Black authors are writing across every genre and yes, you have options
If your algorithm has been anything like mine lately, you’ve probably seen the same tired take: “I want to read more diversely, but I don’t know where to start outside of trauma-heavy stories.”
Let’s clear that up immediately.
Black authors are not limited to “shoot ‘em up,” historical pain, or civil rights narratives. They are building entire worlds, crafting swoony romances, reimagining mythology, and giving us monsters, mermaids, pirates, and dark academia chaos.
This post is the written companion to my viralish video: you are not missing out by centering Black authors in your reading life(with some bonus recs). If anything, you’re finally tapping into the full spectrum of storytelling.
Let’s get into these genres because we have RANGE.
Here are 38 Black authored reads across various genres to add to your TBR:
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
Dystopians
The Ephemera Collector by Stacy Nathaniel Jackson
A tenacious curator fights to save her beloved library and a new, groundbreaking archive in this epic Afrofuturist debut.
"But the Earth is falling (apart), not just the sky, but humans too. They are tuned out. Appear to have given up. Some are preparing to flee; some are preparing for war. Where I stand, I’m not quite sure."
If I’m being honest, I was drawn to this book because of the cover, but the purchase was totally worth it! If you’re a fan of Octavia Butler, this whole novel might feel like an easter egg for you. Also, Stacy is a trans author so we are reading diversely here <3
___
Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe
Set in a corrupt surveillance state ruled by the masked elite, this true enemies-to-lovers dystopian romance that’s Conform meets V for Vendetta follows a mercenary who botches the assassination of the president’s son and ends up forced to marry him.
Like many, TikTok sent me to this book but I’m happy to report that it was worth it! The only thing that threw me off is the fact that only our FMC is Black so, I had to convince myself otherwise to power through the spicy scenes.
___
The Great Cities Duology by by N.K. Jemisin
Every great city has a soul. Some are ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York? She's got six.
N.K. Jemisin’s Great Cities Duology, which began with The City We Became and concludes with The World We Make, is a masterpiece of speculative fiction from one of the most important writers of her generation.
Okay so this duology is technically under the fantasy category but I’m stretching it to dystopian because something about those avatars gives big dystopian vibes.
Romantasy
Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport
Enter a new world of romantic fantasy from award-winning author N.E. Davenport—a journey of powerful magic, enemies-to-lovers, and political intrigue—as a warrior-princess and a vengeful king from rival fae courts form a fierce alliance to take down a merciless despot.
From forced marriage to heads getting chopped tf off I fully enjoyed everything about this novel. This is quite spicy so proceed with caution if you blush easily.
___
Lore of the Wilds & Lore of the Tides by Analeigh Sbrana
A human woman risks everything, entering an enchanted library to steal magic from the Fae, caught between two dangerously alluring Fae males. In book two, she wakes up imprisoned on a ship, facing betrayal and a dangerous quest to find the sun book before the Alytherian Fae gain more power.
This was a fun romantasy duology that I fell into. I still don’t know which fae male I want her to choose, but the adventure was adventuring!
___
Son of the Morning by akwaeke emezi
In a battle between Heaven, Hell, and the Heart, who will prevail?
You want to talk about an unputdownable steamy read? Check out Galilee’s story and her journey with the Devil himself. LAWD. Get some ice water.
___
Mayhem and the Mortal by Shanora Williams
A mortal with nothing left to lose. An assassin with everything to hide.
Whew Zaira and Thane?! BAYBEEEE This has a moderate amount of spice so perfect for friends who just want a taste. Heads up, this is setting up for a series.
___
Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis
Legendborn meets New Moon meets The Vampire Diaries in this enemies to (star crossed) lovers paranormal romance.
This is a very angsty YA novel. It gives great cult following potential. Great read for folks who enjoyed Twilight.
___
This Poison Heart & This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
A young woman with a unique and deadly power inherits a mysterious estate and uncovers generations of secrets, including a walled garden filled with deadly botanicals. In book 2, she has face what comes with her ancient lineage.
I never knew where this story was going in book one, Bayron was really turning me every way but loose. There is a sapphic love story within this plot. Great for fans of Percy Jackson.
___
When Blood Meets Earth by EA Noble
"I am the daughter of Reaper and Earth, born from the soil and raised in the shadow of death. I do not fear you."
The doors to these bedrooms are wide open okay? Our MC is bisexual so we get some LGBT representation with this one as well.
