☕ the ultimate guide to autumn books 🍄🍂 (fall recommendations)

my personal autumn book recommendations:
• latest recs: • ☕ dark and cozy fall b...
• older recs: • 🍂dark autumn books tha...
hi everyone! i have compiled a list of all the atmospheric, dark and autumnal books i've read and created a guide on who i would recommend these books to!
00:00 welcome!
0:55 atmospheric fantasy
5:24 dark fantasy
8:52 halloween-y (but not scary)
10:06 halloween-y (bit scarier)
12:59 general fiction
14:15 mystery
15:25 classics
19:04 new releases
🌻 w a n n a s e e m o r e?
• Easy non-fiction recommendations: • EASY non-fiction book ...
• How to read critically: • How To Read Critically...
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🌸 m y e t s y s h o p
I sell bookmarks, bookplates and art prints!
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🌼 s o c i a l m e d i a
• goodreads: / leonie-dams
• twitter: @thebookleo
• instagram: @thebookleo
• business enquiries: [e-mail]
🌺 a b o u t m e
Hi! My name is Leonie and I am a 25 year old girl who loves talking about books! From YA to non-fiction to classics, I read it all (although fantasy will always be my fave). I live in the Netherlands and go to university, but make booktube videos in my spare time :)
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[@maggie7908]

I love the way you’re including “I recommend this if…” AND “I don’t recommend this if…” So much of booktube feels like a bombardment of “you should read all of these books everyone will love them!!!” but this feels so much more objective and actually helpful and insightful. What a wonderfully made video. Thank you 💕

[@valeria-jr5oo]

This was actually my cue to subscribe to her channel. I no longer enjoy some of my favourite booktubers' contents because they've become just... too pushy and superficial. I am so happy Leonie came up with something as simple yet functional as listing what you may or may not like about a book depending on your reading taste, it's honestly refreshing.

[@theelegantcouplesbookrevie8734]

We really appreciate this as well. Our aim is to take a few works and aim for a more in-depth discussion. Thank you for another lovely video!

[@HarvestLockwood]

Literally came here to say this.

[@MatildaTheBookDragon]

and its really funny too :)

[@voyance4elle]

yes I agree this is so great!

[@annaj323]

the whole "read this if you"/"don't read this if you" is really such a good way to do recommendations, it's so helpful to get a good idea about whether a book is for you or not (especially because you're examples are very detailed and to the point and not just "don't read this fantasy book if you don't enjoy fantasy")

[@alexandrahatch12]

Ok the “I don’t recommend this if” makes these recommendations 100% more valuable than most book recs I’ve gotten!

[@galacticvampire5308]

Leonie, I just love how objective you are with recommendations even if you love a book. I just know I can rely on your opinions 💜

[@TheBookLeo]

[@Capricorn152]

As of my autumn last year I'll never not recommend reading Anne of Green Gables and then immediately watching all of Anne With an E because both are cozy, autumnal perfection.

[@jordanciel3466]

Anne of Green Gables is one of the best books ever written for coziness especially, but Anne with an E is a disgrace.

[@Haru_6418]

So true,absolutely loved the book series as well as the show,perfection to me.

[@aaronelmore]

The Night Circus is still one of my absolute favourite books after all these years because it really just gives you that feel/experience of being there with how detailed the descriptions are. I could really picture walking across the painted grass, going into the fortune teller tent, strolling around the bonfire… massive autumn vibes from it.

[@emmaopaline]

For fall/automn atmosphere, I recommend Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Thanks for this video !

[@TheBookLeo]

i want to get around to reading those someday!

[@ChristianRumi]

@@TheBookLeo Seconding Rebecca!

[@xMysticMalia]

Heavy on Rebecca, such a great book!

[@shilohpeterson5307]

2 of my favorite books ever!

[@abstractforest4546]

Yes!! Jane Eyre is one of my favorites of all time and Rebecca was my favorite book I read last year. Definitely autumnal!

[@elysec8726]

Thank you for so clearly acknowledging the “different books for different people at different times” vibe. It’s a great way to deliver a book recommendation.

