All-new Brandon Sanderson, long-lost Terry Pratchett and Shadow Knights – these are the most exciting new fantasy books in October 2023
Sinister upheavals, looming chaos and forbidden magic. From magic and high fantasies to delightful new Terry Pratchett short stories (never-before-seen), thrilling historical fiction to powerful urban fantasy, these are some of the most anticipated new releases among the fantasy books of October 2023.
Complete with titles, release dates, authors, synopsis and links to pre-order and buy your favourite new fantasy book releases right now, as you like…
Awesome New Fantasy Books October 2023
Dark Moon, Shallow Sea
David R. Slayton, 1 October 2023
Book 1 in David R. Slayton’s planned new Gods of Night and Day. Dark Moon, Shallow Sea introduces us to the enthralling world of divine conflicts, where Phoebe’s demise sparks a sinister upheaval. Raef, a child of the night, thrives in the shadows as a thief. When he discovers an enigmatic box concealed within the Temple of Hyperion, his destiny spirals into a journey across lands and time. On the other hand, Seth, a knight of the sun, grapples with inner torment. As they navigate a world consumed by power, Raef and Seth’s paths converge, revealing an unexpected connection that could reshape their fates in Dark Moon, Shallow Sea.
Genres Fantasy, Adult, LGBT, Magic, High Fantasy
Author David R. Slayton Home Denver, Colorado
Publisher Blackstone Publishing Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Menewood
Nicola Griffith, 3 October 2023
Book 2 in Nicola Griffith’s The Hild Sequence. Menewood brings us back to seventh-century Britain, a land on the brink of monumental change. At eighteen, Hild, now the formidable lady of Elmet, faces fraying alliances, rising rivals, and imminent war. As chaos looms, she’s called back to court, where she must navigate treacherous politics and protect her kingdom. Amidst losses, she draws strength from nature, forging a path toward a better future in Menewood.
Genres Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, LGBT
Author Nicola Griffith Home Leeds, The United Kingdom
Publisher MCD Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Sword Catcher
Cassandra Clare, 10 October 2023
Kel, an orphan turned body double for the royal heir, knows his fate is to die for Prince Conor. Lin, a skilled physician with forbidden magical abilities, seeks knowledge to save lives. After an assassination attempt, they’re drawn into the web of the criminal Ragpicker King. As secrets unravel, they’re faced with the choice of betraying for forbidden knowledge or fighting against a conspiracy that could lead to chaos in Sword Catcher.
Genres Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Adult, High Fantasy
Author Cassandra Clare Home Western Massachusetts
Publisher Del Rey Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
The Sunlit Man (Secret Project 4)
Brandon Sanderson, 10 October 2023
The 4th of Brandon Sanderson’s Secret Projects series. The Sunlit Man sees Nomad, once a fighter for a cause, now a fugitive fleeing the relentless Night Brigade across the Cosmere’s worlds. When he lands on a new planet, he’s entangled in a battle between tyrants and rebels. The looming sunrise threatens to melt the very stones, and amidst an unfamiliar language, he must navigate the conflict. Can Nomad gain the power to escape before his mind and body pay the ultimate price in The Sunlit Man?
Genres Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Epic Fantasy
Author Brandon Sanderson Home American Fork, Utah
Publisher Tor Books Buy it e-Book | Print
A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories
Terry Pratchett, 10 October 2023
Twenty previously undiscovered short stories by beloved Sir Terry Pratchett are unveiled In this enchanting collection. Known for his bestselling Discworld series, Pratchett’s wit and imagination shine in these tales. These stories promise delightful humour and fantastic inventiveness that will captivate readers anew. With charming woodcut illustrations, this treasure trove is a must-read for Pratchett fans of all ages in A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories.
Genres Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction
Author Terry Pratchett Home England
Publisher Harper Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Long Past Dues
James J. Butcher, 10 October 2023
Book two in the Unorthodox Chronicles series. Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby has clawed his way up to become an Auditor, entrusted with enforcing magical laws for Boston’s Department of Unorthodox Affairs. However, he soon realizes that his job is less glamorous than he envisioned. Frustrated by mundane tasks, he takes on a case meant for a friend. Alongside the temporarily unretired Huntsman, Leslie Mayflower, Grimsby embarks on a journey to uncover the origins of a strange ritual in Long Past Dues.
Genres Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Adult
Author James J. Butcher Home Denver, United States
Publisher Ace Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
The Art Of Destiny
Wesley Chu, 10 October 2023
In the second novel in The War Arts Saga, Jian a former chosen hero, seeks his own extraordinary destiny by teaming up with Taishi, his grandmaster, and a group of elderly grandmasters. Meanwhile, Qisami, an assassin on a secret mission, finds friendship and purpose with a new identity. Sali leads her exiled clan to a new home, realizing her potential as a leader and revolutionary in Wesley Chu’s The Art of Destiny.
