October Reading List

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

already out, Sept 29

I know, I know. Not technically October, but since I didn’t do one of these for September, I felt this book would be worth including here. This is another sort of companion novel (or trilogy, in this case) but it’s not really necessary to have read the previous trilogy- The Grisha Trilogy- already. So far the author’s track record has been good, having created a complicated, magical world inspired by Russia, and including well executed plot. This new trilogy is about a group of thieves and vagabonds planning to execute a high stakes heist. This book is an action packed story, and is said to be very dark, so if that’s your thing, pick this book up now!

2. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Out Oct. 6

The sequel (or more of a companion novel) to Fangirl, this is the story of Simon Snow, the fictional character the protagonist of fangirl was, well, a fan of. Meant to parallel Harry Potter, and maybe poke a little fun at it, this story will include magic, ghosts, and adventure. I don’t know if it’s necessary to have read Fangirl, but you’ll probably appreciate the easter eggs and inside jokes better that way. I have high hopes, as Rainbow Rowell has done well in the past, writing one of my favorite books, Eleanor and Park. I am a bit nervous about the genre however, seeing as the majority of her past books have been realistic fiction, I worry she may not be able to accomplish the world building and refreshing lore required for a fantasy novel.

3. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Out Oct 6

We’ve all probably wondered at one point or another about what it would be like to be the background character of your favorite show, or to be that one non-magical friend in a group of progedies. This book answers that question, and that answer is… Annoyed. It’s about a high school boy named Mikey, who’s sick of apocalypses, who is tired of having his school blown up, and who is trying to ignore the fact that his friend is being worshipped by mountain lions. Patrick Ness has written great novels in the past (have you read More Than This???). So great, however, that anything else he writes will most likely never compare. That doesn’t mean I’m not excited for this book, though, and I think you should be, too.

4. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman

Out Oct 20

This is a sci fi novel about refugees escaping a distant planet being fought over as a resource. It’s also a story about a plague spreading through the masses. Don’ forget the double agent AI. And conspiracy, lot’s of conspiracy. While I do worry this may be too much for one author to handle, if she can pull this off, this book will be awesome! It’s told through diaries, transcripts, and reports, and it has pictures! Well... sort of.... but this is definitely a book I am excited for, even if it’s just because of my love for space.

5. Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

Out Oct 20

If you haven't already heard the hilarious podcasts that inspired this book, what are you waiting for??? And if you have, I don’t know what I can say to convince you to read this book because you already have this on your reading list, right? This promises all the mystery and humor that WTNV is known for, plus the new form of media may mean we get to learn even more about this mysterious desert town, where wheat and wheat by-products are as illegal as the mountains.

6. Our Lady of the Ice by Cassandra Rose Clark

Out Oct 27

This sci fi novel is about an Argentinean colony in Antarctica, faced with increasing blackouts and the possibility of freezing to death, but it is also so much more. Full of action, drama, conspiracy, gangsters, and artificial intelligence, this book promises a lot of things, but it’s nothing the author can’t handle. This novel also promises both racial and gender diversity, something often missed in sci-fi.