Most Anticipated Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of November 2026

When fall brings cold, windy, and wet weather, staying inside with a good book offers an ideal way to pass the time. November provides plenty of options, including fresh entries in long-running series, standalones by bestselling authors, and brand-new talent. Readers looking to imagine sailing with sky pirates, exploring a haunted forest, or flirting with faeries can choose from the 10 most anticipated sci-fi and fantasy books arriving in November.

Cello’s Gate by Maurice Africh (Nov. 3)

Captain Grey and his crew of sky pirates have been hired to find and steal the Stones of Indigo, mythical items believed to be invested with godlike power. Finding the first item requires following an ancient map to an uncharted island and facing a mysterious guardian. Success brings an enormous reward, but failing to uncover what their employer is hiding could prove fatal. The debut science fantasy novel suits fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora or Mistborn: The Final Empire.

They Cry by Glen Cook (Nov. 3)

Glen Cook helped establish the grimdark genre, and They Cry marks the second book in the A Pitiless Rain arc of his Chronicles of The Black Company series. Holed up in the Black Company’s former base, An Abode of Ravens, Arkana and Shukrat find they are now capable of powerful magic bound to entangle them in new intrigue and dangerous plots. With their adopted father, Croaker, facing the loss of his humanity, they must confront a peril that threatens the entire plane.

The Wolves of War by John Gwynne (Nov. 3)

John Gwynne, author of The Faithful and the Fallen and The Bloodsword Saga, launches a new epic fantasy series rooted in Slavic mythology. War brews between two rival princes, while Ivan simply tries to protect his family from the conflict. His daughter Halia dreams of running with wolves and communicating with the fae lurking in the forest, and mastering her power offers their best chance at survival.

A Glimmer of Death by Laurell K. Hamilton (Nov. 3)

The penultimate book in the Merry Gentry series follows Meredith Gentry, a faerie princess working as a private investigator in Los Angeles. Merry intends to hunt down whoever is responsible for magical attacks against up-and-coming Hollywood actresses while also lifting the curse on Aisling, designated to be the next king of the Seelie Court. The unexpected return of Merry’s best friend, previously presumed dead, escalates the emotional and political tension.

Saved by the Spell by Tanya Huff (Nov. 3)

Bex Olynyk, a student at the High School for Magical Arts, appears to be a hero after displaying surprising power on the first day of class, putting a bully in their place, and acquiring both a frenemy and a nerdy, loyal roommate. That development warns the teachers that a villain is bound to appear soon. Faculty members must minimize damage during the inevitable confrontation while ensuring their students stay on track academically. Huff also wrote the queer cozy horror book Direct Descendant.

Defy the Dusk by Danielle L. Jensen (Nov. 3)

The New York Times-bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom begins a new duology blending fantasy with elements of Mad Max and Snowpiercer. Lirien’s magic broke the world 20 years ago and unleashed dangerous nocturnal creatures. While the most powerful survivors live aboard the Dawnrider, a high-speed rig ruled by a tyrant, Lirien seeks redemption by waging war against the night.

Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi (Nov. 3)

John Scalzi applies his humorous spin on sci-fi from books like Redshirts and Starter Villain to the cosmic horror genre. The town of Richland, Ohio, deals with standard problems including an impending closure of its biggest employer alongside private equity and corporate malfeasance. When Mike Boyd returns home for a visit, he and his friends become entangled in a far weirder situation centered on a prized cow.

Souls in Ruin by Jacqueline White (Nov. 3)

The first book in a new romantasy trilogy from debut author Jacqueline White follows Mirelle, the bastard daughter of a king used as a bargaining chip to protect her kingdom’s borders. Wedded to an infamous conqueror, Mirelle finds herself imprisoned in the dungeon of her own castle. A mysterious man imprisoned alongside her may hold the key to her survival.

Murmuration by TJ Klune (Nov. 17)

The latest book from TJ Klune, the New York Times-bestselling author of the queer fairy tale romance The House in the Cerulean Sea, appeals to fans of Severance and Stephen King. Mike lives in Amorea, an idyllic town where he enjoys his job at the local bookstore and leads literature discussions for the women’s club. Life improves further when Sean, a waiter at the diner, prepares to take their relationship further. However, as Mike experiences violent memories of a life before Amorea, the town grows increasingly odd, forcing him to fight for his identity against a gathering darkness.

Line of Descent by Adam Oyebanji (Nov. 17)

The generation ship Archimedes has spent over a century transporting humans to Tau Ceti, but a mysterious kidnapping threatens the mission. Faisal Vasconcelos wants to dismiss claims that a junior officer was abducted outside a bar and returned with 24 hours of missing memory, but the investigation points toward terrorism, murder, and a power struggle among senior commanders. Oyebanji, a lawyer specializing in counterterrorism financing, is known for mixing sci-fi and crime thrillers in books like Esperance and Breaking Day.

Source: Polygon