Witches, Vampires, and Overworked Teachers

As you guys know, I am always on the hunt to look for new books for my never-ending TBR. November is no exception. I have found 8 books for next month that have piqued my interest, including a new release from one of my favorite authors. 

Saved by the Spell by Tanya Huff

The teachers at the High School for Performing Magic have come across a concerning problem. At the start of the school year, one student has the potential to become the Hero. However, when there is a Hero, there is bound to be a Villain to soon follow. When Heroes and Villains come to blows, it makes for a hectic school year. The overworked and underpaid teachers at the magical school didn’t sign up for this and will do everything in their power to keep things from getting out of hand. 

Why I Want To Read: I like how this sounds like a comedy in the making. I have a feeling it will be like Abbott Elementary only with magic involved. I personally hope that there is an Ava-like character in the book. She knows how to hustle and take no crap from anyone, which might be severely needed in this type of environment. 

Release Date: November 03, 2026

The Queen of the Spirit Woods by Sharon Choe

Mirae is in a dangerous pickle. She faked her way into the royal kitchen in hopes of sending funds to her family. However, working in the kitchen isn’t easy, especially after the attempted assassination of the king and Mirae accidentally getting in the way of Prince Jae’s investigation into the matter. However, things get crazier when a witch makes her the vessel of ten thousand spirits and deities. How will Mirae be able to control her newfound powers? 

Why I Want To Read: I am curious if this will be like Avatar: The Last Airbender, where Aang was able to talk to the spirits and be mentored by previous Avatars, or if it will be complete chaos with multiple spirits and deities vying for Mirae’s attention to do their bidding. I am very eager to find out. 

Release Date: November 03, 2026

The Trial of Magdalena Overmorrow by Caitríona Moran

Magdalena has been known as many things: scholar, healer, harlot. She risks her life for the women of Astoleyn by taking care of them and performing forbidden abortions. Unfortunately, her illegal dealings are soon discovered. She is declared a witch and is banished to the region’s most desolate city and awaits trial for her crimes. Will she be able to find help from the Lord Protector who will be overseeing her trial, or will she meet her end trying to protect the women under her care? 

Why I Want To Read: Considering how restrictive laws about women’s anatomy have become in recent years, I am eager to read more discourse on the subject, even if it is fictional. I hope that it will make people realize that we need to fight for justice, instead of sitting by and doing nothing. 

Release Date: November 10, 2026

This Knight Topples Empires: A Minor Character on a Major Quest by Ry Herman

A retelling of a Romanian fairy tale, a knight embarks on a crazy adventure to stop an invasion, rescue a princess, and get away from their meddlesome sisters. 

Why I Want To Read: It sounds like a more comedic take on a fairy tale, and I want a book that can give me a laugh this fall season. I am secretly hoping the meddling sisters play a big part in the story. I am always fond of a story that contains family antics.

Release Date: November 03, 2026

Lavender and Hemlock by Lili Wilkinson

Tansy, a housemaid, has her life turned upside down when an unusual visitor causes her to question the nature of her seemingly charming cottage home. 

Why I Want To Read: I love it when a book asks the main character to question the life they are currently leading. It is true to life in a way. Sometimes, we keep doing the same thing every day and forget to ask ourselves if we could be doing more with our lives. 

Release Date: November 10, 2026

Murmuration by TJ Klune

Mike believes he has a perfect life in the small town of Amorea. He has the perfect job, friends, and a possible blossoming relationship. However, things start to bother Mike that nobody seems to care about. There are no children or parents in Amorea. People who leave the town never return. 

One day a flock of starlings blackens the sky, and Mike starts having visions of a life vastly different from his one in Amorea. Mike begins to question reality as he knows it, and wonders if something more sinister is going on with the town and himself.

Why I Want To Read: I am a big fan of TJ Klune and his books and am looking forward to his newest novel. Also, this sounds like something in the realm of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. I am ready to embrace the sci-fi/dystopia this is promising to bring. 

Release Date: November 17, 2026

Swipe Bite by Alexandra Vasti

Sophronia, a vampire, is the heiress to her family-founded company HemoCorp Industries. However, her company’s recent dating app, Stokr, which pairs humans and vampires, has gone haywire, with vampires attacking the humans instead of dating them. Casey, the lead software engineer, believes that Stokr was sabotaged by someone in Sophronia’s inner circle. Will they be able to find the culprit before the app ends up in ruins? 

Why I Want To Read: So many of the vampire shows and books I have read tend to have the vampires hiding in society. However, in this book, humans are aware of vampires’ existence and even want to interact with them. I am curious about what that kind of society is like and how it goes.

Release Date: November 10, 2026

Everything Happens So Much by Andrew H. Murray

Esme leads an ordinary life in a dead-end job. Her only escape is taking potions that show her different alternate realities of herself. Unfortunately, this only confirms that her life is more boring than what her alters lead. However, an incident at work causes Esme to be the most important person in every universe. How will Esme be able to live her life as the main character of her own story when she has always been the side character? 

Why I Want To Read: I always like a story where an unsuspecting character ends up being the hero of their world. It makes the premise refreshing, especially since Esme loathes being in the center of attention. Curious to see how that all works out for Esme since she doesn’t seem to have a choice in that matter. 

Release Date: November 10, 2026

I feel that this will quell my need for fantasy, romance, and sci-fi for a while. The book I am most looking forward to is Murmuration by TJ Klune. I have absolutely loved every book that TJ Klune has ever written, and I am expecting the same this time around. What books are you guys looking forward to in November? Let me know in the comments below!