October, the beginning of Fall and the season when fantasy and sci-fi readers like to sink their literary teeth into horror and gothic novels, dark academia, or anything with monsters, vampires, and witches. Whether you like your spooky season reads with tons of gore and rage or filled with hope and romance, there’s definitely a common flavor to the season (and no, I’m not talking about pumpkin spice).
From the scary Asian-inspired horror novel to a whimsical love story, these are some of the October 2025 book releases that are already in my TBR… and my shopping cart.
October 2025 Horror & Gothic Fantasy Releases
And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun (Oct 7) — A girl resurrects her sister with magic. Shockingly, it goes terribly wrong. A horror release that is perfect for the Halloween season.
When They Burned the Butterfly by Wen-yi Lee (Oct 21) — A historical fiction/fantasy set in Singapore in the 70s. A goddess of vengeance and a gang of women with magical abilities. A historical fantasy with feminist mythology vibes — absolutely right up my alley.
Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews (Oct 28) — From the author of Don’t Let the Forest In, this is a story filled with haunted gardens, gothic vibes, and a touch of romance — a chilling blend of horror and fantasy. Creepy, lovely, and the perfect spooky season read.
Witchy & Cozy Magical Reads for October 2025
A Curious Kind of Magic by Mara Rutherford (Oct 21) — A cozy fantasy release in case you are looking for something to cleanse your literary palate from all the witches, monsters, and vampires plaguing the season. This is the story of a magic shop known for selling fake magic, suddenly selling real magic. The perfect recipe for chaos. Owlcrate is releasing a special edition of this with its October YA subscription, so I’m giving this one a try.
The Demon and the Light by Axie Oh (Oct 23) — At the edge of a massive reading slump I picked up The Floating World, and that was the best decision I could’ve ever made. A fast-paced Korean-mythology-inspired fantasy adventure with magic, weird science experiments, and a little bit of romance. I need to know how this story ends — and I’m definitely getting my Fairyloot Special Edition to match the first book in the series that’s currently on my shelf — she feels so lonely there 🥲.
Urban Fantasy Books Coming October 2025
All That We See or Seem by Ken Liu (Oct 14) — I haven’t read anything by Ken Liu yet (although The Dandelion Dynasty is high up on my TBR), but this sci-fi/urban fantasy story sounds fascinating. A lawyer and hacker working together to find a dream weaver, who was secretly working for a criminal organization. Sounds like an episode of Black Mirror written by Martin Scorsese. I’m in! This is also the second title in the Broken Binding SF&F subscription, and I can’t wait to see what this special edition will look like.
Red City by Marie Lu (Oct 25) — I went on Goodreads and the first thing I read about this book was “Godfather meets The Magicians…” and that was all I needed to hit preorder. But if that is not enough for you, think about gangsters in an alternate version of L.A. trafficking in alchemy to make humans the perfect version of themselves. An urban fantasy thriller with mafia vibes. This is also the Owlcrate Adult Subscription title, so of course I’m buying it.
Fantasy Reads with Magic and Revolution
Cry Voidbringer by Elaine Ho (Oct 25) — A dark fantasy about rebellion and uprising. I don’t know much about this story, but it is one of the most intriguing October 2025 fantasy releases in my TBR. Also, Reads with Rachel recommends it, and honestly, that’s all I need to know.
To Bargain with Mortals by R. A. Basu (Oct 28) — A Middle Eastern-inspired story of magic, revolution, and class conflict. This is another book I keep seeing everywhere on socials, which would normally be a massive red flag for me, but To Bargain with Mortals sounds like revolutionary fantasy perfect for fans of rebellion-driven stories. It’s giving me An Ember in the Ashes vibes, so I’m definitely down for this one.
Romantic Fantasy (Romantasy) Releases in October 2025
Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan (Oct 25) — A Cinderella retelling mixed in with a Chinese fairy tale. The first installment in a new fantasy romance series… because apparently I haven’t started enough series yet.
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (Oct 28) — It hasn’t been published yet and I feel like this is already one of the most hyped romantasy releases of October 2025, which could be a good thing, or a very bad thing. This is the story of a lady knight and a young historian. The synopsis sounds so whimsical, which makes it seem like the perfect read for this time of year.
