16 blockbuster September science fiction and fantasy releases to kick off Fall
By Lacy Baugher
After our dreams of a Hot Vax Summer basically evaporated in the face of rising COVID cases, reinstituted mask mandates, and general anxiety about, well…everything, I think it’s safe to say that most of us are ready for Fall. September means back-to-school sales, pumpkin spice lattes at your local Starbucks, Halloween candy at the drug store, and a ton of great books.
Fall is always an exciting time in the world of publishing – from the start of spooky season to the unofficial kick-off of holiday shopping, ’tis the season whether you’re looking for a good horror novel or trying to stock Christmas wishlists. Plus, after the summer we’ve had, no one’s going to fault a reader who’s simply looking for some good, solid escapism. Which, thankfully, is exactly what science fiction and fantasy novels are for!
And this September offers an embarrassment of riches. There are massive new novels from fan favorites Jay Kristoff (Empire of the Vampire) and Brigid Kemmerer (Defy the Night) as well as highly anticipated sequels from names like Naomi Novik (The Last Graduate) and Marie Rutkoski (The Hollow Heart). Katy Rose Pool wraps up her “Age of Darkness” trilogy with Into the Dying Light, and Stephanie Garber launches a spin-off from her popular Caraval series with Once Upon a Broken Heart. Truly, there is so much good stuff!
What September science fiction and fantasy releases are worth your time?
Here are 12 of our picks for the best science fiction and fantasy releases hitting shelves this month. What’s going on your September must-read list?