[@wiktoria5992]

What I absolutely love about this video is that you made a recommendation list /for/ others, not based on your own opinions. I've been watching your channel for a while so I more-or-less know which books you really enjoyed and which not so much but watching this video only? I wouldn't be able to tell. You perfectly highlighted the vibes of each book so that everyone can find something interesting! That's amazing! PS Also really looking forward your dark academia video

[@TheBookLeo]

thank you, i really tried my best so it's great to hear that i achieved my goal!

[@valentineboudaud1887]

I know it technically takes place during winter but The Starless sea perfectly fits the atmospheric fantasy category with a sprinkle of dark academia ! Ever since you added it to your TBR I'm waiting for your opinion on that one

[@emmakgill]

Same! I'm currently rereading it right now.🍂

[@hayleyemma7953]

Winter and Autumn are my favourite seasons. We just came out of winter here in Australia so, I love watching the other side of the globe get excited about Autumn because I can pretend the weather is still cooler 🥲

[@adonaldson8912]

All these autumn themed videos have me nostalgic for a season i’ve never experienced:’( i hate living on the equator

[@skyhideaway]

Here are some of my recommendations for autumnal reads. Fantasy: - The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill (i don't think it specifically has any autumnal elements to it, but it is very cozy and magical) Halloweeny but not scary: - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (it has this really gloomy and dark vibe, without anything actually creepy happening) Mystery: - Crooked House by Agatha Christie (honestly, a lot of her novels are very mysterious cozy vibes, especially the Miss Marple ones; plus, the mystery element is really well written) Classic Horror: - Dracula by Bram Stoker (it's a bit boring if you don't like reading letters and journal entries because that's what the first half of the book is; the action kicks off a lot later but it's really worth it) - The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (if you wished Victor Frankenstein was less of an irresponsible idiot and an actually certified scientist, you'll like Dr Jekyll; but seriously, this book is surprisingly short but also really interesting with a mystery element) Drama / Romance / Horror (idk what this genre is): - The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (it's a bit more action-driven than the others I've mentioned, but still a creepy and tragic story) Classic: - The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens (it's a little longwinded and can get boring at times, but still a nice story about human relationships and stuff)

[@May2003x]

❤

[@shavonneschumacher3458]

These are great recommendations! I’ve got Agatha Christie and The Phantom of the Opera on my list for this fall! I’d just like to add that Audible has a great version of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde read by Richard Armitage which is an excellent way to take in that book!

[@fallisdying2077]

i love that you included the "dont read this if.." part because its actyally so helpful

[@deryamelody5423]

Who else is excited to read their spooky TBR in the next two months been waiting for this for so long 😭😍👻🔮🎃

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

My reading plans for autumn/fall is to just read loads of dark academia hehe. I've already read Babel by R. F. Kuang, which was so good by the way if you need the drive to pick it up. (I also made a reading vlog)

[@jmsl910]

have you read Ghosts of Harvard? big book but quick read. i thought it was a very clever and very fun read!

[@twinklechandra7871]

You could read The Secret History by Donna Tartt, great book.

[@thesmellof_cinnamon2521]

I would add "The Phantom of the Opera" to classics and mystery. Thanks for another lovely video Leonie 😻 Beautiful coming fall for everyone🍁🍂👻

[@Sthemingway]

I love your earrings and the way you talked about these books. Sometimes it's not the plot that will attract or repel a potential reader but actually the themes or the structure of how the story is presented. I wouldn't be surprised if many of your viewers are even more (or less) excited to read a book they've been thinking about and you've helped them made a decision.

[@viir.lfc94]

I live in the southern hemisphere so Autumn videos don't really make sense to me this time of the year and I don't really watch many of them. That being said, after hearing you say that Hannibal is one of your favourite shows I trust you ALWAYS because your taste is IMPECCABLE. I'm definitely screenshotting most of your recommendations to look for later! Also, would you ever consider making a video about book recommendations based on Hannibal? I'm always looking to add to my Hannibal playlists and such and would love to know if there are any books that remind you of the show! Lots of love, love your videos! 🥰

[@humyrahfatima]

Just finished reading stardust by neil gaiman and immediately watched the movie after. So wholesome. Hoping to read some witchy books this fall 😊🍂

[@Midalias25]

Do you have any witchy book’s recommendations?

