New September Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Book Releases

September is a huge month for book publishing—as this list of 70 new sci-fi, fantasy, and horror releases very clearly shows. Gothic horror, galactic empires, vampires, monstrous road trips, supernatural mysteries, romantasy sagas, and so much more await!

September 1

In Our Likeness by Bryan VanDyke

Co-workers at a tech start-up realize the algorithm they’re testing has the power to alter reality—and very quickly, must figure out what to do with this alarming discovery. (September 1)

September 3

American Ghoul by Michelle McGill-Vargas 

A former slave and a newly minted vampire meet in post-Civil War Georgia, then move to Indiana together—where their relationship soon becomes strained to the point of (maybe) murder. (September 3)

The Cursed by Harper L. Woods 

The Coven of Bones romantasy series continues as the protagonist’s desire for revenge turns into a more urgent quest: regaining the witches’ trust while protecting them from the man who wants to destroy them. (September 3)

The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison 

In this historical fantasy, a professor in 1964 learns that her family has a unique curse: every generation, one among their number mysteriously travels back in time. She sets out to research its effects and hopefully figure out how to make it stop. (September 3)

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

When the Greek gods host a contest to determine the new ruler of Olympus, they force mortals to fight in their place—including a “sarcastic nobody” who’s both thrilled and horrified when she’s tapped as Hades’ champion. (September 3)

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart 

“In this sweeping epic fantasy comes a story of magic, betrayal, love, and loyalty, where two sisters will clash on opposite sides of a war against the gods.” (September 3)

Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker 

“On the set of a kitschy reality TV show, staged scares transform into unnerving reality in this spooky ghost story.” (September 3)

The Haunting of Moscow House by Salnikova Gilmore 

“In this elegant gothic horror tale set in post-revolutionary Russia, two formerly aristocratic sisters race to uncover their family’s long-buried secrets in a house haunted by a past dangerous—and deadly—to remember.” (September 3)

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig 

In this sci-fi tale, a retired teacher is surprised to learn she’s inherited an island home in the Mediterranean—and is even more surprised by what she discovers when she travels to see it in person. (September 3)

Megacosmic Rift by Abby Goldsmith 

“Four prophesized heroes must band together to obliterate an evil galactic empire―they’re outnumbered by the trillions, but are they outwitted?” (September 3)

The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir, translated by Mary Robinette Kowal 

A woman can’t figure out a medical cause for her extreme fatigue—but must confront a deeper mystery when she falls asleep with her fitness watch on, and awakens to realize she’s somehow taken over 40,000 steps while she thought she was sleeping. (September 3) 

Out of the Drowning Deep by A.C. Wise 

“In the distant future, when mortals mingle with the gods in deep space, an out-of-date automaton, a recovering addict, and an angel race to solve the Pope’s murder in an abandoned corner of the galaxy.” (September 3)

Pay the Piper by George A. Romero, finished by Daniel Kraus 

“A terrifying tale of supernatural horror set in a cursed Louisiana bayou, from the minds of legendary director George Romero and bestselling author Daniel Kraus.” (September 3)

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith 

“Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don’t fall in love.” (September 3)

The Royal First Irregulars: A Maradaine Saga Story by Marshall Ryan Maresca 

The women of the Royal First Irregulars are elite soldiers, but they’re not taken seriously—so they decide to undertake a dangerous mission to prove their worth. (September 3)

Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda

“This speculative fiction masterpiece envisions an Earth where humans are nearing extinction, and rewrites our understanding of reproduction, ecology, evolution, artificial intelligence, communal life, creation, love, and the future of humanity.” (September 3)

We Came to Welcome You by Vincent Tirado 

In this suburban horror story, a married couple hoping to leave career drama and homophobic family members behind moves into a gated community—but finds there’s something decidedly off about their new neighbors, and strange things start happening around their lovely new home. (September 3)

September 10

Countess by Suzan Palumbo 

“A queer, Caribbean, anti-colonial sci-fi novella in which a betrayed captain seeks revenge on the interplanetary empire that subjugated her people for generations.” (September 10)

The Devil by Name by Keith Rosson 

“No one expected the apocalypse would be broadcast via phone call. But in this chilling sequel to Fever House, anyone who managed to survive that doomsday call has a harrowing answer to the question, ‘Where were you when the Message came through?’” (September 10)

Fears: Tales of Psychological Horror edited by Ellen Datlow 

“Twenty-one stories of extreme psychological dread from such horror icons as Stephen Graham Jones, Priya Sharma, Josh Malerman, Margo Lanagan, and more. The unsettling tales explore the nature of fear as it stirs in dysfunctional families, toxic friendships, and mismatched lovers, which culminates in relentless stalkers, remorseless killers, and perpetrators of savage rituals.” (September 10)

Good Night, Sleep Tight by Brian Evenson 

“A collection of new stories tracing the limits and consequences of artificial intelligence and ‘post-human’ relationships.” (September 10)

Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson 

An aspiring fashion writer dates a wealthy man just so she can meet his mother, a powerful magazine editor. But Easter at his family’s island mansion turns into something far more sinister when the family’s mistreated staff launches a violent rebellion. (September 10)

In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane 

Short stories themed around dark academia by Olivie Blake, M.L. Rio, David Bell, Susie Yang, and more. (September 10)

The Inhabitant by Beth Castrodale 

When an artist inherits a home said to be haunted, her life takes a surprising turn for the better—until she starts to realize her windfall might have sinister undertones that are slowly being revealed. (September 10)

Lucy Undying: A Dracula Novel by Kiersten White 

“A vampire escapes the thrall of Dracula and embarks on her own search for self-discovery and true love in this epic and seductive gothic fantasy.” (September 10)

Nightmare of a Trip by Maureen Kilmer 

A family’s cross-country road trip takes an accidentally supernatural turn after they make an unexpected visit to a half-burned farmhouse. (September 10)

Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner 

“Two transgender teens end up in a small, isolated town, where they must escape the locals who plan to sacrifice one of them to an ancient monster that only eats girls.” (September 10)

The Scarlet Throne by Amy Leow 

“A dark, heart-thumping political epic fantasy by debut author Amy Leow—full of scheming demons, morally grey heroines, talking cats, and cut-throat priests, this delicious tale of power and corruption will captivate from beginning to end.” (September 10)

The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman 

“On an isolated estate in late-18th-century rural Wales, a young English doctor uncovers dangerous secrets that may threaten his own life in this spellbinding Gothic tale from the bestselling author of Pandora.” (September 10)

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison 

On a birthday getaway with her best friend, an unhappy woman gets a new lease on life when she meets a mysterious group of strangers. (The subtitle of this book is A Vampire Novel, so you can imagine what their secret is.) (September 10)

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune 

The sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea explores the story of Arthur Parnassus, “headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island,” where he gives everything to protect the “magical and so-called dangerous children” in his care. (September 10)

Under Her Spell by K.L. Cerra 

“A woman who returns to her hometown to investigate her childhood friend’s disappearance soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly web of half truths, cover-ups, and dark magic.” (September 10)

Vilest Things by Chloe Gong 

The sequel to Immortal Longings continues the saga inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, as Calla and Anton realize they must put aside their considerable differences to protect their kingdom. (September 10)

Warlords of Wyrdwood by RJ Barker 

The epic fantasy Forsaken Trilogy continues as the people of Harn head into the forest under the care of Cahan—where he’ll have to help them survive even as he’s targeted by dark forces. (September 10)

William by Mason Coile 

“A haunted house story in which the haunting is by AI.” (September 10)

The World Is Not Yours by Kemi Ashing-Giwa 

“An action-packed, inventive novella about a toxic polycule consumed by jealousy and their attempts to survive on a hostile planet.” (September 10)

World Walkers by Neal Asher 

“He can jump between worlds. But can he save his own? As a totalitarian Inspectorate tightens its grip, one man discovers the power to slip through the gaps and traverse alternate universes. World Walkers by Neal Asher is an exhilarating standalone novel set within the Owner Trilogy.” (September 10)

September 17

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson 

A woman with the gift of persuasion is invited to hone her skills at a secret magic college—where she finds herself falling for her adviser while also uncovering dark secrets the school is hiding. (September 17)

Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky 

In this far-future tale, “a political prisoner must unlock the secrets of a strange and dangerous planet.” (September 17)

Bringer of Dust by J.M. Miro 

The sequel to Ordinary Monsters continues the Talents Trilogy in a magical version of 1880s Sicily, where a new evil is rising and the Talents must pool their talents to keep the world of the dead at bay. (September 17)

Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik

Thirteen short stories that span science fiction and fantasy, and including “the first glimpse of the world of Abandon, the setting of Novik’s upcoming epic fantasy series—a deserted continent populated only by silent and enigmatic architectural mysteries.” (September 17)

A Change of Place by Julie E. Czerneda 

The Night’s Edge cozy fantasy series continues; it’s springtime in Marrowdell, and Jenn and Bannan’s happiness is threatened when a toad queen rises to power. (September 17)

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft 

“A sharp-tongued folklorist must pair up with her academic rival to solve their mentor’s murder in this lush and enthralling sapphic fantasy romance.” (September 17)

Dearest by Jacquie Walters 

“A new mom in need of help opens her door to her long-estranged mother—only to invite something much darker inside.” (September 17)

The Escher Man by T.R. Napper 

“A cartel enforcer across Southeast Asia must escape a world of paranoia and violence to save his family in this cerebral and multi-layered cyberpunk science fiction novel.” (September 17)

Evil in Me by Brom 

An aspiring musician dreams of leaving her small town—but her plans get sidetracked when, thanks to an ancient artifact, she’s possessed by a demon that makes her a magnet for evil. (September 17)

