Science fiction and fantasy fans seeking to expand their reading horizons have a treasure trove of Black-authored works waiting to be discovered. This list of 30 outstanding SFF books by Black authors is a testament to the genre’s ability to transcend boundaries, explore new worlds, and push the limits of imagination. The notion that speculative fiction is predominantly straight, white, and male is a misconception that can be easily dispelled.
In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in recognition of diverse voices within the SFF community. N. K. Jemisin’s trailblazing achievements are a prime example. Her Hugo Awards for Best Novel not only cemented her status as a masterful storyteller but also shattered glass ceilings. Her triple win, consecutively no less, is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of telling diverse stories.
The good news is that SFF awards lists are increasingly reflecting the diversity of the genre’s audience. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that challenges still persist in publishing. Nevertheless, this list offers 30 exceptional jumping-off points for readers looking to explore the wealth of Black science fiction and fantasy.
Must-Read SFF Books By Black Authors
Sweep of Stars by Maurice Broaddus
In a galaxy-spanning adventure, Sweep of Stars propels readers into the midst of an interstellar conflict. The story revolves around the Muungano empire, a pan-African entity that has long since established itself as a dominant force in near-Earth space. This is no ordinary tale of conquest and exploration, however – it’s a battle for survival against a formidable foe hell-bent on destruction.
As tensions escalate, three key heroes must navigate the treacherous landscape of interplanetary politics, all while a fourth protagonist faces an existential threat on a different front. The stakes have never been higher, as the fate of the Muungano empire hangs precariously in the balance.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
In this pulse-pounding young adult fantasy, Malik’s world is turned upside down when his sister is abducted just as they’re reaching the heart of the Zirani empire after a grueling journey. Desperate to save her, he strikes a Faustian bargain with a powerful entity: in exchange for her safe return, he must eliminate the crown princess of Ziran. But that’s not all – Princess Kaia is still reeling from a recent assassination and is determined to find a way to bring back her beloved mother…
even if it means resorting to the darkest of human sacrifices.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
In a dystopian near-future setting of 2025, Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower vividly portrays a world ravaged by climate change. The novel depicts a grim reality where widespread violence, drought, and famine have become the norm. Against this backdrop, Lauren’s family, led by her father, a minister, resides in relative comfort within the walls of their city, just outside Los Angeles. However, their bubble is bound to burst as violence eventually reaches their doorstep.
When it does, Lauren finds herself at the forefront of a group of survivors, tasked with navigating the treacherous landscape and forging a new path forward by founding a new religion in the ruins of the old world.
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
As Touraine stepped into the midst of the rebellion, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of irony – it was far from how she envisioned returning to Qazāl. Her childhood had been uprooted by the Balladairan Empire, which had instilled in her the skills of killing and serving with precision. Now, Princess Luca, the emperor’s niece, stood at the forefront of efforts to strengthen Balladaire’s faltering grip on Qazāl, with the ultimate goal of claiming the throne for herself.
As Touraine took up her role as escort to the princess, she found her loyalties – to the empire, her homeland, and even Luca herself – put to the most intense test imaginable.
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
In Charlotte Nicole Davis’s gripping novel Weird West, a group of young women, known as the Good Luck Girls, find themselves forced to flee across a treacherous desert landscape. The dark truth is that these girls were trafficked as children and are forever trapped in a life of sexual slavery due to their irremovable brands. However, when one of them takes drastic action by killing a brothel customer on her very first night, the Good Luck Girls realize that their days are numbered.
According to legend, there exists someone or something capable of removing these brands, but can they reach out for help before those in power catch up with them?
Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
In Samuel R. Delany’s thought-provoking novel Dhalgren, the fabric of reality is disrupted when a mysterious event silences all communication between one Midwestern city and the outside world. The eerie atmosphere is further heightened by hints that Bellona may have ceased to exist on its own plane of reality. Amidst this unsettling disorientation, Kidd, a mixed-race individual, grapples with the task of reconstructing his past life, as fragmented memories threaten to remain forever elusive.
