BookTok’s Most Anticipated Fall Books: 8 Reads You Don’t Want to Miss
From fantasy to family sagas, this list has something for everyone!
Key Takeaways
- ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ 6 releases October 27, 2026, with no cover yet.
- Veronica Roth returns to the ‘Divergent’ world with ‘The Sixth Faction’ in October.
- Tessa Bailey steps outside rom-coms with the time-travel novel ‘Broken Rival.’
Fall is almost here and no one is as excited as BookTok. Over the past few weeks several book influencers have shared the books they’re most excited to read this season from their favorite bestselling authors, and they are just as cozy, magical and fun as you would hope! To learn more about the new books Booktok is most excited about this fall, keep scrolling!
Romantasy: ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses 6’ by Sarah J. Maas
The sixth installment in Sarah J. Maas’ bestselling series was announced by the author earlier this year on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast. As of publication, the book’s plot, title and official cover haven’t been released but based on where the fifth book, A Court of Silver Flames, ended, it’s safe to say readers will return to Prythain and the Night Court. It’s also safe to say that the book will feature members of the “Inner Circle” including Rhysand, Feyre, Amren, Morrigan (Mor), Cassian, Azriel, Nesta and Elain. (Out October 27, 2026)
“Still completely blown away by all the love since the announcement! I’ve loved seeing every comment and every post,” Maas wrote on Instagram in March of this year. “You guys are truly incredible and I can’t wait for you to see what’s coming next!”
What early readers are saying: Typically, book reviewers, editors and influencers get early copies, but Maas hasn’t released any so everything is a secret.
Fantasy: ‘Tempest’ by Victoria Aveyard
Victoria Aveyard, best known for writing the bestselling young adult novel Red Queen, makes her adult fantasy debut in this pirate epic. Cat Rose knows what it’s like to live a double life. She used to be Lady Catrine Rose of the Meridian Empire, but after the unthinkable happened, she became the Widow Rose, queen of a pirate tavern in the Sirian Sea. But when ships start to go missing on her shore and it’s revealed that all the legendary Valerian Kane is behind it, things change. Now Cat must venture onto yet another mysterious path that will force her to face her past and the only man she ever loved. A fantastic story filled with love, danger and suspense. (Out September 8, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Tempest is an absolute standout read for me. Reading Victoria Aveyard’s book as an adult brings me the same amount of joy that it did when I was reading her books as a teen. PS for the most immersive reading experience you should read this outside in the sun, perhaps near a body of water and put on the Pirate of The Caribbean soundtrack. Trust me it won’t disappoint.”
Retelling: ‘Big Bad Wolf’ by Laurie Gilmore
From the author of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe comes another swoon-worthy tale, this one—this one inspired by Red Riding Hood. Ruby Bellerose lives on the edge of the woods in a cottage that seems straight out of a fairy tale. The only issue is her love life, which is practically nonexistent. Enter Rafe, a handsome, mysterious stranger who lives in the woods and captures Ruby’s heart instantly. But as the two grow closer, secrets emerge and Ruby must decide if she is willing to risk it all for love. (Out September 8, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Honestly, there aren’t enough words to explain how much I loved this book. It was magical, romantic, emotional, mysterious and impossible to put down.
And that ending??? Laurie Gilmore, you absolutely cannot end a book like that and expect me to wait patiently. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books of the year.”
Dystopian: ‘The Sixth Faction’ by Veronica Roth
Return to the world of Divergent in this new novel by Veronica Roth. Teenager Beatrice Prior has a choice to make: She can either leave her home faction Abnegation to join Dauntless, or stay behind with her family. In the end she decides to leave, but on the day her choice is going to be announced tragedy strikes and she is thrust into the dangerous world of rebellion. The only person she can trust is a mysterious man with a number for a name. (Out October 6, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This addition to the Divergent universe is exactly what the fans didn’t know they needed. In fact, I’d argue that this book provides a deeper understanding of the original trilogy, and confirms what we already know to be true. Between things that stayed the same, things that changed and things left somewhere in the middle, this was a well written book.”