[@humyrahfatima]

@@Midalias25 i'm on the hunt for witchy books myself haha! Going to read practical magic series for the first time. Do share yours :)

[@katnisseverdeen5466]

@@humyrahfatima Oo I love stardust! It was my first Neil Gaiman and the film is just perfection, I love the cast so much!

[@ayesha36]

Read it a few winters ago and agree, it is a very cozy book.

[@humyrahfatima]

@@katnisseverdeen5466 yeah the cast was great. I was mildly surprised to see henry cavill in there. I think the tweaks in the storyline worked well in the movie. My first neil gaiman book was 'the ocean at end of the lane'. Major autumn vibes.

[@nocloud6460]

I’m so excited for the dark academia one!!

[@pendragon2012]

Autumn is the best season. Thanks for the new recs! I read Bear and the Nightingale earlier this year and it was awesome. I want to read the rest of the series too!

[@fearthelight.5766]

i paused on minute 3.39 after you mentioned folklore by taylor swift just so i could go in the comments and give some appreciation to leonie's music tastes. now that my life is complete i'm gonna go back to watching the video and add the bear and the nightingale to my tbr. thank you for existing leonie ^-^

[@shawna337]

I love how excited you get every time you talk about "The Yellow Wallpaper" I love it too! A perfect fall recommendation.

[@midnightfield]

Oh yay, looking forward to hearing all your autumn book recs!

[@roxannejoncas]

Great list! The Watchmaker of Filigree Street duology is one of my favourites 🐙 (The Yellow Wallpaper, Truly Devious, and Mexican Gothic are also top notch fall books)

[@nitzeart]

I don't know what you're talking about. Coraline has to be the creepiest most scary book I've ever read. Anyway, this is such a good way to recommend books! Love it :)

[@viivi4196]

I already have my next few books chosen but thanks for these recommendations (a few are going to my tbr), I love the way you explained them in this vid!

[@Zo_zo0]

The way I was filled with happiness one Lockwood and co was announced..Loved the books and I can’t wait for the show of my favorite book series!

[@marskatcat]

YOUR HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE EARING ARE BEAUTIFUL

[@Fiona_Co]

Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite classics of all time and I think it would be perfect for autumn!! (Dorian Gray is my number one favorite classic)

[@KayElBee23]

This is my first time seeing your channel and I never comment on videos but I have to say you're the first I've seen who recommends a book but also says 'you won't like this is..' and I love that. Instant subscribe!

[@remiwilde129]

this is it. autumn must be starting soon 🕯 love to see it (and you, leonie)

[@Djcooksandbooks]

I am going to add Mexican Gothic to my Autumnal tbr. I really like your style of very specific recommendations!

[@boocat6642]

AHH LOVE THAT VIDEO! But I‘m also so hyped because of the Dark Academia video, I-…

[@ateana_lenn]

in autumny/spooky but fun vibes, for the classic section, there's also the short story of The Canterville Ghost by Wilde too

[@gillian6918]

oh my god thank you for not including the same books EVERYONE else includes in their fall book recs i really enjoyed seeing books ive never heard of before!

[@itsgalaxious]

Leonie, this recommendations are reallt great but i cant stop staring at your cardigan. Its so cute and its giving cottagecore vibes. If you don’t mind sharing where you bought it? 🍄

[@claudiabesant1697]

Also wondering - it’s so cute! Lmk if you find out🌿

[@TheBookLeo]

it's last year's zara collection!

[@samantha2254]

Thank you for making my day better, we love you

[@JulietteIsBored]

Mistborn!!!!

