Dive headfirst into a world of wonder and intrigue with the most anticipated October 2023 fantasy book releases. Your gateway to magical adventures awaits.
October is rolling in, bringing along a burst of fresh narratives to capture our hearts and imagination. It’s not just the season of falling leaves and pumpkin spice, but also the season where fantasy blooms in the literary world. Get ready to dive into the ocean of “October 2023 fantasy book” releases that promise tales filled with magic and adventures. Stay tuned as I unveil the gems that are ready to make a grand entry into our reading lists this month!
October 2023 Fantasy Book Releases
These are the twenty-plus October 2023 fantasy book releases to look out for this Fall.
Secret Project #4 by Brandon Sanderson
October 1, 2023
Hey there, fellow Brandon Sanderson fans! Ready to get lost in a fresh journey in the Cosmere universe this October? “Secret Project #4” promises an intense, heart-racing adventure that you can’t miss!
Meet Nomad, a seasoned wanderer in the vast Cosmere universe, constantly on the move to evade the persistent Night Brigade. His journey takes a riveting turn as he lands on a new planet engulfed in a brutal struggle against a ruthless tyrant. But time is ticking, with the sunrise threatening to bring a heat that can melt stones.
Caught in the chaos and unable to grasp the language, Nomad must make a crucial decision: run again or stand and fight, possibly paying the ultimate price. Can he navigate the tides of conflict and find a sliver of hope? Dive in to find out in this new exhilarating October Cosmere book release!
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
October 3, 2023
Hey there, book lovers! Get ready to be swept off your feet this October with Alix E. Harrow’s newest fantasy book release, “Starling House.” Dive into the enigmatic world where Opal, a vibrant young woman, finds herself drawn to an eerie yet enticing house brimming with secrets, just like its mysterious heir.
But Opal’s connection to this strange place is more than mere curiosity. It beckons her with the promise of home, a sensation so foreign yet desperately needed. Brace yourself as Opal ventures deep into the Underland, embarking on a fierce quest to reclaim her brighter future. A quick read, but one that promises an adventure steeped in mystery and wonder. Don’t miss out!
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
October 3, 2023
This October, get ready to dive into the tumultuous world of “The Hurricane Wars”, a place where darkness holds sway yet hope persists.
In a land torn by relentless wars led by the Night Empire, a glimmer of hope arises with Talasyn, an orphan with unique Lightweave magic, fervently dreaming of finding her true family and place in the world.
On the flip side, meet Alaric, the Night Emperor’s heir, groomed to annihilate resistance. His path crosses with the radiant Talasyn, sparking unforeseen alliances and challenges.
As a greater peril overshadows the ongoing Hurricane Wars, can these two put aside their differences to face an even deadlier foe? Find out in this gripping new October release!
The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub
October 3, 2023
Brace yourselves for a magical twist to a classic tale in “The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch”, the book that’s taking October by storm!
Step into the whimsical world of Lydia Bennet, the youngest Bennet sister, who has a lot more to worry about than the estate’s future. Armed with a pen, she unveils the real story behind the scenes of Pride and Prejudice. From dealing with a barn cat sibling to navigating Wickham’s demonic nature, Lydia unveils it all with an unexpected sprinkle of magic.
But beware, being a witch comes with its own set of rules. As Lydia soon learns, promises pack a punch in the magical world. Ready for a rollercoaster ride of enchantment, danger, and unexpected twists? Lydia Bennet is about to give you a story you never saw coming this October!
The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport by Samit Basu
October 3, 2023
Dive into the vibrant and chaotic world of Shantiport, a city teetering on the brink, in this electrifying new October fantasy book release. In a place meant to be a beacon of stellar opportunities, we find Lina, a staunch defender of her beloved home, and Bador, a spirited monkey bot with dreams that stretch as far as the stars themselves.
Caught in a web spun by the city’s power-hungry tech billionaire, Lina finds herself on a mission to retrieve an artifact potent enough to alter reality itself. The stakes skyrocket when a sentient off-world technology with the ability to grant three wishes enters the scene. As forces from a time forgotten start to converge around Lina and Bador, the siblings find themselves in the eye of a storm that threatens to upturn the power dynamics in Shantiport.
