E. V. Woods: Books I’m most excited to read in the upcoming cosy season
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book while rain patters against your window and your hand wraps around a mug of something warm. Autumn, or “cosy season”, is my favourite time of year, as I’m sure it is for so many readers who can’t wait to have an excuse to hide away under a blanket with a brilliant new read.
Here are a few of the books I’m most looking forward to reading in the coming months.
1. A Grave Inheritance by Felicity Epps
A Grave Inheritance truly has everything you’re looking for in a cosy autumnal read – exquisite gothic vibes, mystery, seances and ghosts, with the perfect balance of humour that makes it the read for a blanket-fort escape.
2. They Own the Night by Amy McCaw
Is there anything spookier than Dracula? They Own the Night brings all the best gothic aspects of the quintessential gothic horror novel and wraps them up in something new and fresh set within 1980s Edinburgh.
3. Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
I adore Ava Reid’s work – A Study in Drowning was one of my favourite reads last year, and Lady Macbeth promises to be just as captivating. A reimagining of Macbeth, Reid gives a louder voice to a character from one of Shakespeare’s most revered tragedies – and explores one of literature’s most fascinating villainesses.
4. Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
The sequel to Belladonna, this series is the ultimate in the young adult gothic fantasy genre. Belladonna is one of my all-time favourite books, and Foxglove is the next instalment following the quite literal character of Death and his fascination with the unusual Signa Farrow, who is able to communicate with him.
5. The Forest Demands its Due by Kosoko Jackson
I’ve had this one on my to-read pile for a while, for when I’m ready for a proper scare. A mix of horror, fantasy and dark academia, this is perfect for a dark autumnal day (as long as the lights stay on!). Also, terrifying forest horrors – is there anything better?
6. A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya
More vampires!!! It looks like vampires are back and I am so here for it (more hoa hoa hoa please). A Cruel Thirst features natural enemies, a fledgling vampire and a vampire huntress, forced to work together to fight a bigger enemy. I can already almost taste the tension in this enemies-to-lovers romantasy.
7. Girls of Dark Divine by E. V. Woods
A famous ballerina, Emberlyn, is controlled by a cruel curse that forces her to perform to the whims of the Puppet Master. When the curse consumes another of her fellow dancers, Emberlyn decides it’s time to escape, no matter the cost. Come for The Phantom of the Opera vibes, stay for the glitz, glamour, shadows and female rage in this gothic fantasy that’s perfect for reading by candlelight.
