13 new fantasy and science fiction books to read in October 2024
As a voracious reader who has traversed countless realms and dimensions, I must say that the October literary landscape is shaping up to be quite enchanting!
Halloween has graced us, and so has a torrent of spine-tingling books to adorn your library! No need for haunted houses or knocking on doors; just saunter over to your local bookstore or preferred online vendor. (Though, upon reflection, perhaps trick-or-treating at bookstores could yield some literary treasures. I wonder if they’d bite?) Now, I’m curious to find out!
This spooktacular season is undeniably perfect for delving into horror literature, but fear not, there are numerous fantasy and science fiction titles being released this month as well! Some of these books incorporate themes fitting for the season, while others whisk you away to distant galaxies, brutal medieval battlefields, enchanting realms, thrilling romantic adventures, and beyond. Here’s a roundup of 13 books we believe every enthusiastic SFF reader should keep an eye on this month, starting with…
LIVESUIT by James S.A. Corey (A Captive’s War Novella) — October 1
Wow, look at that! Another James S.A. Corey story is here! I thought we had a new one from The Expanse author, “The Mercy of Gods,” just recently. Indeed we did, but if there’s one thing consistent about James S.A. Corey, it’s that more stories are always in the pipeline, and this one will be arriving sooner than you think!
Similar to how The Expanse universe expands, Corey is broadening the realm of the new Captive’s War series through some short tales. The inaugural Captive’s War novella, titled Livesuit, is set to be published this month. This 90-page narrative revolves around soldiers involved in an unending conflict, who integrate themselves with the technology known as “Livesuit,” transforming them into beings surpassing human capabilities for the span of a war that could potentially never cease.
This novella’s setting, regarding its relationship with “The Mercy of Gods,” may not be immediately apparent. This could very well be deliberate. However, rest assured that it will delve deeper into the mythology of James S.A. Corey’s sci-fi universe in intriguing ways, subtly influencing the broader series.
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THE CITY IN GLASS by Nghi Vho — October 1
Nghi Vo is the creator behind the widely praised “Singing Hills Cycle” novellas, and this month, she’s releasing a new solo novel titled “The City in Glass“. So far, I haven’t had the chance to read any of her books (despite my desire to), but I have a strong feeling that this will be the one that changes that. Given the book’s synopsis, I suspect that if you appreciated Martha Wells’ “Witch King“, then “The City in Glass” might satisfy a similar craving for an engaging read.
The City of Enduring Glass
This novel combines elements of fantasy and love story, as an angel and a demon must contemplate putting aside their conflicts when the remnants of Azril face a fresh danger. Along the way, they might also unravel their complex attraction to each other.
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GRIMDARK MAGAZINE Issue #40 — October 1
In this instance, we’re deviating from our usual practice as we’ve made an exception for the unique 10th anniversary issue of Grimdark Magazine. If you’re not already acquainted, Grimdark Magazine is a well-known genre publication that focuses on the darker aspects of fantasy and science fiction. Their latest issue, number 40, has just been released, and by any measure, it’s an exceptional anthology.
This issue showcases an exclusive new short story from Scott Lynch’s “Gentleman Bastards,” along with fiction from other renowned authors like Mark Lawrence and Christopher Beuhlman. It also includes essays and interviews from various talented genre writers, such as J. Michael Straczynski, creator of “Babylon 5.” This magazine issue is truly worthy of your support and provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy some engaging short fiction this October. I’m currently immersed in reading it myself, so I wholeheartedly recommend it!
The book version of this topic is exclusively available as an e-book, and at present, it’s included in the Kindle Unlimited program. So, if you’re a subscriber, you can access it without any additional costs.
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HELL OF A WITCH by Rachel Aaron (Tear Down Heaven #2) — October 1
Switching gears a bit, we’ve been discussing many books that might not be considered spooky by some, but today we’re diving into one that is undeniably fitting for this time of year: “Hell of a Witch,” the second installment in Rachel Aaron’s paranormal fantasy series, “Tear Down Heaven.” This book follows up on “Hell For Hire,” where the demon Queen of Wrath, Bex, teamed up with Adrian, a witch from Blackwood, to combat the corrupt powers of heaven.
