in fantasy and science fiction books. Just thinking about all the reading you'll get to do should help get you through the more difficult parts of the quality time spent with relatives you'd rather not see. And it's always more fun reading about conflicts in fictional worlds anyway.
Reapers by Anthony Ryan — Nov. 3
Anthony Ryan, best known for his Raven's Shadow and Seven Swords series, is a Scottish author who writes both fantasy and science fiction, with a bit of non-fiction thrown in. He's also written a series of sci-fi noir stories, Slab City Blues. This latest work, Reapers, is more of a sci-fi thriller or horror that will definitely have anyone wary of AI and technological advances feeling squeamish.
Reapers feels like a combination of Elon Musk's Neuralink, Black Mirror, and the film Repo Men. The main character, Dalton, collects the brain implants that have glitched, causing people to become zombies or crazed killers. One problem, though: some of the people start showing signs of recovery, but his boss still expects him to meet his quota.
Implantation was supposed to be the savior of humanity. Enhancing brain function and skills for millions, it transformed the world ... until the Glitch. Five years ago, implants suddenly malfunctioned. Many who had them dropped dead; those who lived became zombielike drifters or murderous psychopaths. It was up to the unimplanted to rebuild a damaged society ... or just survive another day.
Dalton falls into the survivor category. A convict turned Contracted Collection Agent, he is on a mission to earn his freedom in "the Sector," an entire city abandoned to the Glitched. Once part of a team--now alone and edging ever closer to madness--he thinks only of his quota: the number of implants he has to collect, by any means, in order to get out.
Then things begin to change. The Glitched start acting more human, displaying an increased awareness, moving in groups. Strange symbols start appearing on walls. When Dalton's unseen handler orders him to investigate, Dalton has no choice but to obey. Soon he uncovers a terrifying secret at the heart of the Sector, one that could rule out the possibility of survival altogether ... for anyone.
Cursekeeper by Alexandra Christo — Nov. 3
Although she may be moving from YA fantasy to adult books, Alexandra Christo has never written light and fluffy stories. Most of her characters are dark and dangerous, and the plots are filled with intrigue and betrayal. Cursekeeper is her adult debut and is definitely more mature than her previous stories, but that only means she dives deeper into the darkness.
Thalia is not your average librarian. She was kidnapped as a child and forced to learn how to protect a library filled with curses. After someone breaks in and steals a number of the curses, and her brother, Thalia must team up with a cursed warrior Fae to stop the world from being destroyed by the curses Thalia was supposed to guard.
Torn from her home and forced to train at the brutal Forge as a child, Thalia Morrow has only ever known the life of a Scion—one sworn to guard the Library of Curses. But on the night she crosses paths with an enigmatic Fae, the Library is ransacked, and her brother is taken by demons, leaving Thalia one of the last Scions still alive.
Desperate to find her only family, Thalia follows the bloody trail to the mysterious Soren—a ruthless warrior who was cursed and banished from the Fae world. Everything about him is dangerous. Everything about him calls to her.
Bound by necessity, the warrior librarian and the Fallen Fae must work together to uncover what happened at the Library and unmask the shadowy new demon leader unleashing curses across the realm. But in the decadent, treacherous city of Delfs, not all is as it seems. As the threat of war rises and Thalia’s feelings for Soren grow, so too does the truth of his bloody past—and the curse that could destroy them both.
Welcome to the Library…
Saved by the Spell by Tanya Huff — Nov. 3
Hogwarts meets Abbott Elementary in this new novel by Tanya Huff, author of the Blood Investigations series. Saved by the Spell gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a magic high school from the underpaid teachers who have to make sure the building remains intact. When one student begins their archetypal hero's journey, the teachers sigh and prepare for a villain to show up. Grading tests is hard enough without having to keep your students from world domination.
Tanya Huff's Blood Investigations series, about P.I. Vicky Nelson and the paranormal murder cases she must solve, was adapted into the Canadian TV series Blood Ties. She has been publishing queer fantasy and science fiction since the 1980s, with enough humor and snark to make even grisly murders and dark magic feel fun.
