Whether you’re looking to recapture your love of reading or just hoping to pick up more books, there are plenty of exciting releases lined up for 2026.
With highly anticipated releases including The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke – which has gained the approval of authors such as Stephen King – and Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart’s upcoming novel John of John, this could be the year that you discover your new favourite book.
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Perhaps instead of a new book, you will uncover a new favourite author. There are a number of exciting debuts novels due out this year, including A Bad, Bad Place from Glasgow author Frances Crawford as well as Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash, which has been praised by The Scotsman’s own Stuart Kelly.
READ MORE Stuart Kelly: 'These are the books I'm looking forward to reading (and re-reading) in 2026'
It could even be that you’re eagerly awaiting the latest instalment of your favourite series, with follow ups coming from authors including Ali Smith. There’s also the upcoming release of The Ballad Of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker to look forward to, with the novel marking the highly anticipated sequel to her hugely popular romantasy book When The Moon Hatched.
Regardless of your preferences, there is sure to be something for everyone in this list of 27 of the most exciting books coming out in 2026.
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17. The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker
Ranked among one of 2026's most highly anticipated releases is The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker. The sequel to romantasy hit When The Moon Hatched will see Raeve and Kaan back in the thick of it in a world packed with mysterious creatures, romance and its own unique magic system. — Out May 19 | Harper Collins
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18. Talking Classics by Mary Beard
One of the world's most acclaimed classicists, Mary Beard will publish Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old in 2026. Arguing for people to explore the past in order to think differently about our world, she draws connections between the past and present. — Out April 16 | Profile Books
19. A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot, Natasha Lehrer
A very different type of non-fiction writing bound to have a huge impact this year is A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot. The sexual assault survivor waived her right to anonymity when evidence that her now ex-husband had been secretly drugging and raping her, inviting dozens of strangers to abuse her for almost a decade, came to light resulting in him and 50 others convicted of rape or sexual assault following a trial. In this memoir she speaks on her life, sharing a message of defiance and renewal and declaring that victims have no reason to feel ashamed. — Out February 17 | Vintage Publishing
20. Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
Former child star turned writer Jennette McCurdy will follow up her explosive memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died with the release of her highly anticipated debut novel Half His Age. Equally as provocative, it follows the life of 17-year-old Waldo, and her affair with her creative writing teacher. — Out January 20 | Fourth Estate