I for one love a good horror novel around Halloween, but sometimes I’m looking to escape into a world where I am not petrified or fearing for my life! Though scares might not be what I’m looking for, there is still a specific fall vibe I look for this season. A story with lush worlds, romance, and some chills and thrills to draw you in (without it keeping you up at night) is something I’m always on the hunt for. Lucky for you I have mastered finding books that fit that EXACT vibe, and have prepared my list of recs for y’all.
If your Halloweekend is going to be anything like mine you’ll need: a good book (list provided below hehe), a cozy blanket, fall candle of your choice, and those little ghost sugar cookies!! This spooky season pick up one of these books to transport you into a world that will enchant, delight, and maybe even fright you—but just the right amount;)
For my mythology lovers you will ABSOLUTELY fall head-over-heels for this stunning reimagining of Greek myth!! The incredible poet, Nikita Gill, takes you on a journey through the underworld and its chthonic deities in all their glory. Within that we follow a story about the Goddess Hekate, coming of age in their midst. The poetry in this book is vivid and enchanting, and the story weaved throughout is captivating. The perfect book to get lost in on Halloween or anytime really.
This fast-paced and romantic debut is EXACTLY what you want on your TBR list this fall. Its lush, dark world will suck you in and the sexy, intense story will keep you on the edge of your seat!! There is so much to keep you enthralled in this book with its ruthless werewolves, a spectacular glittering court, and deadly politics. All of which our heroine will have to endure to get revenge on the monsters who destroyed her…
SO SWOONWORTHY I CANNOT!! This romantasy debut is about a girl, Sabrina, who must strike a dangerous bargain with a fae prince in order to find her missing sister. The passion, flirtation and romance in this story makes me want to crawl into it and live there. And while this is a romance, there is so much more to it, as Sabrina’s journey through fairyland leads her to confront intergenerational pain that has haunted her family. This enchanting book has danger, menacing small town vibes, fae, romance all the ingredients for a book you won’t be able to put down.
Something about a historical fiction (especially one that’s a murder mystery) is exactly what I want in a fall read. This mystery follows the cunning Irene Adler as she teams up with the one and only, Sherlock Holmes. In this story though, Irene is the master of detective work! When something unseemly begins happening at her prep school the two of them team up to solve the case. Theres a small hitch though—at school Irene has adopted an alias as Issac, a man. As she solves this mystery her charade is getting harder to keep up with… With so many twists, turns and suspense keeping you on the edge of your seat this book is the dark academia fall read you NEED!
AHHHH you guys. This book is perfection… a cross between Beauty and the Beast and Labyrinth it’s a gorgeous, dreamy, yet deadly fantasy. The world building is *chefs kiss* and you will without a DOUBT get sucked into the lush world of dreams and nightmares… The chemistry the between the main characters is electric, and their romance will have you turning page after page till you realize its 3am… oops don’t worry happened to me too;) The perfect balance between a gothic fantasy and dreamy fairytale, this book has it all.
She’s the new girl in town, and if that wasn’t difficult enough she’s also a witch in hiding?! Thankfully at her new school Iris is taken in at school by a group of teen witches. Things can’t be that easy though because as a mysterious killer comes about, she and her friends must team up with a rival coven to take them down! If you love found family, thrills, and a mystery THIS is the Halloween book you must pick up!!
Another fairytale retelling for you to binge read because it is just SO GOOD!! This may have the bones of a fairytale, but it is really so much more! Sue Lynn Tan builds a fierce and powerful world for you to get absolutely lost in. With Chinese mythology, feminist themes, a tension filled love triangle this story is unforgettable and addicting.
THRILLS, MAGIC, COMPETITION!!!! This book y’all oh my gosh we are ending on a bang!! A fantasy about three unlikely allies bound together in a deadly, magical competition that takes place every five years. Two kingdoms take part of the Wild Hunt—a game where hunters go out in pursuit of a grand prize. Even the most experienced can suffer in this dangerous event… Why risk it, you may ask! Well, the prize is one wish, no matter how wild or fantastical, granted by the Otherking. And everyone has their own ‘why’ behind enduring such danger and peril.