At the High School for Magical Arts, the teachers are dismayed at the rise of a Hero…because it means a Villain isn’t far behind.
It’s September, and the teachers at the High School for Magical Arts are gearing up for another school year, and hoping it will be a quiet one. Teach students some magic, help them learn their craft, and get out in one piece.
Unfortunately, by the end of the first day, it’s become obvious that they have a potential Hero. All the signs are there. By the end of fourth period, Bex Olynyk has stood up to a bully, turned out to be more powerful than anticipated, and acquired a smart frenemy and a nerdy, loyal roommate.
The problem? Where there’s a Hero, there’s bound to be a Villain. And when Heroes and Villains face off, it’s going to be anything but a normal school year.
Overworked and underpaid, the teachers at the High School for Magical Arts did not sign up for this, but now it’s also their jobs to keep the Hero alive, keep damage to a minimum, keep math scores up to the national level, and find the student who will turn out to be a power-hungry, amoral villain.
Will no one think of the teachers?
Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi — Nov. 3
John Scalzi is basically an expert in all things fantasy and science fiction. In addition to his award-winning books such as the Old Man's War series, he has created music, video games, and even served as a consultant for the Stargate: Universe television series. And now, Scalzi is embracing his home state's reputation for the weird and unexplained in his latest book, Monsters of Ohio.
Mike Boyd isn't thrilled to return to his hometown, but he'll finish his business and get out as soon as possible. Except, trouble keeps finding him and dragging out his stay. And the troubles just keep getting stranger and stranger. Could there really be something sinister lurking in this town?
Welcome to Richland, Ohio. Things aren't great.
The town’s biggest employer is closing shop, and Richland's on the brink. It's where Mike Boyd, with his own set of problems, finds himself returning to after decades away.
He's not planning to stay.
But Richland has other plans for Mike, his old friend Dave, and a newcomer Andi. They're caught in a swirl of local troubles, private equity, executive theft… and something extremely weird involving Jeremy Keller’s prize cow.
Welcome to Richland. Leave your expectations behind. Bring a tarp.
Premier by L.E. Modesitt Jr. (The Grand Illusion #5) — Nov. 3
Premier is, ironically, the fifth and concluding novel in L.E. Modesitt Jr.'s gaslight fantasy series The Grand Illusion, though the title is referring to a government position. After the fourth book told a prequel story, we're taken back to the life of Steffan Dekkard, the first man immune to the empaths' powers to be elected to a government office. He once again faces death threats, but this time from the corporations whose corruption he uncovered.
The Grand Illusion series is heavy on the politics of the world, so it might not appeal to you if you want non-stop action. The main pull it has on readers is how politics and the fight for power is affected by those who can read people's minds and emotions. L.E. Modesitt Jr. doesn't only focus on politics, so if you'd rather try an epic fantasy by him, The Saga of Recluce series is also a great read.
Eight years have passed since Contrarian, and Steffan Dekkard is a moderately senior Craft Party councilor. The Craft Party holds a slim majority in the Council of Sixty-Six that rules the constitutional imperium of Guldor. But the Imperador’s health is failing, and many councilors have lost confidence in the current Premier.
As chairman of the powerful Security Committee, tasked with investigating threats to the Council and Imperium, Dekkard faces growing anger from powerful corporacions, having restricted their efforts to avoid the laws of Guldor and revealed their continuing corruption.
The Wolves of War by John Gwynne — Nov. 3
If, for whatever reason, you can only choose one book from this list, John Gwynne's The Wolves of War should be it. There are so many amazing books to read, but this one is the type of novel that irrevocably affects you and never leaves you. Don't take only my word for it; our own Daniel Roman, associate editor for Winter is Coming, gave a rave review of Gwynne's latest work.
Gwynne is one of the best modern fantasy writers, and The Wolves of War is honestly a pinnacle of the genre. He channeled his love and grief for his late daughter, Harriett, into the tale of Ivan and his extraordinary daughter, Halia, and you can feel the genuine emotions as you read. Halia's powers may be the only thing that can save her family when a devastating war between clans and nations breaks out. The only regret you'll have when reading this book is that you read it too fast and now have to wait for the sequel.
