November is here, and Aardvark Book Club is giving us a little bit of everything this month! From literary fiction and dark mysteries to sci-fi, romance, and fantasy, this lineup has something for just about every type of reader. I’ve already read two of this month’s picks, have another one sitting on my shelves, and added two more to my box. So, let’s break down all six November picks, what they’re about, what other books they remind me of, and which ones might deserve a spot in your box this month!
If you are still looking for something to read be sure to check out some of my Most Anticipated New Releases lists. If you’re looking for add-ons to put into your boxes, be sure to check out other reviews from previous Aardvark picks.
November MOST ANTICIPATED
Fall Most Anticipated
November Picks
My Picks
November’s Aardvark lineup has a little something for everyone! Milkteeth by Caitlin Starling brings a dark, gothic twist to vampire fiction with themes of motherhood and body horror. Think A Dowry of Bloodmeets Nightbitch, perfect for readers who like their horror a little weird and unsettling. I already have a copy of this one, so I skipped adding it to my box. Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi is another one I’ve already read, and my full review is up! Scalzi is always a favorite of mine, and while this wasn’t my favorite of his, I still gave it four stars. It’s a quirky mix of sci-fi and detective fiction with a surprisingly heartwarming story about community, perfect for fans of Starter Villain or anyone who enjoys a little weirdness in their mysteries. I also just finished There Used to Be People Here, which gave me major S.A. Cosby vibes mixed with Headlights. It’s a gritty, atmospheric Southern mystery with a speculative/science fiction twist, but it was a slow read for me, and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. Review coming as soon as I sort through my thoughts!
As for what actually made it into my box, I went with Stations by Louise Kennedy and Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe. Stations is an emotional, character-driven literary fiction story set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland, giving Normal People and Trespasses vibes. If you love complicated relationships and stories that might break your heart a little, this could be your pick. Lethal Kiss, on the other hand, sounds like a fun mix of dark academia, sapphic romance, monsters, and murder. Lethal Kiss is available on Kindle Unlimited so you might want to skip if you subscribe.
LETHAL KISS ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
Rounding out the lineup is Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice by Gracie Marsden, a mythology-inspired historical fantasy filled with revenge, dangerous bargains, and morally gray characters. It sounds like The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea meets the darker elements of The Poppy War, making it a great option for readers who love folklore, powerful heroines, and fantasy with a darker edge. But it is more in the YA realm so I skipped this round.
Overall, a pretty interesting mix this month, and I’m excited to dive into my two new picks!
What did you decide on this month? Let me know in the comments below, over on my Instagram HERE, or on my TikTok HERE.