10 Must-Read Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Coming Out in October 2025
- Joao Nsita
- Sep 22
- 17 min read
It’s a Thursday evening in mid-September, and a new, more mysterious energy is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier each day, and the first true chill of autumn is in the air, a definitive signal that cozy season has arrived. As we retreat indoors, a collective desire for stories that are grand, immersive, and utterly transportive takes hold. This is the magical time of year when the veil between worlds feels thin, the perfect season to get lost in the sprawling landscapes of a new fantasy epic or to grapple with the chilling, thought-provoking questions of a great science fiction novel.
The literary world of 2025 is a thrilling and vibrant place, and nowhere is that more evident than in the speculative fiction genres. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the trends are a testament to our collective and ever-growing appetite for stories that push the boundaries of imagination. #DarkAcademia continues its reign, with readers celebrating moody, atmospheric tales set in ancient universities and secret societies. The #Romantasy subgenre is a certified phenomenon, with epic love stories set against backdrops of magical wars and political intrigue dominating the bestseller lists. And "folk horror" and "weird fiction," with their roots in the strange and unsettling, have moved from niche corners of the internet to the forefront of the cultural conversation.
October 2025 is a month that perfectly captures this exciting spirit. It is an absolute treasure trove of anticipated releases from some of the most innovative, beloved, and daring voices in modern fiction. This is not a list of simple, escapist tales; it is a curated guide to the stories that will challenge you, haunt you, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. From the breathtaking culmination of a thirty-year literary saga to a dark and twisted take on sorority life, this month’s offerings are a perfect reflection of the incredible diversity and ambition of the genre.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the essential speculative fiction of the month. We will take a deep dive into each of these ten incredible books, presented in descending order, exploring the unique magic that makes each one a must-read. So, light your favourite candle, pour a glass of something warming, and prepare to journey into the strange, the scary, and the sublime. Your next favourite book is waiting.
Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you discover your next great read, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth literary content. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
10. Dirk Jones is Not the Chosen One by Gatlin Perrin
The Vibe: A witty, sharp, and brilliantly funny debut fantasy novel that lovingly and hilariously subverts the classic tropes of the "chosen one" narrative.
The Premise: Releasing on October 17th, this debut novel is a fresh and playful take on a beloved fantasy trope. The story is set in a classic fantasy world, complete with prophecies, ancient evils, and a desperate need for a hero. The only problem? Dirk Jones is absolutely, positively, not that hero. He is an ordinary person who, through a series of comedic mishaps and a case of mistaken identity, finds himself thrust into the role of the prophesied "chosen one." The novel follows his hilarious and often calamitous journey as he tries to live up to a destiny he never asked for and is completely unqualified for.
Why It's a Must-Read: The "subversive fantasy" is a huge and growing trend, as readers are increasingly looking for stories that play with and deconstruct the familiar tropes of the genre. Dirk Jones is Not the Chosen One promises to be a fantastic and incredibly funny addition to this new wave of fantasy. It’s a perfect read for fans of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series or the classic film The Princess Bride. It is a celebration of the underdog and a hilarious reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely heroes are the ones who save the day.
What to Expect: A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud, and genuinely heartwarming adventure. Expect a story that is packed with witty dialogue, clever subversions of classic fantasy clichés, and a protagonist who is deeply relatable in his complete and utter inadequacy. It’s a perfect, lighthearted, and feel-good read for a cozy autumn afternoon. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Comedies With a Flawed But Lovable Protagonist.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Dirk Jones is Not the Chosen One by Gatlin Perrin on Amazon.
9. The Blackfire Blade by James Logan
The Vibe: A classic, epic, and action-packed fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of traditional, high-stakes, world-spanning quests.
The Premise: This is the second book in James Logan's fantasy series, picking up directly after the events of the acclaimed The Silverblood Promise. The story continues the journey of our young protagonist as he seeks to uncover the truth behind his father's murder and to master his own burgeoning powers. His quest takes him to a brand-new, vividly realised fantasy city, where he must navigate a treacherous world of political intrigue, ancient secrets, and dangerous magic to find the answers he seeks.
Why It's a Must-Read: Sometimes, you just crave a classic, brilliantly executed epic fantasy, and The Blackfire Blade promises to deliver exactly that. The first book in the series was praised for its fantastic world-building, its fast-paced action, and its compelling, character-driven story. This sequel is set to expand that world in new and exciting ways, deepening the lore and raising the stakes for our hero. It's a perfect read for fans of classic fantasy authors like Brandon Sanderson and Joe Abercrombie. For a great resource on the art of world-building in fantasy, the official Brandon Sanderson YouTube channel, where he posts his university lectures, is an incredible resource.
