Yen Press has unveiled a big August slate of licensed manga, novels, manhwa, and audiobooks that will keep readers busy through the late summer. From high‑concept fantasy and grim revenge tales to cozy slice‑of‑life and provocative thrillers, this batch spans genres and formats — perfect for collectors and new readers alike. Below we break down the most notable releases, why they matter, and which titles to pre‑order if you want to stay ahead of the crush.
Table of Contents
Top highlights from Yen Press’ August lineup
Scarlet (novel) — Mamoru Hosoda
When Princess Scarlet loses everything to a palace coup, she vows revenge — and fails. Reawakened in a bizarre afterlife filled with warriors from every age, Scarlet’s journey becomes a collision of grief and resolve as she allies with a present‑day nurse to deny her enemies redemption. Tied to the new anime film from Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, this novel will attract readers who love emotionally charged fantasy with cinematic scope.
My Yandere Girlfriend Hiding in the Dungeon Kills Me Over and Over Again (novel series) — Nikita Kitagawa
A dungeon‑trapped protagonist is granted the ability to “Save & Reset,” only to find his greatest enemies are an ensemble of beautiful (and lethal) girls. This time‑rewind premise promises tense romcom‑meets‑survival stakes — ideal for fans of looping mechanics and character‑driven comedy.
Clevatess: The King of Dark Beasts, the Baby, and the Undead Hero (manga) — Yuji Iwahara
A dark beastlord set on humanity’s destruction wakes to find himself the unlikely guardian of an infant human. This blend of grim fantasy and unexpected tenderness is a high‑concept hook that should stand out on shelves.
Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between (manga) — Haruichi (FromSoftware original)
Expanding FromSoftware’s world through manga vignettes, this volume explores alternate lives and backstories of the Lands Between — great for fans who crave deeper lore and stand‑alone character moments that complement the videogame experience.
Notable genre picks worth watching
Horror & supernatural: The Demon Bride; Then Shall I Kill in Your Stead?
From supernatural curses to violent school‑life mysteries, titles like The Demon Bride and Then Shall I Kill in Your Stead? offer chilling setups and psychological tension. These will appeal to readers who favor mystery, creeping dread, and twisty reveals.
Slice‑of‑life and heartwarming reads: Hand in Hand with Mu‑chan; Deep‑Sea Aquarium Magmell
Warm, real‑world stories such as the author’s account of raising an autistic daughter and the aquarium workplace slice‑of‑life Deep‑Sea Aquarium Magmell offer emotional depth and quieter pacing — perfect counterpoints to the darker offerings in this slate.
Action, dystopia, and speculative fiction: Playing Death Games; Golden Man; Blood‑Crawling Princess
Expect brutal competition, social commentary, and heroic reinvention in these action‑heavy stories — they’re aimed at readers who enjoy fast pacing, moral ambiguity, and high drama.
Collectible editions and manhwa to add to your list
Girls’ Last Tour Collector’s Edition (omnibus) — Tsukumizu
Collectors will appreciate the omnibus treatment of this beloved, contemplative post‑apocalypse tale. Deluxe editions like this are essential for fans and physical collectors who value presentation.
What Does the Fox Say? (manhwa) — Team Gaji
For readers who enjoy office drama and romantic tension, this manhwa explores complicated relationships in a game dev studio setting — a modern, mature romance with love triangles and emotional stakes.
Audiobooks and new formats
Yen Press is also expanding audiobook availability, with adaptations planned for novels such as Dark Souls: Masque of Vindication, Blade & Bastard, The Holy Grail of Eris, and Whoever Steals This Book. Audiobooks broaden the audience for light novels and genre fiction; if you commute or prefer listening, these will be welcome additions.
Where to pre‑order and final buying tips
If you want to pre‑order or read official previews, check the publisher’s site and major retailers. For official release details and formats, see the publisher’s announcement pages (example: Yen Press) and digital storefronts like BookWalker Global. Pre‑order physical deluxe editions early if you collect, since omnibus runs can sell out quickly.
Final thoughts
August’s slate is a well‑rounded mix: high‑concept fantasies tied to major creators, voice‑heavy novels with cinematic potential, intimate real‑life storytelling, and collector friendly omnibus editions. Whether you’re a fan of dark revenge epics, introspective slice‑of‑life, or edgy survival fiction, there’s something here to add to your reading queue. Keep an eye on pre‑order windows for limited editions and audiobook release dates if you prefer listening — and give a couple of the more eclectic picks a chance; surprise favorites often emerge from diverse lineups like this.
