On the Shelf: Big fantasy releases on the horizon

By Courtney Warren

Fantasy readers, this is our moment. When I saw that all of these are coming in the fall, I honestly had a small moment of panic, because what do you mean I need to reread every one of these to prep?! I’m going to. 

If your bookshelf has been feeling a little quiet lately, that’s about to change in a big way. Some of the most talked-about names in modern fantasy are preparing to release new stories, making this the perfect time to dive in, or dive back in, to some unforgettable series. Now, this is by no means a complete list of the new releases, but it’s like a line up of our heavy hitters. These are the books that have taken over social media, and some of these books have even gotten people back into reading. I will make a note here - none of these are YA or for younger audiences. 

Fans of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” have a lot to anticipate. Sarah J. Maas is continuing her bestselling saga with ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7. She announced this on a podcast recently, and people (me, I am people) were absolutely losing their minds at the hints she made towards this series. I have already started rereading it. 

About the series: This series follows Feyre, a young woman pulled into a dangerous Fae world after a single mistake changes her life. What begins as a loose retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” quickly expands into a sweeping story filled with political alliances, powerful magic, romance and war across richly imagined courts.

This series is so much more than just magical Fae. It tackles ideas about doing the right thing even when it’s hard, standing up for yourself, and finding your purpose after losing everything you thought you were. 

Another exciting release is Burn of the Everflame, by Penn Cole.

About the series: The Everflame series centers on a world divided by power, rebellion and destiny. With a strong female lead at its core, the story blends romance and action as characters navigate dangerous secrets, shifting loyalties and the fight for freedom in a land shaped by magic and conflict.

This was a new series for me this year! I read the first three books in a matter of days and regret nothing. The world created by Cole is something fun and new, but the need for justice and taking down the bad guy still remains at the core of this one. It’s plot twist after plot twist, and I already have the preorder ready. 

And, in a surprise announcement, Rebecca Yarros is releasing a new, untitled novella set in the Empyrean series universe—the same world as Fourth Wing. The 176-page story is set to release on September 29, 2026.

About the series: The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail, a student forced into a brutal dragon rider training program where survival is never guaranteed. Packed with high-stakes trials, fierce competition and slow-burn romance, the series combines military fantasy with emotional depth and nonstop tension.

I have many thoughts about our girl Rebecca. First of all, she didn’t announce this book until Maas announced hers and took over the internet. Part of me wonders if it’s an attention grab. There were many reviews that said she wrote book two of this series way too fast because the fame went to her head. It was a very rushed story and left many readers dissatisfied (including myself). That being said, I will still read the novella, but I wish someone would tell her to relax and take her time. Good stories are worth waiting for. Look at how long we waited for Maas to give us her next ACOTAR book! 

All signs point to one thing: fantasy is having a major moment. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite series or starting one for the first time, now is the perfect opportunity to catch up before these highly-anticipated releases hit shelves.