Get ready for a gripping tale where familial bonds are tested, ancient powers are awakened, and the fate of a city hangs in the balance.
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
October 3, 2023
Dive into the vibrant world of “The Scarlet Alchemist”, a thrilling October fantasy book release. Zilan harbors dreams bigger than her small village – she aspires to be a royal alchemist, creating golden delicacies that promise eternal youth. But, her current reality is stark, as she uses forbidden alchemy to resurrect the dead and provide for her family.
Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she gets an opportunity to prove her worth in the imperial exams in the capital. Yet, her notorious reputation shadows her, catching the attention of the Crown Prince, who believes an assassination plot is brewing.
In a palace where danger and secrets reside side by side, Zilan finds herself ensnared in a web of royal politics and looming threats. As she delves deeper, she realizes that her past and the monsters in the palace are converging in a perilous dance. Time is ticking, and Zilan must navigate this intricate web before it ensnares her completely.
Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch & Beth Revis
October 3, 2023
Get ready for a fiery collision of fate and revenge in the gripping October fantasy book release, “Night of the Witch”. In a world echoing with cries for vengeance, Fritzi, a resilient witch, embarks on a daring mission to seek justice for her murdered coven, a journey leading her straight to the formidable hexenjägers, especially their heartless leader, Kommandant Dieter Kirch.
Meanwhile, Otto hides a vengeful flame in his heart. Posing as a loyal hexenjäger captain, he silently nurtures a plan to avenge his mother, unjustly killed by his kind. The universe conspires to throw him and Fritzi together, fueling an unexpected alliance simmering with distrust and a common goal – revenge.
As secrets unveil and loyalties waver, they stumble upon a sinister plan more dreadful than they imagined. Yet, amidst the darkness, their budding affection for each other might kindle the most potent magic of all, promising retribution and a chance for love.
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle
October 3, 2023
In the mystic corridors of Aldryn College for Lunar Magics, Emory stands apart, possessing mediocre healing abilities. However, a sinister night at the Dovermere sea caves alters everything, leaving her classmates dead and bestowing upon her unexpected, dark powers.
Now, as the sole survivor, she bears unforeseen abilities that threaten to expose her. Hence, Emory seeks guidance from Baz, an elusive peer, knowledgeable in dark magic. Tragically, his sister – Emory’s close friend – is among the deceased.
Determined to unearth the truth behind a secret society and the peculiar drownings, Emory plunges into a whirlpool of mysteries. Oddly, the presumed dead classmates start reappearing, only to die grotesque, magical deaths.
Soon, Emory finds herself entwined in a web of privilege and power, ensnared by the society she suspects. Uncertain and fearful, she wonders if her quest for truth will usher her back to Dovermere, forcing her to confront an inescapable destiny.
Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
October 10, 2023
In Castellane, nobles and criminals alike chase power and pleasure. Meanwhile, Kel, an orphan, becomes Sword-Catcher, destined to die for Prince Conor. Simultaneously, Lin, a magical Ashkar physician, struggles to save her best friend without forbidden knowledge.
However, an assassination attempt unexpectedly merges Lin and Kel’s paths. Now, entwined with the criminal mastermind, the Ragpicker King, they delve into Castellane’s dark underbelly. Here, they uncover shocking secrets and widespread corruption, stretching from squalid alleys to opulent palaces.
As secrets unfold, they ponder: Can knowledge justify betrayal? Can love topple a kingdom? Moreover, will their revelations thrust their land into war, possibly engulfing the world in chaos?
Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall
October 10, 2023
In Caball Hollow, the James sisters harbor secrets and unusual abilities. Linden, however, can taste others’ emotions, a gift that estranged her from Cole Spencer. Following a mysterious disappearance last year, she returned without memories but with haunting nightmares hinting at deeper secrets.
Now, another girl vanishes, found dead in chillingly similar circumstances to Linden’s disappearance. However, suspicions swirl and tensions rise. Determined, Linden mobilizes her sisters to unearth the forest’s dark secrets before they hunt her down. As she delves deeper, confronting rumors of the eerie Moth-Winged Man and rekindling tensions with Cole, she wonders: are some truths better left undiscovered?