[@angelaholmes8888]

The invisible life of addie larue is really good

[@MegaMirchmasala]

Was just binging your vids. Guess I've got one more to watch! Awesome content

[@olgapikul3328]

So happy you recommended Lockwood and Co! That series definitely deserves more hype.

[@MichaelAlthauser]

I don't usually comment but the way you presented the entirety of this autumn guide is really wonderful and I really enjoyed the video.

[@noraad6254]

Absolutely loved this! I really liked how you included both recommended and not recommended to since it really helps with picking up a book!

[@liacamp9]

haven't watched the whole video yet but may i say.... your makeup looks perfect, love it!

[@bookstore9347]

Thank you for this! I finally have my autumn TBR complete: 🕰☕📜🎞🗝🍂 A good girls guide to Murder (3) The Atlas six (2) The silent patient (1) If we were villains (1) Truly devious (4) Bunny (1) Manacled (1) A darker shade of Magic (3) The book thief (1) The secret history (1) Verity (1) The seven devils (2) Kingdom of the wicked (3) The unbecoming of Mara Dyer (3) Mexican gothic (1) A deadly education (3) This violent delights (2) Total of books: 33

[@Ashley-xj2tn]

ugh I would love an autumn wardrobe/outfits video if you’ve never done one! your aesthetic is my dream

[@bee-vo7xz]

I LOVE HOW YOU SET THE MOOD OF THE VIDEO!! IT REALLY GOT ME INTERESTING

[@sofiemoon1304]

Thanks for the video! Added a few things for my neverending list of "books to read right now! oh no, not right now, but maybe in autumn cause they match the atmosphere. oh, not in the autumn cause I couldn't get myself out of the void of depression. maybe I will read them during my lifetime... maybe." and, Leonie, you have such an interesting and charismatic personality. I enjoy listening to you so much!

[@ReadingNymph]

The first 3 books are some of my favourite books, already know this video is going to be perfect 🥰

[@zofiabochenska1240]

For those of them which I read, I completely agree! I don't really care what season it is outside (I can read "beach read" in the middle of winter, and atmospheric gothic novels on the actual beach), but I very much like to know what vibe I'm getting into. Some more recomendations: Moominvalley in November - my favourite moomins book, but I'd reccomend it only for people, who know the moomins already. Seriously people, read the moomins. If you liked Girl and the gost - Girl who drunk the moon. Beautiful middle grade, less spook, more feels. Neverwhere, Ocean ant the end of the Lane, Cemetary book, Sandman, even American Gods. Most Gaimans have this uneasy, halloweeny vibe, without being actually scary. Starless Sea, if you liked Night Circus, but don't mind if there is some plot actually (however, it might fit Dark Academia theme more). Dracula, especially for those who liked Frankenstein, however it had some action and a bit less philosophy.

[@angelicrose8406]

Frankenstein will always and forever be one of my favorite books of all time.

[@lavenderpagesx]

You recommend books so well! Sometimes it’s just as important to know what you don’t like! 🖤

[@midnightsun40]

This review style is so interesting and entertaining.

[@katnisseverdeen5466]

I never knew you'd read Lockwood and Co! Those books were my childhood literally, I dressed up as Lucy for world book day two years in a row, and little ten-year-old me is jumping for joy about the netflix series haha Loved the video by the way, I know everyone's talking about how cool the objectiveness is but that's because it's true! Thanks for all your videos, the cozy vibes are immaculate 💕

[@dewivanzeggelaar2377]

I'm sooooo stoked you mentioned Christina Henry! I love her books and I think they're p e r f e c t for spooky season, and they read super easy :)

[@nevskislake]

I loved this video, and I am so waiting for a dark academia video. I want to read a combination of dark academia and smutty books in school settings for September. I know some jane Austen fans might disagree, but one of the Austen books that I enjoyed is Northanger Abbey. It is both a parody of the gothic novel and a gothic novel. I love gothic fiction, but I absolutely enjoyed Austen celebrating and sanitizing those conventions.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I'm planning on reading northanger abbey in October

[@LilaBaggins]

Hearing the Night Circus described as NO PLOT JUST VIBES is so accurate!!! I've been saying the same thing since I've read it

[@megalegsx]

Just watched this with my housemate on the TV, perfect autumn vibes! I need to know where you got that beautiful cardigan from tho! ❤️

[@mintthemuffin]

The perfect fall books 🍁🍂 for me are The Starless Sea and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and you mentioned both authors in the video! - even if it's for different books . My TBR for this autumn is to re-read The Raven Cycle and the first 2 books of The Dreamer Trilogy since the final book is coming out this fall..