What to Expect: A thrilling, action-packed, and immersive fantasy novel. Expect intricate world-building, complex magic systems, and a gripping, high-stakes plot. This is the kind of book you can completely lose yourself in, a perfect, epic escape for the long autumn evenings. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.
Where to Buy: You can purchase The Blackfire Blade by James Logan on Amazon.
8. Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata
The Vibe: A strange, unsettling, and profoundly thought-provoking work of speculative literary fiction from one of the most unique and celebrated voices in modern Japanese literature.
The Premise: From the internationally bestselling author of Convenience Store Woman comes a new novel that is a deep and unsettling exploration of societal norms and individual identity. The story is set in a near-future world where children are conceived via artificial insemination and traditional sexual intercourse has become a taboo. Our protagonist, Amane, is an outcast because her parents had a "natural union." The novel follows her as she is torn between the strict, sanitized norms of her society and the allure of a secluded, cult-like community where people live together as one large, unconventional family.
Why It's a Must-Read: Sayaka Murata is a master of the strange and the unsettling. Her work brilliantly uses speculative, near-future premises to explore the absurdities and the anxieties of our own modern world. Vanishing World promises to be a powerful and timely exploration of themes of conformity, individuality, and the very definition of what constitutes a "family." Her work is a perfect example of the "weird fiction" trend that is captivating literary audiences around the world.
What to Expect: A book that is as strange and unsettling as it is brilliant. Expect a story that is less about a high-stakes plot and more about a deep, philosophical exploration of its central themes. It is a must-read for any fan of literary fiction who loves a story that is not afraid to be weird, and that will stay with you and make you think long after you have finished it. The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata on Amazon.
7. Cold War by Jonathan Maberry
The Vibe: A brutal, action-packed, and genuinely terrifying "space horror" novel that is a perfect blend of military sci-fi and Lovecraftian cosmic dread.
The Premise: This is the highly anticipated follow-up to Jonathan Maberry's 2024 dark sci-fi novel, NecroTek. The story picks up with the surviving human scientists and soldiers who are trapped in the far reaches of space. They are the pilots of incredible, alien-designed mechs that are powered by the souls of the dead. In this new installment, they must use these powerful, death-fueled weapons to fight back against a new and even more terrifying threat: a race of ancient, god-like cosmic horrors that have been awakened from their slumber.
Why It's a Must-Read: Jonathan Maberry is a master of high-stakes, high-concept horror, and the NecroTek universe is one of his most brilliant and terrifying creations. The "space horror" subgenre is a fan favourite, and this book promises to deliver a full-throttle, action-packed, and genuinely scary experience. The concept of "death-powered mechs" is a work of genius, a perfect blend of cool, sci-fi action and a dark, unsettling horror premise. For a deep dive into the world of cosmic horror, the H.P. Lovecraft Archive is the ultimate resource.
What to Expect: A fast-paced, brutal, and incredibly thrilling read. Expect a book that is packed with visceral, cinematic action sequences, genuinely terrifying monsters, and a compelling, high-stakes plot. It’s a perfect, adrenaline-fueled read for a dark and stormy October night. The show’s post-apocalyptic vibe is brilliantly realized, and for more on the genre, check out our list of The Top 5 Best Post-Appocalyptic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Cold War by Jonathan Maberry on Amazon.
6. The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
The Vibe: A beautiful, haunting, and deeply romantic historical fantasy from one of the most acclaimed and beloved authors in the genre.
The Premise: From the bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Starling House comes a new, spellbinding tale. The story revolves around the legend of Una Everlasting, a female knight who famously died a heroic death for her country centuries ago. In the present day, a young, obsessive scholar embarks on a journey to uncover the real truth behind the legend, a quest that will lead her into a world of hidden magic, ancient secrets, and the surprising, untold story of what really happened to the legendary knight.
Why It's a Must-Read: Alix E. Harrow is a true modern master of the historical fantasy genre. Her writing is famous for its beautiful, lyrical prose, its deep, fairytale-like quality, and its powerful, feminist themes. This book promises to be a stunning and poignant exploration of the ways in which women's stories are told, and often re-written, by history. It’s a must-read for any fan of smart, beautiful, and character-driven fantasy.
What to Expect: A beautifully written, slow-burn, and deeply atmospheric fantasy novel. Expect a story that is as much about the academic, historical mystery as it is about the magic. It will be a perfect, cozy, and thought-provoking read for a quiet autumn afternoon. For more on the history of female knights, the History.com article on the subject is a fascinating read. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Buy: You can purchase The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow on Amazon.
5. Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake
The Vibe: A dark, glamorous, and deliciously twisted thriller that is a perfect, modern fusion of the "dark academia" and "occult horror" genres.