The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow
In a dystopian world where humans have been subjugated by the alien Ilori for their own supposed benevolence, emotions have been effectively suffocated from existence. The once vibrant artistic expression has been reduced to nothing more than a punishable offense, with death being the ultimate price for those who dare defy this draconian rule. For 17-year-old Ellie, the stakes are particularly high as she struggles to keep her secret library of forbidden books hidden from prying eyes.
A misplaced volume is all it takes for disaster to strike, and Ellie knows that her fate hangs precariously in the balance. Yet, amidst the bleak backdrop of oppression, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of M0r1S, an Ilori loyalist who has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of art.
As he navigates his duty-bound obligations alongside Ellie’s desperation to keep her secret safe, a fragile alliance begins to take shape, one that may just hold the key to sparking a revolution and reclaiming humanity’s right to express itself.
The Good House by Tananarive Due
Two years have passed since Angela Toussaint’s son, Corey, took his own life. As she begins to rebuild her shattered world, Angela feels an overwhelming need to uncover the truth behind her son’s tragic demise. This quest for answers takes her back to a place that holds deep significance – The Good House, her ancestral home where family history and secrets reside.
Little does she know, this return journey coincides with a malevolent force wreaking havoc in town, stirring up memories of her grandmother’s legendary battle against an otherworldly presence 70 years prior. But is this dark energy solely responsible for Corey’s fate, or are there deeper mysteries at play?
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez
In Anne Rice’s 1991 debut, the protagonist – a formerly enslaved lesbian with a price on her head – finds sanctuary at a brothel owned and operated by vampires. There, she takes on the name of its enigmatic owner, marking the beginning of Gilda’s 200-year journey as an immortal vampire.
Redwood and Wildfire by Andrea Hairston
In the late 1800s, Redwood Phipps and Aidan Wildfire found themselves forced into secrecy about their identities. The potential for racist violence loomed large due to Redwood’s impressive hoodoo talents and Aidan’s Seminole ancestry. This was a reality that had devastating consequences, as Redwood’s mother tragically learned when she fell victim to such brutality. Her untimely death became the catalyst for Aidan’s determination to shield his new companion from similar harm.
As they navigated their way northward, they honed their skills and developed an innovative vaudeville act that would eventually earn them a prestigious James Tiptree Jr. Award – now rebranded as the Otherwise Award.
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
Immanuelle’s existence is a direct result of her late mother’s transgressions, as decreed by the Prophet. Her mother’s alleged sins have irreparably tarnished their family’s reputation in Bethel. To redeem herself and prove her place within the community, Immanuelle strives to adhere to the Prophet’s teachings.
However, when she uncovers long-buried secrets about her mother’s past and the mysterious energies emanating from the surrounding forest, she finds herself torn between the path laid out before her by the Prophet and a new, potentially perilous journey that may forever alter her fate.
Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson
In the midst of turmoil, Tan-Tan’s world was turned upside down when her father brutally killed her mother’s lover in a fit of jealous rage. To avoid facing the consequences of his actions, he whisked away his daughter to New Half-Way Tree – a realm fraught with perilous creatures that exists parallel to their home planet of Toussaint. For years, Tan-Tan was subjected to her father’s abuse, growing up in an environment devoid of love and nurturing.
By the time she managed to break free from the shackles of her tormentor, she had already fallen pregnant with his child. As she starts anew, Tan-Tan adopts a new identity – that of the enigmatic Midnight Robber, a legendary figure from Caribbean folklore known for their daring exploits and penchant for justice.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
The echoes of the Civil War still lingered in the air as a new terror emerged: the reanimated corpses. In this post-bellum South, there was no place for Jane, a mixed-race daughter of a white Southern belle, to call her own. Desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere, she embarked on a journey to Baltimore, seeking refuge at Miss Preston’s School of Combat.
The prestigious institution would serve as a stepping stone in her quest to become an Attendant – a highly skilled bodyguard tasked with protecting the wealthy from the very real threat of the undead. However, Jane soon discovered that she was not alone in her plight, and a far more sinister presence lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
Marlon James’ latest series-starter draws parallels with the epic storytelling of George R. R. Martin. This gripping tale follows Tracker, a seasoned mercenary hunter tasked with solving a long-standing enigma. A three-year-old mystery surrounding a vanished boy’s disappearance has sparked a new investigation, this time driven by a slave trader seeking answers.
