7 BOOKS TO READ THIS AUTUMN
It’s finally Autumn - one of my favourite seasons of the year. It’s perfect weather to get cosy, drink hot chocolate and curl up with fantastic books right through to Winter. Who doesn’t love big sweaters, fluffy socks and feeling all warm and fuzzy?
And make sure to get your Pumpkin Spice Lattes while you can. I don’t like them so, I’m waiting for the delectable Gingerbread Lattes and yes, GLs are much better, don’t fight me on this.
But it doesn’t matter what drinks you like - all you need is a hot beverage of your choice and a good book. And to help out with your Autumn TBR, here are 7 Books To Read This Autumn!
These are books I either read during Autumn or they remind me of this time of the year. Whatever the reason, I definitely associate them with Fall and wanted to recommend books that were great for this time of year.
I will be posting Books To Read This Winter closer to November and December and took the time to choose books I felt were right for Autumn, and ones right for Winter.
They’re all books I highly recommend you add to your Fall TBR, especially if you’re looking for atmospheric and eerie books but not actual horror. So, without further ado…let’s begin!
#1 THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater
I know these are already popular and well loved books but if you were like me and decided not to pick them up because the synopsis seemed extremely vague, then hopefully we ca change that.
I’m wary of books that don’t tell me much from the synopsis. I like something that grips me in a few sentences and gets my attention. But even books that don’t make any sense from the summary tend to be amazing.
First thing you need to know is that these books are very character driven. Yes there’s the plot but you’ll probably be more invested in what happens between the characters more than the overall plot.
The book follows one of the main characters, Blue Sargent. She lives in a house full of psychics including her mother however, Blue isn’t a psychic like the rest of them, and has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. Enter Gansey, Adam, Ronan and Noah; four boys attending Aglionby, a private school. They’re also known as Raven Boys and Blue knows she should stay away from them but can’t help being drawn to Gansey, the ‘leader’ of their little group.
After constantly running into each other, Blue slowly learns of Gansey’s fascination with ley lines and his need to search for the Ancient Welsh King called Glendower. She becomes a part of their team and helps Gansey decipher the ley lines which will ultimately lead them to the King.
During their search, they discover secrets about themselves and each other, dark truths come to light and their search turns ominous the more they look. We learn a lot about the characters and each book touches on them a little more. Their involvement revolves heavily around the ley lines and why Gansey is intrigued by them in the first place.
They’re fantastic books and because of their eerie atmosphere it had to go on the list. Psychics and fortune telling have an other-wordly vibe which is constant throughout the entire series. There’s spirits, graveyards, omens and death. It’s great to send a chill up your spine but not terrify you.
The Raven Boys was the first book that came to mind when I knew I wanted to write this post. To me, the series and setting is reminiscent of Autumn with it’s ghostly vibes.
These books aren’t for everyone but it’s best to go in blind and the story will work its magic. But give it a chance and hopefully you’ll love it, too.
#2 AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir
This is one of my all time favourite series and just the fantasy you need to curl up with. It reminds me of the end of Summer transitioning into Autumn, just as the weather is getting chillier and you start feeling those Fall vibes. I could sit down, get comfortable and sink into this incredible book, which I recommend doing if you’re having a lazy day. If you haven’t started this series or it’s sitting on your shelf, now’s the time to read it.
An Ember in the Ashes is follows the story of two characters - Laia, a slave and Elias Veturias, a soldier. They live in the Martial Empire where slaves like Laia are treated like dirt and endure cruelty at the hands of the Empire and its soldiers.
One day, Laia’s brother is taken away by the soldiers for treason. Left homeless and without a family, Laia is on her own but is determined to save her brother, the only family she has left. After running into a rebel group, she agrees to be their spy in exchange for their help to rescue her brother and makes her way into the Military Academy; where the Empire trains their ruthless soldiers.
Elias is a soldier and despises the Empire’s and its brutality. He wants to distance himself from them but those who desert are punished. He wants freedom as much as Laia and other slaves, to escape the Empire. And just when things cannot get any worse, he’s thrust into a barbaric tournament and faced with heavy decisions. It’s life and death and Elias has no choice but to compete.
Eventually he runs into Laia. Both come from such different worlds - one where Laia is terrified of who Elias has been trained to be but realises he’s not like the other soldiers. He doesn’t threaten her or hurt her and soon they bond over their hope for freedom.
