Hello July! Yes, we’re now at the halfway point of the year, which makes it a good time to reflect on the new books that have filled our reading lives over the past six months. As always, a lot of this has been science fiction and fantasy for me and other book rioters. Already, it’s been a great year for both newcomers and heavy hitters in the genre.
We’re looking for a mix of fantasy horror, samurai space opera, romantic mythological retellings and more. comfortable? Dramatic? Complex? Action packed? It’s all already there, and we still have six months left in 2026. Here are the best SFF books of 2026 so far.
red winter By Cameron Sullivan
This is the crazy buddy comedy you didn’t know you needed! It’s an action-packed adventure, full of gore, gore, lots of laughs and something very strange. As soon as I heard Alix E. Harrow say “poison Set in 18th century France, “I knew I had to have it. And it did not disappoint. Sebastian Grave must return to a small town in France to kill the dreaded Beast of Gevaudan, who was not defeated 20 years ago as originally thought. Coming along (because he has no choice) is the monster Sermodel, who lives inside Sebastian and feeds off the living essence of others. My Faith Do it, historical fiction will never taste the same again. -Liberty Hardy
Agnes Aubert’s Mysterious Cat Shelter By Heather Fawcett
For those who loved Emily Wilde’s run in the series of the same name, this new book by Heather Fawcett makes for a fascinating story worth reading. Also, it’s for catnip howl’s Moving Castle For fans because it incorporates elements of the Ghibli classic, such as the city setting in the early 1900s, the eccentric magician sitting in his magical moving shop, and a no-nonsense woman who brings order to chaos. Reading it is as sweet as the pastries it describes. In 1920s Montreal, Agnes runs a cat shelter and recovers from the loss of her husband. Things change when she moves asylum, and her new landlord turns out to be the infamous, unsuccessful Dark Lord. -Megan Mabee
as i dream of you by jennifer lee
I’m a big fan of illustrator Leuyen Pham, so when I heard she was collaborating with frozen For a YA graphic novel from director Jennifer Lee, I was intrigued. What I didn’t expect was that it would be a heartbreakingly beautiful love story that would leave me sobbing. Drawing on the mythology of Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as Lee’s own teenage experiences with love and grief, as i dream of you A stunningly illustrated story with real emotional depth. Lee brings a cinematic approach to her storytelling which Pham brings to life with gorgeous art, brilliantly balancing the light and dark elements. This is a story that will remain in your heart even after the last page. -Susie Dumond
swords and spaceships
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isaco’s final contract by fonda lee
Corporate Samurai. In space. Is there anything else you need to know?
Exactly. Over the years Isako has made herself a legend as a swordsman. When her client eventually retires, she envisions doing the same. But one last job comes along that she can’t refuse, and it will change the course of her life and all of humanity.
girl with a thousand faces By SUNY Dean
Finally, some historical fiction is available with more than a sprinkle of Gothic horror. Mercy Chan does not remember her past. She arrived on the shores of Hong Kong penniless, then spent her life working as a ghost talker for the local triad. But Mercy’s past isn’t finished with her. A particularly powerful spirit appears, who drowns innocent people and claims to know mercy. She must confront her mysterious past to stop this terrifying force.
Be sure to check out the full list of the best books of 2026 (so far)! And if you’re looking forward to the rest of the year, we can help you with more SFF books.
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