Black History Month Book Highlights

Written by science fiction and fantasy author N.K. Jemisin, “How Long ‘til Black Future Month?” was published on Nov. 27, 2018. This collection of short stories could interest both typical fantasy readers and those who prefer other genres with its engaging characters and settings. Photo fair use of Goodreads

Review: “How Long ’til Black Future Month?”

N.K. Jemisin’s 2018 collection of short stories, “How Long ‘til Black Future Month?” contains well-developed characters and plots, making it an excellent read for Black History Month.

Published Nov. 27, 2018, “How Long ‘til Black Future Month?” is a collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories by N.K. Jemisin. It is a relatable Black History Month read, centering around very well-developed Black characters.

The anthology begins with “The Ones Who Stay and Fight,” a beautifully written piece that takes place in the seemingly utopian city of Um-Helat and sets the tone for the rest of the book. Told in a unique second-person perspective, the story provides a new variation on the relatively common trope of worlds that seem to be almost perfect, yet hide something more sinister, without becoming cliche.

Jemisin creates relatable characters by conveying strong emotions throughout the book, allowing readers to form connections with the characters and better understand the anthology.

Stories such as “Red Dirt Witch” and “The Effluent Engine” take place in real world environments, featuring true historical events with fantastical plot elements woven in, providing a contrast to the otherworldly setting of the first piece. However, even readers who prefer more unrealistic stories may enjoy these due to their relatability.

Jemisin creates relatable characters by conveying strong emotions throughout the book, allowing readers to form connections with the characters and better understand the anthology.

With stories following Black characters and involving issues that Black people have faced throughout history, “How Long ‘til Black Future Month?” is an excellent Black History Month read for those who enjoy fantasy stories but also appeals to those who ordinarily don’t.

Story by Maya Shrivastav

The cover of the book “Beasts Made of Night” by Tochi Onyebuchi is shown. The book is set in a rich and beautiful world, although the plot leaves much to be desired. Photo fair use of goodreads.com

Review: “Beasts Made of Night”

Tochi Onyebuchi’s book “Beasts Made of Night,” published in 2017, is an incredible Nigerian-style fantasy concept with decent execution.

A world where children are forced to take on the sins of others, where tattoos hold a sinister purpose, where royals scheme behind palace gates – welcome to the land of “Beasts Made of Night.”

Tochi Onyebuchi’s “Beasts Made of Night” is a Nigerian-inspired fantasy book where sins can be called into being as shadowy beasts. Magical kids called aki are often called to ‘eat’ others’ sins by defeating and devouring the beasts, which turn into tattoos once consumed.

In a genre dominated by medieval European elements, “Beasts Made of Night” is a breath of fresh Nigerian air.

Onyebuchi builds an immersive and culturally rich world based on Nigeria. Everything from food to the market to aki traditions will leave readers mesmerized by the beautifully woven setting. The small details combine to create an immersive world that lets readers imagine every piece.

Taj, the main character, has a lot of emotional and mental depth. While he appears sullen at first, readers will adore Taj’s kindness and the love he has for his family and fellow aki.

Unfortunately, the plot starts out slow. Most of the book feels like a drawn-out exposition, with many major plot events happening at the very end.

However, if a reader can look past the slow-paced plot, “Beasts Made Of Night” is a magical read with a beautiful world. In a genre dominated by medieval European elements, “Beasts Made of Night” is a breath of fresh Nigerian air.

Story by Anna Shaikun

A promotional poster for the novel “The Gilded Ones” shows the protagonist, Deka, dressed for battle. “The Gilded Ones,” by Namina Forna, was released in 2021 and contains engaging characters and immersive worldbuilding. Photo fair use of Delacorte Press

Review: “The Gilded Ones”

Namina Forna’s novel “The Gilded Ones” explores real world issues through a rich and resonant West African-inspired fantasy world, with characters readers will love to cheer for.

Sierra Leonean author Namina Forna’s debut novel “The Gilded Ones” was released in 2021. With a rich, evocative West-African inspired setting, and a feminist tale of Black sisterhood, it is a wonderful read for Black History Month.

Described on Forna’s twitter as “if the Dora Milaje from “Black Panther” were stuck in the “The Handmaid’s Tale” and decided they weren’t going to take it anymore,” “The Gilded Ones” lives up to its promise.

The novel explores issues such as colorism, sexism and violence against women of color in a rich fantasy world full of captivating characters. Because of its sometimes intense content, it may not be appropriate for those who don’t like to read about violence.

“The Gilded Ones” is, at its heart, a story about sisterhood and found families.

“The Gilded Ones” is, at its heart, a story about sisterhood and found families. Although there is the occasional interpersonal conflict between the characters, they are always on the same team.

At times, the pacing of the book is rushed. Several weeks’ worth of plot is summarized in a couple of pages, an uncomfortable abruptness that temporarily pulls the reader out of the enveloping plot.

However, other than that, readers will fly through the fast-paced, immersive prose. “The Gilded Ones” is a powerful narrative of Black strength and Black sisterhood that is perfect for a Black History Month read.

Story by Natalie Schliekelman