Their scheme succeeded, but now they face an unprecedented challenge: waging war against Gilgamesh, a heavenly figure accompanied by numerous powerful allies. It’s filled with magic, witches, enchanted RVs (Winnebagos), and a thrilling quest into the core of a mystical stronghold. What more could you ask for this Halloween? And as an added bonus, the stories “Hell For Hire” and “Hell of a Witch,” similar to the one in Grimdark Magazine, are currently available on Kindle Unlimited for your reading convenience.
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BLOOD OF THE OLD KINGS by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur — October 8
Coming out this month is a new epic fantasy titled “Blood of the Old Kings“. This is the first installment of a trilogy by South Korean author Sung-il Kim, being translated to English for the first time by Anton Hur. The story delves into complex themes of colonization and empire, as an extensive cast of characters work together in their struggle to free their world from oppressive forces. Although it may seem familiar, the unique details in Sung-il Kim’s universe will surprise you. As Lindsey Hall, a seasoned acquiring editor, noted during the initial deal announcement for “Blood of the Old Kings“:
A dragon boasting seven eyes, an empire sustained by magic drawn from slain sorcerers, and an inquiry into the murder of a cherished companion that exposes a lethal scheme with profound ramifications – these are just some elements of Sung-il Kim’s remarkable fantasy series, where the story is merely getting started!
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SWORDCROSSED by Freya Marske — October 8
Maybe you’re in the mood for something less serious this October. The novel “Swordcrossed” by Freya Marske offers a thrilling blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure that resembles the warmth of a story like “Legends & Lattes”, but with a dash more action. It revolves around a young nobleman named Mattinesh Jay, who inadvertently hires a con artist named Luca Piere as his bodyguard. Their enemies-to-lovers tale threatens Mattinesh’s household as secrets unravel and swords clash.
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JANUARIES: STORIES OF LOVE, MAGIC, & BETRAYAL by Olivie Blake — October 8
Olivie Blake, known for penning the fantasy series ‘The Atlas Six’ (comprising of ‘The Atlas Six’ and its conclusion ‘The Atlas Paradox’), which concluded earlier this year, is now set to unveil a fresh collection of short stories entitled ‘Januaries: Stories of Love, Magic, & Betrayal‘ for readers.
This assortment encompasses 14 items penned by Blake, spanning from earlier short stories to fresh ones, verses, and at least one genuine wedding vows set. It seems quite engaging; isn’t it appealing to delve into a fairy granting wishes grappling with exhaustion, or an assassin traversing multiple universes musing over the lost love? Blake’s creativity shines brightly in this compilation, making it an enticing choice for admirers of her writing.
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ON VICIOUS WORLDS by Bethany Jacobs (The Kindom Trilogy #2) — October 15
In October, there are numerous intriguing books being released, but the next two on our list are the ones I’m most eagerly waiting for. First up is “On Vicious Worlds“, the sequel to Bethany Jacobs’ gripping space opera “These Burning Stars“. Previously, we encountered an intense, evocative tale of revenge in “These Burning Stars” where a morally ambiguous space cleric joined forces with one of her ex-students to pursue a lethal assassin connected to their shared past. The initial installment ended with several plotlines detonating in spectacular fashion as hidden truths emerged, and loyalties were tested.
On Vicious Worlds carries forward the narrative for characters such as Cleric Chono, Six, and Esek Nightfoot. If you enjoy science fiction that straddles the grimdark spectrum and lingers in your mind long after reading, this series is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
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THE FURY OF THE GODS by John Gwynne (The Bloodsworn Trilogy #3) — October 22
Among the books I’m eagerly waiting for this month is “The Fury of the Gods” by John Gwynne, a title I believe won’t disappoint many, possibly one of the highly anticipated fantasy novels of 2024. Being the concluding part of the “Bloodsworn Trilogy,” “The Fury of the Gods” follows “The Shadow of the Gods.” With gods now unleashed and armies engaged in battle, the climax of this epic series promises to leave us on the edge of our seats.
Among the numerous Norse-inspired fantasies available, none have executed it quite as effectively as Gwynne’s “Bloodsworn”. This series immerses readers deeply into the culture and mythology of the Vikings, creating a fantasy world that is tangible and perilous. The constant threat of a stab with a seax or a brutal troll attack keeps you on edge. John Gwynne is one of today’s exceptional fantasy authors, and I have no doubt that “The Fury of the Gods” will deliver an ending befitting the series’ grandeur.
