10 Can’t-Miss Fantasy Series and Duologies Releasing First Installments Before Year’s End

New worlds arrive in November

Cello’s Gate, published November 3, is Africh’s traditional publishing debut and opens the Sky Pirates of Imperia series. Its second book is confirmed. The story follows Captain Grey and his crew as they pursue the legendary Stones of Indigo, despite the catch that the stones do not exist.

Danielle L. Jensen’s Defy the Dusk also arrived November 3, launching the Sundering Duet. Lirien, who tore the world apart, has spent 20 years preparing to overthrow the Dawnrider’s tyrant king. Her plan changes when the leader of a resistance movement kidnaps her, prompting doubts about what she believed.

Folklore and Shadowhunters

Wolves of War, released November 3, begins John Gwynne’s Wolfheart Chronicles. In a land conquered by outsiders, Ivan’s priority is protecting his daughter, Halia. Her unusual powers, regarded by many as a curse, may help them face what lies ahead.

Cassandra Clare’s The Last King of Faerie is the opening book in The Wicked Powers, a new Shadowhunter trilogy. Released November 3, it follows Drusilla Blackthorn, a student at Shadowhunter Academy who is captured by Faerie prince Ash Morgenstern. Kit Herondale and Ty Blackthorn become reluctant partners in a struggle to save what matters to them.

A print debut for a web serial

Another fantasy series is moving from web serial to print this November. Its first book is due November 10 and is described as a beloved fantasy epic for readers of Ready Player One and Dungeon Crawler Carl. The available description begins introducing Vivienne as a top-tier gamer who reached the max level, but ends before providing more details about the story.

The appeal of starting early

Beginning a series with its first book can mean waiting for the next installment. Still, readers may enjoy discovering a promising fantasy story before it becomes widely known. The releases described include a range of settings and styles, from sky pirates and romantasy to dark folklore and the Shadowhunter universe.