THE WOLVES OF WAR ARE BARING THEIR FANGS
The Clans once lived freely, honouring their gods and traditions. Then the northern invaders unleashed a tide of blood and fire. Now the Clans are a conquered people.
Ivan cares not for wars or kings. His only concern is the safety of his family, especially his daughter Halia, whom he would protect with his life. Halia has been trapped in her own body since birth, yet at night she has dreams of running with wolves and speaking with fae creatures of the forest. Many believe her cursed, but Halia's awakening powers may be the only way she and her family can survive the coming storm.
For the wolves of war are stalking the horizon. Two princes have become mortal enemies, and an iron-toothed witch haunts the shadows. As mighty nations clash, Halia must master her strange magic to protect those she loves. To do so, she must accept a terrifying truth.
Sometimes, the only way through the darkness is to embrace it.
Making Friends by Erin Ampersand (Apocalypse Parenting #2) — Nov. 10
The Apocalypse Parenting series has technically been published previously, when Erin Ampersand self-published her books, but Tor picked up the series and is now republishing them all. Making Friends, the second book in the series, continues the litRPG tale of Meghan Moretti, a mom having to take care of her kids and fight monsters in an intergalactic competition.
This time, Meghan is dealing with her kids' new powers and trying to prepare for a big challenge on the horizon. But this is much more than just your average neighborhood watch meeting to discuss the next block party. Everyone in the community will have to learn to fight in the competition, but they'll have to learn to get along with each other first.
Meghan can't afford to take a break.
She's gotten food and shelter for her family. Her oldest is turning into a wizard, her middle boy is some kind of self-healing monkey, and her youngest is accumulating a small army of pets. That's a bit much to roll with, but when monsters are appearing on the lawn, it's probably for the best.
What worries her is the mysterious—and dangerous—“Challenge” she knows is fast approaching, and she's got to get her kids and community ready to face it. Some neighbors are ready and willing to pitch in, but others? They might end up being a bigger problem than the alien monsters.
The First War by Tao Wong (A Thousand Li #3) — Nov. 10
Tao Wong's series, A Thousand Li, has also been self-published previously and is now being traditionally published. The series delves into Chinese mythology, philosophy, and Taoism to tell the story of a young rice farmer who becomes an immortal cultivator. If you don't know much about Asian spiritualism, you can think of the world and magic system as somewhat similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender, but only in a very basic sense.
The First War, the third book in A Thousand Li, sees Long Wu Ying having to decide between his family and the sect teaching him the mystic arts of cultivation. War threatens everyone, and Wu Ying cannot help his friends and family survive without giving up his place in the Verdant Green Waters sect. The whole series is worth checking out, but start with book one: The First Step.
As the long winter draws to a close, war between the enemy states of Wei and Shen grows ever more inevitable.
Long Wu Ying has been forbidden by the Verdant Green Waters sect to participate in the conflict. But there is more at stake than Wu Ying could have imagined when he began his study of magic and mystical martial arts: Wu Ying’s village—the family and friends who knew and loved him when he was only a farm boy—will be caught between the amassing armies.
Now Wu Ying has a choice to make: Does he leave his people to their fate in favor of pursuing his sect’s ideals and his own ambitions? Or does he help them and give up on the chance for greatness, after all his hard-won progress?
Or can Wu Ying find a third path--one that balances both his commitment to immortality and the earthly bonds that tie him to his family?
Halfheart by Linden A. Lewis — Nov. 10
Linden A. Lewis has already achieved quite a bit of acclaim with their debut series, The First Sister Trilogy. And now, the standalone epic fantasy, Haflheart, tells a new story of strength and power. There is also a queer love story to keep readers hooked.
