Genre: Subgenre
Paranormal fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction set in the real world, featuring elements that defy scientific explanation—such as ghosts, vampires, psychics, and shapeshifters. It focuses on the supernatural, eerie, or unexplained within daily life, often blending with romance, horror, or fantasy to explore themes beyond human understanding.
I needed a little help getting into the Halloween spirit, and The Bewitching seemed like the perfect solution. Witches, dark academia, gothic atmosphere, three timelines, and a mysterious disappearance? Yes, please. Here’s what I thought of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s latest spooky read.
I don’t consider myself a horror reader.
Which makes it particularly funny that I requested a book about blood witches, body horror, magical science, and a creepy mansion in the Appalachian Mountains.
But *The Forest Bleeds* caught my attention on NetGalley with two words: “arcane bioengineering.” Add a blood witch and a gorgeous cover, and apparently that was enough to make me click Request.
I’m glad I did.
Rachel Kitch blends science and magic into a creepy, atmospheric story with complicated characters, dark academia vibes, and enough hopefulness to balance out the horror. I even gobbled it up in two days.
Sometimes following the thing that makes you curious leads you somewhere you didn’t expect to enjoy.
Read my review of *The Forest Bleeds* to find out why this non-horror reader is already feeling ready for spooky season.
What if you met your soulmate after you died?
This week on Lacey In The Library, I’m reviewing *The Love of My Afterlife* by Kirsty Greenwood, a quirky romantic comedy about second chances, unexpected friendships, and discovering that the life you want might already be waiting for you.
If you’re craving a lighthearted read with plenty of laughs, lovable characters, and surprising emotional depth, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
My review of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, a haunting dark fantasy exploring immortality, freedom, love, and identity.
Pines by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced sci-fi horror thriller packed with paranoia, mystery, survival themes, and eerie small-town tension.
Read my honest review of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith — a dark fantasy romance where magic, death, and desire intertwine. I break down the cover design, plot, writing style, and why this hyped read might be more vibe than substance.
Discover Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher—a witchy, romantic Jane Eyre reimagining full of cozy mystery, gothic charm, and autumn magic.
The Reveal by Megan Crane, a spicy paranormal romance featuring vampires, magic, and a reluctant heroine caught between trauma, desire, and world-ending stakes.
Welcome, bookish coven, to a list designed to enchant your spooky season TBR! 13 curated reads devoted to witches. Haunt the list, download the free printable.