It's getting cold and the days are getting shorter, if you're in the UK you likely won't see the daylight soon! I used to hate this time of year but I've grown to love all seasons. The crisp air, late sunrise and warm tones everywhere really are beautiful. I for one just want to cosy up with a warm drink and multiple candles, preferably besides a window and definitely with a good book to escape in to. Anything with a touch of magic is perfect for this season - but as always, read what makes you happy.
Here are some of my favourite autumn reads, a good mix of books full of magic, mystery, charm and a dash of romance.
1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Follow young wizard Harry Potter on his journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he learns to use his magic in the real world. He encounters endless dangerous obstacles and fights mystical creatures to defeat the Dark Wizard, Lord Voldemort who killed his parents and intends on staying immortal and clearing out the world of any non-magic folk.
This entire series is truly captivating, I can never get enough of it! A childhood favourite which will always have a special place above all other books for me.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
During WWII four adventurous siblings stumble across an enchanted wardrobe which leads them to the magical world of Narnia. A land frozen in winter and reigned by the White Witch. But with the return of the great lion, Aslan, the Pevensie's can work together to free the land and all those trapped under the dark power of the White Witch.
An astonishing adventure book with memorable characters, mythical beasts and talking animals - a world you can never get 'too old' for!
3. Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
In this two part story based in the fantasy world of Grishaverse, young con-artist and gang leader Kaz Brekker sets off on an impossible heist with his crew for rewards beyond their wildest dreams. Kaz does not shy away from violence or care for its consequences when something needs to be done, but his crew make their own decisions and sometimes his actions come at a deadly cost. Straight from the heist into a rescue mission, they're not only fighting for their lives but for the safety of all Grisha. Intense and action-packed with a gripping plot, this series makes a fascinating read.
4. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
A fantasy retelling of classic love story Romeo and Juliet, set in 1920s gang-ruled Shanghai. A blood battle between the cities two most deadly gangs, The Scarlets and The White Flowers leaves the city and its people in ruin. After being sent to New York to study, Juliette Cai returns home to take on her role as heir of The Scarlets only to rival against Roma Montagov, heir to the White Flowers who also happens to be her first love and her first betrayal.
There are whispers of a contagion in the city and people are ripping out their own throats, will Juliette and Roma put their differences aside to save Shangai?
A clever mystery full of suspense, gore, family and a slow romance. Definitely a dark but delightful read.
5. The Institute by Stephen King
12 year-old Luke Ellis is an exceptional child with gifts, who is abducted by a secret government agency hidden deep in the forest of Maine. Here he is held captive with other children similar to him, and subjected to a series of inhumane experiments with no connection to the outside world. Luke soon discovers The Institute is preparing the children to be used as assassins and wipe out certain individuals. Refusing to give up his freedom, Luke pairs up with a younger boy, Avery whose powers are unlike anything he's ever seen in a brave attempt to escape. Meanwhile, in a small town in North Carolina Tim Jamieson is about to take on the biggest case of his career...
An epic story of hope, courage and unity told through gripping suspense and thrills. I couldn't put this one down!
6. Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Shiori, the princess of Kiata keeps her forbidden magic a secret. But on the morning of her dreaded betrothal ceremony she uses it to delay the wedding she doesn't want. Until her stepmother who carries her own dark magic discovers Shiori's secret and banishes and from the kingdom under a terrible spell of silence, whilst turning her six brothers into cranes. For every word Shiori speaks; one of her brothers will die. Voiceless and alone, Shiori tries to find her brothers and break the dreadful curse but on her journey she discovers conspiracies and deceit beyond imagination. To get back home and free herself she must trust the boy she fought so hard not to know and embrace the magic she was taught to conceal.
A magical novel with brilliant characters, not to mention the paper bird and the dragon! An easy read with lots of entertaining plot twists and a sweet budding romance.
7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Shwabb
18th Century France a young woman, Addie LaRue prays in the night begging the gods for freedom and the right to live life by her own means. Unbeknownst to Addie, her wish is granted by none other then the devil himself, but whilst giving her freedom he erases her place in the world - Addie can live as an immortal only to be forgotten by everyone she meets, its as if she doesn't exit. She learns to live with the hardship of the curse and lives each day a new with only the darkness himself as her companion, until 300 years later she crosses paths with a man who remembers her.
An effortless, hypnotic read with a beautiful, slow-paced romance. The dark power dynamic in this book is truly enticing!
Disclaimer: Images 1,2,4,5 and 7 taken from Pinterest.
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