All-new Dune, Godzilla, a twist on Orwell’s 1984 and Stranger Things novels – these are the most exciting new sci-fi books in October 2023
A brand-new Dune prequel, George Orwell’s 1984 from a never-before-seen POV, Jean Luc Picard’s memoirs, a Stranger Things novel and Stephen King’s The Dark Tower as a graphic novel. From sweeping space opera to Japanese monsters and retellings, these are some of the most anticipated new releases among the sci-fi 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…
New & Unique Sci-Fi Books of October 2023
Princess of Dune
Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, 3 October 2023
In the Imperial court, Irulan was groomed to be a political tool but found her own strength and ambition. Trained as a Bene Gesserit Sister and as the Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV’s daughter, she navigates power plays among factions like the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, and rebellions. On Arrakis, Chani, daughter of Imperial Planetologist Liet-Kynes, follows her father’s dream of a green Arrakis. She learns Fremen ways but faces the brutal reality of Harkonnen oppression. These two women’s stories unfold in a world of intrigue and peril in Princess of Dune.
Genres Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction Adventure
Author Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson Home Washington, United States
Publisher Tor Books Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Making It So: Memoirs of Patrick Stewart
Patrick Stewart, 3 October 2023
Celebrated for his iconic performances on stage and in blockbuster franchises like Star Trek and X-Men, Sir Patrick Stewart has enchanted audiences across generations. In his highly anticipated memoir, Making It So he shares his remarkable journey. From a modest upbringing in Yorkshire, England, to becoming a global sensation in Hollywood, Stewart’s story is as vibrant and enduring as his remarkable career. Dive into the life of this legendary artist and discover the man behind the indelible characters in Making It So: Memoir of Patrick Stewart.
Genres Memoir, Biography, Star Trek
Author Patrick Stewart Home Brooklyn, United States
Publisher Gallery Books Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again
Shigeru Kayama, 3 October 2023
For the first time in English, readers can explore the original novellas penned by Shigeru Kayama, the mastermind behind the iconic monster’s early adventures. These novellas offer a unique perspective, diverging from the cinematic narratives and emphasizing Kayama’s fervent anti-nuclear and pro-environmental convictions. With Godzilla portrayed as a guerrilla-style force battling humanity’s reckless perversion of science, these stories take on a new relevance in our Anthropocene era. Nature’s retaliation against human heedlessness unfolds in unpredictable and devastating ways in Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again
Genres Science Fiction, Japanese Science Fiction, Young-adult Science Fiction
Author Shigeru Kayama Home Tokyo
Publisher Univ Of Minnesota Press Buy it e-Book | Print
Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: Beginnings Omnibus
Stephen King & Jae Lee, 10 October 2023
The Dark Tower as a graphic novel. Roland, the last gunslinger, bears the solemn duty of safeguarding the remnants of goodness and light in a world that has deteriorated beyond recognition. His quest, an enigmatic odyssey through a harsh realm riddled with ancient technology and perilous sorcery, mirrors our own world in eerie ways. The goal: find and preserve the Dark Tower, the mystical nexus of all existence. Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: Beginnings unveils Roland’s mysterious past, a graphic novel series creatively overseen by King himself, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers and a thrilling revelation for longtime fans in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: Beginnings Omnibus.
Genres Science Fiction, Fantasy
Author Stephen King Home Maine, United States
Publisher Gallery 13 Buy it Print
A Fire Born of Exile
Aliette de Bodard, 12 October 2023
Meet Quynh, the Alchemist of Streams and Hills, whose arrival sparks a wave of change in the habitats under military rule. For Minh, daughter of the ruling prefect, Quynh is the gateway to freedom. To destitute engineer Hoà, she holds a tantalizing connection to her own past. But as Quynh’s secret history emerges, her plan for the ruling class threatens to unravel everything. Brace yourself for a journey that will unravel destinies and shake the heavens in A Fire Born of Exile.
Genres Science Fiction, LGBTQ
Author Aliette de Bodard Home Paris
Publisher Gollancz Buy it e-Book | Print
Defiance
C. J. Cherryh & Jane S. Fancher, 17 October 2023
In the eastern region, conflict engulfs the Assassins’ Guild, leaving chaos in its wake. Meanwhile, a long-standing feud brews in the west, where the Master of Ashidama Bay despises the Edi people and the Aishidi’tat who brought them to his shores. The Shadow Guild, experts in harnessing hatred, seizes this opportunity. Bren Cameron faces the critical task of safely returning Ilisidi, the aiji-dowager, to the capital. With tensions escalating, the Shadow Guild threatens the entire south in Defiance.
Genres Science Fiction, Space Opera, First Contact Sage
Author C. J. Cherryh, Jane S. Fancher Home Washington, United States
Publisher DAW Buy it e-Book | Print
Star Trek Lower Decks Crew Handbook
Chris Farnell, 17 October 2023
Inspired by the popular Paramount+ animated series, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Mariner, Boimler, and their fellow crewmembers provide a delightful and insightful guide for newcomers. Navigate the ship, understand your responsibilities, and connect with your fellow lower deckers through their humorous and informative commentary scattered throughout this handbook. It’s your ticket to life aboard the starship and a deeper appreciation of the Lower Decks universe in Star Trek Lower Decks Crew Handbook.
Genres Science Fiction, Science Fiction Movies
Author Chris Farnell Home Cheshire, England
Publisher Titan Books Buy it Print
Julia
Sandra Newman, 19 October 2023
A retelling of George Orwell’s 1984. In the dystopian world of 1984, Julia Worthing leads a double life in Airstrip One’s capital, London. Her official role as a mechanic at the Ministry of Truth conceals her true rebellious nature. Living under the oppressive rule of the Party and Big Brother, Julia is a paradox—outwardly loyal but secretly defying the regime. She thrives amid surveillance, Thought Police, and the complexities of a totalitarian society. However, her encounter with a fellow dissenter, Winston Smith, sets in motion events that challenge her ability to maintain her facade and survival instincts in Julia.
Genres Dystopian, Science Fiction, Women’s Literary, Retelling
Author Sandra Newman Home New York, United States
Publisher Granta Books Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus
Caitlin Schneiderhan, 31 October 2023
In Hawkins, Indiana, Eddie Munson navigates high school life, counting down the days until graduation. Amidst Dungeons & Dragons sessions with friends and playing in his band, Corroded Coffin, Eddie’s life seems tolerable. However, a chance encounter with Paige, an escapee from Hawkins who now thrives in Los Angeles, changes everything. She offers him an opportunity to make a name for his band, but the catch is that he needs to produce a demo tape, which requires money he doesn’t possess. Turning to his dubious father, Eddie sets out on a risky journey that could be his ticket out of Hawkins in Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus.
Genres Science Fiction, Supernatural, Thriller, Science Fiction Movies
Author Caitlin Schneiderhan Home Los Angeles, United States
Publisher Random House Worlds Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Plus: Awesome New Fantasy & LitRPG Adventures
Giant turkey monsters, elite hunters and the Old Ones. Check out these exciting new LitRPG books in October, epic new fantasy 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.
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There’s a bit to explore already, and more coming soon. Enjoy!
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