In a world where gods kill and eat each other to steal powers, a mercenary has a score to settle with the god of War. Mordrena Halfheart is willing to do whatever she can to take revenge, but she's not the only one. As her team of allies grows, there are other gods they must face, and what was just one quest becomes a battle for the world as they know it.
How are gods made?
Years ago, the god of War took everything from aging mercenary Mordrena Halfheart—her homeland, her family, her god, even her magic. So when offered a place in the coalition of mages who aim to kill the War, she digs her nails and teeth into the chance at revenge. But the War is not the only god whose path is intertwined with Halfheart’s. Another has been lurking in her shadow for years, desperate to manipulate her fate to serve his own purpose.
As Halfheart and her unlikely allies journey to find the one weapon that might turn the tides of the War’s unrelenting conquest, long-buried secrets are revealed, loyalties tested, and the fate of the known world is left hanging in the balance.
Everything Happens So Much by Andrew H. Murray — Nov. 10
Fans of Douglas Adams and his brand of comedic science fiction will enjoy Andrew H. Murray's Everything Happens So Much. It's about an average woman living a quiet life where nothing interesting happens, until suddenly, lots of interesting things happen all at once. Now, she has become the "chosen one" who must fulfill a prophecy. All she wanted was some time to relax.
Andrew H. Murray is an author, podcaster, comedian, and journalist. His first novel, The Last Day, was a dystopian thriller and his only foray into science fiction until now. His other books are either crime thrillers or crime comedies, including Bad Deeds, which was released in June 2026.
Esme Good is an unremarkable young woman working a dead-end job in an unremarkable city. Her only escape is The Elsewheres: tiny potions that allow you to disappear for fifteen minutes into alternate versions of yourself. Sadly, these only confirm her suspicion that she is, in a cosmic sense, living her worst life.
Then, after a workplace incident that could have happened to anyone, Esme unintentionally becomes the most important person in this--or perhaps any--universe. We don't have time to get into exactly why this is, but to remedy it, Esme must find an uncharted land and fulfill a prophecy that has been on hold since the dawn of time.
She has spent her whole life trying not to become a main character. Now, a lot of things are about to happen to her: in fact, everything, and so much.
An Edge Sharp Enough by Jesse Q. Sutanto — Nov. 17
After making a name for herself with cozy mysteries, rom-coms, and children's books, Jesse Q. Sutanto is branching into dark fantasy. She's best known for her Vera Wong and Aunties series, which may deal with murders, but they are light, fun reads. An Edge Sharp Enough seeks to prove Sutanto's range and add to her already large fan base.
In a world where magic has been fading to make way for a technological revolution, several unaquainted characters find their fates connected as the indestructible metal that began the revolution begins falling apart. A former assassin, military captain, a scientist's daughter, and her childhood friend must navigate the world and hopefully bring back the magic that can save it.
Mara has no memory of life before her assassin training behind the fortress-like walls of Tchu-Morrokhai, which has been her world since she was five. Practicing discipline and strategy, sacrifice and solitude, she has dedicated herself to resisting the Divine Empress’s plans of eradicating the all-but-forgotten magic. She longs for a world once again filled with magic—and freedom and love. And she’ll do whatever it takes to find those things.
In the faraway city of Velingard, Livya is the privileged daughter of the revered scientist whose invention of an indestructible new metal was the catalyst for a great revolution. Yet Livya’s bored of suitors and balls, more interested in philosophical debates. But when an invite to a secret salon leads to a kidnapping attempt, Livya is suddenly on the run—with the unlikely aid of charming con man Kaian, a once dear childhood friend inexplicably turned frosty stranger.
Captain Fonde has served Velingard faithfully in the twenty years since the revolution, and all has been peaceful... until now, when he’s informed that their “indestructible” metal is inexplicably starting to crumble. Ships, bridges, buildings, statues—their entire post-revolution world is literally about to come apart. Could it be that the metal—and therefore the revolution—was flawed all along? Or is there something darker—evil, ancient, inhuman—at play?
