Representation matters. In every genre. Today I’m going to hip y’all to four speculative fiction authors you should be reading. Two of them have been on my podcast . Two of them will be on the podcast.
When you think of Black speculative fiction writers, you might think of big names like Octavia Butler, N.K. Jemisin, Tananarive Due, or Nalo Hopkinson. They are all amazing authors.
But, Black Indie authors are out here doing their thing, too. And since I’m an advocate for all things Black Indie, I thought I’d hip you to four authors you should be reading.
Chase Bolling
First things first. The cover alone should make you want to read this book. Second, this urban fantasy is Black Lives Matter meets Vikings, but the Vikings are brothas.
If you like sword fights and are a blerd who wants to see a bunch of woke ex-hoodlums take over the streets post-apocalypse, this is the series for you. Yes, I said series.
I had the pleasure of having Chase on my podcast, Between the Reads…. twice. The man is nothing short of amazing. You can listen to us take a deep dive into his book AND listen in as we talk about what it means to be Black in these speculative fiction streets.
S. D. Johnson
Another series worth falling into is the Falling Scion series. This first book in the series was action-packed from start to finish. It started with a nuclear explosion that left a huge crevasse and a new society made up of delegations vying for power. If that isn’t enough to get you to pick up the book, I don’t know what will.
Samone also graced our podcast with her presence and the conversation was entralling. Check it out below.
A.J. Ross
I’m digging into this juicy book today because the author is going to be on my show this Friday and I can’t wait!
“Three paths converge to start one holy war against the Kayorian Empire. But Rahilius is more than he seems, and underestimating him will come at great costs.” I mean, really? I couldn’t resist this one if I tried. Plus, the author says it’s a dystopian sci-fi romance novel. That’s like the best of all three worlds!
It’s also a series. You better stop playin’ and go ahead and check it out!
Dustin Cummings
Last up, but certainly not least is Dustin Cummings. This is the first book of what will be a series and I can’t wait to read it. Dustin is going to be on the show in November and I can’t wait to discuss this book.
A young man named Darshima is trying to get his adult footing in a tradition-stifling society when his world is upended by an invasion that thrusts him into slavery in a foreign world.
Sounds amazing, right??
So there it is. Have you read any good speculative fiction by Black indie authors? Leave the titles in the comments below!
Audra Russell is a blogger, freelance writer, and published author. She holds two undergraduate degrees in journalism as well as a Master of Science degree in Education. She also completed the Wesleyan University online Creative Writing Specialization course series.
She is an avid reader and writer’s advocate. Her passion for promoting the works of up-and-coming authors inspired her to create her podcast, Between the Reads, as well as her website, Read It Black to Me. Her debut novel, BLOOD LAND, was published on August 29, 2020, as her fiftieth birthday gift to herself. She lives in Maryland with her husband of more than 20 years, her 3 amazing children, a 12-year-old perpetual puppy, two dueling cats, and her lone surviving chicken of 8 years who she affectionately renamed Gloria (she will survive!)
