Curl up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a few strange and magical books. Here are four “cryptid-adjacent” reads from my latest library haul that feel perfect for chilly autumn nights, days, mornings… or any moment I can slip away.
Life’s been throwing curveballs my way, just this past week our fridge decided to give out (don’t worry, we found a new one!). But even with the chaos, autumn still feels like a breath of fresh, woodsmoke-tinged air.
There’s something about this season that begs for stories with a little mystery, a little magic, and a dash of the unexpected. While I’m prepping The Crippled Cryptid’s new fall schedule, I couldn’t resist a quick library trip- and came home with a stack that practically smells like fallen leaves and cinnamon.
Here are four titles currently on my nightstand that feel like perfect “cryptid reads” for autumn evenings:
🍂 The Deathless One – Emma Hamm
A darkly beautiful fantasy with folklore threads running through it. Perfect if you like old myths re-imagined, immortal creatures, and a heroine who isn’t afraid of the dark woods.
🍂 By the Horns – Ruby Dixon
An adventurous romance with monsters, horns, and unexpected heart. Great for when you want something fast-paced but still full of otherworldly vibes.
🍂 Aftertaste – Daria Lavelle
A twisty supernatural tale about hidden hungers and what lurks just under the surface of everyday life. This one feels like sipping a bitter-sweet espresso by candlelight.
🍂 The Sun Blessed Prince – Lindsey Byrd
Court intrigue, magic, and a prince who might not be what he seems. This one scratches the itch for courtly fantasy with a hint of danger.
I’ll report back as I work my way through the stack- but in the meantime, tell me: what’s on your autumn TBR? I’d love to add your favorites to my list.
-Sky, The Crippled Cryptid
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