Fall is upon us, and the weather’s getting colder, which makes it the perfect time to curl up in a blanket and crack open a good book. It’s the perfect opportunity to be transported into new worlds, some magical, and some terrifying. (And usually worlds that don’t have any midterms next week!)
The following is a list of 15 books that will make for perfect reads this fall if you need to escape, or even if you’re just on the lookout for something good to read.
Stephen King and Owen King
Despite what the title might tell you, I doubt any of us will be sleeping anytime soon after reading the latest King novel.
A father-son project, Sleeping Beauties is a story that, at its core, seems to ask: what happens to the world when all the women are gone?
When they fall asleep, women everywhere are shrouded in cocoons; cocoons that you should definitely not open, as the women inside lash out violently. But what’s happening to them inside? And why is there one woman who seems to be immune to this plague?
Stieg Larsson
I don’t know about anyone else, but I love a good mystery, especially something gripping and interesting. And Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, hits the nail on the head.
The Millennium series, beginning with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, is a Swedish crime novel series that follows the adventures of Lisbeth Salander, an introverted woman with a photographic memory, and journalist Mikael Blomkvist. The first novel begins with Mikael trying to hide from the media after an article he wrote sparked critique, and his subsequent conviction. He was then contracted to look into the disappearance of an industrial tycoon’s niece, leading him to partner with Lisbeth.
The series follows the pair as they solve mystery after mystery. The most recent installment, The Girl Who Takes an Eye for An Eye, was released earlier this month. There are only 5 books in the series so far, but they make for perfect entertainment on a chilly fall weekend.
3. Uncommon Type: Some Stories
Tom Hanks
As Tom Hanks’ debut into the world of fiction, this new collection of short stories is definitely a must-have on everyone’s To-Be-Read (TBR) list.
This collection, due to be released in late October, looks to be focusing on people from everywhere and all walks of life. From celebrity sportsmen to immigrants to billionaires in America, Uncommon Type promises to be delightful in every way. Typewriters will be a common theme connecting the stories, with each one featuring the instrument in some way, harkening to Hanks’ love of the old devices.
Rupi Kaur
The Sun and Her Flowers is Rupi Kaur’s newest anthology, following the release of her chart-topping Milk and Honey.
The Sun and Her Flowers is an anthology of poems, accompanied by illustrations by Kaur herself. While her previous collection focused on violence, abuse, pain, healing, and heartache, this newest collection promises to be a journey of life:o f wilting and, blooming, and of every form of love.
John Green
It’s been several years since the last John Green novel hit the shelves, and even longer since Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace broke all of our hearts.
Set for an October release, this story is about Aza, her life, and a little bit about the mystery of a billionaire fugitive.
It already looks like it will feature all the hallmarks of a good John Green novel, including tears, heartbreak, and maybe the most important things of all: love and friendship.
Someone get me some tissues, I’m not ready yet!
6. Alias Grace
Margaret Atwood
Alias Grace is making its television debut this September, making it the perfect time to catch up on another one of Margaret Atwood’s award-winning novels.
Inspired by a true story, Alias Grace follows Grace, a servant convicted of a murder she has no memory of, on a day that she can’t remember. A committee put together by the Church hires a doctor in an attempt to get Grace pardoned of the crime she’s being accused of.
But the real question throughout the story is, did Grace really commit the murder? Or is there something else, maybe something darker, going on here?
Leigh Bardugo
Tired of Wonder Woman? Me neither. As book #1 in the new DC Icons series, this new release by the incredible Leigh Bardugo focuses on the origins of Princess Diana of Themyscira before she became the Amazing Amazon.
Diana throws away her chance at glory and victory to save a mortal woman – a decision that may spell doom and destruction for the rest of the world. This novel features a myriad cast of wonderful female characters, ancient mythology, and an excellent and gripping storyline, holding you captive until the very last page.
Leigh Bardugo
Speaking of Leigh Bardugo…
The Language of Thorns is Bardugo’s latest fantasy release, taking place in the same universe as her previous novels, the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology.
Her latest is a short story collection that takes its inspiration from myths, fairy tales, and folklore, and features gorgeous illustrations throughout the book. It focuses on dark fairy tales and legends set in Bardugo’s Grishaverse. Whether you’re a veteran fan, or new to her fictional world, this book looks like the perfect thing to read while snuggled up in a warm blanket, with a hot beverage beside you.