As Tracker and Leopard, a shape-shifter with extraordinary abilities, delve deeper into the case, they soon discover that what initially seems like a straightforward inquiry has morphed into a complex and treacherous ordeal.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
In the world of the Stillness, where seismic fluctuations pose a constant threat, orogenes – individuals born with the unique ability to manipulate these tremors – are viewed with suspicion. The vast majority are either killed in infancy or forced to swear allegiance to the Fulcrum, an organization that wields immense power and control over their lives, under pain of death.
Amidst this treacherous landscape, three extraordinary orogenes navigate a perilous journey: Damaya, a young girl sent to train at the Fulcrum by her desperate parents; Syenite, a bold and defiant woman coerced into a tumultuous union with Alabaster, aimed at producing an offspring with immense power; and Essun, a grief-stricken mother driven by vengeance as she embarks on a treacherous odyssey across a constantly shifting terrain to avenge the brutal murder of her young son at the hands of his own father.
Sisters of the Wild Sage by Nicole Givens Kurtz
In a captivating blend of western adventure and mystical intrigue, Sisters of the Wild Sage offers 12 enchanting tales set in an alternate American Southwest. This sweeping narrative spans centuries, deftly merging traditional Western themes with magical and mysterious elements. As Nicole Givens Kurtz masterfully orchestrates the pace, readers are treated to a thrilling journey that should not be missed.
The Black Parade by Kyoko M.
In the first book of this urban fantasy trilogy, we are introduced to Jordan, a woman who is forced to serve the underworld to avoid damnation. Two years have passed since she made the mistake of killing a Seer, and now she’s tasked with helping lost souls resolve their unfinished business on earth and guide them to the afterlife.
This job is already challenging, but things take a dark turn when one mischievous poltergeist’s inquiry puts Jordan at odds with an archdemon harboring a vengeful grudge.
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
In this thought-provoking YA novel, a boy with extraordinary psychic abilities unwittingly uncovers a torrent of visions that leave him reeling. The curse of clairvoyance, which allows Alex to perceive the future of every person and object he touches, is more of a burden than a blessing. His life is forever changed when a fleeting glimpse of his girlfriend’s uncertain future sends him spiraling into anxiety.
But it’s the chilling revelation that his young brother, Isaiah, is on the precipice of disaster that really drives home the weight of Alex’s newfound abilities.
Do You Dream of Terra-Two? by Temi Oh
As humanity’s last hope for survival, Terra-Two poses an extraordinary challenge. The one-way journey there takes a staggering 23 years to complete – a duration that surpasses the combined lifetime of some of the astronauts on board. This ambitious endeavor is led by four pioneers who blazed a trail in space exploration during the 20th century, joined by 12 other crew members – six seasoned veterans and six carefully selected teenagers – all bound for the Goldilocks planet.
However, even with meticulous training, no preparation can fully mitigate the unpredictable nature of a 23-year odyssey.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti trilogy chronicles the transformative journey of its titular heroine, Binti, an ingenious and tech-savvy Himba girl who shatters cultural barriers by becoming the first student from her community to attend a prestigious intergalactic institution.
As she navigates this uncharted territory, Binti faces resistance from her family, who are reluctant to let her venture out of their comfort zone, as well as from her new classmates, who are unfamiliar with the Himba people’s customs and traditions. Just as tensions are running high, a sudden alien attack on the ship transporting new students to Oomza University puts Binti in a unique position to forge unexpected alliances and broker peace before they reach their destination.
Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
In the confines of Ordinary Bassai, a strict policy exists – those living within its walls are forbidden from inquiring about life beyond the city’s borders. The notion of discussing the world at large is strictly prohibited for immigrants, a reminder that the boundaries of knowledge are carefully curated. For Danso, a mixed-race student, his days should be filled with studying and preparing for the impending marriage that awaits him.
But all that changes when he stumbles upon an enigmatic display of magic that defies explanation – an occurrence that should not exist in this world. As the allure of the unknown becomes too great to ignore, Danso’s curiosity is piqued, setting him on a path that will challenge everything he thought he knew about his life and the city that contains it.
Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi
In the whimsical tale that unfolds, a family recipe serves as a thread connecting two generations of women to their ancestral homeland. Harriet’s legendary gingerbread, renowned in Druhástrana where she grew up, holds a special allure for her childhood friend Gretel, now living in London. When Perdita, Harriet’s daughter, embarks on a journey to locate Gretel, she finds herself reevaluating the tales of her mother’s past, as captured in the pages of Gingerbread.
Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
Ten years ago, Elena made a pact with the devil that would come due in just three days. The agreement was clear: in exchange for a decade of life, she would surrender her soul upon its expiration. As the clock ticks closer to her impending demise, Elena is faced with an unexpected chance to alter her fate. She must solve the mystery of a serial killer before the devil claims what’s rightfully his.
This last-ditch effort is her sole hope of growing old alongside her loved one, Edith, but will she be able to unravel the case in time? The clock is ticking, and Elena’s very soul hangs precariously in the balance.
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
In Rebecca Roanhorse’s sci-fi infused novel, Trail of Lightning, Dinétah is a realm where Navajo mythology comes alive, replete with gods and monstrous creatures. The story begins when a young girl vanishes, prompting Maggie, a seasoned hunter, to embark on a perilous quest to find her. Teaming up with Kai, a wise medicine man, Maggie tracks the monster responsible for the disappearance.
Despite their formidable skills, they’re thrust into a series of confrontations with beasts that push them to their limits.
Everfair by Nisi Shawl
Nestled in the post-colonial era, Everfair is set amidst a unique backdrop. The narrative delves into the daily lives of citizens residing within this fictional nation – a specially created pan-African haven, established on land purchased from Leopold II and rebranded as a utopian state in the heart of the Belgian Congo.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
Yetu, a historian of sorts, is haunted by the unflinching reality of her people’s traumatic past. The collective amnesia surrounding the brutal slave traders who mercilessly tossed pregnant mothers into the sea has left an indelible mark on her psyche. As Yetu navigates the turbulent waters of her mind, she finds herself torn between the carefree existence of her fellow mermaids and the crushing weight of historical trauma.
Seeking solace from the psychological turmoil, Yetu ventures to the surface world, only to find that her absence has left a void in her community’s desperate need for aid. Will Yetu heed the call to return and confront the demons of her people’s past, or will she remain forever lost in the depths of her own personal pain?
Rosewater by Tade Thompson
Tade Thompson’s Wormwood trilogy begins with Rosewater, a captivating story that revolves around Kaaro, a man who acquires psychic abilities after encountering an otherworldly fungus. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Kaaro saves Wormwood, an alien entity, from Nigerian secret agents.
As Wormwood retreats into an impenetrable dome, the town of Rosewater, Nigeria develops organically around this enigmatic presence, yet humanity remains no closer to unraveling the mysteries surrounding Wormwood. Kaaro, driven by a thirst for answers, is compelled to continue investigating the alien entity, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
In his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Colson Whitehead masterfully crafts an alternate antebellum South where abolitionists utilize a subway system to facilitate the escape of enslaved individuals to freedom. At the heart of this narrative is Cora, a formerly enslaved woman who finds herself relentlessly pursued by Ridgeway after taking the life of a boy in self-defense.
As she navigates the treacherous landscape, Cora must continually stay one step ahead of her would-be captor while simultaneously seeking refuge and a sense of belonging within the confines of the railroad.
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson
In the midst of a perilous quest, two high-ranking individuals find themselves bound together by an illicit passion in this captivating fantasy novella. As Captain navigates the treacherous trade route, now infested with a monstrous terror, he must rely on Demane’s mystical prowess to ensure their caravan’s survival. Both men are struck by a sense of disconnection from the rest of the group, and it is amidst this isolation that they find solace in each other.
But as their journey grows more treacherous, can they reconcile their desire for one another with the dangers that lurk ahead? A sizzling exploration of forbidden love, set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of chaos. Want to discover more SFF books by talented Black authors? Explore these thought-provoking series that tackle racism and uncover innovative Black indie SFF authors to add to your ever-growing TBR.