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Here are my 25 most anticipated fall book releases of 2026. This year, we have twice as many exciting reads. Somehow, all of my favourite authors are publishing this season! 🍂
On this spoiler-free list, we have literary fiction, horror, fantasy, memoirs, new series, old series, and many more. Let’s get started!
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1. Kitten by Stacey Yu
Date Released: August 4th, 2026
First off, I need to admit that as a cat lover and cat mom, I’m obsessed with this book cover, it’s a dream cover for a debut.
I’ve been following Stacey Yu on TikTok long before she announced the publication of her novel. I’ve always loved her literary fiction book recommendations.
As for “Kitten,” the story follows Katie who becomes obsessed with her wealthy boyfriend’s childhood cat Silver. After finishing college, Katie is aimless and finds herself estranged from her mother who resents her. From the synopsis, I believe this will be a novel about agency, obsession, relationships, and the first forays into adulthood.
2. Dreamland by Olivie Blake
Date Released: August 11th, 2026
“Dreamland” follows Anya Morris who’s striving for her big acting break when she gets an offer from the influential de Witt family. Now, she’s spending her days at their Hollywood Hills villa with Jude, the family’s enigmatic recluse. The villa, however, holds a bloody history.
In LA, where everyone makes a deal with the devil and where girls are being murdered, Anya is facing a devil of her own.
This is a book about dreams, power, and seduction. If you guys have been around since my previous most anticipated book lists, you will know that Olivie Blake is an all-time favourite author.
3. Blacktail by Scott Hawkins
Date Released: September 1st, 2026
“Blacktail” sounds like a unique dark fantasy novel. I actually put this on my list because it was recommended both by Olivie Blake and Victoria Schwab on their respective mailing list.
The story follows a wolf named Blacktail who’s dead set on revenge against the men who killed his mate. Out for vengeance, he invades the household of his mate who happened to be a house dog.
His thirst for vengeance catches a feline witch’s attention and she makes him an offer he cannot refuse. Now, he has to awaken the Forest God to fight the selfish human race. His journey will reveal more about himself and the price he has to pay along the way.
4. Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang
Date Released: September 8th, 2026
“Taipei Story” follows Lily Chen, a Chinese American college freshman who spends her summer in Tapei for an intensive language learning program in hopes to bring her closer to her heritage. But nothing goes as planned; her classes are hard, her roommate is difficult, and then her grandfather suddenly passes aways, severing her further from the memories and stories of her family history she wished to uncover.
This is a story of self-discovery and the struggles of striving for a homecoming. I believe this one will be a heartfelt literary fiction novel from R. F. Kuang. I already have my ticket booked for her talk in Toronto in late September 2026.
5. The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman
Date Released: September 8th, 2026
“The Witches of Cambridge” is a new witchy series from “The Practical Magic” author Alice Hoffman. Admittedly, I have yet to read her first witchy series but that’s already on my TBR shelf before the movie release of Practical Magic 2.
In this one, we are in 1950s, Cambridge, Massachusetts, where a young woman called Ava moves from Maine to attend her first year at Radcliffe College. There, she meets her complete opposite, Lauren, who belongs to a wealthy Cambridge family. However, both girls are recruited by the secret Lilith Society which joins powerful witches at Radcliffe College since colonial times.
As girls go missing in Cambridge, the two young ladies learn to navigate their new power because just maybe the witch trials are not quite over yet…
6. The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle
Date Released: September 8th, 2026
“The Mystic and the Missing Girl” follows Drew Benson, a reluctant psychic that gets visions since she was teen. After her aunt Hannah, a TV physic, was blamed for the disappearance of a local teenager, Drew started to ignore her gifts.
Now twenty years later, she struggles to keep Hannah’s shop afloat and troubles accrue when her big shot high school nemesis comes back to town to investigate the cold case of the missing girl. Drew needs to decide if she wants to use her abilities to clear her aunt’s name and finally start to belong in her town.
7. Switzy by Emma Cline
Date Released: September 8th, 2026
“Switzy” is the story of David, a retired executive who relies on urgent reminders to help his disintegrating mind. His assistant Cody will guide him through his upcoming journey. His first stop is in London to have dinner with his adult daughter, followed by a meeting in France with a long-estranged friend, before reaching his final destination in Zurich.
Through the various airports and foreign cities, David slips away into past memories as the present eludes him.
Since this is an Emma Cline novel, it’s said to be darkly humorous and profoundly moving. And this one is also longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize.
8. The Rouse by China Miéville
Date Released: September 15th, 2026
“The Rouse” is a brick of a book, standing at 1260 pages, that’s more than last years’ “Alchemised.” The summaries I’ve found for this book have been quite vague.
As I understand it, it’s a dual narrative story shaped by loss and regret. It’s a family saga that surveys a dark history during a bloody century. It also appears to be a supernatural and historical fiction blended into one. I’m excited to give this book a chance because I love books that defy conventional genre.
9. Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo
Date Released: September 15th, 2026
“Dead Beat” is the final book in the Alex Stern series. It’s one of my favourite dark academia book series. I won’t spoil the series for those who haven’t read it yet.