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DEMON’S BLUFF by Kim Harrison (The Hollows #18) — October 22
Moving onto a more mystical note, “Demon’s Bluff” is an urban fantasy penned by Kim Harrison, a seasoned author in this genre. This work is the eighteenth installment in her series known as “The Hollows“, where we follow the character Rachel Morgan, a witch-born demon who oversees magical beings residing in Cincinnati. If you’re well-versed with “The Hollows“, you can anticipate a similar reading experience to that of Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, or Jim Butcher when it comes to urban fantasy. For those new to the series, it would be ideal to begin with the first book, titled “Dead Witch Walking“.
In a tricky situation, Rachel Morgan finds herself under scrutiny: a fresh coven of witches enforcing moral and ethical guidelines within the Cincinnati magical community accuses her of illicit magic practices. To clear her name, she must lift a perilous spell, but the necessary magical artifacts for this task have vanished, forcing her to embark on a time-traveling quest to find them.
Well, it’s common knowledge that time travel doesn’t usually follow a smooth course. In this case, Rachel finds herself displaced in an incorrect era, and to add to her trouble, she’s accompanied by one of the coven’s influential figures who unintentionally traveled with her as well. What might potentially happen next?
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MONSTROUS NIGHTS by Genoveva Dimova (The Witch’s Compendium of Monsters #2)— October 22
As a devoted reader, I can’t wait to dive into “Monstrous Nights,” the thrilling sequel to Genoveva Dimova’s “Foul Days.” This spellbinding tale brings us to the end of “The Witch’s Compendium of Monsters,” a chilling duology rooted in Slavic folklore. With a title like that and an enchanting cover, it’s clear this book is tailor-made for the spooky season. Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of witches, monstrous creatures, magic, and chaos!
In the conclusion of “Foul Days,” young witch Kosara appeared to be turning a corner, despite having to deal with the Czar of Monsters upon surrendering her shadow and its accompanying magic. By the time of “Monstrous Nights,” Kosara had regained her magical abilities and was stronger than ever. However, the tranquility was short-lived. An investigation into a murder and an illicit monster auction brought detective Asen back to Kosara’s city of Chernograd, revealing that the boundary between the human world and the monster realm was becoming increasingly fragile. Kosara felt responsible for this state of affairs and believed it was her duty to rectify the situation.
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JAMAICA GINGER AND OTHER CONCOCTIONS by Nalo Hopkinson — October 29
During this discussion, we’ve delved into numerous brief stories, and there’s more to come! The latest offering is “Jamaica Ginger and Other Concoctions,” a new compilation of short fiction from the esteemed speculative author Nalo Hopkinson, known for works such as “Brown Girl in the Ring,” “Salt in the Road,” and numerous other tales. Notably, this is the first time Hopkinson’s short stories have been compiled into a book since 2015, making it a significant event.
What kind of tales will Hopkinson share with us? It’s best to hear about it directly from the book blurb, as a well-crafted description often speaks for itself and there’s no need to rephrase.
In this latest compilation by Hopkinson, published since 2015, we find a woman and her robotic swine struggling to survive in a future flooded world; two researchers ponder the vast leftovers of an extraterrestrial organism; a transgender individual attending a funeral could be tormented by specters beyond mere recollections of the past; and an artist employs nanotechnology to assert Black identity in places where it is least accepted.
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USURPATION by Sue Burke (Semiosis #3) — October 29
We end our October book round-up with an unnerving vision of the future. Sue Burke’s Semiosis series is a science fiction story where humans try to settle on a distant planet only to come into contact with the sentient plants that already live there. The question of whether humans and these plants could coexist has spanned two novels to date: Semiosis and the sequel Interference. Now we’re getting another entry, Usurpation.
Up until now, the majority of events in the Semiosis series have unfolded on the planet Pax. However, certain native plant species from this world are now being transported to Earth. With numerous catastrophes plaguing Pax and humanity’s own planet spiraling out of control, a concern arises: could these plants potentially seize control over humans? Not with the intention of dominating us, but rather to restore peace to a world on the brink.
In other words, “Usurpation” is the concluding volume of the “Semiosis” trilogy by Burke, offering a deeply contemplative conclusion to his science fiction series.
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2024-10-09 00:42