Spooky Reads for Spooky Season: October TBR

It is finally October, the month I have been waiting for all year long. There are pumpkins on my bookshelves, and scary movies playing on repeat. This year, I plan to pull as much joy as I can from the season, and obviously, that starts with reading. After asking around on twitter, and googling like crazy, I have pulled together my October TBR, full of spooky/atmospheric reads that I hope to get to this month!

It’s going to be all spooky, all the time!

Also, a very special announcement! This year I will be participating in Blogtober (or trying to), which means I am hoping to release a new blog post every day of October! That is 31 blog posts! Wish me luck!

Book cover of The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman

Title: The Devouring Gray

Author: Christine Lynn Herman

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal

Goodreads Page

Stranger Things has quickly become one of my favorite shows to watch during the Halloween season. So, when I heard about The Devouring Gray, I knew I had to pick up a copy for myself because it gives me some serious Demogorgon vibes! This will be the first book I pick up when the bell tolls midnight on October 1!


Book cover of Season of Witch by Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Season of Witch

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Genre: YA, Horror, Paranormal

Goodreads Page

Having just finished the Netflix show last month, and it being spooky season (have I said that enough?), I figured it would be a perfect time to read it. I relieved an ARC of this book at YALLWEST, and I have been saving it for the perfect time, which happens to be now.


Book cover of The Diviners by Libba Bray

Title: The Diviners

Author: Libba Bray

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

Goodreads Page

I have had this book on my shelf FOREVER! In middle school, I fell in love with the Gemma Doyle series, so I decided to buy The Diviners! And of course, the book has not moved since then (that’s almost ten years…). Therefore, when I was asking for spooky books on twitter and this was one of the most popular answers, I had to put it on my list.


Book cover of The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Title: The Near Witch

Author: V. E. Schwab

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Page

Hearing that Victoria Schwab had some hidden paranormal fantasy somewhere that was no longer in print was devastating. But, apparently, the gods were listening to me because, in March, this book was republished! Also, I was able to snag it at my local library, so get ready for some witchy goodness this month!


Book cover of Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Title: Sawkill Girls

Author: Claire Legrand

Genre: YA, Horror, Fantasy

Goodreads Page

In reality, I have only ever read one other horror book. However, I am a massive fan of horror movies, so I am going to rectify that this month, by reading Sawkill Girls. Although I haven’t heard too much buzz around this one, I am excited to feel all the creepy vibes!


Book cover of The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Title: The Wicked Deep

Author: Shea Ernshaw

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Goodreads Page

If you can’t tell already, I was really into finding witchy books to read this season. So, when I came across this one, I knew it needed to be added to my list. This one just sounds spooky and creepy, and that is perfect for cold fall evenings. Oh, and it is about witches!


Book Cover of Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Title: Serpent and Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Goodreads Page

I think you can start seeing a theme arising, if you look at the genres I am selecting for my October TBR. This is actually a new release that I have been hearing SO MANY people talking about, so I had to add it. If you know me, you know I am constantly falling prey to the hype, so let’s hope this one rises to the occasion and gives me all the witchy vibes.

Border of hand drawn pumpkins

Evidently, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, or in this case, my brain. I have never read more than five books in one month, however, here I am thinking I am going to read seven! Nonetheless, you’ll have to tune in next month to see how I do! I am simultaneously excited and scared!

Comment down below if you have any more spooky/atmospheric recommendations for me to add to my October TBR, meanwhile, I should start reading!

Love, Jackie

14 thoughts on “Spooky Reads for Spooky Season: October TBR”

  1. Thank you so much for your confidence, I definitely need the support! I am looking forward to all of these books!

    1. I know the feeling! I am so excited to finally dive in. I am enjoying Sawkill Girls so far! I am only at the beginning but it is super spooky!

  2. I tried to read The Diviners years ago and just couldn’t get into it but I’ve heard such great things, maybe I should give it another go. I highly recommend Serpent & Dove!

    1. I have definitely heard mixed things about The Diviners. I hope you can enjoy it after another go! And yay to Serpent & Dove. I am excited!

  3. You can totally do this! I’ve been wanting to read most of these for a while so I can’t wait to see what you think ☺️

    1. Thank you! I am going to have to push myself for the rest of the month, but I am kind of determined!

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