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
October 17, 2023
In Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is haunted by her family’s curse and her mother’s unsolved disappearance. Now, she experiences strange occurrences: hearing chimes, seeing a mysterious door, and a voice calling her. Yet, she vows to break the family curse, even if it means giving up potential love.
Following her grandmother’s death, June stumbles upon clues about her mother. However, they raise more questions than answers. When the mystical door appears again, she steps through, embarking on a transformative journey. It promises not only insights into her town’s secrets but also offers a chance at epic love. Adrienne Young crafts a tale blending romance, mystery, and the miraculous, creating a memorable narrative.
The Witches at the End of the World by Chelsea Iversen
October 17, 2023
In a Norwegian forest, two magical sisters, Kaija and Minna, live in solitude. However, Kaija craves a normal life and decides to leave, suppressing her magic. This act deeply hurts Minna, a fierce witch, reminding her of the painful day they were forced out of their village and their mother was killed.
Angry and alone, Minna casts a vengeful curse, triggering a devastating series of events. Unfortunately, this also threatens the peaceful life Kaija has built. Minna’s fury, once ignited, can’t be undone. Someone must face the fiery consequences.
All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters
October 17, 2023
This October, dive into the mesmerizing world of Corbin College, where dreams come at a dreadful cost. Tara steps into the privileged realm of the Magni Viri society, where illustrious careers are almost guaranteed. But amidst the grand Victorian hallways, a sinister force begins weaving a dark tale through her.
Sleepwalking nights and haunting visions of entrapment slowly shred Tara’s reality. A looming presence stalks her in the dormitory, steering her once bright dreams towards nightmares. Tara teeters on the edge, as she unearths a horrifying secret nesting at the heart of Magni Viri.
“All That Consumes Us” by Erica Waters is your passport to a perfect fall fantasy – a hypnotic and lush journey that blurs the fine line between ambition and terror, drawing readers into a gothic daydream where aspirations can devour one’s soul.
Lilith by Nikki Marmery
October 17, 2023
Rewrite history with Lilith, the original feminist who was banished from Eden for daring to be Adam’s equal. No longer content to be a footnote, Lilith embarks on an epic journey across time. From ancient ziggurats to royal courts, she seeks the long-lost Asherah—God’s equal—and Eve, the submissive replacement.
Her wisdom from the Tree of Knowledge fuels her mission: to restore balance and claim her place in Paradise. As she navigates through epochs, witnessing the consequences of a lopsided world, Lilith gears up for the ultimate reckoning.
“Nikki Marmery’s Lilith” offers a powerful reimagining of a tale that dared to justify women’s subjugation. A must-read that challenges the foundational myths that have shaped our world.
Generation Ship by Michael Mammay
October 17, 2023
Buckle up for an epic space journey in Michael Mammay’s “Generation Ship,” a gripping sci-fi thriller set to release this October. It’s 250 years since Colony Ship Voyager left Earth, and now it’s on the brink of reaching the mysterious planet Promissa. But chaos erupts as probes go silent and factions form within the crew.
Science officer Sheila Jackson fights to be heard as the crew splits—some demanding an end to old rules, others, like security officer Mark Rector, wanting to tighten the grip. Governor Jared Pantel sees a risky colonization as the only option to unite the divided ship.
But what if Promissa itself isn’t keen on human settlers? It’s a battle for control, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. One wrong move, and they could all perish.
These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs
October 17, 2023
Dive into a galaxy-spanning chase in Bethany Jacobs’ debut, “These Burning Stars,” coming to your bookshelf this October. Jun Ironway is a hacker and a thief with a secret so explosive it could shatter empires. She has proof of the Nightfoot family’s role in a devastating genocide, and that information could be her golden ticket.
But it also puts a target on her back. The Kingdom, who rules the star systems, sends two lethal clerics, Chono and Esek, to hunt her down. Yet, a mysterious figure named Six haunts them, manipulating events from the shadows.
With so many secrets and lies, it’s a deadly game of cat and mouse that could unravel worlds. Are you ready for a ride that’s out of this world?
