#1. Babel by R.F. Kuang ★★★★★ (Predicted)

I always assumed Babel would be my first R.F. Kuang read. Instead, I ended up picking up her newest release, Katabasis. That book made me fall madly in love with her dark, sharp take on academia. Now Babel sits firmly at the top of my Fall Reading List 2025.

I’ve always had a soft spot for dark academia. However, it only works for me when the writing completely consumes me. Too often the vibe is there, but the execution leaves me cold. With Babel, friends have suggested I save it for November because of its autumnal mood. In addition, so many readers on Bookstagram say this story will shatter me in the best way.

That’s why I’m predicting a full five-star read. Break my heart. Make me cry. Have me yelling at the pages. Do that, and I’ll never stop talking about it.

#2. Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews ★★★★★ (Predicted)

This is another five-star predicted read, and my expectations are sky-high after falling in love with Don’t Let the Forest In back in April. That book was glued to my hands—I devoured every page. The body horror and unsettling darkness that C.G. Drews weaves into young adult fiction had me completely hooked.

Hazelthorn is set to release on October 28th, 2025, and I’m counting down the days. If the book gods bless me with an advanced reader’s copy, I’d dive in immediately! In fact, with murder, botanical body horror, and that signature Drews atmosphere, this book has everything I could want. I’m ready to be unsettled, disturbed, and completely captivated as the story unfolds.

#3. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix ★★★★☆ (Predicted)

This book caught my attention the moment it released earlier this year. But thanks to my never-ending TBR (and mood reading habits), it kept slipping further down the list. That changes this fall—I’m finally ready to dive in and give it priority.

I’ve heard from friends that this story is an emotional ride, with more than a few tears along the way. The only other Grady Hendrix book I’ve read is The Final Girl Support Group, which I rated four stars. Based on that experience, I’m predicting Witchcraft for Wayward Girls will land in the same range—or maybe even higher. Either way, I’m excited to see how it compares by the end of the year.

#4. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore ★★★★☆ (Predicted)

Have you ever been completely drawn to a book just from the cover alone? That’s exactly what happens every time I walk past The God of the Woods while working at Barnes & Noble. The pull to pick it up and dive into the story waiting inside is always there.

I’m predicting this one will land as a four-star read. Part of that is hopeful guesswork, since I haven’t heard much feedback yet—most readers still have it sitting on their TBRs. I also haven’t read anything else by Liz Moore, so I’m going in blind aside from the synopsis and the fact that it won the 2024 Goodreads Award for Mystery & Thriller.

Normally, mysteries and thrillers don’t rate super high for me. Too often they feel predictable or not gripping enough. However, I’m holding out hope that The God of the Woods will surprise me and maybe even change my mind about the genre. Stay tuned, internet friends—this could be the one that finally breaks my mystery-thriller rating streak.

#5. You Weren’t Meant to be Human by Andrew Joseph White ★★★★☆ (Predicted)

I stumbled across this book completely by accident at work. I was heading into the stockroom for cafe supplies when I spotted a gorgeous sprayed-edge edition with worms all over the cover. Instant hook. I added it to my TBR before I even knew what it was about… and then I read the synopsis. Alien meets Midsommar vibes?! Are you kidding me?!

Right now I’m obsessed with the Alien movies (the gore alone makes me a fan) and I’ve long admired Midsommar. That’s why this book feels like an early Christmas gift dropped into my lap. My prediction is a solid four-star read, but that’s only because I’m keeping expectations in check. I’d rather aim for four stars and be blown away with five than set myself up for disappointment.

Here’s what I’m manifesting: gore, unsettling body horror, and the kind of story that crawls under my skin while still delivering those dark, cozy autumn vibes. Because yes, my definition of a cozy fall read is exactly the kind of book that makes me shiver while I sip my tea.

#6. Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian ★★★★☆ (Predicted)

Last but not least, Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian makes it onto my Fall Reading List for 2025. I first discovered this book at the Macdonald Book Shop in Estes Park, CO, where they keep a shelf dedicated to staff picks. On Michele’s shelf, the books were organized by how dark they were—and of course, Red Rabbit landed on the darkest end. Naturally, that’s what drew me in.

I actually shared a little about this bookstore visit (and the staff picks shelf!) over on Instagram if you’d like to see the full vibe.

This will be my very first western-style read. But the promise of a good old-fashioned witch hunt with demons and ghosts was way too intriguing to pass up. A friend of mine, who almost never gives out five-star reviews, rated it FIVE STARS—so my hopes are officially high.

Right now I’m predicting a solid four-star read, but who knows? Maybe this will end up being a surprise five-star favorite. Fingers crossed, internet friends—you’ll know by the end of this fall season if Red Rabbit casts its spell on me.