It’s an action-packed and immersive fantasy, full of sword fights and vicious battles set in a Roman inspired world. Trust me, it’s so good you won’t want to put it down which is the perfect reading scenario. You’ll be rooting for Elias and Laia.
#3 SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo
I wondered if I should add Six of Crows to the list because almost everyone has read and loved it already. But there’s probably someone reading this post that hasn’t picked it up yet.
If you haven’t had a chance to read it, Six of Crows is about Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy also known as ‘Dirtyhands’. He’s a cunning thief and always a step ahead of his enemies.
One day, Kaz is offered wealth beyond his wildest dreams to pull of a near impossible heist. His mission - to breach and smuggle something out of a heavily guarded military stronghold. But Kaz is optimistic when given the challenge and knows he can pull it off with the help of the right people. So he puts together a special team.
Enter Inej Ghafa, a spy exceptionally good at throwing knives and scaling buildings. Next there’s Jesper Fahey, a sharpshooter and gambling fanatic. Nina Zenik, a Grisha Heartrender, Matthias Helvar, a convicted Fjerdan and lastly, Wylan Van Eck, a clever runaway that joins their group and helps plan their mission.
Armed with skilled and dangerous individuals by his side, Kaz Brekker attempts to break into the Ice Court that has never been breached. But Kaz is determined to get the fortune he’s been promised and deliver what’s been asked of him.
That’s pretty much the set up. It sounds so brilliant just typing it out. It’s an incredible book and I’d definitely recommend it if you want a brilliant book to enjoy.
Also, Ketterdam, the city where the book begins, is gloomy place. It’s cold and like any European country where it rains a lot - but it has that autumnal feel. I mean, don’t get me wrong - a city of debauchery doesn’t make me think ‘ahhhh fall’ but it’s an epic story with awesome characters to go on an adventure with. It’s so good and you won’t regret it.
#4 UPROOTED by Naomi Novik
In all honesty, Uprooted is the ideal book for the season. If there’s one book you’re going to read from this list during Autumn, it has to be this one. It has that eerie sensation, strange creatures, and will unnerve you.
But to counter that, it’s beautifully written and described, brimming with magic both good and bad and it’s hands down my favourite book I’ve read. And that is a bold statement considering I read it for the first time this year (and re-read it already) but I stand by it. I could read this book over and over again and something about it will feel new and exciting.
Uprooted is about a girl called Agnieszka living in the village of Dvernik. Where very ten years, their local wizard known as the Dragon, takes a girl to serve him in his tower as repayment for his protection from the dark woods surrounding their village.
It’s almost time for the next choosing and Agnieszka isn’t worried about being taken. She’s clumsy and cannot stay clean for a minute without tearing her clothes or messing her hair. In comparison to her beautiful best friend Kasia who has been groomed for this day. The villagers has assumed that she would be the one chosen by the Dragon long ago, and prepared her for it. Agnieszka is only worried about losing her best friend once the Dragon comes for her. But then the day arrives and the Dragon doesn’t choose Kasia, but takes Agnieszka instead.
I don’t want to give away too much otherwise I’d ruin it. But Agnieszka has been taken so the Dragon can continue to protect them against the menacing woods growing around Dvernik. However, there’s much more to the Dragon’s decision of taking girls and especially, Agnieszka.
Just looking at the cover and the story are quite autumnal. You’ve got scary woods, creatures, wizards, potions and magic. Everything from the tower such as the wizard’s study to the village and the surrounding woods are a mystery.
Uprooted is unsettling; there’s something sinister about the woods that’ll give you chills. But then there’s the nicer side of things like the pure magic that’s described, the vast tower and libraries and the hilarious conversations between such an untidy girl and a stern wizard.
I cannot recommend it enough, it’s a delightful story with phenomenal writing and wonderful characters. And it’s a story you need to experience yourself.
#5 THE CROWN’S GAME by Evelyn Skye
These books are beautiful and such a delightful read. The Crown’s Game is a historical fantasy set in St. Petersburg, Russia where Vika and Nikolai, two enchanters face off with an exquisite show of magic to win the title of Imperial Enchanter. But there’s a catch, one of them has to die so the other can take the title.
Aside from facing death if they lose, Vika and Nikolai are connected through their magic and are drawn to each other. This makes things tougher and their magical battle becomes a combination of coy but dangerous displays.
It’s not often I find a book where I like all three characters in a love triangle. But I adored Vika, Nikolai and Pasha - the latter being the Crown Prince and Nikolai’s best friend. Every single one of them stole my heart and I actually cared what happened to them. Evelyn did a great job writing likable characters.
