One of the great joys of being human is discovering what things make us happy, and pursuing those things. For example, perhaps you love reading, but you haven’t learned anything in the science fiction or fantasy genres yet. If so then welcome! Come in, the water is fine.
For readers looking to get started in SFF, sometimes it’s best to start with gentle, low-risk novels. Like books with great characters and stories, but not so many character and place names, or made-up words that you need a glossary to keep track. (Those books come later, and they’re rad, too.) So here are five of the best books released in 2026 that are perfect for readers new to the genre, or anyone looking for an excellent read. enjoy!
strange animals Jarrod K. by anderson
After a near-death experience, Green decided to leave urban life and live with nature for a while. But his trip to the Appalachian Mountains brought him more in touch with nature than he expected. As he explores the forest, Green will learn secrets about the world and himself with the help of a stubborn old woman who lives at the campsite.
Agnes Aubert’s Mysterious Cat Shelter By Heather Fawcett
In this historical fantasy set in Montreal, the owner of a cat shelter must find a new location after his existing storefront is destroyed in a magical battle. Agnes Aubert thinks she’s found the perfect new place, until she discovers that her landlord is a powerful wizard, and he sells magical items on the black market.
sublimation Isabel J. by kim
This sci-fi debut is already expected to be an upcoming series, so read it now! It is about a world where people who immigrate leave behind a literal copy of themselves, known as an exemplar. These examples tell about their lives, while the original examples depict a new life for them in a new country. But what happens when the original seeks to reunite with his example, and what happens to their separate lives?
swords and spaceships
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shower By Casey Szyzka
This excellent speculative debut takes a look at the price of immortality. Two centuries ago, Vera Van Valkenburgh accidentally became immortal, and to keep her secret, she is not able to stay in one place for very long. It’s a tiring life, and Vera has endured a lot. Determined to find out what is causing her condition and find a way to reverse it, she returns to her hometown. But it turns out that someone else knows about Vera’s secret and is trying to take advantage of it for himself.
rise of the witch queen by Savannah Stephens
Last but not least is this fantastical debut about an outcast witch in New Orleans. After many years in exile, the misunderstood Seraphine Barreau is brought back to fulfill her destiny and rule over the city of Sorceress. But she will need the help of werewolves and vampires, as well as other witches, to gain the trust of her community and discover the source of the poisonous curse afflicting the witches.
Okay, Star Bitches, now take the knowledge you’ve learned here today and use it for good, not evil. If you want to learn more about books, I talk about books nonstop (when I’m not reading them), and you can hear me saying lots of adjectives about them on the Book Riot Podcast. All the books! and on Instagram.
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