New October Releases the OUABC Team Can’t Wait to Read

It’s October, and we all know what that means; it’s time for a bit of magical and spooky fun! We're getting ready for a month full of chills and page-turning excitement; here is a list of books our team is personally excited about. 

From eerie mysteries to fantastical adventures, this month is stacked with incredible reads that will have you holding your breath, laughing out loud, or both!

Just a quick heads-up: these books won’t be appearing in our subscription boxes, but they’ve still grabbed our attention! 

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

Release Date: October 1st

Heir by Sabaa Tahir is a dark, romantic fantasy filled with morally complex characters and dangerous power struggles. Aiz, an orphan from the slums, seeks vengeance for a past tragedy but finds herself imprisoned. 

Sirsha, a skilled tracker banished for a crime, is hired to hunt a killer but is derailed by a charismatic fugitive. Quil, the crown prince, struggles with his corrupt legacy as a new threat looms. Their intertwined fates explore love, vengeance, and identity in a world of empire and survival. Heir is a riveting tale of power, betrayal, and sacrifice.

We featured her novel All My Rage in our “Generational Healing” book subscription box, and you’re in luck as we still have some available. Make sure you check out this fabulous box, which includes 3 beautiful gifts that bring this captivating tale to life!

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J Mayo 

Release Date: October 8th

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J. Mayo is a humorous, feel-good fantasy that twists classic fairy tales. Lady Theodosia Balfour’s life is in ruins after being branded a villain by her stepsister, leaving her facing an unwanted betrothal. 

Desperate, she summons Cecily, a sharp and deal-making fairy godmother, who demands Theo complete three tasks to prove her selflessness. Along the way, Theo forms unexpected bonds with magical creatures and rethinks her place in the world. This heartwarming adventure is filled with magic, humor, and self-discovery, perfect for fans of playful fantasy.

The Blood Orchid by Kylie Lee Baker 

Release Date: October 22nd 

We can’t wait for this sequel to The Scarlet Alchemist, which featured in our October 2023 YA "The Wicked Apothecary" box!

The Blood Orchid by Kylie Lee Baker is a captivating fantasy adventure blending Chinese folklore, necromancy, and xianxia. Zilan, a royal alchemist, has lost everything in her quest for justice against the ruthless Empress. 

Fueled by resurrection magic, she seeks the mysterious Penglai Island, rumored to hold the secrets of true resurrection. To save her loved ones, Zilan must confront powerful alchemists and face difficult sacrifices. Filled with dark magic and mythology, The Blood Orchid explores themes of power, loss, and identity, making it perfect for fans of richly layered fantasy.

The Debutantes by Olivia Worley 

Release Date: October 29th

The Debutantes by Olivia Worley is a dark and suspenseful young adult thriller set amidst the glamor and danger of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. At the prestigious Les Masques Ball, debutante Lily LeBlanc mysteriously vanishes, following the tragic death of Margot Landry the previous year. 

Lily’s disappearance draws her best friend, her boyfriend’s sister, and a former frenemy together to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper, they suspect Margot’s death was no accident, and a sinister figure threatens to expose their secrets. This gripping tale is perfect for readers who enjoy high-society drama, mystery, and suspense.

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang 

Release Date: October 1st

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang is a captivating historical fantasy set in ancient China, inspired by the legend of Xishi. The story follows Xishi, whose beauty is both a gift and a weapon, as she infiltrates the enemy kingdom of Wu to seduce its king and weaken them from within. 

Trained by military advisor Fanli, Xishi must navigate the dangerous politics of Wu's court, but her growing attraction to Fanli complicates her mission. This tale of power, love, and sacrifice is perfect for fans of mythology, romance, and epic political intrigue.

Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews 

Release Date: October 29th

Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews is a haunting psychological horror perfect for fans of dark narratives and eerie settings. High school senior Andrew Perrault writes twisted fairytales for his friend, Thomas, but things take a terrifying turn when monsters from his stories come to life, threatening those close to Thomas. 

