Upcoming Science Fiction and Fantasy Releases for October 2026

**Victorious by V.E. Schwab (Villains #3)** — Oct. 6

V.E. Schwab concludes her Villains series with *Victorious*. Following the themes of friendship turned rivalry, the story focuses on Eli and Victor as they confront each other and a new antagonist, testing their supernatural abilities.

**The Scarlet Ball by Nghi Vo** — Oct. 6

In *The Scarlet Ball*, Judith Ban undergoes a horrifying transformation to fit into a deadly marriage market populated by demons. This novel blends themes of racial identity and Gothic horror, challenging Judith as she strives for survival amidst dark rituals.

**Quaint Folk by Bitter Karella** — Oct. 6

Bitter Karella’s *Quaint Folk* introduces Jessica, a seemingly perfect mother whose new life on a remote island uncovers grotesque community secrets. The novel explores the contrasts between idyllic appearances and hidden horrors.

**The Memory of Borrowed Books by Meg Anderson** — Oct. 6

Meg Anderson's debut novel centers on Claire Ashford, a librarian fighting to save her library from closure. When she discovers a secret room filled with memories, Claire must leverage its magic to uncover the tales that could save her beloved sanctuary.

**The Haunted Librarian by Auralee Wallace** — Oct. 6

In *The Haunted Librarian*, Amelia, a ghost-seeing librarian, must help three spirits with their unfinished business to prevent her library's closure. This cozy fantasy promises humor and mystery for fans of ghost stories.

**A Wall is Also a Road by Annalee Newitz** — Oct. 6

This novel follows Gardenpath, an amoeba from an ancient civilization who discovers a living, bustling Earth while conducting research. As they form bonds with humans, Gardenpath must decide whether to reveal Earth to the galaxy.

**House Haunters by K.C. Jones** — Oct. 6

K.C. Jones' *House Haunters* delves into the chaos surrounding a reality show set in a haunted house, where the line between production and survival blurs as the crew encounters real paranormal threats.

**As We Fall Through Time by Claire North** — Oct. 13

Claire North’s new novel features two time travelers, Cal and Fadimatu, whose actions disrupt the timeline in unexpected ways. Their intertwined fates raise questions about love, destiny, and consequences.

**The Thrice-Bound Fool by Christopher Buehlman (Blacktongue #2)** — Oct. 13

In the sequel to *The Blacktongue Thief*, Kinch and Galva must navigate deadly forces to decipher a sentient grimoire. This dark fantasy promises high stakes and complex character relationships.

**As You Wake, Break the Shell by Becky Chambers** — Oct. 13

This first book in a duology intertwines a queer romance amidst a space adventure. Cora and Signy's survival depends on their ability to learn to trust each other and navigate external threats.

**The Dancer and the Dream Thief by Rowenna Miller** — Oct. 13

Set in 1920s America, this historical fantasy melds elven magic with a dancer’s quest to rescue her missing friend. Evelyn’s partnership with an elf involved in the black market deepens the plot's stakes.

**The Void Dragon by Annabel Campbell (The Shattered Lands #2)** — Oct. 13

In this sequel, Naila's powers grow as she seeks to rescue her mentor from malicious forces amidst brewing civil war, setting the stage for political intrigue and personal sacrifice.

**When the Night Comes Knocking by Katherine Daniel** — Oct. 20

In this debut novel, siblings Jane and Thomas grapple with their fractured relationship while trapped in a convenience store beset by a lurking monster. Their struggle for survival is as psychological as it is physical.

**The Tarot Trials by Katee Robert** — Oct. 20

In a deadly competition to rule, Kestrel seeks to avenge her mother's murder while navigating trials fraught with deception and danger. *The Tarot Trials* highlights themes of power and survival.

**Code and Codex by Yoon Ha Lee** — Oct. 20

This novel combines science fiction with linguistic magic, exploring themes of censorship and rebellion within a powerful empire as Valentina battles her sister’s oppressive regime.

**An Uncertain Magic by A.M. Kvita (Green Witch Cycle #2)** — Oct. 27

Joan must confront supernatural forces when both her best friend and a crush get possessed. The story promises action and deepening relationships amid high-stakes confrontations.

**A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J. Maas** — Oct. 27

The sixth installment in the ACOTAR series sees familiar characters facing the emergence of an ancient threat, with stakes high for their alliances and survival. Fans eagerly anticipate its intricate storytelling and character dynamics.