Fast-forward evolution in an icy Gothic chateau. Angels and demons in an 1880s mining town. A sentient house on chicken legs.
 
If these are the kinds of story prompts that get your neurons firing, then you’ve found the right list. We’ve collected here a curated sampling of the fall season's new and upcoming books in science fiction and fantasy for the discerning reader. All of the books listed below are either on shelves now or will be by December. The titles have been selected for positive early reviews, author popularity, and the Read and Want to Read lists of Goodreads regulars.
 
In light of several friendly but relentless requests, this time around we’ve attempted to divide the books into separate lists for Science Fiction and Fantasy, but keep in mind that those dividing lines are notoriously blurry in this genre neighborhood.
 
You’ll find that there’s a trend toward historical fantasy this season, with highly anticipated new novels from R.F. Kuang, Desideria Mesa, and C.L. Polk. (Concerning linguistic hegemony, Mexican witches, and eldritch noir, respectively.)
 
Also look for some long-awaited new works from authors N.K. Jemisin, Brandon Sanderson, Veronica Roth, and Stephen King. Scroll over the book covers below for more details about each title, and add any promising leads to your Want to Read shelf.

Which new sci-fi and fantasy books are you most looking forward to reading this season? Tell us in the comments below!

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