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
October 19, 2023
Get ready for “Two Twisted Crowns,” the much-anticipated sequel to “One Dark Window,” hitting shelves this October. Elspeth and Ravyn are on a high-stakes quest to collect the final Providence Card, The Twin Alders, before the Solstice arrives. Their journey pushes them past the ominous mist-cloaked forest, where lurking dangers are the least of their worries.
Why? Because Elspeth’s own mind is a battleground. The Nightmare, a monster living inside her, isn’t keen on cooperating anymore. It’s a race against time, a battle against inner demons, and a kingdom’s fate hanging in the balance. Get ready for another enthralling ride!
The Queen of Days by Greta Kelly
October 24, 2023
Coming this October, gear up for “The Queen of Days,” an epic heist tale with fallen gods, flawed heroes, and stakes that could shatter reality itself! Meet Balthazar, a thief with a grudge, and his motley crew that includes a time-eating demon and a lady bomb maker. Their mission? To steal a statue, simple enough, right? Wrong. Because that statue was meant to house a god.
In a wild twist, the mysterious Queen of Days shatters the idol, and now the crew has to pick up the pieces—literally. It’s a high-octane race through the city and alternate realities to save humanity. But wait, could saving the day actually doom them all? The clock is ticking, and it’s time to make a choice: save the city or kill a god. You won’t want to miss this!
Wand by Landra Jennings
October 31, 2023
Coming this October, don’t miss “Wand,” an enchanting middle-grade read that’s perfect for young fans of magical tales and heartfelt stories. Eleven-year-old Mira is struggling with big changes and a heartbreaking loss when Lyndame, a mysterious girl with a powerful wand, steps into her life. Three wishes—that’s the offer on the table.
It sounds too good to be true, and in the small town of Between, Georgia, where secrets are as common as pine trees, magic comes with its own set of rules—and costs. As Mira navigates wishes and newfound magic, she learns that real magic might just be in finding hope and family where you least expect it.
Tonight, I Burn by Katharine J. Adams
October 31, 2023
This October, step into a world on the brink of a magical revolution in “Tonight, I Burn,” the first installment of the “Thorn Witch” series. Penny Albright, a thorn witch, is duty-bound to guard the veil between Life and Death. When her sister Ella disappears, Penny risks it all by breaking the rules and striking a dangerous deal with the enigmatic Lord Malin. As she navigates two worlds and two intriguing love interests, Penny uncovers a rebellion simmering in the shadows.
Choices will have to be made, not just for her sister’s life but for the very fabric of magic. Don’t miss this gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and a world ablaze with magic.
Dark Moon, Shallow Sea by David R. Slayton
October 31, 2023
This October, immerse yourself in “Dark Moon, Shallow Sea,” a haunting high fantasy story perfect for fans of LGBT and M/M romance themes. Raef is a man on a quest for vengeance. The knights he despises have killed his goddess, the moon, plunging the world into endless night and ghostly chaos. In an audacious heist, he finds not treasure, but Kinos—a man mysteriously imprisoned.
As they flee from their relentless pursuers, Raef and Kinos find something unexpected: love. But unless they unravel the enigma of Kinos’s existence, their newfound affection won’t be enough to bring back the moon and set the world right again. Dive into this captivating tale of love, magic, and a moonless world on the brink of disaster.
Don’t Miss Out on October’s Must-Read Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books
And there you have it, folks! That’s your definitive guide to the most enchanting, pulse-pounding, and downright addictive fantasy and sci-fi books releasing this October. Whether you’re yearning for magical quests, complex romances, alien worlds, or dystopian futures, this list is your golden ticket to awe-inspiring adventures.
From young witches navigating love and rebellion, to spaceships harboring dark secrets, these stories promise more than just entertainment—they offer new worlds to explore. Each title is a gateway into a universe as vast as your imagination. Choose one, or choose them all; either way, prepare for a journey you won’t easily forget.
If you loved this list, there’s plenty more where that came from. I’ve got a treasure trove of recommendations, reviews, and bookish chit-chats over on my blog and YouTube channel. Want the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for my email list and never miss a beat! And if you’re still craving more, be sure to check out my other posts on ‘YA Fall Fantasy Reads‘ and ‘Adult Fall Fantasy Books‘ to keep that reading list growing. Trust me, your TBR pile will thank you.
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
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