The leaves are turning orange, the nights are getting colder and the days are getting shorter, autumn is officially under way. So, with the autumnal spirit in mind, I thought I would share some of my favourite reads which are fitting for this cosy time of year. I hope you enjoy!
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
I feel like autumn is the perfect time for some dark academia, and The Secret history encompasses all the best things within the genre. Set in a New England elite college, the book is from protagonist Richard’s point of view as we follow his way into a classic study group made up from the best of the best. Each character is magnificently unique in their own way, but the plot itself is equally as good as the group of characters we follow. It pretty much goes from 0-100 in a matter of chapters and is tremendously tense at times, an easy story to get lost within, however I am 99% positive you will never predict the next page. With that being said, what really makes it the ideal autumnal read is the beautifully eerie atmosphere, and how well written it is. If you enjoyed John Green’s ‘Looking for Alaska’ when you were younger, this will be something you will devour.
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
This takes an unusual twist on our beloved Alice in Wonderland fairy tale, and the overall reception of the book was that you either loved or hated it. Fortunately, I loved it. I particularly liked the creepy and darker tone the book adopted, which is why I am confident it would make the ultimate autumn read (10 extra points if read at night). We follow main character Alice, who’s grandmother is the famous author of a pitch-dark grim fairy tale book which has developed a cult following. With Alice and her mother constantly moving around in attempt to avoid their constant bad luck, Alice’s mother is kidnapped by a mysterious figure claiming to be a character out of grandmother’s fairy tales. I think that summary gives you a nice hint at the unnerving atmosphere it has in store for you. Plus, in January this year, book two was also released – called ‘Tales from the Hinterland’ – which despite not having read myself (yet), I am sure is worth the read!
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Here is one for the historical fiction fans, (and those who like a paranormal fantasy with a sprinkle of mystery and horror) taking place in 1926. We follow loveable protagonist Evie who has been shipped off to New York to live with her uncle. But this is where the spooky autumnal vibes come in, because her uncle has a weird obsession with the occult, and that’s not all – Evie herself actually has spooky paranormal powers which she has been keeping a secret. There is so much more brilliance packed into this story; we are greeted to multiple distinctive and interesting characters all on their own paths. Not to mention containing one of the creepiest villains figures I know, who comes with an even eerier nursery rhyme (I will let you find that one out for yourself), is guaranteed to give you the heebie jeebies. If you are still not interested, the combination of the 1920s with the gloomy, intriguing, gritty atmosphere is one of the most stand out features. Remember that there is a lack of paranormal fantasy books set in the 20s (that I’m aware of), thus making this a memorable read. The novel is not all gloom and doom either, as there is a surprisingly good romance embedded in among everything else this book has to offer. Plus, if you like it enough, there is three more books in the series to fulfil all your autumnal book needs!
Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout
Any Twilight fans here? Imagine the Twilight plot, but with aliens. Hope I have not lost you yet, because this is one of my favourite series of all time. The main reason I recommend this book to anyone is because of the romance, it is that guilty pleasure romance if you know what I mean. The fact the romance follows the enemies to lover’s trope, is really the cherry on top (que the angst). Thereby, the addictive cuteness of the story is what really pushed me want to recommend this, it would be the perfect book to cosy up with, and the series contains 5 other books so why stop there? I certainly didn’t.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Psychics, ghosts, sleeping kings and spirits, this series is the ultimate autumn read. We follow a group of characters, but we start with a girl named Blue. Blue (easily one of my favourite sassy characters of all time), likes to stay away from the Agliony private school boys, until she meets (our very wholesome) Gansey whom whilst accompanied by his three other friends, is on a quest. I will keep my synopsis brief as I would recommend going into this one unknowing and not knowing what to expect, hence to ensure the best reading experience. But this urban, supernatural fantasy will hit you like no other, Maggie Stiefvater’s writing style is unquestionably magical and creates such a beautiful compelling world which I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
I hope you enjoyed my five autumnal book recommendations, as a mood reader myself the seasons certainly influence what books I tend to reach for. With all being said, I hope my book recommendations brighten up the darker nights and give you some unique worlds to get lost in, because at the moment anything’s better than mess we’re living through, right?
Words By: Eleanor Milner
Edited By: Charlotte Almley