Sci-Fi romance: ‘Broken Rival’ by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey is best known for her spicy romance comedies, but in her newest novel she explores something new: time travel. Eighteen-year-old Magnolia Brown loves Friday night football games, swim meets and volunteering… everyday high school activities, right? Wrong. See, Magnolia has a secret: She’s from 50 years in the future. Now Magnolia is stuck in 2026 and can only turn to the two Kansas brothers: Fallon, her high school sweetheart, and Ramsey, the militia commander who hunts and kills criminals like her. But as Magnolia spends more time with them secrets emerge and relationships are put to the test, forcing Magnolia to figure out which brother actually has her best interests at heart. (Out October 6, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “I went into Broken Rival not knowing what to expect with Tessa Bailey stepping outside the rom-coms that we know and love, and I’m still sitting here trying to process how much this story unabashedly moved me! I stayed up until 3AM and read this in one sitting because I could not put it down. I needed to see it through, and I wasn’t ready to leave it when I got there. It’s definitely a book I wanted to savor and draw out just so it never ended, but in the same breath, I HAD to know what happened next.”
Family saga: ‘The Birthing Tree’ by Amanda Peters
If you love family sagas, then don’t miss this novel from the author of The Berry Pickers. When Aliet Paul’s mother dies during childbirth beneath a birthing tree sacred to generations of Mi’kmaq women, Aliet is sent to live with her grandmother, Kiju, in a small Nova Scotia town. Now an adult, Aliet chooses to train as a nurse after seeing the backlash traditional midwifery received. Years later, when Kiju dies, Aliet returns home to settle the estate. While sorting through her grandmother’s belongings, she uncovers long-buried family secrets that point to a mystery spanning generations. A genre-bending novel that will leave readers guessing. (Out September 1, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Absolutely one of my best reads so far of 2026. If you enjoyed Peters’ debut novel The Berry Pickers, you may like this one even more. And can I add…What a beautiful cover! This book provides a glimpse into Mi’kmaq life, and also a front row seat to the lifelong grief process. The Birthing Tree is beautifully written and really hits you in the heart. I highly, highly recommend that you read it when it releases in September.”
Mythological retelling: ‘The Wild Zone’ by Rick Riordan and Annabelle Oh
Ever wonder what happens at Camp Half-Blood when Percy Jackson isn’t around? Check out Rick Riordan’s newest novel, which he co-wrote with Annabelle Oh. Newcomer Katie Kim knows she shouldn’t be in the “Wild Zone” forest, but that doesn’t stop Clarisse from the Ares cabin from taking her and four other new campers there in the dark of night and telling them to get out by morning. It was scary, but not as scary as Kim’s half-brother Grant disappearing, which causes vicious monsters and a mysterious curse to arrive at camp. Now it’s up to Kim and her new friends to venture back into the Wild Zone once again to find her brother and put an end to the attacks—before it’s too late. (Out September 29, 2026)
What early readers are saying: Typically, book influencers get early copies, but Riordian hasn’t released any yet.
Romantasy: ‘Burn of The Everflame’ by Penn Cole
A thrilling adventure takes center stage in the fourth installment of Penn Cole’s Kindred’s Curse Saga. Set in the world of Emarion, the story begins after healer Diem Bellator finds herself trapped in a deadly game—fighting against oppression while navigating life at the royal palace where one wrong move could cost her life. As enemies close in from all sides, the Crowns are forced into an unlikely alliance. But can old enemies truly become allies, or will their past come back to haunt them? (Out September 8, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Oh my god. I need 10 business days to recover and to process Burn of The Everflame. This book was beyond worth the wait. The emotional damage. The journey. The healing. UGH. 10/10 no notes. This was the most amazing finale to one of my favorite series, EVER.”
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