As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to showcase and elevate the contributions of black authors in the literary world. Fantasy is a genre that allows for boundless creativity and the retelling of cultural narratives, making it the perfect platform for black authors to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Here are 5 must-read fantasy novels written by black authors that you won't want to miss.

"Who Fears Death" by Nnedi Okorafor

Synopsis: The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic Africa and follows the story of Onyesonwu, a young woman who is the result of a sexual assault. Onyesonwu discovers she has the power of magic and sets out on a journey to stop the genocide of her people and confront her father.

Reviews:

• "Okorafor's writing is stunning, creating a world both brutal and beautiful." - NPR

• "Who Fears Death is a powerful and necessary novel, a celebration of the human spirit in the face of tragedy." - Tor.com

"The Fifth Season" by N.K. Jemisin

Synopsis: The novel takes place in a world where natural disasters are a regular occurrence. The story follows three characters as they navigate this dangerous world and attempt to save themselves and their civilization.

Reviews:

• "Jemisin is a masterful storyteller, weaving together multiple narratives into a rich tapestry." - The New York Times

• "The Fifth Season is a triumph of imagination and world-building, a must-read for fans of fantasy and science fiction." - io9

"Black Leopard, Red Wolf" by Marlon James

Synopsis: The novel is a retelling of African myths and legends and follows the story of Tracker, a hunter who is hired to find a missing child. Along the way, he encounters strange creatures and unravels the secrets of the African underworld.

Reviews:

• "Black Leopard, Red Wolf is a triumph of imagination, a stunning work of African-inspired fantasy." - The Guardian

• "Marlon James has created a world that is both familiar and strange, a tapestry of African mythology and contemporary fantasy." - The New York Times

"The Famished Road" by Ben Okri

Synopsis: The novel is set in a mythical Africa and follows the story of Azaro, an abiku, or spirit child, as he navigates the realm between the living and the dead.

Reviews:

• "The Famished Road is a tour de force of African storytelling, a triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Okri's prose is lyrical and powerful, capturing the complexities of life in a mythical Africa with vivid detail." - The New York Times

• "Ben Okri's writing is nothing short of breathtaking, bringing the reader deep into the heart of a world where the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred. The Famished Road is a must-read for fans of African literature and magical realism alike." - The Guardian

"An Unkindness of Ghosts" by Rivers Solomon

Synopsis: The novel takes place on a generation ship where society is divided by race and class. The story follows the life of a young Black woman as she navigates this oppressive world and tries to uncover its secrets.

Reviews:

• "An Unkindness of Ghosts is a brilliant and provocative novel, a meditation on race, class, and power in a dystopian future." - The Guardian

• "Rivers Solomon has created a world that is both haunting and hopeful, a powerful commentary on the injustices of our own world." - NPR

Have any good fantasy book recommendations that celebrate diversity? Please, share in the comments!

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