Fall Book Recommendations

Fall Book Recommendations

Are you a reader, looking for some fun autumnal novels to consume? In that case, look no further, as here are 7 fall-themed books to read!

Fall is a season of sweaters, warm drinks, fluffy blankets, and cozy vibes. What better way to honor such a season than autumnal books? 

Hope Pisarczyk, a junior at The High School of St. Thomas More, said, “I think books that feel like a warm hug or a mug of apple cider really feel the most like fall. The books that feel cuddly and cozy, ones to curl up in your bed with.”

Sky Engelhardt, a sophomore at Champaign Central High School, described fall books as spooky as well. Additionally, they said, “Gothic lit is very autumn-coded for me, and I often find myself drifting more towards those books in the fall months.”

All in all, this season is very cozy and comforting. No matter what kinds of books you enjoy, hopefully, one on this list will suit your fancy!

1.  If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Cover art of If We Were Villains found here

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a mystery thriller novel, with dark and twisty themes. Oliver Marks and his six friends once attended an elite art college, studying Shakespeare together. The group was tight knit, inseparable, until one day something terrible happened. They ended up caught in a web of lies, with Oliver left in jail. Ten years later, Oliver is about to be released, and the detective wants to know what happened. Now, after all this time, the story can finally be told. 

Pisarczyk said, “It gave off some serious fall vibes for me. I think it might be the slightly sinister feel it had to it, reminding me of Halloween and such.”

If you’re looking for a dark and moody book this fall, this one could be for you! A main conflict of this book occurs on Halloween, and the rest of the book follows in the months after. The dark academia atmosphere makes this a cozy novel, yet there is a lot of suspense and mystery as well. There is some violence and mature content. If We Were Villains is formatted like a play, with “scenes” following each other and only the separate “acts” beginning on a new page. This can make the text daunting and difficult to follow, but it lends itself to the theme of Shakespeare. 

All in all, it is a very mysterious and exciting book, and one to consider if you want something thrilling to read. Pisarczyk also recommends it “if you like Shakespeare, drama/theater, and mystery.”

2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Cover art of Frankenstein found here

Frankenstein is a classic gothic horror novel, set in 1818 Europe. In this book, scientist Victor Frankenstein creates a human-like creature from various human body parts, in attempts to create life and overcome death. There are, however, dire consequences to these actions, as told throughout the book. 

The setting of this novel is very snowy and bleak, which go along with the cozy atmosphere of fall. This book delves into themes surrounding the ethics of science, and the perception of differences in humanity. 

Though they say it may be a stretch for high schoolers, Engelhardt said this book changed their world. Frankenstein is a good choice if you enjoy classics, or you just want a more gothic read for autumn!

3. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Cover art of Once Upon a Broken Heart found here

Once Upon a Broken Heart is a romance fantasy trilogy, with wonderfully cozy vibes that are perfect for fall. Evangeline Fox is an optimistic girl, having always believed in magic and goodness and true love. However, when the boy she loves suddenly proposes to her sister, she seeks other powers to put a stop to the wedding. She does something she’s been warned against her entire life and makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts, a remorseless fickle god. Evangeline quickly realizes she’s made a mistake, but it is too late. Her world is tipped off balance and spins out of control, as she embarks on a fantastic, magical adventure. 

Irena BookDustMagic on Goodreads, who reviewed it as four stars, said, “This is a character-driven story, but it also has the plot typical for fantasy, with political games and power-hungry people. However, I have to say that at times, it read as cozy fantasy.”

This book is a fun and fast-paced book that’s perfect for a bit of escapism. Garber describes the world in vivid, immersive detail, and it feels wonderfully cozy. The book moves very quickly, with interesting and rich characters, moral dilemmas, and fast-paced action. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something both comforting and exciting. 

4. Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

Cover art of Empire of the Vampire found here

This is a dark, high fantasy book featuring vampires, perfect if you’re looking for spooky halloween vibes. For 27 years, vampires have been chipping away at humanity, attacking and building their own empire. A society called the Silver Order once battled against the vampires, but has now fallen. Gabriel de León is the last member, and now, having been captured by the vampires, is forced to tell his tale.

Empire of the Vampire is an epic fantasy novel, with twists and turns of all sorts. It’s very richly fantasy, with a good deal of romance as well. This book can be very graphic, and contains some mature content, but is very immersive. It contains illustrations, which add a unique element. This book is the first of a duology, so if you enjoy it, there’s more content to be had.

Brianna Miller, a Senior at Monticello High School, said, “It has vampires, so perfect for Halloween.” She recommends this book for high school students this fall.

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Cover art of Pride and Prejudice found here

Sky Engelhardt, a sophomore at Central High School, said, “There’s definitely some Jane Austen to be had during fall,” and others agree! These next two were very strongly recommended. 

Pride and Prejudice is a classic Austenian novel. Both Miller and Engelhardt said this book gives them autumnal vibes, though Pisarczyk thinks Persuasion is better. After an eligible bachelor arrives to town, Mrs. Bennet decides to match him with one of her daughters. Though this encounter goes well, that between the bachelor’s friend, Mr. Darcy, and Mrs. Bennet’s other daughter Elizabeth does not. Initially, they are bothered by each other, because of social status and because of pride. This book holds romantic tensions, as well as witty and clever writing. 

6. Persuasion by Jane Austen

Cover art of Persuasion found here

Persuasion is a classic novel, published around the time Austen died in 1817. It centers around Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth, a naval officer. They fell in love once, but were forced apart and not allowed to marry. Years later, Frederick comes back, and is more accepted in society. Now it is a test to see if Anne’s father will approve and, most of all, if their love still holds strong. 

Pisarczyk said it “does not get nearly as much love as it deserves. Persuasion is one book that I will never shut up about.”

7. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Cover art of The Inheritance Games found here

This is a puzzle-filled fast paced book, with lots of mystery and speculation. Avery Grambs had all her high school plans figured out, everything in order. That was until a billionaire she didn’t know died, leaving everything to her. Though she had no idea who this person was, she now has to move into his house, where his jealous family is left. She must solve riddles and mysteries, and befriend some of the family, in order to figure it out.

The Inheritance Games is part of a four book series. The setting of a large, mysterious mansion gives the book a very cozy feeling, lending itself to being perfect for fall. There is a lot of suspense, as well as a touch of romance, which makes it a very interesting read. 

Pisarczyk described it as  “a super action-packed mystery with a ton of twists and a little bit of romance.”

And there you have it! There are seven fall-themed books to consider this year!