The Legend Eternal by Andrea Stewart (The Hollow Covenant #3) — Nov. 17
Andrea Stewart blew everyone away with The Drowning Empire trilogy, beginning with The Bone Shard Daughter, and did so again with The Hollow Covenant series. She's rightfully gained a reputation as one of the greatest fantasy writers of our time, and the culmination of another trilogy should have readers on tenterhooks.
The Legend Eternal is the third and final book in The Hollow Covenant trilogy, and, hopefully, we'll finally get to see the god Kluehnn taken down. In order to do that, Hakara must work with another god, but his price is steep. And Rasha, Hakara's sister, who was once on Kluehnn's side, now must battle to free herself from him. Many fans are looking forward to a satisfying end where the sisters can reunite and bring Kluehnn down together.
Hakara and her rebels have won a small victory against the tyrannical god Kluehnn, but greater challenges lie ahead. To defeat Kluehnn once and for all, they will need to ally with Ayaz the Cutter and his army of gods . . . but Ayaz has his own plans of conquest.
Rasha once served Kluehnn as a godkiller. Now she just wants to be free. To escape his influence, she must kill his aspect--a fight she knows she can't win. Her only chance is to convince her acolytes to side with her and turn their blades on their beloved god.
As Sheuan navigates the treacherous politics of Bian, trying to balance Ayaz's demands against her own growing ambitions, Mullayne seeks an answer to the greatest question of all: How do you slay a god and save the world?
Mr. Mendlebee's Pandimensional Literary Repository (and Yarn) by Rebecca McKee — Nov. 17
Another book to check out if you're a fan of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, Mr. Mendlebee's Pandimensional Literary Repository (and Yarn) is a fun, cozy fantasy and Rebecca McKee's debut novel. Her writing has previously been published in several literary journals, and she graduated from the University of Iowa fairly recently. It will be interesting to see where she takes us after this adventure at a bookstore at the center of the universe.
The magic of Mr. Mendlebee's bookstore is palpable, and the employees are an eclectic bunch of talking animals, cryptids, and possibly even one of the three Fates. They all make sure that the universe continues on as it's supposed to, either through the books or the yarn they sell. But something dark seems to have infected the store, leaving it haunted. The employees will need to find out what's going on because the fate of the universe is tied to the fate of the store.
Stick your nose in these books, and they just might bite.
Living at the center of the universe, Mr. Mendlebee’s Pandimensional Literary Repository (and Yarn) is home to lost things, forgotten objects, and dark and dangerous items best left unseen. With help from the yeti-like Book Keeper, wizened Yarn Weaver, fish-out-of-water clerk, and Muriel the cat, the seaside store keeps the universe spinning as it should while opening its doors only to those who need it most, with one caveat: Once you’ve visited, you may never return.
But when Violet, repository resident and personal friend to Mr. Mendlebee, starts seeing ghosts, the store allows its first repeat customer: Rachel, a young woman who may be the key to unlocking the secrets hiding within Mr. Mendlebee’s. Haunted by an echoing knock that sounds from nowhere, the bookstore’s staff enlists Rachel’s help to discover what’s rotten at the heart of the repository. As they do, these misfits and magical mavericks form a bond as solid as steel and as true as their hearts. But will their little community be enough to save the bookstore… and the world?
Because Mr. Mendlebee’s is coming undone, and won’t stop until the truth is out.
Murmuration by TJ Klune — Nov. 17
T.J. Klune writes queer romance layered expertly among his cozy fantasies. His Cerulean Chronicles catapulted him into the spotlight, and fans are eagerly awaiting the third book in the series. Until then, we have this standalone novel, Murmuration, about a perfect town with terrible secrets and a man just trying to save himself and the person he loves.
Mumuration has the same vibes as an episode of The Twilight Zone or Twin Peaks. The perfect little town that turns out to be not-so-perfect. Strange and terrifying realizations happen as Mike, the main character, begins to notice certain discrepancies. Is this place even real? Is he?
On a temperate morning in 1954, Mike wakes up in the idyllic town of Amorea.
Amorea is perfect.
