6 Fantasy & Romantasy Books You Need to Know About This Fall

If you’re a book nerd and you’ve felt a lull in recent months—I have great news: that lull is coming to an abrupt end. As 2026 comes to a close, our favorite authors have decided to help us go out with a bang—and with continuations of our favorite series.

You might be aware of a few…but I’m fairly certain you truly have no idea what is in store for you in the next few months. If you’re in the middle of a series, hurry and finish that up because, trust me, you are going to need the free time.

Here’s a list of every book release you need to mark on your calendar.

Threshing Day — Rebecca Yarros

Release date: September 29, 2026
Series: The Empyrean
Genre: Fantasy romance / romantasy

What makes it notable: First of all, I want to preface this by saying that this is not a continuation of Violet and Xaden’s story, and it does not follow the events of Onyx Storm. In fact, if you’ve never read a Fourth Wing book before, you could probably read this. The reason for that is that this is 13 separate stories that follow 13 different cadets as they cross the bridge on Threshing Day and attempt to convince a dragon to choose them.

If that didn’t excite you—it has also been confirmed that one of those stories will follow Xaden—that’s right, a Xaden POV prequel. Honestly, besides a fourth book, we couldn’t really ask for more.

The Sixth Faction — Veronica Roth

Release date: October 6, 2026
Series: Divergent
Genre: YA dystopian

What makes it notable: After nearly 15 years since the first novel in the Divergent series was released, Roth is finally doing it…she’s releasing another! Although this particular book probably isn’t what you’d expect. Instead of continuing the story from where we left off in the final book, this will be an alternate universe where Tris made a different decision when choosing her faction. Which faction will she go with this time? I guess we will find out soon!

With Hearts of Flame — Briar Boleyn

Release date: October 20, 2026
Series: Bloodwing Academy, Book 4
Genre: Dark academia romantasy / paranormal fantasy

What makes it notable: This is the fourth installment in the series, and although it does continue the story of Medra and Blake—this time it expands into multiple POVs. Apparently, this time around we can see the story through the eyes of Blake and Medra, but also Regan and Florence.

A Court of Splintered Harmony — Sarah J. Maas

Release date: October 27, 2026
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Book 6
Sub-series: The Valkyrie Cycle: Movement I
Genre: Romantasy

What makes it notable: Unlike some of the other big-name fantasy series on this list—this one is actually the sixth installment and the continuation of the story we all know and love. Although it likely won’t be the Feyre-centered tale that the series started with. The POV/character focus aspects have been kept mostly under wraps, with only one POV confirmation, and it’s one I didn’t expect. Bloomsbury released an excerpt confirming that at least a portion of the novel will be from Lucien’s POV.

If Lucien isn’t your favorite character, I wouldn’t worry too much—I have a feeling he still won’t be the main protagonist in the story. With this being the first book in a sub-series titled The Valkyrie Cycle—my guess is that Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie are much more likely to be at the center of the story.

To add to the excitement, Book 7 will follow soon after, releasing in January 2027. So after five years of a sad ACOTAR drought—Sarah J. Maas is making it up to us with not one but 2 books releasing in the next few months. I’d say she’s forgiven.

A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters — Holly Black

Release date: November 3, 2026
World: The Folk of the Air / Elfhame universe
Genre: Fantasy

What makes it notable: Similar to the new Fourth Wing book, this release is not a new full-length Elfhame novel. Rather, it includes six short stories with a heavy focus on beautiful, full-color illustrations. Most of the stories focus on new characters, but not all of them. Both Madoc and Cardan will have a story of their own—Madoc’s will focus on his time in exile and Cardan’s will apparently be about when he realizes what he most desires (ominous, I know.)

Even though it’s not a continuation or new installment—I’m still excited to read and explore this illustrated collection.

The Last King of Faerie — Cassandra Clare

Release date: November 3, 2026
Series: The Wicked Powers, Book 1
Genre: YA fantasy / romantasy

What makes it notable: Okay, so yes, this is Book 1 of The Wicked Powers series, but I wouldn’t recommend reading this if you haven’t read Clare’s prior works in this universe. If you’re wondering what that includes, buckle up because she’s been building this world since 2007.

Here’s the full list of what I’d recommend you read first:

The Mortal Instruments

• City of Bones
• City of Ashes
• City of Glass
• City of Fallen Angels
• City of Lost Souls
• City of Heavenly Fire

The Infernal Devices

• Clockwork Angel
• Clockwork Prince
• Clockwork Princess

The Dark Artifices

• Lady Midnight
• Lord of Shadows
• Queen of Air and Darkness

The Last Hours

• Chain of Gold
• Chain of Iron
• Chain of Thorns

Yes, it’s a lot, but it’s all certainly worth it, and it will make this new series much more enjoyable. Especially because Cassandra Clare explicitly stated that The Wicked Powers is the final trilogy of the Shadowhunter Chronicles. So it wouldn’t make sense to jump to the conclusion of such an epic universe.

I hope you’re ready for this epic fantasy, dystopian, romantasy, faerie end to the year, and if you haven’t already, this would be a great time to make some extra space on your bookshelf!