Hello, July! Yep, we’re now halfway through the year, which makes it a great time to reflect on the new books that have filled our reading lives for the past six months. As usual, a lot of that has been science fiction and fantasy for me and other Book Rioters. Already, it’s been a great year for both newcomers and heavy hitters to the genre.
We’ve been digging fantasy horror blends, samurai space opera, romantic mythological retellings, and so much more. Cozy? Dramatic? Subtle? Action-packed? It’s all there already, and we still have another six months to go in 2026. Here are the best SFF books of 2026 so far.
The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan
This is the demented buddy comedy you didn’t know you needed! It’s an action-packed adventure, full of blood, gore, and lots of laughs, and so, so queer. As soon as I heard Alix E. Harrow pitch this as “Venom in 18th-century France,” I knew I had to have it. And it did not disappoint. Sebastian Grave must return to a small town in France to kill the dreaded Beast of Gévaudan, who was not vanquished 20 years earlier as originally thought. Coming along (because he has no choice) is the demon Sarmodel, who lives inside Sebastian and feeds off the living essence of others. Trust me, historical fiction will never taste the same again. —Liberty Hardy
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
For those who loved Emily Wilde’s escapades in the series of the same name, this new book by Heather Fawcett makes for a charming standalone well worth the read. Plus, it’s catnip for Howl’s Moving Castle fans as it incorporates elements from the Ghibli classic like the early 1900s city setting, the eccentric wizard ensconced in his magically moving shop, and the no-nonsense woman bringing order to the chaos. Reading this is as sweet as the pastries mentioned in it. In 1920’s Montreal, Agnes runs a cat shelter and navigates grief over the loss of her husband. Things take a turn when she moves the shelter, and her new landlord happens to be the infamous, failed Dark Lord. —Megan Mabee
As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee
I’m a big fan of illustrator LeUyen Pham, so when I heard that she was teaming up with Frozen director Jennifer Lee for a YA graphic novel, I was intrigued. What I didn’t expect was a heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story that would leave me sobbing. Drawing on the mythology of Orpheus and Eurydice as well as Lee’s own teenage experiences with love and grief, As I Dream of You is a stunningly illustrated story with real emotional depth. Lee brings a cinematic approach to her storytelling that Pham brings to life with gorgeous art, brilliantly balancing light and dark elements. It’s a tale that will linger in your heart far beyond the last page. —Susie Dumond
Swords and Spaceships
Sign up to Swords and Spaceships to receive news and recommendations from the world of science fiction and fantasy.
The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee
Corporate samurai. In space. Do you need to know anything else?
Okay, fine. Isako has made herself into a legend over the years as a swordswoman. When her client finally retires, she envisions doing the same. But one last job comes along, one she cannot refuse, and it will change the course of her life and all humanity.
The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean
Finally, some historical fiction is on tap with more than a splash of gothic horror. Mercy Chan doesn’t remember her past. She washed up on the shores of Hong Kong with nothing, then built a life working for the local triad as a ghost talker. But Mercy’s past isn’t done with her. A particularly powerful spirit appears, drowning innocent people and claiming to know Mercy. She’ll have to confront her mysterious past to stop this terrible force.
Make sure to check out the full list of the Best Books of 2026 (So Far)! And if you’re looking ahead to the rest of the year, we can help you with more SFF books there, too.
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.