Fantasy Books by Black Americans We Can’t Wait to Get Our Hands On

Anticipated Fantasy & Sci-Fi Releases by Black American Authors

By: Krystal Lang

Shop this article (*affiliate links): https://bookshop.org/lists/fantasy-sci-fi-readin-magazine 

It’s a new year, and that means new books! Regardless of setting or time period, fantasy and science fiction stories from Black American authors offer a unique perspective on the world shaped by the authors’ identities and lived experiences. Black fantasy, across the diaspora, draws inspiration from African folklore, mythology, and history, expanding the range and imagination of the fantasy genre. In a world that needs more empathy and understanding, diverse literature plays an important role. Choosing to pick up these books will give the reader not only a way to escape into a story, but also a way to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans in literature.

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

Writer Zelu is uninterested in settling down, neither in marriage nor career. Living with a disability and as the black sheep of her family, she finds herself laid off from her job and rejected by a publisher when she decides to write something she truly wants to write. This decision, and the futuristic epic story that comes from it, leads her on the path to stardom and forever changes everything about her life. “Death of the Author” comes out January 14th

This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole

In this sequel to So Let Them Burn, everything has changed for Faron. Kidnapped and forced to bond with her people’s enemy, she has fallen from grace. Her elder sister Elara must undo the damage she's done, but will she be able to save her sister and their people from the conflict started by dragons? The conclusion to the Jamaican folklore-inspired Divine Traitors duology, “This Ends in Embers” comes out February 4th.

(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi

(S)Kin is award-winning author Ibi Zoboi’s contemporary fantasy debut. This novel, inspired by Caribbean folklore, is unique because it’s written in verse and is about ancestral magic and the lengths Marisol and Gen are willing to go to for the futures they want, as well as the secrets they uncover along the way. “(S)Kin” is available February 11th.

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

The next installment in The Legendborn Cycle continues to follow Bree Matthews, this time bound to what she’s been running from. More alone than she’s ever been, in an attempt to keep herself, and those she holds dear safe, Bree must do whatever it takes to master her powers. In her absence, with the round table fractured and a string of killings and disappearances, the remaining scions attempt to hold things together. “Oathbound” comes out March 4th.

A Desert of Bleeding Sand by Lucia Damisa

Zair will stop at nothing to uncover the cause of the disappearances at her academy, including having to work together with rival spy Dathan. Damisa’s debut is filled with magic, political intrigue, hidden motives, and a simmering attraction. “A Desert of Bleeding Sand” is available on March 27th.

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

Emezi returns to fantasy for readers of all ages with a story inspired by the West African world. Twins Somadina and Jayaike have been two peas in a pod their entire lives until they begin to come into their magical powers. While her brother’s magic enchants, Somadina’s powers wreak fear upon their community. Their town turns their fear into hostility, and when Somadina thinks things can’t get any worse her twin vanishes. “Somadina” by Akwaeke Emezi comes out April 15th.

Iron Tongue of Midnight by Brittany N. Williams

In the conclusion to the historical fantasy trilogy, The Forge and Fraction Saga, it's up to Joan Sands to banish the fae, just as her ancestors had in the past. Armed with a magical sword and her growing power to manipulate metal, she must uncover the secrets of the past to ensure the future of London. “Iron Tongue of Midnight” is available on April 22nd.

Harmattan Season by Tochi Onyebuchi

Boubacar, a veteran and private eye, can’t seem to catch a break in this standalone, inspired by postcolonial West Africa. He finds himself caught in the crosshairs between the French occupiers and Indigenous peoples as they attempt to reclaim their heritage and the abilities that come with it. This riveting fantasy noir, “Harmattan Season,” comes out May 27th.

The Memory of the Ogisi by Moses Ose Utomi

Hundreds of years later, the City of a Thousand Stories still stands. Ogisi is a historian who has dedicated his life’s work to studying a little-known figure from the past Osi. Determined to keep his livelihood, he ventures into the Forever Desert to find his lost tomb and answers. The conclusion to the acclaimed Forever Desert series, “The Memory of the Ogisi” comes out July 15th.

Bones at the Crossroads by LaDarrion Williams

In this sequel to the best-selling fantasy debut Blood at the Root, Malik wants to go back to being a regular college student. Instead, he finds himself accepting new truths and new powers. Will joining an elite secret society with roots in great power help him learn about his heritage and abilities? Find out in “Bones at the Crossroads” which is available July 29th.

Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis

It's said that werewolves protect the people of Mira’s small town from vampires and have for a long time, but she no longer believes in legends. Now a college freshman, the sense of normalcy she once longed for goes out the window when she encounters a mysterious boy with golden eyes. This book is inspired by justice for Bonnie Bennet (The Vampire Diaries) and Jacob Black (Twilight). “Blood Moon” comes out August 12th. 

Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport

We don’t know much about Davenport's next book just yet, but what we do know is that it's an enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a dark fae king with plans to conquer a realm. He knows how to handle threats and would do just about anything to anyone to protect his queen. For all the shadow daddy lovers, “Our Vicious Oaths” is available September 25th. 

And Now We Wait!

I’m looking forward to these releases. Representation in the fantasy genre gives Black authors and characters the visibility they deserve. Black readers and young readers benefit from seeing themselves reflected in imaginative and powerful stories, and readers outside of the black diaspora benefit by seeing a worldview different from their own.