The Premise: From the internationally bestselling author of The Atlas Six, Olivie Blake, comes a new and highly anticipated dark academia thriller. The story is set at a prestigious university and centres on an exclusive and mysterious sorority known as "The House." The sisterhood of The House, and its powerful network of alumni, will go to any lengths to ensure their success. Their power is rooted in a series of arcane, magical rituals and a sinister new wellness trend that is sweeping the campus.
Why It's a Must-Read: The "dark academia" aesthetic is one of the biggest trends in the world of books and social media, and Olivie Blake is one of its undisputed queens. This book promises to be a brilliant, sharp, and satirical take on the genre, blending the classic, atmospheric setting of a university campus with a very modern and terrifying exploration of the dark side of the wellness industry. It’s a perfect, spooky, and sophisticated read for the autumn season.
What to Expect: A smart, stylish, and deeply unsettling thriller. Expect a book that is packed with sharp dialogue, complex, morally grey characters, and a compelling, slow-burn mystery. It will be a must-read for any fan of The Secret History and a perfect, thought-provoking, and genuinely creepy read for October. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake on Amazon.
4. Thief of Night by Holly Black
The Vibe: A dark, gritty, and spellbinding modern fantasy that is a deep dive into the dangerous and magical underworld of the shadow trade.
The Premise: This is the highly anticipated sequel to Holly Black's bestselling adult fantasy debut, Book of Night. The story picks up with our protagonist, the perpetually unlucky and morally grey con artist, Charlie Hall. In a world where a person's shadow can be altered or even stolen, Charlie is a master of the shadow trade. The new book finds her in even greater peril, as she is forced to navigate the treacherous, magical underworld to protect the people she loves and to confront the dark secrets of her own past.
Why It's a Must-Read: Holly Black is a living legend of the fantasy genre, and her adult debut was a massive critical and commercial success. Thief of Night is one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of the year. The world-building of the series is incredible—a dark, gritty, and completely original vision of a modern world infused with a terrifying and unpredictable magic system. Charlie Hall is a fantastic, complex, and deeply compelling anti-heroine. For more on the author's incredible body of work, the official Holly Black website is the best resource.
What to Expect: A fast-paced, dark, and incredibly thrilling fantasy novel. Expect a story that is packed with shocking twists, dangerous magic, and a complex, character-driven plot. It’s a must-read for any fan of modern, urban fantasy and a perfect, atmospheric read for the spooky season. The show's complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Thief of Night by Holly Black on Amazon.
3. The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare
The Vibe: An epic, sweeping, and deeply romantic high fantasy from one of the undisputed queens of the genre.
The Premise: This is the second installment in Cassandra Clare's first-ever adult high fantasy series, The Chronicles of Castellane. The story picks up after the events of the first book, with our two protagonists on separate but interconnected quests. Kel, a young man with a mysterious past, must seek out a notorious criminal to get information about the royal massacre that has thrown the kingdom into chaos. Meanwhile, Lin, a royal physician's assistant who has been revealed to be a channel for a forgotten goddess, must confront a powerful new ruler who is determined to put her supposed powers to the ultimate test.
Why It's a Must-Read: Cassandra Clare is a global publishing phenomenon, the author of the legendary Shadowhunters series. Her first foray into adult high fantasy was a massive success, and this sequel is one of the most anticipated books of the entire year. Clare is a master of intricate world-building, complex political intrigue, and epic, slow-burn romance. This series promises to deliver everything that fans love about her work, but on an even grander and more mature scale.
What to Expect: A sprawling, epic, and completely immersive fantasy novel. Expect a rich and detailed world, a large cast of complex and memorable characters, and a plot that is packed with political maneuvering, shocking betrayals, and a deeply satisfying and romantic central love story. It is a true "door-stopper" of a book, a perfect, epic escape to get lost in for the entire month of October. The show’s epic scale is awe-inspiring, a quality it shares with the films on our list of The Top 5 Best Fantasy Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy: You can purchase The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare on Amazon.
2. Queen Demon by Martha Wells
The Vibe: The highly anticipated, epic fantasy sequel to the bestselling Witch King, from one of the most beloved and acclaimed authors in modern science fiction and fantasy.
The Premise: The first book introduced us to Kai, the Witch King, a powerful demon who, after being imprisoned for centuries, is resurrected to find that his world has been completely changed and his friends are in danger. This sequel picks up with Kai and his companions, the witch Ziede and the mortal prince Tahren, as they are faced with a new and even more dangerous threat: a new Hierarch is threatening to rise and plunge the world into chaos. The friends must race against a host of powerful new enemies to find the legendary Hierarchs' Well before it's too late.
Why It's a Must-Read: Martha Wells is a true legend of the genre, the author of the incredibly popular and multi-award-winning Murderbot Diaries. Witch King was a massive success, and this sequel is one of the most eagerly awaited fantasy releases of the year. Wells is a master of character-driven storytelling, and the relationships between Kai, Ziede, and Tahren are the powerful, beating heart of this series. The book promises to be a thrilling, action-packed, and deeply emotional exploration of power, friendship, and the immense difficulty of trust and betrayal.
