Autumn’s Best Fantasy and Sci-Fi Book Releases

Autumn carries its own special enchantment, stirring an urge to leave our everyday reality behind. It is not surprising then, that this is the preferred season for those who love losing themselves in the pages of a good book. Autumn does not officially commence until the 22nd of September, yet many of us already anticipate the aroma of fresh books, the rustling of leaves underfoot, and the comforting spice of a pumpkin latte. The aura of the season also lends itself to a deep-rooted magic and mysticism, suffusing a sense of nostalgia. In the light of this, here is a compilation of imminent fantasy and sci-fi book releases, expected in September 2025. This curated list will serve as your doorway into the throbbing heart of folklore and myth, your haven this season.

Erin A. Craig emerged onto the scene with young adult literature, but ‘A Land So Wide’ marks her first endeavor into adult genre. If her previous works are anything to base speculations upon, Craig’s newest offering is bound to be a masterpiece in storytelling. Craig has an interesting knack for using folklore and fairy tales as narratives into her stories and ‘A Land So Wide’ continues this unique convention. In this engaging novel, Craig delves into Scottish folklore, offering a tale that intrigues and mystifies.

‘A Land So Wide’ narrates the story of Greer, an eccentric and imaginative mapmaker who embarks on a quest beyond her confines in search of her beloved. Her lover is driven away by terrifying creatures, and it is her journey for his rescue that makes up the major arc of the narrative. What unfolds is a gripping narrative of Greer’s survival in the wilderness along with the unraveling of sinister secrets that her town has been harboring.

‘The Maiden and Her Monster’, penned by Maddie Martinez leans into Jewish myths, particularly about golems. The protagonist of ‘The Maiden and Her Monster’, Malka, forms an unexpected bond with a female golem she encounters in the forest. The central theme of the story pivots around the revelation that it is not mythical creatures, but humans that embody the true essence of monstrosity.

Kosoko Jackson’s ‘The Macabre’ presents a grim dark fantasy infused with a touch of gothic horror vibes, keeping readers on edge. The storyline centers on the protagonist’s challenge to unveil the magical paintings left behind by his ancestors.

Making his debut in the science fiction genre, William Alexander brings forth ‘Sunward’. This novel sketches the journey of Tova, an AI bot trainer, and Agatha, her latest recruit. Tova’s kin is intertwined with the shadowy political universe, and as the story unfolds, Tova and Agatha find themselves ensnared in troublesome affairs.

Another spellbinding entry is ‘The Formidable Miss Cassidy’ by Meihan Boey, a novel that combines elements of history and fantasy. Besides her academic duties, Miss Cassidy takes on the responsibility to shield her students and their families from otherworldly creatures and haunting apparitions. In her new household, the heroine must balance teaching manners and preparing for matrimony with casting out evil spirits.

Naomi Novik’s ‘The Summer War’ is a gripping novella in which the central character, a witch named Celia, inadvertently curses her own brother. The subsequent plot sees her dedicating years to reverse the ill-fated spell.

The second installment to Veronica Roth’s ‘When Among Crows’, titled ‘To Clutch a Razor’, delves back into the life of Dymitr. The narrative, underpinned by Slavic folklore, finds Dymitr returning to his home for a funeral, his thoughts dominated by the task of appeasing Baba Jaga.

An Arthurian tale, ‘The Faerie Morgana’, is an enigmatic and captivating narrative sure to draw in the readers.

With Ian McEwan’s ‘What We Can Know’, set in the 22nd century, the storyline revolves around Tom Metcalfe who stumbles upon hope for humankind in historical archives.

‘Saltcrop’ authored by Yume Kitasei presents the journey of three sisters on a mission to save each other and the world.

The sapphic-themed novella, ‘Fate’s Bane’, authored by C.L. Clark illustrates the tale of two women, belonging to rival clans, who fall in love. The lovers must keep their bond hidden; however, when they discover a magic with powerful implications, things spiral into complexity.

And finally, that concludes the collection of the upcoming September fantasy and science fiction releases! Now, the question remains: which of these captivating realms are you planning to immerse yourself in this Autumn?