My favorite novella on earth! Dark, gay, and spine-tingling. This story about monsters, violence, and vengeance is not for the faint of heart.

2. THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR

Basically Killing Eve... with time travel. Told through twisty narration (hey, they're time travelers; no wonder it's confusing) and epic love letters, this novella is worthy of its Hugo award

3. SILVER IN THE WOOD

Quiet, romantic, and perfect for autumn. Reads like a dreamy fairytale.

4. THE BLACK GOD'S DRUMS

Appropriate for all ages, this fun steampunk novella contains African-inspired mythology, alternate history, and anti-imperialist themes

5. THE DESCENT OF MONSTERS

While this is book 3 of the series, it can be read on its own. This badass silkpunk fantasy centers on an official who is desperate to solve the mysterious massacre in an isolated government facility, even if everyone else would rather brush it aside...

6. THE MURDERS OF MOLLY SOUTHBOURNE

Hey, fellow Vicious fans, this is for you! This novella is so twisted and gripping that you can binge read it in a day. At least, I did.

7. THE BALLAD OF BLACK TOM

This one works better if you've read the Lovecraft story it's based on (I haven't). This cosmic horror story set in the 1920s grapples with race and social class.

8. THE BLOODY CHAMBER (and other stories)

Before there was edgy DeviantArt Disney fanart, before Tim Burton, there was Angela Carter. She took classic fairytales and turned them dark and feminine. Blood, sex, violence, you name it. Complete with amazing prose.

9. THE ORDER OF THE PURE MOON REFLECTED IN WATER

This might be a wuxia fantasy, but did you know that it's actually set in Malaysia? It's not really an action-packed fantasy; more like a tale that focuses on found family and identity.

10. A LITTLE LIGHT MISCHIEF

Just in case you're in the mood for a romance but can't handle a full length novel. This sweet little story features women falling in love and getting revenge on the men who wronged them.

11. CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN

A lot of translated fiction can fall into this category! This novella is hilarious, but it's also an excellent read for any adult woman facing pressures on career and marriage

12. AFTER DARK

This is a good place to start with Haruki Murakami. Quiet, introspective, and a little weird... but not too weird. It takes place over the span of one night in Tokyo, and how various people's lives collide.