Mike works his dream job at the local bookstore, where he leads lively discussions of literature with the local women’s club. At the diner, the walls are plastered with beaming photos of the residents, and all the staff know his order—especially Sean, the waiter who has a special smile just for Mike and, after years of anticipation, is ready to take the next step in their burgeoning romance.
Everything is perfect.
But the edges of the town are beginning to fray. Odd things catch Mike’s attention, things no one else seems to notice or care about. There are no children or parents in Amorea, and no one who’s left town for the far mountains has ever come back. There are subjects in the diner photos that only a few people can remember.
One night, Mike wakes up to a stormcloud of uncanny starlings blackening the sky. And soon enough, he begins to question whether his name is even Mike.
As violent memories of another life interfere with everything good about Amorea and Mike loses hold on his identity, he will do whatever he can to keep Sean from the darkness that is coming.
Nothing here is perfect, but there is someone worth saving.
All the Beastly Things by Eilish Quin — Nov. 17
From the author of Medea, Eilish Quin, comes her second novel, All the Beastly Things. Instead of dealing with the past, though, this story takes place in the far-distant future. The common themes in both novels are female empowerment and identity.
Igraine and Ophelia have grown up in a world without men. Everything about their religion and culture is centered on the divine feminine. So, when Ophelia begins dreaming of a male archangel, everything that these girls thought they knew comes into question. Igraine must decide what she truly believes and if its worth fighting for.
The year is 2171, and the Earth is not what it once was. After climate collapse, plague, fascism, artificial intelligence, and nuclear fallout reduced civilization to ash, nature has reclaimed the Earth. Small monastic communities have emerged from the carnage—self-sufficient, female-only religious utopias governed by a strict codex and surrounded by walls to keep the wilds at bay. The new world is harmonious, and blissfully free from structures of oppression such as hierarchy, capitalism, and time.
Seventeen-year-old Igraine has never known life beyond the cloistered walls of the Field or seen a human male. Brilliant and devout, she spends her days in the gardens and scriptorium beside her closest companion, Ophelia. Their studies will culminate in twin posts at the Lunar Abbey—a gothic cathedral on the Moon reserved for the most venerated Sisters.
Their futures fracture when Ophelia begins receiving visions of a mysterious, alluring, and damningly masculine archangel. As the girls contend with cryptic fragments of revelation and devastating rumors about the Order’s darker origins, their bond becomes precarious and Igraine must confront her unraveling faith in a system that demands her complete surrender.
A Healer's Guide to Adventuring by David Green — Nov. 26
Lovers of cozy fantasy and Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes will truly enjoy David Green's newest novel, A Healer's Guide to Adventuring. And it's safe to say that this David Green, author known for LGBTQ+ representation in fantasy, is not the David Green who founded Hobby Lobby. So you can rest assured that this book is written by a renowned neurodivergent fantasy author, and not an American businessman.
After struggling mentally and emotionally from monster campaigns, Tanwin sets up an apothecary/therapist business. This new, quiet life is just what she needed, and those she cares for are grateful she's there. But trouble soon finds Tanwin and she must go on another adventure to save those she loves and to protect the peace she worked so hard for.
Every hero deserves a safe place to fall apart.
Tanwin never wanted to be an Adventurer. After surviving a disastrous campaign that left her scarred in ways no potion could heal, she abandons Lanriel's glory-seeking Adventurers' Guild and opens an apothecary instead.
Soon Tanwin spends her days helping battle-scarred heroes confront the emotional wounds no one else will treat, one steaming cup of tea at a time.
Until Lanriel's most fearsome warrior arrives begging for help.
Fang-Ripper's son is missing. A dragon is involved. And somehow Tanwin finds herself trekking into the dangerous Wilds with a handful of unlikely companions, a curious moondrill in her pocket, and absolutely no desire to become part of anyone's heroic quest.
But as ancient grudges resurface and war threatens to ignite between dragons and humans, Tanwin discovers that monsters are rarely who the stories claim they are.
And when the elf who has captured Tanwin's heart is called back into peril, the peaceful life she has built begins to unravel.
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