What to Expect: A perfect blend of epic, high-stakes fantasy and deep, nuanced character work. Expect a fast-paced, thrilling plot, a rich and imaginative world, and a powerful, emotional story about the bonds of found family. It is a must-read for any fan of modern, character-driven fantasy. The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships, as a contrast to the healthy friendships in this book.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Queen Demon by Martha Wells on Amazon.
1. The Rose Field: The Book of Dust, Volume Three by Philip Pullman
The Vibe: The breathtaking, long-awaited, and monumental culmination of a literary saga that has spanned decades. This is a true literary event.
The Premise: This is the third and final volume of The Book of Dust trilogy, which itself is a companion series to the legendary His Dark Materials. This book, which is being published 30 years after the original publication of Northern Lights (The Golden Compass), will finally bring the stories of its two protagonists, Lyra Belacqua and Malcolm Polstead, together. The story will see their individual quests converging as they seek the crucial answers to some of the universe's greatest mysteries, all while facing the growing and ever-present threat of the tyrannical Magisterium.
Why It's at the Top: Philip Pullman is one of the most important and beloved authors of our time, and the world of His Dark Materials is a masterpiece of modern fiction. This final volume is not just a book; it is a cultural event, the culmination of a story that has captivated and inspired millions of readers around the world for three decades. It is a book that promises to be a deep, philosophical, and profoundly moving exploration of the themes that have defined the entire saga: the nature of consciousness, the importance of free will, and the sacred power of the human spirit.
What to Expect: A beautifully written, intellectually challenging, and deeply, profoundly moving novel. Expect a story that provides a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the journeys of its beloved characters. This is not just the most anticipated fantasy release of October; it is one of the most anticipated literary releases of the entire year. It is, without a doubt, essential reading. For an exhaustive guide to Pullman's world, the His Dark Materials Wiki is an unparalleled resource. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.
Where to Buy: You can purchase The Rose Field by Philip Pullman on Amazon.
Conclusion
October 2025 is a month that is brimming with a unique and powerful kind of magic. The ten books on this list are a testament to the incredible creativity and ambition of the modern science fiction and fantasy genres. They are stories that are not afraid to be weird, to be dark, to blend genres, and to ask difficult and profound questions about the world we live in. From the haunted forests of Northern California to the cursed research facilities of South Korea, these are not just escapist fantasies; they are explorations of our deepest fears and our most profound hopes.
As the cozy, introspective season of autumn truly begins, there is no better time to lose yourself in a story that will challenge and enchant you in equal measure. These are the books that will be talked about, debated, and beloved for years to come. Your next great adventure is waiting within these pages.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you discover your next great read, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth literary content. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the biggest sci-fi and fantasy genre trends for Fall 2025? The biggest trends are dark academia, folk horror, weird fiction, and the continued dominance of epic, high-stakes fantasy romance (or "romantasy").
2. What is "weird fiction"? Weird fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction that combines elements of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, and is characterized by its unsettling atmosphere and its focus on the strange and the inexplicable.
3. Do I need to read an author's previous books to enjoy their new one? For series like The Ragpicker King and Queen Demon, it is essential to read the previous books first. For standalone novels or the start of new series, no prior reading is required.
4. What does "novel-in-stories" mean? A "novel-in-stories" is a book that is structured as a collection of short stories, but the stories are all interconnected by a common setting, theme, or group of characters, and together they form a cohesive, novel-like narrative.
5. Are all these books scary? The scariness levels vary greatly. Books like Spread Me and Cold War are full-bore horror. Others, like The Rose Field and The Everlasting, are epic fantasies with some dark elements, but are not primarily horror.
6. What is a "novella"? A novella is a work of fiction that is shorter than a full-length novel but longer than a short story, typically between 20,000 and 40,000 words. Audition for the Fox is a novella.
7. Where can I find out more about translated fiction? Websites like the Booker Prize (which has a prize specifically for translated fiction) and publications like the Asymptote Journal are fantastic resources for discovering new and exciting works from around the world.
8. What is the SCP Foundation? The SCP Foundation is a massively popular online collaborative fiction project where users write and share stories about a secret organization that secures, contains, and protects anomalous, supernatural, and otherwise unexplained phenomena.
9. Are these books available as audiobooks? Most major new releases are simultaneously released as audiobooks. Check platforms like Audible closer to the release dates.
10. I'm new to fantasy. Which book on this list would be a good starting point? For a fun, lighthearted, and witty introduction to the genre, Dirk Jones is Not the Chosen One would be a fantastic choice. For a more classic, epic fantasy experience, starting the series that leads up to The Blackfire Blade would be a great way to dive in.
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