In the first book, “Ninth House,” we follow Alex Stern as she’s offered a second chance at life when she’s granted a place at an elite university. Her task is a hard one as her benefactor wants her to monitor Yale’s secret societies and their occult practices.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this third book for forever. Although I’m dreading the ending, I still cannot wait to see how all the mysteries tie up.
10. Winterveil by Ava Reid
Date Released: September 15th, 2026
For those who have been following my reading journey for the last few years, you will not be surprised to see “Winterveil” on my list. Ava Reid has a lyrical fantastical style of writing that I adore and can’t get enough of.
In this new book, we enter an alternate future where four teenage criminals navigate the harsh dark landscape of the Cold War. They enroll into a secret military academy hoping for a fresh start and hoping to bring the end of the war. Instead, they are employed for a mysterious mission and are being tested for their loyalty.
11. Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel
Date Released: September 15th, 2026
I’m excited for Mandel’s new book “Exit Party” especially as I finish my own futuristic, multiple timeline novel. I believe this one greatly resembles her previous work, “The Sea of Tranquility.”
In this novel, we are in 2031, Los Angeles, during the first Spring after the collapse of the USA. Since curfew is lifted, Ari Waker and her roommate are off to attend the party of the season. Strange things, however, happen at this party – the host himself vanishes into thin air.
Once again, characteristic to Mandel’s work, the story takes its readers to multiple places such as Greece, Paris, and even a moon colony much like in The Sea of Tranquility. Additionally, this novel will tackle the consequences of a surveillance state.
12. End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World by Astra Taylor, Naomi Klein
Date Released: September 15th, 2026
Unironically, the next book on this list is “End Times Fascism,” which offers insights into our crumbling world and the extreme players that are contributing to the dangers and destruction of our Earth from Christian nationalists, to Silicon tech-bros, and populist survivalists.
Additionally, this non-fiction book is said to present “a new kind of “pro-life” politics.” I’ve only heard great things about Naomi Klein’s works, so I’m looking forward to reading this one.
13. Swan Song: Diana, my sister by Charles Spencer
Date Released: September 22nd, 2026
In “Swan Song,” Charles Spencer shares what it was like to grow up with his sister Princess Diana Spencer. They were the youngest Spencers and had a deep, special bond. In this biography, nearly 30 years after her passing, he portrays his most intimate, loving, and honest moments with his sister.
I’m looking forward to this one and hopefully we get more personal insights into who she was and how she felt, insights unbiased by the royal family and the press.
14. Hollywood, Ending by John Green
Date Released: September 22nd, 2026
Hello??? “Hollywood, Ending” is the first John Green fiction book in a decade. John Green, will remain one of my favourite authors until the day I die. So yes, I’m incredibly disappointed that I didn’t get tickets to his event in Toronto. If anyone can make this happen for me, please contact me, because I will sale my soul to the devil for you if ever you find yourself in need to sign a Faustian bargain.
In “Hollywood, Ending,” two rising actors are cast in an Andy Warhol biopic finally granting them their big break. Although the young actors may or may not fall in love, they are faced with their new reality: battling the attention economy and navigating celebrity culture.
15. Galinda by Gregory Maguire
Date Released: September 29th, 2026
Some of you might also remember how obsessed I was with “Wicked” the book and movie. I’m saddened to say that I have not continued with the series yet but I will one day read its entirety including these special editions on Elphie and Glinda’s lives before the events of Wicked.
As for “Galinda,” it explores the events of Glinda the Good Witch’s childhood as the youngest heir of four children in a high-born family. Ignorant to her father’s plight to maintain the family business afloat from disapproving merchants, Galinda dances her way towards a more glamourous life than her proud upbringing had to offer.
16. Isle of Teeth by Tessa Barbosa
Date Released: September 29th, 2026
“Isle of Teeth” is said to be for fans of Frankenstein and These Violent Delights, so once I read that tagline, I was immediately sold.
We follow Matiu who wants to escape his father’s wretched creations by joining the imperial military. But an ambushed revenant attack marks him as a traitor and now he must clear his name. Meanwhile Calyx and her siblings are not just revenant-pieced monsters but without the medicine they need, they risk to lose their humanity to Lady Death. In this dark fantasy, Matiu and Calyx will join forces to resist the empire’s weaponization of monsters.
17. Mestra by Madeline Miller
Date Released: September 29th, 2026
Since the release and my personal reading of “The Odyssey” I’ve been keeping my eye out for Greek myths and I’ve only heard great things about Madeline Miller.
“Mestra” is a short story about Mestra, daughter of the King of Thessaly. She has a unique gift, bestowed by Poseidon, of transforming herself into any being she wishes, whereas her father is afflicted by a curse after disrespecting the goddess Demeter. He has an insatiable bottomless hunger and Mestra has to choose between helping him survive of breaking free before he consumes her too.
18. Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros
Date Released: September 29th, 2026
All I know about “Threshing Day” is that it contains 13 short stories about the “Fourth Wing” characters and their dragons. I think it might be best to read the first three Fourth Wing books to avoid any spoilers. Like many others, I am anticipating the fourth book which I hope will release some time in 2027.
