It’s September, which means that no matter what the actual temperature is, it’s officially autumn. I’d say I’m being pretty restrained here, since I’ve already seen autumn collections and seasonal prep popping up as early as August, which even I think is a bit premature. But it’s here now, and autumn means reading! Not that other seasons mean not reading, but it somehow feels even better when the weather turns a bit colder. Still, as you cozy up with a hot chocolate, a great tea, or even a late-night coffee (I do it, don’t judge me), you’ll need a good book to go with it.

When I think of autumn, I think of both cozy vibes and darker ones. Early in the season, it feels right to start with some comforting, cozy fantasy. But as the nights grow longer and Halloween approaches, I start craving the horror and the mystery a bit more. 

That’s the mix I’ve put together for you today: a list of five books, some recent and some much older, that should carry you through until late November if you read them all. Or maybe you just want one great pick. Or maybe you’re a fast reader who can finish them all in a month and come back looking for more. Whatever works for you! I’ve ordered these in the order I would pick them up in, but feel free to mix and match as much as you like. It’s your reading list, after all.

I also have a post with my own seasonal reading list—five books I plan to read through September, October, and part of November. Feel free to join me if you’re looking to pick up some more recently published titles. For this post, though, I’m focusing only on books I’ve already read and can confidently recommend.

Let’s get into it!

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The author has said she wanted to write a book that felt like drinking hot chocolate, and I think she succeeded. The story follows a librarian fleeing the war-torn capital and returning to her home island, where she starts over. There’s also a dreamy love interest and a cast of funny, lovable side characters. Honestly, if this were a movie, I’d have it playing on repeat.

This is also a perfect transition book for the season. It’s set on a sunny island with descriptions of beaches and warmth, but it also features spells, talking plants, and homemade jam. The stakes are low even for cozy fantasy, but I didn’t mind at all. It makes for a very fast and comforting read.

Read this if you love: cozy fantasy, cottagecore vibes, talking plants, and a touch of romance.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

At this point, T. Kingfisher hardly needs an introduction. She’s one of the rare authors whose books I’ll pick up without hesitation, and if you haven’t had the chance to read her works yet, drop everything you’re doing and read Nettle&Bone. However, if it’s just this book that’s new to you, A Sorceress Comes to Call is a retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, so you know it leans a bit dark. It feels very much like a fairy tale for adults and is perfect to read as the leaves start to fall.

The story follows Cordelia and her mother, a witch who sets her sights on marrying a wealthy man for money and influence. But the man’s sister, Hester, sees through her almost immediately and begins working against her with Cordelia’s help. I won’t spoil too much, but I’ll just say: pick this one up. It’s a quick read, darker than cozy fantasy, but without world-ending stakes. And, as always with Kingfisher, the prose and pacing are spot-on.

Read this if you love: fairy tale retellings and dark twists

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

This is one of the most underrated standalones I’ve ever read. I actually found it thanks to Elliott Brooks’ YouTube channel, and she talks about this book very often, but other than that, it doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. Perhaps that’s because it’s nearly 10 years old at this point. If you haven’t read it, this autumn is the perfect time.

The story follows Maia, the half-goblin son of an Emperor who dies along with his other heirs under suspicious circumstances. Maia finds himself on the throne, struggling to navigate court politics despite a lifetime of seclusion and inexperience while also trying to investigate what happened to his father and brothers.

This book is political fantasy at its best, with worldbuilding that makes it feel more epic than you’d expect from a standalone. While there are companion works set in the same world, you don’t need to read them to enjoy this book, but if you love it, there’s more to explore.

Read this if you love: court intrigue, political fantasy, underrated gems, and kind-hearted protagonists.

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

Another author who hardly needs an introduction. Gallant doesn’t get mentioned as often as some of Schwab’s other works, but I really enjoyed its gothic and horror elements, which are perfect for late autumn.

We follow Olivia, an orphan who longs for a home. When she’s suddenly taken in by an uncle she never knew existed, she’s brought to his estate, Gallant. But, of course, things are not what they seem, and Olivia soon finds herself unraveling a chilling mystery.

Read this if you love: gothic settings, haunted houses, eerie atmospheres, and a touch of horror.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

The most recent publication on this list—and yes, another Schwab book (you probably saw this one coming). It’s a vampire story that’s perfect for Halloween reading, but it also delves into much heavier, more serious themes. We follow the stories of three queer women as they navigate love, hunger and new beginnings.

Read this if you love: vampire stories, gothic drama, Halloween reads, and morally complex characters.

Curl Up & Read

Whether you’re looking for a cozy escape with spells and jam, a gothic tale full of secrets, or something a little darker to carry you into Halloween, these five books make the perfect companions for autumn. If you’ve already read them, do check out my reading list so you can find more recommendations there. 

So grab a blanket, pour yourself a warm drink, and sink into one of these stories. And if you pick up any of these books, I’d love to hear what you think—drop me a comment or connect with me on Goodreads.