Genres Fantasy, Adult, Epic Fantasy
Author Wesley Chu Home Los Angeles, US
Publisher Del Rey Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Under the Smokestrewn Sky
A. Deborah Baker, 17 October 2023
The fourth and final instalment of A. Deborah Baker’s Up-and-Under quartet, Under the Smokestrewn Sky accentuates the significance of friendship while highlighting the sacrifices one must make when veering off course. Journeying through astonishing realms, Avery and Zib have faced countless challenges and found friends and foes. All in pursuit of returning home from the Up and Under. As they approach the Impossible City, their path grows treacherous. In a world of uncertainty, their safety is far from assured in Under the Smokestrewn Sky.
Genres Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult
Author A. Deborah Baker Home Seattle, United States
Publisher Tordotcom Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Child of Earth Sky
Menna van Praag, 19 October 2023
In a realm of life and death, Goldie, at twenty-one, birthed Luna, a mix of star-soldier and Grimm. Now, Luna, almost nine, battles her conflicting halves. Fearing Luna’s instability, Goldie flees. Violence forces her return, Luna taken away. In the haunting Everwhere, their bond persists. Facing corruption, Goldie summons sisters, but can sisterhood bear the cost? Fresh Leaves Falling unfolds a tale of courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable family bonds in Child of Earth Sky.
Genres Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy
Author Menna van Praag Home Cambridge, The United Kingdom
Publisher Transworld Digital Buy it e-Book
Hekate’s Return
Mark Harris, 29 October 2023
In ancient times, Hekate granted magic to the Witch race. After betrayal by the Dark Emperor, the Empress of Witches leads her people through perilous lands. When the god Apis seeks power from Witch children, the Empress faces a dire choice. Though battling a god seems impossible, the Immortal Twins, daughters of Diana, are determined to rescue the children, even if it means defying the odds in Hekate’s Return.
Genres Fantasy, Magic
Author Mark Harris Home New York City, United States
Publisher Sacred Consort Media | Buy it
A Season of Monstrous Conceptions
Lina Rather, 31 October 2023
In 17th-century London, strange births bring fear of dark forces. Sarah Davis, concealing her own uncanny nature, becomes a midwife’s apprentice, aiming for independence. Hired by Lady Wren, Sarah enters the realm of the wealthy and famous, including Lord Christopher Wren, who’s obsessed with the uncanny. Magic and intrigue entwine Sarah, as others seek to exploit her power, risking the very world’s existence in A Season of Monstrous Conceptions.
Genres Fantasy, Horror, Adult, Novella, LGBTQ
Author Lina Rather Home New York City, United States
Publisher Tordotcom Buy it e-Book | Print
Shadow of Betrayal
Michael Webb, 31 October 2023
Book four in the Shadow Knights series, Shadow of Betrayal is the first of 3 books that focus on the next generation of Shadow Knights. Book three in the series left us In a distant village where Veron discovers a sense of belonging. Yet, destiny’s call to save the kingdom cannot be ignored. When danger hits close, Veron’s peaceful life shatters. Armed with his sword, he embarks on a perilous journey, aware it could cost him all he holds dear. As Terrenor’s fate teeters, Veron becomes its last hope. Will the next generation of Shadow Knights succeed? Find out in Shadow of Betrayal.
Genres Reverse Harem, Paranormal, Demons, Fantasy, Romance
Author Michael Webb Home Atlanta, United States
Publisher Whatup Publishing LLC Buy it e-Book
Starling House
Alix E. Harrow, 31 October 2023
In Eden, Kentucky, Pal is determined to secure a better future for her brother. A chance to explore the mysterious Starling House, linked to the enigmatic E. Starling, offers her a path forward. However, dark secrets and eerie occurrences emerge, and Arthur, the mansion’s heir, isn’t what he seems. As secrets unravel and nightmares intertwine with reality, Pal realizes her connection to Starling House might be deeper than she thought in Starling House.
Genres Fantasy, Horror, Gothic, Adult, Fiction, Romance, Mystery
Author Alix E. Harrow Home Virginia, US
Publisher or Books Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Plus: Awesome New LitRPG & Sci-Fi Adventures
Giant turkey monsters, elite hunters and the Old Ones. Check out these exciting new LitRPG books in October, seriously cool new sci-i books in October, steamy fantasy romance books in October and YA fantasy books in October.
And: Awesome Communities And Book Clubs
From Pennsylvania to Michigan, Virginia to DC, Lymington and Winchester in the UK, New Mexico to North Carolina in the US. These are a few of the best sci-fi book clubs in October.
Note: I try my best to get every bit of info I can on these sci-fi and fantasy books in August. And I’ll keep updating this page all the time. If you know of a book, author, show, channel or event that should be on this list, let me know at elvorne@scifixfantasy.com and I’ll make it happen.
About Sci-fi X Fantasy
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There’s a bit to explore already, and more coming soon. Enjoy!
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