Most Anticipated Book Releases for November 2023

Iron Flame isn't the only exciting book hitting the shelves this month

I can’t believe it’s November. Granted, I feel like I’ve been saying the same thing every month. Time just continues to fly by. October was actually a very good reading month for me, and I’m hoping that I can continue to find a balance between work, family, and making time for myself to read and write in the new month.

Family is doing well after a really rough end of September and beginning of October. It’s crazy how much everything comes to a standstill when helping teenagers learn to overcome challenges. Raising good humans is very hard, but very much worth every second. Reading, writing and just looking at books is my way to recharge my empath battery when I feel like I’m tapped out.

I will say that there are some books coming out in November that I’m jumping up and down for. One is a particular sequel that is releasing on the 7th. In my research of November releases, I feel that the majority of the books I am most looking forward to are releasing in the first part of the month. There are also numerous sequels being released this month. Sadly, I haven’t read the first in the series of many of them. For that reason, I have left many of them off the list. What are you finding as you work on your November TBR?

I will now present you with my top ten releases for November in release order. Stick around because I also have my honorable mention books at the end!

What are you looking forward to? I always find books later that I have left off my list, so tell me now what I’m missing! Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (November 7)

There really isn’t much that needs to be said about this one. I absolutely loved Fourth Wing, and there is nothing more exciting than to jump back into this world. Violet’s second year begins at Basgiath War College and being a dragon rider is pretty much the same thing as having a death wish. I’m looking forward to seeing how the cliffhanger from Fourth Wing and the developments that happened impact the progression of this book. Let’s not forget all the other characters like Xaden and Dain. I’ve already pre-ordered, so I’m ready to go. From AMAZON: “The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” ―Xaden Riorson

The Future by Naomi Alderman (November 7)

I don’t think there is much doubt over the power that technology has in our world or the numerous concerns that come from so much power. This is that story we are all fearing where tech companies are controlling everything including the weather! Martha has escaped her father’s cult, but has found herself now facing a potential apocalyptic future as she is surrounded by multiple mega companies looking for ultimate power. Across the world in Singapore, Lia, an internet famous survivalist, escapes from an assassin when a piece of software anonymously pops up actually telling her how to escape. Together they will work to prevent the destruction of the world. Plus, there appears to be some type of heist? Sign me up. This seems to be a great book for November!  From AMAZON: “The bestselling, award-winning author of The Power delivers a dazzling tour de force where a handful of friends plot a daring heist to save the world from the tech giants whose greed threatens life as we know it.”

Swarm by Jennifer D. Lyle (November 7)

Deadly butterflies? Ok, you have my attention. It’s not very often that I come across an insect infestation/survival story. Whenever I do think of one, it’s always The Birds by Hitchcock. Shur, her brother Keene and their two friends are now on a mission for survival after they see the first, seemingly innocent and beautiful creatures appear outside the window of their classroom. As the day goes on and they board up their house, they must figure out how to survive. This could be a really amazing book or one that completely flops, but I enjoy survival stories and I’m so intrigued to see what these critters are, where they come from and the what-comes-next piece. This is Lyle’s debut novel. 

Data Baby by Susannah Breslin (November 7)

I’m not a big nonfiction reader. Actually, I read very few. The topic has to be very specific, and I have to be in the exact right mood. However, every now and then one will pop up on my radar that makes me want to learn more. When Susannah was a toddler, her parents put her in an exclusive laboratory preschool at the University of California, Berkeley where she became part of a 30 year study on personal development with hundreds of other children. Basically, her whole life she has been a lab rat being studied. Now she looks at how that experience may have shaped who she is and what her life has become. This is a topic that fascinates me. How can a child then teenager than adult not be forever impacted, influenced or even corrupted by being under the microscope for their entire developmental and self-discovery years. From AMAZON: “Lab Girl meets Brain on Fire in this provocative and poignant memoir delving into a woman's formative experiences as a veritable "lab rat" in a lifelong psychological study, and her pursuit to reclaim autonomy and her identity as an adult.”

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan (November 14)

An occult expert and a disgraced archaeologist, throw in a cursed Scottish castle and the setting seems perfect for a little rom com action. Enemies to lovers is a troupe that I enjoy, so I’m expecting an enjoyable banter filled story with curse induced obstacles flung around like candy on Halloween. I’m a little concerned about the potential for an obnoxious amount of miscommunication and misunderstanding at the hands of the supposed curse, but I can put that all aside for a great setting, fun plot and unique characters. From AMAZON: “Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance.”

