For readers who like their stories a little strange
Ever wondered what would happen if history had taken a different turn? What if grief could reshape reality or strange objects opened doorways to other worlds? If the thought of stepping beyond the boundaries of the everyday normal sparks even the slightest bit of curiosity, speculative fiction might just be the genre for you. For those of you who've been riding the "spec-fic" wave for years, bear with us. There are newcomers who might need a little more detail. We've all been there, right?
To the newcomers, speculative fiction has been on the up and up for quite some time now. It spans a massive spectrum, exploring concepts that lie beyond the boundaries of our known reality. Rather than existing as one single genre, it pulls from many, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and alternative histories.
At its core, speculative fiction offers compelling depth. Once you've had a glimpse into worlds both unsettling and strangely familiar, you'll probably find yourself spiralling down a rabbit hole. Which is perfectly fine, as long as you're doing it with our help. We've put together a list of titles with our readers in mind. And if you've already been on the spec-fic wave, well, you know what to do: borrow these titles on Libby!
Mantle
by Romy Ash
When Ursula returns to her childhood home, she is drawn back into a landscape shaped by grief, memory, and long-held secrets.
I Know a Place
by Nat Cassidy
After leaving her other self behind in Korea, Rose is summoned home by Soyoung, her Korean instance, to attend her grandfather's funeral. But Soyoung has other plans, and Rose soon discovers that her return comes with consequences.
Sublimation
by Isabel J. Kim
After leaving her other self behind in Korea, Rose is summoned home by Soyoung, her Korean instance, to attend her grandfather's funeral. But Soyoung has other plans, and Rose soon discovers that her return comes with consequences.
The Coffin of Honey
by Geoffrey D. Morrison
When an iridescent, pill-shaped object washes ashore in the Indian Ocean, it offers portals to other dimensions alongside an indescribable feeling of euphoria. But every gift comes at a price.
Electric Shamans at the Festival of the Sun
by Mónica Ojeda
Two friends, Nicole and Nora, travel to a volcano for an eight-day festival. Soon after they arrive, Nora becomes possessed, taking on a voice and demeanour that don't belong to her. Desperate to help her friend, Nicole searches for answers.
Grief Eater
by Emma Osborne
When Kristina rises from her violent death, she's no longer the fragile woman left behind. She's vengeful and hungry for the blood of those who were supposed to love and protect her.
Gliff
by Ali Smith
Two siblings and their generation are prophesied to restore order to an increasingly toxic world, carrying the weight of a future that may already be slipping away.
*Title availability may vary.
Maybe you're picking up your very first speculative fiction read, or maybe you've been chasing strange worlds for years. Either way, there's something undeniably exciting about stories that dare to ask, "What if?" If you’re ready to step into the unknown, borrow these titles and see where they take you. And for even more curated recommendations, be sure to subscribe to Libby Life.
Published Jun 19, 2026
Kiki Faison
Kiki Faison has dreamed of being a writer for as long as she can remember, and today she’s living that dream. When she's not working or volunteering locally, she enjoys exploring nature with her daughter and pup, getting lost in suspense novels, and hunting for treasures while thrifting.