The year is wrapping up, but there are still plenty of new books for sci-fi, horror, and fantasy readers hitting shelves before 2026 clocks in for duty. Need a mental escape during the holidays? December’s releases have you covered with romantic adventures, futuristic thrills, creepy short stories, and more.
December 1
Artificial Truth by J.M. Lee, translated by Sean Lin Halbert
“A haunting and mind-bending novel about the revolutionary possibilities of AI and the infinite mysteries of what it means to be human.” (December 1)
Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher
“An enthralling contemporary fantasy steeped in horror about a woman trying to escape her past by moving to the remote U.S. desert―only to find herself beholden to the wrath of a vengeful god.” (December 1)
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter by Brionni Nwosu
“A young woman at the crossroads of life and death embarks on an extraordinary journey across time in an epic novel about beauty, hope, endurance, and endless loves.” (December 1)
December 2
Better in Black by Cassandra Clare
Ten original stories spotlighting fan-favorite couples from across the romantasy author’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. (December 2)
The Dark Is Descending by Chloe C. Peñaranda
The Nytefall trilogy concludes as “reeling from shocking betrayal, the Star Maiden Astraea must now race against time to break the curse imprisoning her lover, Nyte. She will have to decide if the hand of darkness, or that of her enemy, is an alliance that could bring him back.” (December 2)
Dawn of the Firebird by Sarah Mughal Rana
“A breathtaking fantasy novel about the daughter of an overthrown emperor” who conceals her identity to train with an enemy army, honing her magic as she decides if she’ll seek vengeance or salvation. (December 2)
The Definitions by Matt Greene
“An elegant, haunting dystopian novel about individuals relearning how to navigate the world after a mysterious illness strips them of their memories.” (December 2)
Fallen Gods by Rachel Van Dyken
“They said the Gods were myth. That the Giants were only stories told around dying fires. They lied. The Gods aren’t dead—they’re only sleeping, locked in mortal bodies, scattered across the world, waiting for the right spark to wake them. And my father is the most ruthless of them all.” (December 2)
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie Dara
“When a determined killer targets her brother, a grim reaper risks everything to save him in this delightful cozy mystery.” (December 2)
Legend by Karina Halle
“Though Katrina Van Tassel, Ichabod Crane, and Brom Bones have begun to pull apart the bone-chilling mystery of the Headless Horseman, their journey is far from its end. As they share the enigmatic halls of Sleepy Hollow Institute, their lives become increasingly entangled.” (December 2)
The Library of Fates by Margot Harrison
“When its librarian keeper mysteriously dies, two former classmates must race to locate a rare book from their college years that can foretell your future if you confess a secret from your past—but someone is intent on protecting what’s hidden inside.” (December 2)
The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson
“Two wolf shifters reluctant to love discover there’s no fighting the call of the wild in this steamy romance.” (December 2)
The Mills of the Gods by Tim Powers
“A harrowing supernatural adventure, full of color, drama, and romance.” (December 2)
Secrets of the First School by T.L. Huchu
The Edinburgh Nights series concludes with “one final adventure for Ropa Moyo—orphan, mischief-maker, and failed magician.” (December 2)
Something Wicked by Falon Ballard
“With the fate of the country at stake, Callum and Cate search for ways to bare themselves to each other and discover a darker force building within La Puissance, one that might ruin the future of Avon forever.” (December 2)
Tarou: The Fall by Dana Fredsti and David Fitzgerald
“The evocative symbolism and arcana bound up within the cards of the tarot have fascinated seekers for centuries. Now Tarou: The Fall imagines the reality that inspired the mystical—the real fantasy world of which all our rich tarot imagery is but a shadow.” (December 2)
This Brutal Moon by Bethany Jacobs
The Kindom Trilogy space opera concludes as “the quiet ones launch their attack and all hope seems lost; Cleric Chono looks to unlikely allies to fight a final battle for peace. But one crucial question remains: where is Six?” (December 2)
The Turing Protocol by Nick Croydon
“A riveting speculative historical suspense debut told in alternating timelines that asks: will the most powerful invention in history save the world—or destroy it?” (December 2)
The Village at the End of Noon by Darya Boyleva
“Everything you were afraid to find out about the heat of noon and Grandma’s old tales comes together in this English language debut of an award-winning and bestselling young Russian writer.” (December 2)
We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope edited by Annalee Newitz, Karen Lord, and Malka Older
“From genre luminaries, esteemed organizers, and exciting new voices in fiction, an anthology of stories, essays, and interviews that offer transformative visions of the future, fantastical alternate worlds, and inspiration for the social justice movements of tomorrow.” (December 2)
December 9
Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent
The War of Lost Hearts series continues. “As Tisaanah and Max are ensnared in a web of ancient magic and twisted secrets, one question remains: what are they willing to sacrifice for victory? For power? For love?” (December 9)
Dark Sisters by Kristi DeMeester
“Horror meets historical fiction when a curse bridges generations, binding the fates of three women.” (December 9)
Her Time-Traveling Duke by Bryn Donovan
“Magic meets science and sunshine meets grumpy when a love spell whisks a Regency-era duke to modern times.” (December 9)
Level: Apocalypse by David Dalglish
“Inside the mysterious Artifact world of Yensere, Nick has scored a major victory in the war against God-King Vaan, but now the true test of power has begun, and it won’t end until either Nick or Vaan are truly dead.” (December 9)
Midnight Somewhere by Johnny Compton
“The assorted characters in this thrilling collection encounter horrors that range from mysterious to murderous, discovering that darkness can find anyone, anywhere, at any hour of the day.” (December 9)
Seeing Other People by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
“Two people haunted by their exes find that love isn’t dead in this heartfelt romance.” (December 9)
Sunset at Zero Point by Simon Stålenhag
“From the renowned creator of The Electric State and Tales from the Loop, Stålenhag returns with his long-awaited new work of retro-futuristic dystopia within the mysterious zone of an abandoned Swedish military facility.” (December 9)
Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson
From the “creator of the Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn saga, and numerous smash-hit works of science fiction and fantasy comes Tailored Realities, a new short fiction collection including the never-before-published novella Moment Zero.” (December 9)
December 16
The Best Horror of the Year, Volume 17 edited by Ellen Datlow
“For more than four decades, Ellen Datlow has been bringing you the most frightening and terrifying stories. Now, with the 17th volume of the series, Datlow is back again to bring you the stories that will keep you up at night.” (December 16)
December 30
The Cyprian by Mercedes Lackey
“The latest in Mercedes Lackey’s Elemental Masters series is a stand-alone romantasy based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Wild Swans.” (December 30)
We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
“A slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires, filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures.” (December 30)
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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