Fantasy
The Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin series
This is the way the world ends for the last time. . .
A season of endings has begun. It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.
This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.
It’s speculative fiction, epic fantasy, and post-apocalyptic all rolled in one. If you’re on the hunt for a story with some full on world-building, this is for you! There’s also LGBT representation in this series. Perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings.
___
The Kimoni Legacy by Omari Richards
Three siblings of noble heritage. A great land under threat by an unknown enemy and secrets with the power to destroy everything built. One choice looms over all who walk the land of Nahwalla: Tradition or truth?
You want to talk world-building? It’s right here in the Initiation. It’s an epic political fantasy set in Africa. Great for fans of Wheel of Time and Game of Thrones.
___
Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairston
“This is a prayer hymn, a battle cry, a love song, a legendary call and response bonfire talisman tale. This is medicine for a broken world." ―Daniel José Older
Award-winning author Andrea Hairston weaves together African folktales and postcolonial literature into unforgettable fantasy in Master of Poisons
This is an epic fantasy in an African realm touching on race, gender, and disability to name a few. If you’re new to epic fantasy, this is a great starting point because Hairston does a wonderful job making everything clear so you don’t even need to reference the provided glossary.
Retellings
Crucible & Chrysalis by B.B. Reid
After a plane crash in Northern Canada, canceled celebrity Aurelia finds shelter with three reclusive mountain men, leading to a dark and steamy survival romance.
What I will say is, check the trigger warnings! This is dark but oh so delicious. It’s a bit of why choose + dark romance.
___
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
200 years after Cinderella's tale, sixteen-year-old Sophia flees a forced marriage system, teams up with Cinderella's descendant to overthrow the kingdom, and uncovers hidden truths about the original story.
When I tell you this book had me HOOKED. I read it when it first published and it still lives rent free in my head. One of my personal all-time favs.
___
Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette, an African-American girl, and Julio, a Hispanic boy, discover that they attend the same high school after falling in love on the Internet, but are harassed by a gang whose members object to their interracial dating.
At the risk of dating myself, I read this when I was in high school. Paired with The Lion King, it helped me grow to appreciate Shakespeare. When I entered the classroom, I included it in my curriculum during our Shakespeare unit and got to relive the impact it had on me through my students.
Dark Academia
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
A girl new to boarding school discovers dark secrets after her roommate disappears, in this "beautifully written coming-of-age mystery that should appeal to fans of Tiffany Jackson, Kara Thomas, and Jumata Emill.
This is a mystery that had me on the edge of my seat so I can see why the above review says it should appeal to fans of the Ms. Jackson. I’d also say the level of drama and mystery is great for OG Pretty Little Liars fans. Also sapphic!
___
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
At an elite private academy, two students face exposure of their dark secrets by an anonymous texter while uncovering a sinister plot involving institutionalized racism.
This one was the debut and I have to admit I read it because I loved WSGL sooooo much. This one didn’t disappoint and Chiamaka is exactly who she thinks she is!
Romance
The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo
When a woman travels to Nigeria to attend the funeral of the father she never knew, she meets her extravagant family for the first time, a new and inspiring love interest, and discovers parts of herself she didn't know were missing, from Jane Igharo, the acclaimed author of Ties That Tether.
When I think of ‘beach reads’ this is the book that I think of. Plus, it’s basically a cheap plane ticket to Nigeria.
___
I’ll be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone
For fans of The Holiday comes a heartwarming Christmas house-swap rom-com debut in which finding yourself and finding love come hand in hand.
This one defintely read like a Hallmark movie. Very cute read and one of our FMCs is queer!
___
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by akwaeke emezi
A young woman seeks joy and healing after loss, navigating a complex love story and personal growth journey.
“Complex” my ass. I hate this damn book but also I love it so so much. akwaeke can do no wrong when it comes to me, I just would have felt better if Feyi had gotten a WWE smackdown from the sister because she was wild for that.
___
The Art of Loving You by Natasha Bishop
From the buzzy, viral sensation Only for the Week, comes the next book in Natasha Bishop’s The Forever Falling series, featuring an intimate bucket list road trip, sexy banter, and a sweet and spicy second chance romance.
This second book takes us in Dani and Micah’s love story. This one is a slow-burn second chance romance where our FMC is dealing with grief.
___
Honey & Spice & Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola
A young woman who avoids love gets into a fake relationship to save her reputation, but finds herself drawn to her fake partner. Fast forward to the future, aka book two, they’re broken up and have to be in a wedding together.
