The 5 new sci-fi and fantasy books to read (May 2026)
Several highly anticipated science fiction and fantasy books are set for release in May 2026, offering a diverse range of stories from ghostly historical fiction to satirical LitRPG adventures. Works by authors such as Sunyi Dean, Matt Dinniman, and Sarah Gailey explore themes like identity, memory, and dystopian wellness cultures. These releases coincide with growing multimedia interest, including upcoming TV and tabletop adaptations of popular series.
- ▪The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean is a dual-timeline ghost story set in Kowloon during and before World War II, following a memory-loss protagonist who communicates with spirits.
- ▪A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman is the eighth book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, following Carl and Princess Donut through surreal challenges on their way to the mysterious 11th floor.
- ▪Make Me Better by Sarah Gailey is a horror novel set in Kindred Cove, a secluded cult-like wellness community on an isolated island hosting an annual Salt Festival.
- ▪The Girl with a Thousand Faces is published by Tor Books and releases on May 8, 2026, for $29.99.
- ▪A Parade of Horribles and Make Me Better are both scheduled for release on May 12, 2026, through Penguin Random House and Tor respectively.
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