Locus Bestsellers for November Unveil Dynamic Shifts and Enduring Favorites in Speculative Fiction

OAKLAND, CA – November [Current Year] – The Locus Bestsellers list for November, reflecting sales data compiled from independent bookstores in April 2026, showcases a vibrant and evolving landscape within the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. This month’s rankings reveal a fascinating interplay between established giants and burgeoning new voices, with significant entries across hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and media-related categories. Topping the charts are James S.A. Corey’s latest space opera, The Faith of Beasts, Andy Weir’s critically acclaimed Project Hail Mary, and the timeless fantasy epic Dragonlance Legends by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman, alongside Seanan McGuire’s Magic: The Gathering novel.

The Locus Bestsellers are a critical barometer for the speculative fiction market, drawing data from a curated network of independent bookstores across North America. Unlike broader commercial lists, the Locus compilation offers a unique insight into the tastes and purchasing habits of dedicated genre readers who frequent these specialized literary hubs. The November list underscores several key trends: the sustained dominance of beloved authors, the meteoric rise of subgenres like LitRPG, and the enduring appeal of media tie-in fiction.

Main Facts: November’s Chart-Toppers and Notable Entrants

This month’s Locus Bestsellers are led by a compelling mix of seasoned authors and fresh narratives. In the highly competitive hardcover category, James S.A. Corey, the collaborative pen name of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, seized the top spot with The Faith of Beasts. This second installment in their The Captive’s War series immediately captivated readers, demonstrating the authors’ continued mastery of expansive, character-driven science fiction. The hardcover list also saw strong performances from Christopher Buehlman’s medieval horror adventure Between Two Fires and a remarkable proliferation of titles from Matt Dinniman, signaling a significant shift in reader preferences.

The trade paperback list continued to be dominated by Andy Weir’s ingenious Project Hail Mary, a testament to its widespread appeal and crossover success. Following closely was Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl, further cementing his presence across multiple formats. This category also highlighted the consistent popularity of epic fantasy and romantic fantasy series, with long-standing favorites like Pierce Brown’s Red Rising and Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses maintaining strong positions.

In the media and gaming-related category, two powerhouses tied for first place: Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman’s seminal Dragonlance Legends and Seanan McGuire’s Magic: The Gathering: Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos. These titles underscore the vibrant ecosystem of tie-in fiction, where beloved franchises continue to expand their narratives through skilled literary voices.

Chronology: A Look at Trajectories and Enduring Popularity

The November Locus Bestsellers list offers a fascinating chronological snapshot, revealing both the immediate impact of new releases and the sustained appeal of established works.

Hardcover Dynamics: Newcomers and Stalwarts

The Faith of Beasts by James S.A. Corey, a new entry this month, immediately claimed the #1 position, showcasing the immense anticipation surrounding the duo’s post-Expanse work. This swift ascent from zero to the top spot is a clear indicator of their loyal readership and critical acclaim. Its predecessor in The Captive’s War series likely set a high bar, which The Faith of Beasts appears to have easily cleared.

Christopher Buehlman’s Between Two Fires held strong at #2, now in its second month on the list and having previously ranked #7. Its consistent performance suggests a growing word-of-mouth following for its unique blend of historical horror and dark fantasy.

The most striking chronological trend on the hardcover list is the pervasive presence of Matt Dinniman. With Carl’s Doomsday Scenario at #3 (4 months on list, down from #3), The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook at #5 (4 months on list, down from #9), The Butcher’s Masquerade at #8 (3 months on list, down from #2), This Inevitable Ruin at #9 (2 months on list, new from unranked), and The Gate of the Feral Gods at #10 (6 months on list, down from #4), Dinniman’s works collectively occupy half of the top ten hardcover spots. This unprecedented saturation reflects a sustained and fervent demand for his LitRPG titles, indicating a dedicated fan base that eagerly consumes new releases and continues to support backlist titles. The slight fluctuations in ranking for his longer-standing titles are natural, but their continued presence is remarkable.

Other new hardcover entries include Alex Aster’s Starside at #4 and Ilona Andrews’s This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me at #6, both making their debut. Heather Fawcett’s Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter, at #7, has been on the list for three months, dropping from #1, indicating a strong initial surge followed by a more stable, albeit lower, position. The runner-up, Cameron Sullivan’s The Red Winter, also represents a fresh voice in fantasy, though it didn’t crack the main list this month. The number of nominated titles for hardcovers saw a slight decrease from 55 to 54, suggesting a concentrated market with fewer new books making significant waves, or perhaps a stronger consolidation around established and emerging hits.

Trade Paperback Longevity: Sustained Success

The trade paperback list is characterized by remarkable longevity and the continued reign of certain titles. Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary has been an absolute phenomenon, holding the #1 spot for an impressive 18 months. This extended run underscores its status as a contemporary science fiction classic, consistently drawing in new readers and maintaining its appeal years after its initial release. Its ability to retain the top position month after month speaks volumes about its enduring quality and broad appeal.

Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl at #2 is another powerful performer, now in its fourth month on the list, having dropped only slightly from its #2 position. Its consistent high ranking in trade paperback mirrors Dinniman’s hardcover success, further illustrating the widespread embrace of the LitRPG genre.

Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, at #3, boasts an incredible 13 months on the list, climbing from #6. This signifies the sustained popularity of his epic dystopian space opera series, often fueled by reader recommendations and the anticipation of future installments. Similarly, Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup (12 months on list, #4) demonstrates a strong, enduring readership for his intricate fantasy narratives.

Sarah J. Maas continues to dominate the romantic fantasy subgenre, with A Court of Thorns and Roses at #6 (a staggering 45 months on list, dropping from #3) and A Court of Mist and Fury at #9 (35 months on list, re-entering the list). These numbers are extraordinary, highlighting the fervent, dedicated fanbase for Maas’s work and the immense power of the YA/NA fantasy romance market. Her books have become perennial bestsellers, demonstrating a crossover appeal that transcends traditional genre boundaries.

Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Strife is a new entry at #5, while Children of Time at #10 has been on the list for 18 months, dropping from #6. This indicates the author’s consistent output and the strong following for his thought-provoking science fiction, with both new and older titles finding success. Susanna Clarke’s literary fantasy Piranesi (15 months on list, #7) also showcases the enduring appeal of critically acclaimed, unique voices.

Emily Krempholtz’s Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore is another new trade paperback entry at #8, representing a fresh face in the genre. The trade paperback category saw an increase in nominated titles from 55 to 63, suggesting a robust and dynamic market with many strong contenders vying for reader attention.

Media & Gaming: Franchise Power

The media and gaming-related list, though smaller with only three titles, showcases the immense power of established franchises. Dragonlance Legends by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman tied for #1, now in its second month on the list. This classic fantasy series, a cornerstone of Dungeons & Dragons lore, continues to resonate with both nostalgic readers and new generations discovering its rich world. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the foundational impact it has had on the fantasy genre.

Sharing the top spot is Seanan McGuire’s Magic: The Gathering: Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos, a new entry. McGuire, known for her prolific and diverse fantasy works, brings her signature style to the popular trading card game universe, demonstrating the successful synergy between gaming and literature.

Dan Abnett’s Warhammer 40,000: Eisenhorn: The Omnibus rounds out the list at #3, now in its sixth month, dropping from #2. The Warhammer 40,000 universe has a massive following, and Abnett is one of its most celebrated authors, making his omnibus a consistent bestseller in this niche. The total nominated titles for this category decreased from 22 to 16, which might indicate a more concentrated focus on a few very strong franchise titles rather than a broader array of tie-ins.

Supporting Data: Deep Dives into Authors, Genres, and Publishing Trends

The Locus Bestsellers list is not just a ranking; it’s a mirror reflecting broader trends in speculative fiction publishing.

The Rise of LitRPG: Matt Dinniman’s Phenomenon

The most undeniable trend this month is the overwhelming presence of Matt Dinniman’s work. LitRPG, a subgenre where characters navigate a world governed by game-like rules, has exploded in popularity, and Dinniman is at its forefront. His Dungeon Crawler Carl series, alongside titles like Carl’s Doomsday Scenario and The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, have cultivated a passionate and rapidly expanding fanbase. This success speaks to a demographic hungry for interactive, system-driven narratives, often characterized by dark humor, high stakes, and complex world-building derived from gaming mechanics. Publishers like Ace have clearly recognized this burgeoning market, investing heavily in Dinniman’s prolific output.

Enduring Giants: Corey, Weir, Weis & Hickman

The consistent success of authors like James S.A. Corey and Andy Weir underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted, high-concept science fiction. Corey’s The Captive’s War series follows in the footsteps of their acclaimed The Expanse, delivering intricate plots and compelling characters on a grand scale. Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary combines scientific rigor with a charming narrative voice and high-stakes problem-solving, a formula that has proven universally appealing. These authors represent the pinnacle of modern hard science fiction and space opera.

Similarly, Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman’s Dragonlance Legends represents the foundational strength of classic epic fantasy. Their work helped define the genre for a generation of readers, and its continued presence on bestseller lists highlights the power of nostalgia combined with timeless storytelling.

The Power of Romantic Fantasy: Sarah J. Maas and Ilona Andrews

Sarah J. Maas’s remarkable performance with multiple A Court of Thorns and Roses titles showcases the immense commercial power of the romantic fantasy subgenre. These books blend intricate world-building and magical elements with passionate romance, appealing to a broad audience, particularly in the young adult and new adult markets. Authors like Ilona Andrews, with This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, also thrive in this space, offering urban fantasy and paranormal romance that resonates deeply with readers. This genre is a significant driver of sales and reader engagement within fantasy.

Literary Acclaim and Dark Fantasy: Buehlman, Clarke, Tchaikovsky

Authors like Christopher Buehlman (Between Two Fires) and Susanna Clarke (Piranesi) represent a segment of the market that values sophisticated prose and unique narrative structures. Buehlman’s dark, medieval horror provides a gritty, atmospheric alternative to traditional fantasy, while Clarke’s Piranesi offers a meditative, enigmatic experience that has garnered critical praise. Adrian Tchaikovsky, with both Children of Strife and Children of Time, continues to push the boundaries of science fiction with biologically inventive and philosophically rich narratives. These authors cater to readers seeking depth and originality beyond conventional genre tropes.

