Ninja Book Club: What to Read in October

#ninjafam, we’re back with more book recommendations for your cozy evenings in the company of Ninja Sushi.

In this edition — a brand-new book from the «Empyrean» universe that has already taken over TikTok. Magic, dragons, a riders’ academy — an epic fantasy that will definitely leave you spellbound.

Also coming at the end of October is the long-awaited final installment of «The Book of Dust» — an essential addition to «His Dark Materials», featuring the same rich world and mysterious dæmons.

And, of course, we couldn’t skip the new Witcher release.

Andrzej Sapkowski — «Crossroads of Ravens»

Not a sequel, but a prequel to the legendary saga of the White Wolf. Here, we meet not the scarred, stoic Geralt we know, but a young witcher just beginning his path.

He hasn’t yet been hardened by pain or disillusionment — he’s still open to the world. But that world is already preparing its trials for him. We’ll once again visit Kaer Morhen, witness the witchers’ early training, and see how Geralt becomes the man we recognize.

A story that will appeal not only to Witcher fans but to anyone who loves mature, deeply layered fantasy.

Rebecca Yarros — «​​Onyx Storm»

We continue our dive into the cult fantasy series of a new generation. If the older #ninjafam readers grew up on «Harry Potter» and «Dune», the «Empyrean» series has become the defining story for today’s fantasy fans.

At its center is Violet, a twenty-year-old student at a dragon riders’ academy. This world has it all — magic, enormous dragons, brutal combat exams, and, of course, love — fierce, complicated, and real.

«Onyx Storm» is the third book in the series, released in January 2025. Amazon has already announced an adaptation planned for 2026 — so don’t wait to catch up.

Philip Pullman — «The Book of Dust»

Everyone knows «His Dark Materials»: daemons as souls, magic, an alternate England. But «The Book of Dust» cycle offers a quieter, more mature, yet equally vital expansion of that universe.

Technically a prequel, it takes place before Lyra’s birth. The magic is the same, but the focus shifts — toward philosophy, introspection, and doubt. All set against the same atmospheric backdrop of mystical Britain.

The third and likely final volume releases in October 2025. It’s the perfect time to revisit the first two and prepare for the grand conclusion.

Gabrielle Zevin — «Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow»

This is the story of Sam and Sadie — childhood friends who become game designers. Years later, they reunite and create a video game that changes the industry. They succeed — but fame comes with its own price.

It’s a novel about creativity, friendship, pain, envy, and growing up. Film rights have already been acquired by Temple Hill, the studio behind «The Maze Runner» and «Twilight».

Emily Henry — «Great Big Beautiful Life»

A novel about those who create legends — and those who long to become one. Journalists Alice and Hayden compete for the chance to write the biography of the mysterious Marjorie Ives, a woman whose story teeters between fact and fiction.

The book is full of irony, self-reflection, and meditations on how — and why — we tell our stories. It’s not a love story in the traditional sense, but a novel about reputation, trust, and the fragile nature of truth.

Benjamin Stevenson — «Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect»

Ernest Cunningham is a true-crime author struggling with writer’s block. When he’s invited to a mystery writers’ festival aboard «The Ghan», a train crossing the Australian desert, things take a dark turn — one of the guests is murdered.

The rest, including Ernie himself, are drawn into the investigation. After all, every attendee knows how to plot a murder — and might be capable of committing one in real life.

Stylistically, the novel plays with meta elements: the narrator speaks directly to the reader, teases plot points, and blurs the lines between story and storytelling — keeping you guessing at every turn.

A brilliantly balanced tale of suspense and sharp humor.