19. Bound and Unbound by Ali Hazelwood
Date Released: October 6th, 2026
I haven’t read any of Ali Hazelwood’s contemporary novels but I am excited to read “The Love Hypothesis” before the movie adaption is released. I will be reading “Bound and Unbound,” which is a paranormal novella duology, since I absolutely loved “Bride” and “Mate” which were her supernatural books about vampires and werewolves. Those books gave me nostalgic Twilight vibes.
In “Bound,” we follow Vero Mercer an art forger and graduate student who gets politely kidnapped by Dr. Viktor Ashworth to forge a mysterious ancient manuscript for him. This one is right up my alley and is giving dark academia romance.
In “Unbound,” we follow Lilit, a five-thousand-year-old revenant woman who tasked herself to protect mortals. However, Roman Martin, a kind ER physician she’s in a relationship with, is in danger because of her. Now Lilit must choose between the world she’d sworn to protect and the man she was never supposed to love.
20. A New Kind of Clean by Iain Reid, Ellie Foumbi
Date Released: October 6th, 2026
“A New Kind of Clean” is a collaborative work by writer Iain Reid and filmmaker Ellie Foumbi. I’m an Iain Reid superfan. I’ve read and loved his previous works (“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” and “Foe.”) He truly captures psychological terror surrounding themes of memory and alienation. I’ve never watched an Ellie Foumbi movie but I’m definitely going to keep my eye out in the future.
The summary is quite vague for this one but we follow Missy Djalo, who’s always dreamed to make it big as a real working actor. When she’s booked for an audition for a big shot commercial, she can feel the manifestation of her dreams finally coming true. However, since this is an Iain Reid novel, the audition stretches onwards as the boundaries between reality and fantasy start to blur.
I’ve just realized that this is the third book about aspiring actors on this list but interestingly enough each book is in a different genre. Or maybe I just love books about Hollywood & aspiring actors since I wanted to become one when I was younger. Who knows!
21. The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth
Date Released: October 6th, 2026
“The Sixth Faction” is the first book in a duology reimagining the story of Beatrice Prior during the events of “Divergent.” In this alternate universe, a tragedy strikes during the choosing ceremony and Tris’s plans to choose Dauntless over Abnegation have changed as she’s pushed to join the factionless. Therefore, we follow her as she embarks on a completely different trajectory.
I regard “Divergent” as one of the foundational books that shaped me as a teen reader and writer, so you best believe I’m going to read this duology. Plus, the sequel is releasing in early 2027.
22. Mothsblood by Lynn D. Jung
Date Released: October 13th, 2026
“Mothsblood” is an authortuber book I’m excited to read! This one sounds like an exciting alchemy focused dark academia book.
In Paris, Larkspur Lee and her academic rivals are confronted with the murder of Petronelle Flamel, their immortal university headmistress. Violaine, a mysterious investigator, believes her murder has to with the cult by the name of Promethean Genesis. Lark is familiar with the horrors of this cult and stays clear from their reach. But when she’s haunted by her old mentor, she must decide if the power she desires is truly worth the price.
23. Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li
Date Released: October 13th, 2026
“Music Against the Night” follows two young talented musicians that are destined to meet and marry. In their journey, they will learn to navigate the harsh sea of rival prodigies, incensed tutors, and the likes during a time of great social and political upheaval the end of the 18th century during which Napoleon conquers the continent. This is a tale about travel, love, grief, art, and ambition.
In the last year or so, Yiyun Li has become a new all-time favourite author. I just know that this novel will not disappoint me.
24. The Last King of Faerie by Cassandra Clare
Date Released: November 3rd, 2026
“The Last King of Faerie” is one of the most exciting bookish news I’ve learned this year. It’s the very last Shadowhunter trilogy titled The Wicked Powers. Honestly, I once naively did believe that The Last Hours trilogy was the finale. I’m so glad that isn’t the case.
I don’t want to spoil anything for those who are working their way through the entire Shadowhunter series. I think we’re at 20+ books at this point?!
However, I can reveal that this new book follows a few characters from The Dark Artifices trilogy. And we get to see them as they attend the Shadowhunter Academy.
25. Crying on the Kitchen Floor by Trisha Paytas
Date Released: November 10th, 2026
“Crying on the Kitchen Floor” is Trisha Paytas’s long anticipated memoir. Although, I grew up watching Shane Dawson and other creators more so than Trisha Paytas, I’m in awe by her career and online presence. Not to mention how far she’s come with her mental and physical health.
I remember when I watched the videos of her crying on the kitchen floor and feeling so sad while relating to her at the same time. Witnessing how she was able to reinvent herself so many times and so openly online over the years is something I truly do admire. I’m so happy for her that she’s gotten the happy ending she’s always wished for. I cannot wait to read her memoir.
Thank you for reading this post!
These were 25 of my Most Anticipated Fall Book Releases of 2026. Have you heard or pre-ordered any of these books? Have you read from these authors before? What are some of your most anticipated books for the end of 2026? I’d love to hear from you!
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