The New Naturals by Gabriel Bump (November 14)

A young black woman distraught after the death of her newborn convinces her husband to help her create a new society underground. A utopian society where everyone is accepted, feels loved and treated as equals. Word begins to spread and those seeking hope with a new start begin making their journey. But, what if it doesn’t work? I’m excited to see how this one evolves. It’s not necessarily the type of book I normally gravitate to, but every now and then I find a little gem that strikes me deep. This has that potential. From AMAZON: “The New Naturals is fresh and deeply perceptive, capturing the absurdity of life in the 21st century, for readers of Paul Beatty’s The Sellout and Jennifer Egan’s The Candy House. In this remarkable feat of imagination, Bump shows us that, ultimately, it is our love for and connection to each other that will save us.”

The Other Half by Charlotte Vassell (November 21)

After a wild birthday party, Clemmie is found dead. Whodunit? I love whodunit murder mysteries like this. Ones that feel a little bit lighter and not so serious. Everyone seems to have an alibi and more money than they know what to do with. This just seems like a great read, so it was an easy addition to my top ten. From AMAZON: “Rupert's 30th birthday party is a black-tie dinner at the Kentish Town McDonald's—catered with cocaine and expensive champagne. The morning after, his girlfriend Clemmie is found murdered on Hampstead Heath, a single stiletto heel jutting from under a bush.”

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen (November 28)

A retelling of The Nutcracker? How cool is that! Besides Iron Flame, this is one that I am super excited for. Clara and Natasha, Light and dark, a cursed birthright put on them by their Godfather. Clara has grown up in a life of beauty and ease, the opposite of Natasha. But, Natasha sees an opportunity on Christmas Eve when her Godfather shows up with an enchanted nutcracker. Now able to go to the Kingdom of Sweets, Natasha meets the Sugar Plum fairy, and Natasha must face choices and determine where she belongs. From AMAZON: “This gloriously transportive reimagining of The Nutcracker tells the tale of twin sisters, divided by envy and magic, set against each another one fateful Christmas Eve.”

The Fiction Writer by Jillian Canter (November 28)

I will admit that I debated with this one on whether it would be in my top ten or an honorable mention, but I decided I would give it the benefit of the doubt since I love books about books. Olivia is a struggling writer, so she is more than willing to sign a NDA for a ghostwriting opportunity. Now as she embarks on this work for a reclusive billionaire, she finds herself the star of a gothic mystery. From AMAZON: “With as many twists and turns as the California coast, The Fiction Writer is a page-turner that explores the boundaries of creative freedom and whose stories we have the right to tell.”

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn (November 28)

I’m so intrigued by this first installment of a new fantasy horror series. Jude Maddox knows nothing of love or even light. He knows only his grim duty as the Hand of Death, to lead the Knights of the Eternal Star into a land filled with nightmares and certain demise. This in itself seems like the perfect setting for a fantasy where the world building has endless possibilities. Things change when Jude sees Kiara and feels a warmth he has never felt before. She on the other hand isn’t as impressed, but with the Kingdom on the verge of collapse, The Knights must discover the secrets of the misted shadows. I love, love, love this set up. I am always up for a new fantasy series. From AMAZON: “Britannia meets The Mist―with a touch of Evil Dead―in this illusory fantasy horror about a kingdom left to darkness…”

So there you have it. There are of course, so many books that look amazing, there just isn’t enough time in the day. Here are a handful of others that have caught my attention.

What are you looking forward to this month? Drop me a comment and tell me what you’re reading.

Honorable Mentions:

• Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldrae (November 7)

• Last Girl Breathing by Court Stevens (November 7)

• Hunt on the Dark Waters by Katee Roberts (November 7)

• Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James (November 7)

• Compass Point by Jillian Witt (November 7)

• The Midnight Garden by Elaine Roth (November 7)

• Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (November 7)

• The Little Liar by Mitch Albom (November 14)

• The Professor by Lauren Nossett (November 14)

• There Should Have Been 8 by Nalini Singh (November 21)

• Spindle of Sin by Candace Robinson & Amber R Duvell (November 30)

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