Wondering what to read now? If you’re looking for book suggestions, look no further! Here are all the hot new October 2018 book releases for you. I’ll let you know what I’ve read, what I can’t wait to read, and what’s getting all the attention this month.
Have you enjoyed my monthly lists of the latest book releases?
One bonus of making a list of the best new novels is that it keeps all the new books out on my radar. I’ve been filling up my holds list at the library. Consequently, I will have a steady stream of new book releases coming my way in the next few months.
Some people have asked, how do I pick my monthly list of new books to read? For starters, I scour the New York Times bestsellers, Amazon and the publisher websites. However, that can take me only so far.
After that, to find the best new novels, I use Instagram!
Recently, I’ve been working on my own Instagram account – a fun combo of bookstagram and family life. Spending so much time on the platform, I have come to discover tons of book bloggers. Seeing all their recommended books to read has given me a good feel for which new fiction books are hot right now.
If you like, feel free to follow me! I am having a fun time playing around with my photography.
For now, if you are looking for the perfect new books to read this month, then just take a peek at these 9 new books out.
Sidenote: I did look at the new nonfiction books, but none caught my fancy this month. So you’ll just have to settle for this month’s best new novels.
October 2018 Book Releases From Your Favorite Authors
Bridge of Clay
Markus Zusak
So many of our favorite authors have new books out that we aren’t sure where to begin. But no list of the best new novels would be complete without Markus Zusak’s latest novel. The five Dunbar boys are a (mostly) united force against the world. When they discover the secret behind their dad’s disappearance, can Clay build a bridge to overcome the past? From the description, I’m not fully sure what this book is about, but we can’t tell you how much we loved The Book Thief, so we hope his newest book can measure up.
The Reckoning
John Grisham
In Clanton, Mississippi, in 1946, Pete Banning, a war-decorated veteran and one of the town’s favorite sons, walks into church one Sunday and shoots to death his friend Revered Bell. As Banning’s trial begins and he refuses to say a word, his lawyer must delve into the past in an attempt to save his client. I adore all of John Grisham’s early books, so I always take heart whenever I hear he has new books out. I’m curious to see if this latest book release lives up to the cutting suspense of Grisham’s early legal thrillers, or if it falls flat like some of his more recent books.
Unsheltered
Barbara Kingsolver
Hoping that the local historical society will pay for much-needed repairs, Willa Knox starts digging into the history of her house. What she finds is a kindred soul in Thatcher Greenwood, a science teacher who lived there years ago – an early proponent of Darwin’s theory of evolution. As both Willa and Thatcher navigate turbulent times, both begin to discover what it takes to survive shifting times. I loved her novel, The Poisonwood Bible, so I’m excited to see if this one will hold up to my expectations.

Highly Anticipated October 2018 Book Releases
A Spark of Light
Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult has never been one to shy away from controversial topics and her latest book release is no exception. A Spark of Light begins with a gunman entering a women’s reproductive health clinic and taking all inside hostage – including the 15-year-old daughter of the hostage negotiator. With an abundance of characters all with different views on abortion, Picoult wants to encourage discussion on this hotly debated issue. If you’ve loved her other books or are interesting to see her take on the subject, you won’t want to pass up her latest book release.
Transcription
Kate Atkinson
When coming up with our list of the best new novels out, we kept hearing about Transcription by Kate Atkinson. In 1940, 18-year-old Juliet Armstrong is recruited to spy on British Fascist sympathizers – recording the minutiae of their comings and goings. Years later, when working as a radio producer during the Cold War, Juliet’s past comes back to haunt her. For, as she comes to realize, no action comes without consequences. For those who love historical fiction, Transcription is a great choice for a new book to curl up with this winter.
The Witch Elm
Tana French
Happy-go-lucky Toby’s life changes in an instant when he startles two burglars and is then beaten and left for dead. Trying to recover from his extensive injuries, Toby moves back to his family’s estate to care for his dying Uncle Hugo. Yet, when a skull is found in a trunk of an elm tree in the garden – Toby is forced to reevaluate what he knows about the past. Tana French’s In the Woods was one of those books that I couldn’t put down, so The Witch Elm is sitting at the top of my list of most-anticipated new books to read this month.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Kiersten White
I have to admit, this book was not on my radar at all. I would never have considered adding it to my list of best new novels if I hadn’t seen it among the recommended books to read from my blogging friends. This interesting retelling of the famous Frankenstein tale focuses on Elizabeth Lavenza, a woman who is taken in by the Frankenstein family and eventually becomes inseparable from the infamous Victor. As Victor descends into darkness with an increasingly dangerous temper, Elizabeth must use all her cunning to survive. One of the best new books out if you are in the mood for a dark and intriguing premise.
New Books Out From Your Favorite Series
Muse of Nightmares
Laini Taylor
In the New York Times bestselling novel Strange the Dreamer, Lazlo Strange, orphan and librarian, can’t help but dream about the lost city of Weep and seizes the chance to find it. In the sequel, Muse of Nightmares continues the story by delving into the origins of Weep and the floating Citadel. Will Lazlo be forced to choose between saving everyone or saving his love? So far, I’ve seen positive reports of this sequel in the reviews of new fiction books. Fingers crossed it lives up to its predecessor.
Kingdom of Ash
Sarah J. Maas
Last, but certainly not least, I give you Kingdom of Ash. Among the most anticipated latest book releases would have to be the seventh book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. In the last book in the series, Aelin Galathynius has gone from slave to assassin to queen and now must fight to the last. As the final battle approaches, the fates of your favorite characters are revealed. For all you Throne of Glass lovers, you are sure to agree that Kingdom of Ash is one of the best new novels to read this month. If you haven’t tested the series yet, there is no better time than now to pick up Throne of Glass, the first book in the series
What October 2018 Book Releases are You Most Excited to Read?
What books can you not wait to get your hands on this month? Did I miss any October 2018 book releases that you are anticipating? As always, let me know in the comments!
More New Book Releases: