Copyright mirror
With Halloween over and done with, it won't be long before the shops are brimming with festive food, gifts and decorations. The same can be said for bookshelves too, as Christmas romcoms and yuletide murder mysteries prepare to dominate the shelves once again. However, there's still a whole month to go before the true Christmas countdown begins, and November is packed full of thrilling new releases, without a single bauble or turkey dinner in sight. With this in mind, here are some of the top books being released this month, featuring picks from general fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance genres. From highly anticipated releases on everyone's wishlists to lesser-known treasures you might not have discovered yet, these are the novels to keep an eye out for, as reported by the Express . The master of cosy fantasy returns with the latest chapter in the bestselling Legends & Lattes series. This time, we follow the adventures of foul-mouthed bookseller Fern as she decides to start afresh, relocating her life and business to the city of Thune. However, despite a promising start, Fern quickly finds herself inebriated and in the wagon of a notorious bounty hunter. Featuring the return of some beloved characters and a greater emphasis on adventure than previous books in the series, you'll soon find yourself completely engrossed and reluctant to leave this fantastical world behind as you turn the final page. Brigands & Breadknives, out November 13, is available to pre-order now. There Is No Antimemetics Division, a mind-boggling novel by qntm, also known as writer and software developer Sam Hughes, envisages a world under siege by entities that feast on memories, leaving their victims clueless about what has transpired. How do you contain something you can't record or remember? And will you even realise that you're at war? Originally published on the SCP Foundation wiki, this is top-notch sci-fi. It's a book that's both mind-bending and unsettling, practically demanding to be devoured in one go. There Is No Antimemetics Division, out November 11, is available to pre-order now. In this unforgettable debut, a mother and daughter agree to merge their minds into one. Faced with the harsh reality of her mother Laurie's mind fading due to Alzheimer's, former activist Amelia enlists them for an experimental merging process which would see Laurie's mind transferred into Amelia's body and their consciousness blended as one. But as they embark on the process and meet their fellow participants, they soon start to question whether everything is as it appears. If you're a fan of Black Mirror , this is the book for you. It's twisty and thought-provoking, and sure to linger in your mind long after you've finished reading it. The Merge, out November 6, is available to pre-order now. Tucked away in a quiet alley, there's a unique bar run by an enigmatic bartender. Mun was once the guardian of a magical library where every book contained someone's life story. However, after encountering Bo-reum, a mystical Moon Rabbit, he learns to concoct drinks that allow people to glimpse their hidden dreams and forgotten joys. Ideal for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The DallerGut Dream Department Store, The Moon Glow Book Shop is a comforting embrace in book form, perfect for snug November evenings. The Moon Glow Bookshop, out November 6, is available to pre-order now. Bestselling author Chloe Gong returns with the first instalment in a gripping new cyberpunk dystopian series. With sea levels on the rise and epidemics widespread, virtual reality has become commonplace. Society is divided into those who live 'upcountry' in the virtual world and those who can't afford the subscription and are thus forced to stay 'downcountry'. As a cold war unfolds across both planes of reality, two young soldiers start to suspect they're part of a larger conspiracy. Futuristic, yet eerily familiar with robust worldbuilding and a hefty dose of political intrigue, Coldwire is set to be your next dystopian obsession. Coldwire is out on November 6 and is available to pre-order now. Becky feels trapped. She's stuck in her job, still in love with her ex who's about to move in with his new girlfriend and constantly listening to her paired-up best mates chat about their careers or weddings. After a tarot reading reveals the Death card, Becky does what any rational person would do: she drunkenly posts letters expressing her true feelings to everyone in her life after booking a one-way ticket to Bali. However, when the trip to Bali is cancelled, she's left to deal with the aftermath. This book is both humorous and touching, it will make you experience a range of emotions (including intense second-hand embarrassment!). P.S. You're the Worst is out November 20 and is available to pre-order. Science fiction meets lesbian romance in this electrifying new book from the author of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea. A soldier haunted by her past finds herself drawn back into the life of her estranged ex-lover following a massacre in the deep-sea city of Fall. Once they board a luxurious submarine reminiscent of the Titanic, their chemistry quickly reignites. But when the investigation uncovers a shocking truth, trust becomes their only means of survival. Imagine a slow-burn second chance romance with surprising twists and an ending that will leave you eager for the next book in the series. This Gilded Abyss, out November 20, is available to pre-order now. In the action romcom Hitwoman, two assassins must put their professional rivalry and budding romance aside to uncover a conspiracy that threatens them both. This thrilling tale is penned by Elsie Marks, also known as writing duo Louisa Burden and Neil Weaving. Hitwoman is a treat for fans of Ally Carter and Mr and Mrs Smith, with a fast-paced plot that will make you feel like you're watching a film in your mind. You can pre-order Hitwoman, out November 6, now. If you prefer dark romance, then Bad Bishop, the first instalment in the new Society of Villains series. by L. J. Shen, is the book for you. The story revolves around Lila who is forced into a marriage of convenience with ruthless Irish mafia prince Tiernan. She appears to be a pawn in his twisted game - but in this chess match, it might just be the underdog who wins. Dark romance enthusiasts will adore Bad Bishop, with the new series promising everything from taboo tropes and jaw-dropping plot twists to cameos from some of your favourite characters from elsewhere in the L. J. Shen universe. You can pre-order Bad Bishop, out November 4, now. The Dinner Party is a gripping story that unfolds over the course of a dinner party hosted by Andrew and Franca for Andrew's colleagues. The narrative oscillates between Franca's recollections of the dinner party and her present-day life, exploring themes of love, autonomy, grief, and female rage. This intense read, perfect for fans of Cleopatra and Frankenstein and Assembly, delves into the process of dealing with trauma. It's told through multiple timelines that heighten the ominous sense of dread. Be warned, it's a heavy read, so do check the trigger warnings before diving in. The Dinner Party, out November 4, is available to pre-order now. Meet Damien Maleficus Bloodthorne, the son of a demon, who stands on the brink of fulfilling his dark legacy and securing world domination. However, his path crosses with Amma, a cheerful thief harbouring secrets of her own. After they accidentally form a magical bond, Amma finds herself compelled to accompany Damien on his journey across the realm. This leaves Damien torn between his villainous destiny and a more virtuous path. This is the first book in a new cosy romantasy series and is perfect for anyone seeking a feel-good fantasy read featuring a grumpy x sunshine romance, plenty of comedic relief and banter throughout. You can pre-order Throne in the Dark, out November 4, now.