Exodus: The Archimedes Engine by Peter F. Hamilton 

Thousands of years after the last humans fled Earth, their descendents have settled a far-flung cluster of planets, where some have evolved into advanced beings that form the civilizations’s oppressive ruling class. That proves troublesome for the regular humans—including one young man who dreams of exploring even deeper space. (September 17) 

Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling 

“An exiled princess teams up with the last man she thought she could trust in the start of a dazzling and unforgettable epic fantasy romance series.” (September 17)

Hampton Heights: One Harrowing Night in the Most Haunted Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Dan Kois 

“A hair-raising and rollicking adventure set on one night in 1987, when six paperboys must confront a slew of monsters as well as their own personal demons in a haunted Midwestern neighborhood.” (September 17)

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine 

As this paranormal romance aims to prove, “nothing sucks more than fake-dating a vampire.” (September 17)

Nightstrider by Sophia Slade 

“To stop a vicious demon’s conquest, nightmares and humans will band together in book one of a heart-stopping new dark fantasy series.” (September 17)

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood 

In this cozy fantasy, “a burned-out witch will need to turn to her friends and trust in herself to find the magic in her own life again.” (September 17)

Ultra 85 by Logic

In this far-future tale, “two friends uncover if the utopian planet Paradise lives up to its name.” (September 17)

September 24

Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales by Kristian Nairn 

The Game of Thrones star’s memoir details his time playing Hodor on the hit HBO show, as well as his childhood during the Troubles in Ireland, his formative years performing as a drag queen, and his successful DJ career. (September 24)

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman 

The Dungeon Crawler Carl series continues as “Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs to make it to the next level and build the kind of fan following the dungeon masters can’t ignore.” (September 24)

Darkside by Michael Mammay

The Planetside series continues as “retired Colonel Carl Butler gears up for another military investigation, full of danger, corporate intrigue, and tech people would kill for.” (September 24)

Devils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton 

When a woman’s guardian angel murders someone she loves, she realizes he’s no “angel”—and that she’ll have to embrace her own hellish side if she wants to survive. (September 24)

A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan 

In this adult romantasy, a woman raised alongside royalty as a designated “whipping girl” is forced into a marriage scheme when a warrior invades their kingdom. She doesn’t realize there are magical secrets lurking within her own life. (September 24)

The Forest of Lost Souls by Dean Koontz 

“A fearless woman, raised in the forest, fights against a group of powerful men in a novel about good versus evil, the enduring nature of myth, and the power of love.” (September 24)

I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin 

“Outside Los Angeles, a driver pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. She offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and that box across the country, to Washington, DC … As these eccentric misfits hit the road, rumors spread on social media that the box is part of a carefully orchestrated terror attack intended to plunge the USA into civil war.” (September 24)

In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King

In 1948 Italy, a model who can’t remember her past poses for Salvador Dalí in a Roman garden full of giant statues—and is soon drawn into an eerie mystery that’s both personal and mythological. (September 24)

The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison 

Former college friends reunite after 25 years to investigate a mysterious death that’s haunted them over the years—with the help of a magical method to help them recover their most uncomfortable memories. (September 24)

The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry 

In a world without words or borders, the Names Committee tries to restore order amid the roaming ghosts and monsters. Sent to deliver new words, a courier instead seeks out her long-lost sister with some sympathetic supernatural friends—and inadvertently uncovers the way to a brighter future. (September 24)

Rainier’s Legacy by Chad Corrie 

“Join Corwyn Danther, ‘Famed Bard of the Midlands,’ as he faces off with halfling highwaymen, long-forgotten horrors, mystical encounters, conniving con men, and an old flame with some questionable machinations, along with a few other surprises in this short story collection.” (September 24)

Rumor Has It by Cat Rambo 

“The crew of the You Sexy Thing navigates the aftermath of facing down a pirate king and the relationships that they have created with one another in Cat Rambo’s action adventure science fiction Rumor Has It, the third book in the Disco Space Opera.” (September 24)

Sinophagia: A Celebration of Chinese Horror 2024 edited by Xueting C. Ni 

“Fourteen dazzling horror stories delve deep into the psyche of modern China in this new anthology curated by acclaimed writer and essayist Xueting C. Ni, editor and translator of the British Fantasy Award-winning Sinopticon.” (September 24)

Space Oddity by Catherynne M. Valente 

“The Metagalactic Grand Prix—part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past returns and the fate of the Earth is once again threatened. The civilizations opposed to humanity have been plotting and want to take down the upstarts. Can humanity rise again in this sequel to Space Opera?” (September 24)

A Tide of Black Steel by Anthony Ryan

“The spectacular first novel in a new epic new fantasy trilogy inspired by Norse mythology.” (September 24)

Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera 

In this thriller, a woman who’s finally advancing in her dream fashion career starts to suspect the designer she’s working for might be hiding some sinister supernatural secrets. (September 24)

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner 

“A librarian with a knack for solving murders realizes there is something decidedly supernatural afoot in her little town in this cozy fantasy mystery.” (September 24)

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