Cult Author Mark Z. Danielewski Announces New Book as ‘House of Leaves’ Turns 25

Cult author Mark Z. Danielewski has something exciting up his sleeve, and it’s tied to a major milestone. This year, his groundbreaking horror novel ‘House of Leaves’ celebrates its 25th anniversary. First hitting shelves in March 2000, the book shook up the literary world with its wild structure and creepy tale. To mark the occasion, Danielewski just announced he’s got a new book on the way, set to land this Halloween season.

‘House of Leaves’ isn’t your typical read. It’s a mind-bending story about a family who moves into a house that’s bigger inside than out. The deeper they explore, the weirder and darker it gets. Told through a mix of footnotes, odd layouts, and a fictional documentary called ‘The Navidson Record,’ it’s a puzzle that’s kept readers hooked for decades. Since its release by Pantheon Books, it’s built a loyal following and even won the New York Public Library’s Young Lions Fiction Award.

Now, 25 years later, Danielewski’s not slowing down. His new project, still untitled, drops on October 28, 2025. Pantheon Books is behind this one too, and while details are scarce, the timing around Halloween hints at something spooky. I can’t help but wonder if he’ll stick to the eerie vibes he’s known for or surprise us with a fresh twist. Either way, it’s a big moment for a writer who’s made a name pushing boundaries.

Danielewski’s journey with ‘House of Leaves’ started long before it hit bookstores. He began writing it in 1990 after his father’s death, pouring his grief into a piece called ‘Redwood’ during a long bus ride. That raw energy evolved into the complex tale we know today. Before its official launch, bits of the manuscript floated around online and underground circles in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco, building a buzz that carried it to bestseller status.

The guy’s no stranger to ambitious projects. After ‘House of Leaves,’ he tackled ‘Only Revolutions’ in 2006, a National Book Award finalist with a dizzying, circular narrative. Then came ‘The Familiar,’ a planned 27-volume series about a girl and her kitten. He got through five books between 2015 and 2017 before pausing it, but each one was a visual feast with unique fonts and layouts. He even dabbled in shorter works like ‘The Fifty Year Sword,’ which got live performances at REDCAT in Los Angeles.

What makes Danielewski stand out is his style. He plays with how words look on the page, not just what they say. In ‘House of Leaves,’ text twists and turns, mirroring the house’s impossible halls. It’s tough to describe, but once you dive in, it’s hard to put down. Bret Easton Ellis, the ‘American Psycho’ author, once said it’s so thrilling and smart it makes other books feel dull. That kind of praise shows why this anniversary matters.

We’re all curious about what’s next. The new book’s release date is the only solid clue so far, but knowing Danielewski, it’ll be anything but ordinary. With ‘House of Leaves’ still haunting readers after 25 years, this feels like the perfect time for him to drop something fresh. I’m already counting down to October—how about you?