10 must-read SFF releases to make October your best reading month yet

The Key to Fear by Kristin Cast

Much like The Ministry of the Future, Kristin Cast’s latest release may not be for readers looking for a break from reality — because The Key to Fear takes place after a pandemic has ravaged the Earth. What’s left of the human race is governed by The Key, whose motto is eerily reminiscent of social distancing protocols: “No touching today for a healthy tomorrow.'”

The Key knows what’s best for humanity after its tragic run-in with disease, and it’s critical that the remaining human beings listen if they want to survive. Naturally, this means the book’s main characters are going to struggle a bit in that area:

"“Elodie obeys The Key. Elodie obeys the rules. Elodie trusts in the system. At least, Elodie used to… Aidan is a rebel. Aidan doesn’t do what he’s told. Aidan just wants to be free. Aidan is on his last chance…”"

The problem is, the more Elodie and Aidan stray from The Key and its rules, the more they realize that something is awry when it comes to the force controlling them. Could The Key be taking things too far? There’s only one way to find out — and it’s by diving into this narrative.

The Key to Fear is available now in ebook, audiobook, and print formats.