9. Artemis
Andy Weir
Thanks to Weir’s hard science fiction novel, The Martian, we all know what it takes to grow potatoes on Mars (and if you don’t, spoiler, it’s kind of gross). Now, releasing later this fall, will be his newest Sci-Fi novel, Artemis. This latest novel takes place in Artemis, the biggest, and the only city on the moon. It’s perfect for the wealthy and the tourists, but not so much for Jazz Bashara, who may or may not be a criminal -and whose criminal activities may or may not lead her into the middle of a dark conspiracy. A dark, moon, conspiracy.
Which is pretty cool, if you ask me.
10. Brooding YA Hero: Becoming a Main Character (Almost) as Awesome as Me
Carrie Ann DiRisio
Ever wanted to be a main character? Yes? Perfect, because this book has all the answers you need. Playfully poking fun at tropes in YA literature, Brooding YA Hero looks to be both a fun activity book (because we all definitely need more activities in our lives) and an enjoyable read, focusing on how to grab that sequel and your clumsy love interest.
Born from the popular Twitter account, Brooding YA Hero, this is definitely a book worth checking out this fall. And the Twitter account too, while you’re at it. It has yet to disappoint!
Susan Holloway Scott
Hamilfans rejoice! I, Eliza Hamilton is a historical romance novel focusing on the life of the indomitable, absolutely delightful, Elizabeth Hamilton – wife of treasurer Alexander Hamilton, and an amazing and influential figure in history.
While Eliza grew in fame through her role in the Broadway sensation Hamilton, this new novel (although being strictly romance) will shed a bit of light on the life of this great woman.
For those who don’t know, Eliza Hamilton, née Schuyler, was the daughter of a general during the American Revolution. This novel focuses on her whirlwind romance with Alexander Hamilton, and the subsequent rises and falls throughout her life.
The author, a veteran historical fiction novelist, promises that a great amount of research was put into this novel so that, while not purely non-fiction, we can get still an authentic glimpse of the life of this incredible woman.
Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas has taken the book world by storm with her exciting Throne of Glass series. The books follow the story of Adarlan’s notorious assassin, Celaena Sardothien, and her journey from being a prisoner of her continent’s powerful tyrant, to turning into a formidable heroine and… Well, you’ll have to read the books to find out.
The series is filled with interesting characters, rich mythology, and thrilling plot twists to keep you riveted until each cliffhanging conclusion.
Currently the series is sitting at 7 books, along with a short story anthology, and an 8th book scheduled for a Fall 2018 release – so you’ll have lots to keep you occupied while procrastinating on studying for those midterms!
For anyone who’s caught up with the series, they can also catch Sarah’s latest release, Tower of Dawn, that follows a few of her beloved characters as they journey south to find allies to aid in their war.
13. Forest of A Thousand Lanterns
Julie C. Dao
What if the story wasn’t about the beloved princess, but the evil queen instead?
Set in a lush fantasy world inspired by Eastern Asia, this Snow White retelling is steeped in fantasy, mythology, and a bit of dark magic, and looks to be an excellent read.
Xifeng’s destiny says that one day she’ll be Empress, but this glorious future can only be achieved by exploiting the dark magic that runs through her veins and destroying the man she loves.
To be released in early October, this book sounds like the perfect blend of dark and magical fantasy – the perfect read for the Halloween season.
14. Norwegian Wood
Haruki Murakami
Norwegian Wood follows the story of Toru, a young college student, as he navigates and adjusts to college life, even as the girl he is devoted to retreats more and more deeply into herself. As his loneliness grows, Toru begins reaching out to others.
A coming-of age story set in college, this is a book all of us should be checking out, as it delves into first loves and the difficult transition all of us face into adulthood.
And if you liked this book, it’s definitely worth checking out some of the author’s other works, including Kafka on the Shore and Men Without Women
15. Renegades
Marissa Meyer
Superheroes are taking the world by storm, and honestly I can’t complain. Especially not when books like this start appearing around the web. Marissa Meyer first gained popularity with The Lunar Chronicles: a mash-up of fairy tales retold in a futuristic, space-operatic setting. This time, Marissa is bringing us a story of good, evil, and that grey area in between it all.
The Renegades are a group of people with incredible abilities, shouldering the burden of bringing peace and justice to a world that was poisoned with chaos. They are the hope of their world. And Nova hates them. What she wants is vengeance…and she plans to get it.
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HerCampus UVic is not affiliated with any author or publication mentioned in this article.