2020 has simultaneously felt long and short at the same time, as we all wait for the pandemic to end. But when the warm weather begins to fade, fall begins; a season of change, and a time of new chapters—literally. What better way to find some joy this autumn than to escape into some of this year's most-anticipated SFF? These are the best new books to read fall 2020 for sci-fi and fantasy fans. Happy reading!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Fresh off of her incredible and wildly popular Shades of Magic series, V.E. Schwab returns with one of the most anticipated books of 2020 in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
Set over the course of 300 years, this novel follows Addie LaRue on a time-spanning, whirlwind of an adventure. Her story begins in 1700s France, where she makes a fateful deal with the devil that grants her immortality. But (of course) there’s a catch: everyone she meets in her immortal life is doomed to forget her.
Release date: October 6th, 2020
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The Devil and the Dark Water
Another novel set a mere 400 years ago, this thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.
The Devil and the Dark Water follows detective Samuel Pipps and his bodyguard Arent Hayes on a journey to solve his greatest mystery yet. Strange clues and omens lead them to the only possible conclusion: they could be on the hunt for a murderous demon.
What is really causing these bizarre happenings? Pick up The Devil and The Dark Water to find out!
Release date: October 6th, 2020
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Ruinsong
Looking for an LGBTQ+ fantasy romance novel that’ll take your breath away? Look no further than Ruinsong by Julia Ember.
You will fall in love with this story of Cadence and her internal struggle with her own magical powers as she works for a sinister queen.
When Cadence is reunited with a childhood best friend who is part of the resistance, Cadence’s destiny is shifted. She must decide which side she is truly on—for good.
Release date: November 24th, 2020
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
Christopher Paolini is best known for his widely popular Inheritance Cycle. This series, starting with Eragon, took the world by storm, and his latest novel is sure to be one of the biggest literary moments of the year.
Paolini's first novel in nine years (and his first adult one), sees the author transitioning from fantasy to sci-fi.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars follows Kira Navarez on a mission in space to discover an uncolonized planet that can offer refuge for humanity.
Release date: September 15th, 2020
Cemetery Boys
Already called “groundbreaking” by Entertainment Weekly, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is the story of Yadriel, a trans teen dealing with his unaccepting Latinx family (and oh yeah, he’s a brujo).
After accidentally summoning the ghost of Julian Diaz, Yadriel agrees to help the spirit tie his loose ends on earth.
But after helping Julian on his journey, unexpected feelings complicate their relationship, making it harder for Yadriel to accept Julian leaving.
In a year and a world that is constantly dealing with the ongoing battle of tolerance and acceptance, Cemetery Boys is a highly-anticipated novel that provides the perfect adventure for 2020.
Release date: September 1, 2020
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Ink & Sigil
A spin-off of the best selling Iron Druid Chronicles, author Kevin Hearne welcomes his readers back to this beloved world with Ink & Sigil.
The story follows Al MacBharrais, who has a very special gift: he can cast spells with magical ink, and spends his days defending the world from various evils.
Of course, this gift comes with a twist; anyone who hears Al's voice immediately hates him, so he uses writing and speech apps to communicate.
When his apprentice mysteriously dies, Al travels to the Magical Underworld to discover the truth of this tragedy. Fill your fall with magic and wonder by picking up this book.
Release date: August 25th, 2020
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Piranesi
Susanna Clarke broke into the scene with her New York Times bestseller Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and she returns with her highly anticipated novel, Piranesi!
This fantasy novel takes place in an alternate reality and is sure to bend your mind in more ways than one.
Piranesi’s house is infinite, each room containing endless corridors and worlds. The house is a labyrinth, and along with his friend “The Other”, Piranesi explores this mysterious and strange world.
Publishers Weekly states, “Clarke wraps a twisty mystery inside a metaphysical fantasy in her extraordinary new novel...sure to be recognized as one of the year's most inventive”.
RELATED: 50 of the Best Fantasy Books Ever Written
Release date: September 15th, 2020
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Featured photo: Alena Ganzhela / Unsplash