Russia is seriously breathtaking. Some of their buildings are astounding works of art. And I believe the events of the duology takes place around Autumn and Winter.
Not only is it a fantastic world, set in a magnificent city but everything about it from the buildings, the places within the city, the characters are amazing and something I think everyone would appreciate. But it’s the magic, the way it was described that are some of my favourite scenes in the book. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, add it to your TBR,
#6 STALKING JACK THE RIPPER by Kerri Maniscalco
What you need this Autumn is a good ol’ murder mystery, and this one will get you into the Halloween spirit. No, there’s no ghosts or demons but murder and gore. It’s not too bad but if it’s something you can stomach, go for it!
I didn’t need to read the synopsis for Stalking Jack the Ripper to know it’d be something I’d love. Reading it made me realise that I actually enjoy murder mysteries and want to read more. So, thank you Kerri for unraveling a hidden appreciation of murder mysteries within me.
The main character is Audrey-Rose, a young woman interested in examining dead bodies. She’s secretly learning how to perform autopsies on corpses from her forensic technician Uncle.
She hides dark hobby from her dad and goes behind his back, even after he learned of her fascination with dismembering cadavers and forbade her from approaching her Uncle.
That doesn’t stop Audrey-Rose and she continues to take her Uncles classes disguised as a boy. That is until she grabs the attention of Thomas Cresswell, another boy taking the class that saw through the disguise and later becomes her partner in solving the murders.
A few of the bodies Audrey’s had to examines have been killed by non other than the infamous Jack the Ripper, but they don’t know that yet. They notice the killer is targeting women, leaving cryptic messages and taunting the police that are struggling to find a lead. From all the murders and the killer’s unique methods, he soon becomes known as Leather Apron or the more common, Jack the Ripper.
Having to examine the gruesome bodies left by Jack, Audrey-Rose feels an obligation to track down the killer and figure out why they’re targeting women, leaving their mangled bodies in such a state. Reluctantly, she accepts Thomas’ help and try to hunt down the killer.
If you’re new to murder mysteries and don’t know if you like them, give this a try. Jack the Ripper’s murders are a fascinating but horrendous ordeal. Kerri did a fantastic job spinning such an entertaining story from a grim series of events.
I don’t need to say much as to why you should read it around October. If you want a gory and mysterious book, you’ve found it.
A biblical post-apocalyptic world ravaged by Angels that descended upon earth. Oh, these books are brilliant. I still remember just 9 pages in and it was utter chaos. The action was non stop after that and every chapter left you wanting more.
It’s one hell of an quick paced and gruesome book. It’s like a film in your head. I could imagine this post-apocalyptic survival story on the big screen. The way it was written was incredibly vivid and the scenes played in your head almost like a movie.
I wasn’t expecting this book to be as grim. But it ended up being much more monstrous and grisly the way humans are treated by the Angels.
The main character is Penryn. She’s responsible for her little sister, Paige who is disabled and her mother that suffers from mental health issues. She has a lot of weight on her shoulders and does her best to keep them alive. But during one of their supply searches, they find themselves witnessing a battle between Angels. Terrified of being discovered by them, they sit by and watch as one Angel cuts another’s wings and leaves them seriously wounded.
But they don’t go unnoticed and the Angel that attacked the other takes Paige and flies off and all Penryn is left with is the unconscious and wingless Angel, and her mother. But Penryn is determined to find her sister and save her, and she plans to use the Angel and keep his wings as leverage.
You might think it sound like a corny paranormal but I can tell you it’s not. It’s much more kickass, there’s gory moments and Penryn fights for survive whilst trying to save her sister with a wingless Angel as the only help. It was so awesome I finished it in a day.
It’s great if can handle a little gore which isn’t terrible but it did freak me out. And some of the things that happened were quite grotesque. But it’s worth a read and you will devour these books once you dive into it.
We’ve come to the end of the list and I really hope you liked it. You’ve probably read a couple of them already (you could always re-read them) but hopefully I’ve recommended a few new ones, too.
Let me know which one you’re most excited to add to your TBR or if you’ve read any of them already? You can comment below using the Disqus form or reblog the post.
Look out for my Winter recommendations. I will be posting it around the end of November so, you can add them to your wishlists and receive the books as gifts instead.
Thank you so much for reading. Any likes, reblogs and comments are really appreciate.
That’s all for now. Have a lovely day.
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