Top 5 Most Anticipated October Releases

This October should be a great month for fantasy fans, with the releases of both long awaited sequels by established authors and some promising debuts. Although we can’t possibly cover every worthwhile new book each month, we have once again compiled a list of some of our most anticipated October releases.

So here they are, as compiled by Stephan and Michelle!

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1.				The Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemisin
				The Kingdom of Gods is the third and final book in Jemisin’s brilliant Inheritance trilogy. The previous books in the series, The Hundred-Thousand Kingdoms and The Broken Kingdoms, received multiple awards and impressed readers and reviewers worldwide. Despite having a hard act to follow, we believe this book has the potential to be even better. If you haven’t already read Jemisin’s work, we highly recommend you get your hands on some copies as soon as possible and start reading. This way you should be ready on October 27th when Orbit releases The Kingdom of Gods. Prepare to be blown away by a masterfully crafted and epic tale of magic, political scheming, and gods among men.
				Published by Orbit on October 27.
2.				Infidel by Kameron Hurley
				Those who prefer their fantasy gritty and brutal with a generous helping of morally ambiguous protagonists will be pleased to hear that October 4th marks the release of Infidel, the much anticipated follow up to Kameron Hurley’s striking debut, God’s War. Like its predecessor, Infidel promises to be a genre-shaking work of epic proportions as Hurley combines elements of high fantasy, science fiction and steampunk—or, as she calls it, ‘bugpunk.’ However, those looking for a light and fluffy read may want to steer clear of this one as Infidel will be undoubtedly filled to the brim with violence, grit, and innumerable shades of grey.
				Published by Night Shade Books on October 4.
3.				The Emperor’s Knife by Mazarkis Williams
				The Emperors Knife is the fascinating Arabian-influenced debut novel of newcomer Mazarkis Williams. Unfortunately, much of the fantasy community remains ignorant of this impending release. Perhaps this is due to the fact that it is being published by a brand new UK imprint, Jo Fletcher Books, or because North Americans will have to wait an additional month before its US release by Night Shade Books. Either way, this is definitely a release to look out for. Our site owner, Stephan, had the pleasure of reading The Emperors Knife pre-release and was very impressed, describing Williams as somewhat like a more character-driven Brandon Sanderson. Within the story, political tensions rise and rebellion stirs as a mysterious magical illness plagues the Cerani Empire, marking each of its victims with fragments of a greater pattern. The fate of the Empire now lies in the hands of three unsuspecting individuals as a mysterious enemy moves ever closer to victory.
				Published by Jo Fletcher Books on October 27.
4.				The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan
				The Cold Commands is the second installment in award winning British science fiction author Richard K. Morgan’s A Land Fit for Heroes trilogy. Three years ago Morgan burst onto the fantasy scene with his genre shattering and controversial novel The Steel Remains. While the book was commended by many leading authors and reviewers, some readers just couldn’t cope with the graphic homosexuality portrayed. Here at The Ranting Dragon, we like to think most fantasy fans are a little more open minded and wouldn’t allow the orientation of the protagonist to taint their enjoyment of this gripping and edgy series. While it may be a little dark and cynical for some readers’ tastes, others will absolutely love the black humor, gritty realism and razor sharp wit of Morgan’s retro-dystopian, science-fiction, fantasy noir.
				Published by Del Rey on October 11.
5.				Ganymede by Cherie Priest
				Many fantasy and steampunk fans have been eagerly awaiting Ganymede, the fourth novel in Cherie Priest’s acclaimed steampunk series, The Clockwork Century. By all indications, this much anticipated installment will not disappoint. Set in an alternative late 19th century America, Ganymede tells the story of semi-reformed air pirate Andan Cly, who receives a letter from a former paramour in New Orleans offering him an unusual piloting job. Hidden at the bottom of Lake Pontchartrain lies an amazing submersible called the Ganymede. This prototype has the potential to end a war; however, there is no one who knows how to operate it. In addition, it has killed almost anyone who’s tried. Is Andan the man for the job? I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
				Published by Tor Books on September 27.

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There are many more great new releases that didn’t make it into our Top Five Anticipations. But, why stop at five when there are so many great books to read? You might also want to check out:

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			Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
			“Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.”This young adult offering sounds fascinating and is receiving rave reviews all over the internet. Definitely one to look out for.
			Published by Little Brown on September 27.
			Debris by Jo Anderton
			Anderton’s debut is set in a world where technology is indistinguishable from magic and those with the power to control and meld matter are considered elite. Sounds fascinating.
			Published by Angry Robot Books on September 27.
			The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
			This ambitious work is set in ancient Israel and promises to provide a mesmerizing mix of history, mythology, magic and a truly human tale of self discovery and a struggle against insurmountable odds.
			Published by Scribner on October 4.
			Down These Strange Streets by George R.R. Martin e.d
			This all new anthology of urban fantasy and mystery edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois contains works by some of the biggest names in the genres.
			Published by Ace on October 4.
			Fox & Phoenix by Beth Bernobich
			A unique and striking tale set in an alternative history China and inspired by Eastern mythology, Fox & Phoenix promises to be a refreshing mix of technology, magic, action, intrigue, and wit, with plenty of ghost dragons and talking spirit animals.
			Published by Viking Juvenile on October 13.
			The Hum and the Shiver by Alex Bledsoe
			No one knows where the Tufa came from or how they ended up in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, yet when the first Europeans arrived, they were already there. A damaged Private returns from the war in Iraq only to face strange omens and the very thing that drove her away in the first place.
			Published by Tor Books on September 27.
			The Iron Jackal by Chris Wooding
			The third book in the Tales of the Jetty Kay series, this steampunk adventure marks the return of Captain Frey and his motley crew of brigands. Vardia is descending into chaos, and they are about to be drawn into the very heart of it.
			Published by Gollancz on October 20.
			King’s War by Maurice Broaddus
			King has been betrayed, but he has no time to lick his wounds—he has to draw his people together to fight the ultimate foe in this conclusion to the stunning Knights of Breton Court trilogy.
			Published by Angry Robot Books on October 25.
			The Sacred Band by David Anthony Durham
			The third and final novel in the Acacia Trilogy, The Sacred Band concludes Durham’s epic tale of kingdoms in collision, human struggle, and the righting of ancient wrongs.
			Published by Doubleday on October 4.
			The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
			It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
			Published by Scholastic Press on October 18.
			The Shattered Vine by Laura Anne Gilman
			The stunning conclusion of Gilman’s award winning Vineart War Trilogy. An island nation has vanished. Men of honor and magic have died unnatural deaths. Slaves flee in terror… Are the silent gods beginning to speak? Or is another force at work in the Lands Vin?
			Published by Gallery Books on October 18.
			Snuff by Terry Pratchett
			The latest installment in the Discworld series by the enduringly popular Terry Prachett. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a policeman taking a holiday would barely have had time to open his suitcase before he finds his first corpse.
			Published by Harper on October 11.
			Trance by Kelly Meding
			A sexy, action-packed new urban fantasy series in which Los Angeles is ground zero for the ultimate Meta human showdown.
			Published by Pocket Books on October 25.
			The Warlock’s Shadow by Stephen Deas
			Sequel to the best-selling The Thief- Taker’s Apprentice, The Warlock’s Shadow drags the reader back in to the nocturnal and dangerous life of Berren, orphan and reluctant hero.
			Published by Gollancz on October 20.

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Agree with this month’s choices? Disagree? Let us know what you’re anticipating on The Ranting Dragon forums. Whatever your reading, we wish you all a great month of fantasy!

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