As their bond deepens, so does the danger, leaving Andrew to question if he must destroy the boy he cares about to end the nightmare. This chilling tale explores obsession, love, and the line between reality and madness.

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins 

Release Date: October 29th

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins is a captivating psychological thriller set on an isolated Scottish island. The story follows a famous artist haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her unfaithful husband two decades ago. 

A present-day discovery links three people in a web of secrets and lies, unraveling their lives as hidden truths emerge. With its exploration of ambition, power, and perception, this atmospheric novel is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and complex storytelling.

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski 

Release Date: October 1st

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski is a heartwarming, cozy fantasy about three clairvoyant sisters navigating magic, family, and self-discovery. After losing their parents, the Quigley sisters run a magical teashop, offering hope to customers through tea leaf readings. 

But when the city’s Diviner loses her powers, their lives are upended. As their abilities grow and family bonds are tested, the sisters must confront a looming curse. This enchanting tale blends sisterly love, magic, and personal growth, perfect for fans of witchy stories and uplifting family dramas.

A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara 

Release Date: October 1st

A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara is a paranormal cozy mystery featuring Kathy Valence, a 42-year-old modern-day grim reaper (working for S.C.Y.T.H.E — Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences) juggling a messy divorce and pregnancy. 

When a soul goes missing, Kathy must solve the murder of a 17-year-old within 45 days to prevent his soul from being trapped on Earth. With help from her mentor, almost-ex-husband, and the determined spirit, she faces her toughest case yet. This captivating blend of humor, mystery, and personal growth is perfect for fans of supernatural cozy mysteries and strong, relatable heroines.

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak 

Release Date: October 8th

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak is a suspenseful thriller exploring the fragile dynamics of family relationships. After three years of estrangement, Frank Szatowski is invited to his daughter Maggie's wedding, only to find her marrying into the powerful and mysterious Gardner family. 

As Frank navigates the unsettling atmosphere at their secluded estate, he grows suspicious of Maggie's fiancé, Aidan, and the secrets the Gardners are hiding. Rekulak masterfully unravels a tense tale of trust, loyalty, and dark family secrets, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and family dramas.

Bloodguard by Cecy Robson 

Release Date: October 22nd

Bloodguard by Cecy Robson is a gripping dark fantasy filled with epic battles, forbidden romance, and the fight for freedom. In the Kingdom of Arrow, Leith of Grey fights in brutal gladiatorial arenas, seeking enough gold to save his dying sister. 

Stripped of hope and humanity, Leith meets Maeve, an elven princess who offers him a chance at freedom by becoming the Bloodguard. But in a kingdom built on lies, survival and revenge come at a deadly cost. Perfect for fans of action-packed fantasy, gladiator combat, and redemption arcs.

Where the Dead Brides Gather by Nuzo Onoh 

Release Date: October 22nd

Where the Dead Brides Gather by Nuzo Onoh is a gripping supernatural horror set in Nigeria, blending themes of possession, spirits, and family secrets. The story follows 11-year-old Bata, who wakes one night mysteriously transformed and unknowingly possessed by a supernatural force.

After defeating a vengeful ghost-bride, Bata dies during an exorcism and is transported to Ibaja-La, the realm of dead brides. There, she must learn to harness her powers to fight evil spirits threatening her loved ones. Onoh masterfully combines cultural richness with chilling horror in this haunting tale of family and the afterlife.

Conclusion

With so many incredible books releasing this October, our TBR piles are looking a little (okay, a lot) taller! Whether you’re in the mood for dark fantasy, spine-tingling thrillers, or cozy mysteries, we hope our list has inspired you to add some new releases to your bookshelf. 

And if you’re looking to dive even deeper into the Halloween spirit, don’t forget to check out our Mischief Halloween limited edition box—perfect for adding a touch of literary magic to your spooky season. Grab one before they vanish like a ghost in the night! Happy reading, and may your October be full of booookish thrills!