By Ashley Rands, Marketing
Join us in celebrating black history through literature. In the rich tapestry of human history, Black voices have played an integral role in shaping the narrative. Black History Month stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of the African diaspora throughout history. One powerful medium through which these stories are told is literature. Today, we celebrate the extraordinary novels penned by Black authors that not only reflect the diverse experiences of the Black community but also enrich our collective understanding of humanity.
Fantasy Reading Recommendations to Celebrate Black History Month
Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun
Ehigbor Okosun’s debut novel brings us a wonderful new epic fantasy novel. Inspired by Nigerian mythology, her book is full of magic, emotion, and action. It is about a young woman who fights to survive a tyrannical society, having lost everything. She seeks vengeance for her mother’s murder and the spilled blood of her people.
Daughters of Nri by Reni K Amayo
A gruesome war results in the old gods’ departure from earth. The only remnants of their existence lie in two girls. Twins, separated at birth. Goddesses who grow up believing that they are human. Daughters Of Nri explores their epic journey of self-discovery as they embark on a path back to one another.
Pimp my Airship by Maurice Broaddus
This steampunk book has amazing prose and a wonderful plot. All the poet called Sleepy wants to do is spit his verses, smoke chiba, and stay off the COP’s radar—all of which becomes impossible once he encounters a professional protestor known as (120 Degrees of) Knowledge Allah. They soon find themselves on the wrong side of local authorities and have to elude the powers that be.
Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
This YA fantasy trilogy will be your next obsession. There’s no such thing as magic in the broken city of Lkossa, especially for sixteen-year-old Koffi, who indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, knows the fearsome creatures in her care and paying off her family’s debts to secure their eventual freedom can be her only focus. But the night those she loves are gravely threatened by the Zoo’s cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn’t fully understand, upending her life completely.
Of Cinder and Bone by Kyoko M
This science fiction novel has a Jurassic Park vibe. After centuries of being the most dangerous predators on the planet, dragons were hunted to extinction. That is, until Dr. Rhett “Jack” Jackson and Dr. Kamala Anjali cracked the code to bring them back. Through their research at MIT, they resurrected the first dragon anyone has seen alive since the 15th century. There’s just one problem. Someone stole it.
Caught between two ruthless yakuza clans who want to clone the dragon, Jack and Kamala brave the dangerous streets of Tokyo to steal their dragon back in a race against time before the world is taken over by mutated, bloodthirsty monsters that will raze it to ashes.
Romance Reading Recommendations to Celebrate Black History Month
Beyond Measures: An Urban Romance
by Kimberly Brown
Ari and Sime have a lot to contend with to get their happily ever after in this book. Their romance is once of the ages, but it does not come without many obstacles and they must fight for their relationship. You will be heart warmed by this urban romance and want to read more by this same author.
His Majesty by Shon
Another romance recommendation that you are sure to consume quickly. This novella is about a man trying to win back his woman and the lengths that he will go to show her that she is worth it. For mature audiences.
Don’t Ever Wonder by Takeah Latimore
This book is perfect for the month of February. It is a valentine’s short story that follows a husband and wife and their struggles. Ellington takes his wife out to celebrate her favorite holiday but an event occurs that changes their lives forever. Ellington is now in jail and Eartha is struggling to find happiness during the month of February. Her husband, Ell, does not give up and he plans to make this Valentine’s Day one that Eartha will never forget.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of Black authors on the literary landscape. Their stories, filled with resilience, strength, and a commitment to justice, contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of our shared history. By engaging with the novels mentioned and countless others, we can celebrate Black history not just in February but throughout the year, fostering a richer appreciation for the diverse voices that shape our world. Don’t waste any more time, start celebrating black history through literature.
