This week I thought I would make a little post about some books that I am really looking forward to that are coming out later this year or early next year. You will notice that the list skews toward traditional publishing, but this is because many indies do a very short preorder period or don’t announce their release dates that far ahead of time. Disclaimer: all links to the books are affiliate links, so if you purchase anything, I get a small kickback.
- Pantomime (#1) by L. R. Lam- If this book sounds familiar to you, it came out years ago and is being re-edited and released. This book was one of my absolute favorites when I read it in college. You have an intersex, trans MC who runs away from their family and societal expectations to join the circus and discover themselves. Throw in a dose of magic, romance, and danger, and Pantomime is a must-read. Out 9/9/25
- To Clutch a Razor (#2) by Veronica Roth- I have been on a bit of Veronica Roth short book/story kick, and I am dying to get my hands on this one. You have magical Chicago filled with Slavic magic and creatures, a queer MC, horrific family obligations, and a cast of intriguing characters, and this series is un-put-down-able. Out 9/16/25
- What Stalks the Deep (#3) by T. Kingfisher- I absolutely love this series. It’s horror that is gross yet intriguing without being too scary for chickens like me. The main character is a nonbinary soldier in the 1800s, and in this edition, Alex is headed to America to go to a spooky mine that is probably filled with horrors. If you enjoy Jordan L. Hawk’s books, I highly recommend this series. Out 9/30/25
- America’s Most Gothic: Haunted History Stranger than Fiction by Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes- I absolutely loved their first book, A Haunted History of Invisible Women. This volume goes into the parts of the Gothic that titillate us and explores the real history that is potentially far spookier and fascinating. Hieber and Janes have a lively style that is all at once informative and entertaining. Out 9/30/25
- All of Us Murderers by K. J. Charles- Maybe I am biased but I don’t think K. J. Charles has written a bad book yet. This one takes us to a Gothic manor where a fight over a young ward’s hand turns murderous and scorn queer lovers reunite. It sounds chef kiss and messy, and if you are into Gothic vibes, the cover for this book is right on the money. Out 10/7/25
- A Mouthful of Dust (#6) by Nghi Vo- The Singing Hills Cycle is one of my favorite series, and this one sounds a little similar to the K. J. Charles book in terms of creepiness of houses. Chih is trapped in the house of a sinister magistrate in a town where famine has hit hard and the things beyond and within the walls are growing hungry. If you like lush yet economical stories, Vo’s work is top knotch. Out 10/7/25
- The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow- We have a lady knight, a historian, and time doing weird shit to ensure she plays her role. This is based off a short story Harrow published a few years ago that I absolutely devoured. I am dying to get my hands on this, especially because I have been in a medieval mood, so I hope this scratches that itch. Out 10/28/25
- A Wild and Hungry Place by E. E. Ottoman- It has been quite some time since Ottoman published, and I am so excited. His books are filled with trans characters, rich descriptions, and stories that tug at the heartstrings and soul. This one has a woman trying to break a curse, a man with a garden full of poisonous plants, and a ghost woman. What else could one want?
- The Wolf and His King by Finn Longman- I am including this one because it was originally scheduled to come out in November but was pushed back to January of 2026. This is a retelling of “Bisclavret” by Marie de France, and as a Marie de France fan, I am so in. Of course, this book is queer, has werewolves, knights, kings, magic, and so much more. Out 1/26/26
- Through Gates of Garnets and Gold (#11) by Seanan McGuire- If you haven’t read The Wayward Children series, now is the perfect time to start. Nancy, who is the MC of book one, finally is getting her own book! I am so excited to return to the Halls of the Dead with Nancy and the misfit crew from the school for wayward children. This is one of those settings that sounded so intriguing even though we saw little of it, and I look forward to what McGuire creates in this one. Out 1/6/26
Kara Jorgensen 