This month’s to-be-read list is as eclectic and exciting as a Halloween bag filled with diverse treats. It showcases a range of genres and themes, featuring works from both established authors and fresh voices in the literary scene.
Kristina Ten’s “Tell Me Yours, I’ll Tell You Mine,” releasing on October 7 from Stillhouse Press, marks the reader’s introduction to her genre-defying storytelling. This collection of modern urban legends reinterprets the language of ’90s and early 2000s adolescence within speculative contexts. It includes stories like “Bunny Ears,” which adds a dark twist to familiar childhood pranks, and “ADJECTIVE,” a clever take on microaggressions. The collection also explores poignant themes through imaginative storytelling methods, inviting readers to engage with creativity and nostalgia.
Ken Liu’s “All That We See or Seem,” launching on October 14 by Saga Press, is a gripping sci-fi thriller set in a cyberpunk noir world. The narrative centers on an orphan hacker and an elusive dream artist drawn into a dangerous web of crime, AI, and dark secrets. Liu deftly weaves a tale that explores the intersection of technology and reality, promising to captivate fans of the genre.
Amber Sparks contributes a gothic narrative in “Happy People Don’t Live Here,” also available on October 14 from Liveright Books. The story follows teenage protagonist Fern, who navigates a peculiar apartment complex filled with enigmatic characters while uncovering dark secrets associated with a mysterious death. Sparks blends warmth with chill-inducing suspense, appealing to fans of gothic literature.
K.M. Fajardo’s debut, “Local Heavens,” similarly releases on October 14, taking readers into a cyberpunk-infused retelling of “The Great Gatsby.” Set in a futuristic New York in 2075, it explores themes of obsession, longing, and the consequences of betrayal within a starkly different societal landscape.
On October 21, Olivie Blake presents “Girl Dinner,” a genre mashup that intertwines sorority culture with darker themes of loyalty and sacrifice. The novel’s engaging premise invites readers to consider the lengths one might go for acceptance within a society dictated by beauty and ambition.
Wen-yi Lee’s “When They Burned the Butterfly,” also set to release on October 21, immerses readers in the culturally rich and tumultuous backdrop of 1972 Singapore. The story follows Adeline Siow, a schoolgirl entangled in gang warfare while uncovering her mother’s dual identity. Lee weaves elements of myth and magic into a narrative of self-discovery and empowerment.
Nnedi Okorafor’s edited collection, “The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2025,” hitting shelves on October 21, showcases a variety of notable voices in speculative fiction. This compilation includes award-winning stories from established and emerging authors, enhancing the visibility of diverse talent in the genre.
Saga Press also introduces two compelling stories—a double feature titled “Red Star Hustle / Apprehension”—on October 21. Both tales merge elements of sci-fi and crime, with characters navigating complex narratives of mistaken identity and societal betrayals, promising thrilling adventures.
Lastly, Alix E. Harrow’s “The Everlasting” lands on October 28, continuing her exploration of feminist themes through the lens of fantasy. The novel follows historian Owen Mallory as he embarks on an epic journey through time, intertwining the legendary with the personal in a poignant narrative about shaping one’s destiny.
Eric Heisserer’s “Simultaneous,” releasing on the same day, is a speculative thriller that delves into past-life hypnosis and its implications on present events. The story marries psychological exploration with high-stakes elements, appealing to readers interested in the intersection of science fiction and human experience.
With such diverse offerings, readers have a delightful array of stories to savor, ensuring a fulfilling literary feast this October.