10 Dark and Atmospheric Books for Autumn and Fall
Hello, I am back again with another set of book recommendations. Since it feels like Autumn now, and I’ve enjoyed a few misty mornings, it feels only right to do some dark and atmospheric book recommendations for you! Most are books I’ve read with a couple on my TBR that I’ve great things about and I’m excited to read!
The Night Circus | Erin Morgenstern
One of my favourite books of all time, with absolutely amazing writing and storytelling that hits all of your senses! The story is complex and twisting, with multiple POVs and time jumps, but don’t let that stop you. A circus, a competition and a love story all wrapped up in one.
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
A Dark Academia book, that almost feels like it defines the genre. A mystery and a narrator who is not entirely trustworthy, the setting of this book is perfect. Yale university in autumn and over winter. It feels like fog wrapping around your feet, with old buildings watching you. Well, something watching you.
Uprooted | Naomi Novik
A dark fairy tale, where the Dragon in the tower is actually a wizard, and a corrupted forest is a puzzle that needs to be fixed. I love the vibes of this book, with its underpinning of Polish folklore. It’s been a while since I’ve read it (definitely time to dive back in), but I remember being surprised by the twists.
A Discovery of Witches | Deborah Harkness
Arguably another Dark Academia book, set in Oxford over autumn much like Ninth House, it has those perfect dark and atmospheric vibes. With vampires, witches and daemons, the world is expanding and a mysterious folio from in the Bodleian Library is at the heart of it all, and a love story that might break the world.
Cemetery Boys | Aiden Thomas
At its heart, Cemetery Boys is a story about a boy who wants to prove himself to his family and to himself. For them to stop dead-naming him, and for them to accept him for who he is. Alongside that Yadriel is faced with uncovering who murdered his newly summoned ghost friend… who he might be growing attached to.
Dracula | Bram Stoker
A gothic classic - do I really need to say more? (Okay yes, this is on my TBR)
Nettle and Bone | T. Kingfisher
On my TBR. This book is a dark fairy tale, where a princess is given three impossible tasks to save her sister, and recruits some help along the way.
Starling House | Alix E. Harrow
On my TBR. Honestly not what I was originally expecting from the cover and what I’d heard people saying about this, but it’s a Gothic Fantasy set in Kentucky (intriguing yes?). With a town and house that has a dark and mysterious history.
Belladonna | Adalyn Grace
On my TBR. Another gothic infused world, perfectly dark and atmospheric where a girl makes an alliance with Death. (a trope which I will wholeheartedly fall for - yes if you like this trope I have recommendations up my sleeve!)
Hazelthorn | CG Drews
Release date 28th October 2025. Not out yet, but the vibes seem immaculate, and one I have pre-ordered. Botanical body horror, set in a vast estate with three rules to live by. This feels like a book I will be reading from behind the sofa…