[@ayesha36]

Good to know, I just picked up a copy of The Starless Sea at a thrift shop!

[@maanya__742]

I wish I could devour these books in autumn, but I'm having exams so I guess I have to stick to my text books only. Hope y'all have a great start to autumn 🍂🍁

[@TheBookLeo]

good luck with your exams!!!

[@priyanshidey4299]

Same

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

Sad 😔 good luck with your exams though!

[@maanya__742]

Thank you everyone! ☺💗

[@elmeelee4109]

your intro just tripped me out bc I’m playing stardew and actually entered the stardew valley menu and kept turning the volume down even though it was off and so confused why i could still hear it

[@sayuritube]

Can you please make a video of book recommendations for people who either like a) character/vibes focus, or b) pure plot focus? I find that those two seem to really divide people! Love your videos!

[@craftyreads]

All your dark fantasy recs are on my tbr now! Thank you Leonie 🙌🏼

[@julialovesgfriend]

i spent so much time preparing books to read for Halloween month and forgot about wholesome unspooky autumn !!! I don’t have any money left so I definitely won’t be buying any new books but it’s fun to hear about it!! i read piranesi because of you and it blew my mind and it’s definitely a 5 star book to me and so I trust your recs

[@elizabethb.3932]

Your recommendation of Addie Larue based on those who fell in love with the Darklimg 😆 spot on!

[@LouiseB228]

I recently read The Yellow Wallpaper and loved it. Currently reading The Picture of Dorian Gray. I think next will be Frankenstein but I’m also interested in Truly Devious too. I hadn’t heard of that book before but I think I’m going to check it out!

[@katied.120]

this is my favorite channel on youtube ❤️

[@TheBookLeo]

[@pr4360]

Mexican Gothic gave me goosebums with its "something isn't right" vibes and it made me close the book a few times with a horrified "this isn't right"

[@readingaster]

how brilliant to to ...derecommend books as well as recommend them!! i've fallen for way too many general recommendations of things that were definitely not for me so this really helps

[@Sophie-lf9zn]

I love your recommendations! I can‘t wait for the dark academia video ☺️ But if I might add, could you maybe show the covers of the books for longer? I always add books to my tbr while watching booktube videos and here I had to skip back each time because I couldn‘t catch the title and the author that quickly 😬

[@haleylquinton]

I didn't think I would like Piranesi, but I ended up loving it! It was hard to get into at first because I had no idea what was going on but once you get a grasp of the world, it's gorgeous.

[@MinMin-kq2zn]

Wow your recommendations are just getting better and better!

[@paromitaroy5861]

hi leonie!! i'm starting school soon and idk why but i have a feeling i'll be rewatching your videos a lot for comfort in this time. wish me luck and hope you have great days ahead of you!

[@houseofplayboys6413]

For my reference: The dark days club Mexican gothic Truly devious Foul lasy fortune

[@madireads]

Bestie my WALLET can’t HANDLE THIS. So many good recs I want to read now 🫠😭

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

My wallet is dying!!! 😫

[@jaswantee7132]

You say "Taylor Swift" I say "I'm buying that book"

[@carolinesch.]

Monstress book one (the first bind up) is so far my highlight this year

[@elisessiguess]

I JUMPED OUY OF MY CHAIR WHEN YOU MENTIONED LOCKWOOD AND CO. I LOVE THAT SERIES SOOOO MUCHHHHHHH

[@shakerasimpson4106]

I love the way you say 'read this if..' 'it's not for you if...' Different people have different taste in books, so I love this video

[@aj-nu1vl]

the intro is SO pretty!!!!!