The Independent Bookstore Advantage: Locus’s Unique Lens

The data for the Locus Bestsellers is compiled from a network of independent bookstores, including Bakka-Phoenix (Canada), Book Moon (MA), Borderlands (CA), McNally Robinson (Canada), Mysterious Galaxy (CA), Toadstool (NH), and White Dwarf (Canada). This methodology provides a crucial alternative perspective to lists compiled from major retailers or algorithms. Independent bookstores often foster strong community ties, cater to dedicated genre enthusiasts, and hand-sell books, leading to a list that might emphasize critically acclaimed works, cult favorites, and authors championed by booksellers. This explains the strong showing for authors like Dinniman and Maas, who have robust grassroots followings, and the consistent presence of foundational SFF authors. It’s a list driven by passionate readers and knowledgeable booksellers.

Official Responses: The Silent Endorsement of Reader Engagement

While the Locus report doesn’t feature direct "official responses" from authors or publishers, the very existence and composition of the bestseller list serve as a powerful endorsement from the reading public.

For authors like James S.A. Corey, Andy Weir, and Matt Dinniman, reaching the top of these lists signifies not just commercial success but also a validation of their creative vision. Publishers, in turn, view these rankings as a confirmation of their editorial choices and marketing strategies. The sustained presence of titles like Project Hail Mary or Sarah J. Maas’s series indicates a robust and loyal readership, which translates into continued investment in these authors and their respective genres. The success of Matt Dinniman, in particular, sends a clear signal to publishers about the significant, untapped potential of the LitRPG market, likely encouraging further acquisitions and promotions in this subgenre.

For the independent bookstores themselves, their participation in compiling the Locus list is an affirmation of their role as cultural arbiters and community hubs for speculative fiction. Their sales data, rather than being overshadowed by mass-market trends, is highlighted as a distinct and valuable indicator of genre health. The Locus list, therefore, acts as an "official response" from the heart of the SFF community, showcasing what truly resonates with its most dedicated members.

Implications: Shaping the Future of Speculative Fiction

The November Locus Bestsellers list carries significant implications for the future direction of speculative fiction and the broader publishing industry.

The Maturation of LitRPG

The undeniable dominance of Matt Dinniman across both hardcover and trade paperback lists signifies the maturation of LitRPG from a niche, often self-published phenomenon, into a mainstream genre embraced by major publishers. This trend suggests that traditional publishing houses are increasingly recognizing and investing in genres born online, which could lead to more diverse storytelling and a blurring of lines between fan fiction, web novels, and traditionally published works. The success of LitRPG also points to a growing reader demographic that appreciates immersive, game-inspired narratives.

The Enduring Appeal of Franchise Fiction

The strong performance of Dragonlance Legends, Magic: The Gathering, and Warhammer 40,000 tie-in novels highlights the continued commercial viability and cultural significance of franchise fiction. These books extend beloved universes, offering fans new stories and deeper lore. This symbiotic relationship between media franchises and publishing ensures a steady stream of content for dedicated fanbases and introduces new readers to established worlds. It also showcases the skill of authors like Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Seanan McGuire, and Dan Abnett in crafting compelling narratives within pre-existing frameworks.

A Diverse and Dynamic Genre Landscape

The list reflects a remarkably diverse genre landscape. From the hard science fiction of Corey and Weir to the dark fantasy of Buehlman, the romantic fantasy of Maas and Andrews, the literary fantasy of Clarke, and the cutting-edge science fiction of Tchaikovsky, there’s a wide array of themes and styles succeeding. This diversity is a sign of a healthy and innovative genre, capable of appealing to myriad tastes and continuously evolving. It suggests that readers are open to exploring different facets of speculative fiction, from grand space operas to intimate magical realism.

The Resilience of Backlist and Series

The impressive longevity of titles like Project Hail Mary, Red Rising, and the A Court of Thorns and Roses series underscores the importance of backlist sales and the power of multi-book series. A strong first entry can sustain interest for years, driving sales of subsequent books and attracting new readers to older titles. This provides authors with a stable platform and publishers with reliable revenue streams, allowing for greater risk-taking with newer, less established voices.

The Role of Independent Bookstores

Finally, the Locus Bestsellers list reaffirms the vital role of independent bookstores in shaping literary culture. Their curated selections and direct engagement with readers provide a nuanced view of the market, often highlighting books that might be overlooked by broader commercial metrics. Supporting these stores is crucial for maintaining a diverse and vibrant publishing ecosystem, ensuring that a wide range of voices and genres can find their audience.

As the speculative fiction landscape continues to expand and diversify, the Locus Bestsellers for November provide a compelling snapshot of what readers are embracing, from the cosmic reaches of space opera to the intricate dungeons of LitRPG, and the timeless realms of classic fantasy. The trends observed this month will undoubtedly influence publishing strategies and genre developments in the months and years to come, promising an exciting future for fans of the fantastic.