By Venice.

Since Halloween is around the corner, what’s better than curling up on a sofa with one of the perfectly curated books just for you?

• Malum discordiae by Ashlyn Drewek.

This book features Cassius, a necromancy witch and Graeme, a weather witch. Locked in a family feud of magic and revenge, blaming each other for their tragic loss, yet brought together by a force more powerful than fate.    

The razor-sharp tension between the main characters drew me in, but the relentless plot pace and a love that feels as dangerous as it is inevitable truly hooked me.

 This is the perfect October read for when you want to feel like you are trapped in the middle of the forest with nothing but a cloak and a lamp, fearing the unknown but also intrigued by the shadows slowly creeping in.

• Exodus 20:3 by Fredys Moon. 

This book stars Diego, who takes on a construction job in an abandoned church in the middle of nowhere with its caretaker, Ariel Azevedo. It’s a classic trope of close proximity with no one else for miles, mixed with a little bit of psychological mind games.  

This is a suitable read for readers who do not fear crossing the line of faith and dipping into the pond of blasphemous, religious erotism. This story immerses you in a vibe of fearing what you cannot see, but feel in the back of your spine, leading you to question what is right in front of you and amid your dreams.  

• Whispers in the dark by Nik Knight. 

This features Cody, who is stuck nursing his dying stepfather while being bullied by his stepbrother. He spends his nights playing video games and talking to himself until one day the voices talk back and take him to the world beyond his nightmares.  

This story shows what it truly means to be in it ’til the last moments; it fuses the natural fear of what might be under your bed with the fears hidden deep within your wildest nightmares.  

• Bump in the Night by Nik Night and Lily Mayne.  

This story features Ivy, who lives alone in the apartment they inherited from their aunt, finding comfort in video games and routine until one day it is all shattered by a skeevy encounter while in the pub, a violent hate crime which changes their lives forever. When they wake up injured and disoriented in the demon world, they are cared for by a demon who offers an unsettling yet tender care, something they lacked in the human world.  

This is a perfect read for anyone who has always felt a creeping feeling that there is something in their closet waiting to pull them into the depths of their dreams and haunt their every step.   

• Into the drowning deep by Mira grant.   

Seven years ago, Victoria’s sister sailed into the Mariana Trench on the Atargatis to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. She never came back. Now, Victoria is determined to seek answers, joining a new expedition to finally uncover the truth. During the voyage, she meets Olivia, an autistic lesbian who becomes her unlikely ally in the face of an unspeakable deep-sea horror. 

This is the perfect read for anyone seeking to uncover the horrors of their deepest fears. It explores the terror of the unknown by opening your eyes to what lurks in the abyss, stuffing you full of darkness to complement your deepest paranoia. 

In conclusion

Whatever you decide to choose, I truly hope it brings you the joy and excitement you’re looking forward to this upcoming Halloween. Wishing you a wonderful Halloween season full of memorable moments and lots of happiness. Happy reading and enjoy every spooky, magical moment!