[@tatianashishkina7975]

So nice, thank you! From my autumn favorites I'd add Discovery of the Witches as more YA university vibe and Possesion as more adult academia. Also, classics - Poe and his short stories; fantasy - The night in the lonesome October and Practical Magic. Autumn is a time for detective stories as well, so maybe Christie's Halloween party or The Pale Horse; J. Harris series about St. Andrew's school; Bardugo's Ninth House or, well, famous Secret History is what someone in the comment section is looking for :)

[@caitplol]

Rebecca by Daphne de Maurier is perfect early autumn vibes I read it a few months ago but can’t stop thinking about it and will probably read it again once it gets colder lol

[@nita0507]

I love watching these upcoming autumn videos as I come out of Winter and into spring (I live in the Southern Hemisphere) ahaha. Makes me miss the past autumn + winter 😭🤍

[@andreiafca8373]

you have read my mind i really wanted to creat a cozy fall vibes tbr!

[@mishascos]

Lockwood & Co. is literally one of the most well-written and interesting stories ever (IMO)! Highly recommend.

[@josephines523]

My own fall dark academia recommendation is _The Maidens_ by Alex Michaelides! It is SO good.

[@meg.inthepages]

Is it hard to read?? I own it but have been putting it off cause I’m worried I would struggle with it hehe 😅

[@josephines523]

@@meg.inthepages I really liked it. It was dark academia and some horror near the end but not too much (more thriller than horror). The setup is slightly long but if you’re reading for atmosphere, plot, and characters, the book is excellent!

[@ayesha36]

I've heard people generally liked it less than The Silent Patient, do you have thoughts on that?

[@josephines523]

@@ayesha36 Reading the Silent Patient as we speak so I’ll have to let you know :)

[@annas.8994]

the way you recommend books is so unique and amazing. Thank you !! 🌾🍃✨

[@SJ-zw4cw]

I appreciate your recommendations because you aren't just reading the summary on the book jackets. Thanks!

[@melmeier2317]

I just found ur Autumn video, please do one for this year as well!!!!♥️

[@almasalsa6]

I am really glad to discover your channel couple of month ago. Thank you for helping me return to the reading, I've lost it for some time. Can't wait to give a go to your recommendations in this video!

[@grainneocruhuir6383]

City of ghosts and Lockwood and co genuinely scared the hell out of me and I read them when I was like 18 so if you’re scared easily don’t go there. They’re great stories but don’t read them at night

[@ritaalves4479]

ohh the Stardew music.. my heart❤❤❤

[@niamhl6964]

Anything by Moira Fowley-Doyle, but especially The Spellbook of the Lost and Found, is perfect for Autumn. Set in Ireland, characters with secrets, mysterious disappearings, and witchy vibes all round

[@anabananapopana]

Aaaah, I‘m so glad I found this. I‘m currently reading the throne of glass series, but I’m planning on finishing it during september and am still looking for books in October. I really love that you added „read this if/or don‘t…“. Because I really love fantasy and mystery, but the most important part for me is great character development. If I don‘t know nearly everything about the characters, I don‘t care if they survive the fight (can‘t get into action sequences), same with worldbuilding. (Even ToG lacked that for me during the first 4 books) So I could directly rule a lot of books out, where you talked about the lack of worldbuilding and character development. And… I was never interested in reading Dune, but you definitely catched me for that one :D

[@heyeil]

I didn't expect that folklore reference 🤍

SO excited for Foul Lady Fortune! I hadn't realized it was New Adult, so now I am even more excited. Also, Hell Bent, the sequel to Ninth House, is coming out in January 2023, I believe!

[@scarlett2692]

Your Frankenstein copy ugh I love it!

[@AExplorer888]

When I see the notification, I dropped everything that I'm doing.

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

yep same

[@calimorgan6533]

The yellow wallpaper is amazing

[@urmilaha3249]

i love your expressons:'), it gets me hyped up even before reading the book. Also, you give real Ghibli studios vibes