These are technically stand alones so, at best, a companion set. I recommend you read more. We get spice in Sweet Heat, but I preferred the pace and watching their love blossom in Honey & Spice.
Pirates
Fire Sword & Sea by Vanessa Riley
The real Pirates of the Caribbean were Black, and women! From Vanessa Riley, acclaimed author of Queen of Exiles, comes a sweeping, immersive saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye.
I cannot recommend the audiobook for this novel enough! Ms. Robin Miles did her big on on the narration. This is a fact-paced adventure novel that’s also historical fiction!
Monsters
Pet & Bitter by akwaeke emezi
In the city of Lucille where monsters supposedly don't exist, Jam meets "Pet," a creature from her mother's painting. Together they hunt a monster lurking in Redemption's house. The companion novel, Bitter, explores how Jam’s parents, Bitter and Aloe, came to be in this world of monsters.
First off, Jam is a transgender child who is fully embraced by family, friends, and the community at large. It was just nice to read a story of a child being loved. It’s a fit of fantasy + dystopian + coming of age + a sprinkle of romance + biblical imagery. emezi can do no wrong once their pen touches paper if you ask me. These are my favorite YA novels. Period.
Samurai
Amara: The Rise of the Shadow Blossoms by The Fikes Brothers
In 16th-century feudal Japan, Yasuke, the first Black samurai, embarks on a harrowing journey after the tragic downfall of his lord, Oda Nobunaga. After escaping the grasp of his past captors, he discovers he has a daughter, Amara, whose spirit and heritage set her apart in a society bound by strict norms.
This book is currently sitting on my physical TBR, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to share a story about a BLACK SAMURAI. Are you kidding me?!
Historical YA
The Davenports (book 1 & book 2) by Krystal Marquis
The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.
Set in Chicago, we get this period romance. I feel like this reads more like a Pride and Prejudice. Perfect for readers looking for more of a light-hearted romance.
___
Saving Savannah & Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden
From acclaimed author Tonya Bolden comes the story of a teen girl becoming a woman on her own terms against the backdrop of widespread social change in the early 1900s.
I read these out of order and started with Savannah’s story. If you only read one, read Savannah. I enjoyed them both, but something about being in DC and getting to run into so many local major players, like Nannie Helen Burroughs, was an unmatched experience.
Historical Lick Back
The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley
In this riveting historical thriller inspired by true-life events, Belladonna meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.
I feel like there aren’t many stories where Black FMCs are allowed to be angry, but this story allowed room for all the rage and you want her to be successful. The plot twists were twisting in this one! Perfect for readers who enjoy a well earned lick back.
Mythology
I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
A “captivating villain origin story” reimagining one of the most iconic monsters in Greek mythology as a provocative and powerful young heroine.
We get LGBTQ+ representation in this novel! I would recommend brushing up on Medusa’s story so you can appreciate this retelling more. Great for fans of Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi.
___
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass
The very first thriller from Rick Riordan Presents! Drawing from the darkest corners of Caribbean mythology, acclaimed author Sarah Dass crafts a chilling tale of magic, murder, and how far we’ll go to protect what’s ours—perfect for fans of Angeline Boulley and Tiffany D. Jackson.
I really enjoyed this one. It’s part romance + thriller + fantasy and absolutely wonderful. If you enjoy this, you may also enjoy (S)kin by Ibi Zoboi (caribbean folklore).
___
Skin of the Sea & Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen
A mermaid's journey to make amends with the Supreme Creator after saving a living boy's life, defying an ancient decree and bringing danger to the Mami Wata. In book two, the world must pay the price for one her choice, and a dark force reverberates across realms.
These books helped me realize I really enjoy historical fantasy!
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Missing Out, You’re Expanding
Let’s be honest, the idea that reading Black authors is somehow “limiting” is rooted in a lack of exposure and a white supremacist mindset, not a lack of material.
Because as you can see:
You can read dystopian chaos
Fall in love and get your back blown out in a romantasy kingdom
Dive into mermaid lore
Attend a dark academia nightmare school
Or spiral through a messy, beautiful romance
All while reading Black authors.
If you’ve been thinking about centering your reading around Black voices, this is your sign. Expand your reading life, friend.
If you came from the video, heeeyyyyy 👋🏾
Tell me in the comments: what book are you picking up first?
