7 Excellent Novels Based on African Mythology

One of the things fans love about reading a good fantasy novel is escaping into a new world, one filled with extraordinary ideas, magic, and folklore. 

But when the novels fans read are based on an European-esque world, it defeats the purpose of finding and experiencing something new.  This is why I have been looking for fantasy novels from around the world.  Currently I am reaching out to novels based on or around African folklore.  The ten novels included in this list explore something unique and new in their worlds.  They add creative magic and twists to a genre that can tend to be repetitious.

1. Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha, #1) by Tomi Adeyemi: This novel has already become one of the most popular YA novels by readers of all ages.  Children of Blood and Bone utilizes Nigerian mythology within its magic and lore, but it also touches on the injustices of a caste system.  Tomi Adeyemi’s debut novel became an instant best-seller as her characters struggle with genocide, racism, war as they come to terms with discovering their own internal power and feelings.  It is a novel that speaks to readers to stand up and claim their inner magic. To learn more about Tomi Adeyemi's books visit her website: https://www.tomiadeyemi.com/books

    

2. Kingdom of Souls (Kingdom of Souls, #1) by Rena Barron: Kingdom of Souls is the first book in a trilogy that is steeped in African folk lore and voodoo magic.  It is full of ambition, sacrifice, betrayal and more.  Rena Barron creates an addictive world filled with unforgettable characters that struggle with real issues not just the complex evil facing the world.  In this unputdownable novel, readers find a brave strong woman who finds magic within not just herself, but also her family and her people.  To find more information about Rena Barron's books, events and more check out her site http://renabarron.com/

    

3. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, #1) by Roseanne A. Brown: A Song of Wraith and Ruin brings a world inspired by West African folklore weaved with strong female characters, otherworldliness, and mystery.  This novel is reminiscent of African traditions of oral storytelling to keep records of history.  Within this novel, readers will find the relationship between spirits and the beyond, humans and the environment and the creation with the creator.  Roseanne Brown gives readers a story that shows how everthing is interconnected and once again finding power not only within yourself, but within the environment around you. More information could be found at Roseanne's website: https://roseanneabrown.com/.

    

4. The Gilded Ones (Deathless, #1) by Namina Forna: Our next book has not been released yet, and has a February 2021 release date.  In this magical novel, Forna addresses some really deep themes such as abuse, racism, misogyny all the while portraying strong sisterhood and self-discovery.  It is a haunting and compelling story that will have readers feeling for the characters. For information on Namina Forna's books and more visit her site: https://naminaforna.com/

    

5. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor: Nnedi Okorafor’s novel Akata Witch has often been compared to the Harry Potter series.  While there are some similarities, Okorafor’s book is unique and stand on it’s own merits.  The main character struggles with a sense of duel, or rather triple identity.  Not only is she bullied for her “American-ness” having been born in New York City, but she is also bullied for her skin tone, as she is an albino African American.   Akata Witch combines Nigerian Folklore, culture and rituals to bring a tale that defies the rules of time, distance and place.  Nnedi has a list of her books and more exciting things on her website: http://www.nnedi.com/

    

6. Black Leopard, Red Wolf (The Dark Star Trilogy) by Marlon James: Black Leopard, Red Wolf is a novel that breaks the walls between realism and dystopian novels.  Marlon James takes African history and mythos and combines with political tension to create a realistic tale about the limitations of power, dangers of excessive ambition, the meaning of duty and honor, fundamentals of truth and a bit of Machhiavellianism.  He gives readers a book that they will be talking about for years to come. For additional information about Marlon's book and more please visit his site: ttps://www.marlonjameswriter.com/

    

7. A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy:  In Amanda Joy’s debut novel, readers find a sibling rivalry that goes beyond what we are used to.  We see themes of racism, death, violence, heritage, and power.  Throughout it all Joy maintains an element of intrigue that keeps the reader wanting more.  One major theme throughout the story is embracing yourself and learning about the power within, in this novel it is Eva’s magick she needs to embrace.  Rooted in North African (some say West African) culture this book is one that will resonate with many readers and remain with them long after reading. TO find news, events and more about Amanda Joy's books hop on over to her site next: https://www.amandajoywrites.com/

Branching your reading into other cultures can enhance your reading experience.  You will find things you never thought to pick up and new authors you will become passionate about.  The African Speculative Fiction Society is a comphrensive and amazing place to look for more books within the African SFF genre.

Powerfully Moving Novel: A Must Read - The Hate U Give Review

 

Title: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

Genre: Young Adult

Source: Hardback

Rating: 5 out of 5

Starr is a 16 year old girl, smart, beautiful, funny, and finds herself running between two worlds: Her neighborhood and the prep school she attends. When she witnesses the unjustified shooting death of her childhood friend Khalil, her world is shattered.  His death makes headlines and he is labeled a thug, drug dealer, and the officer label a victim.  Soon Starr and her family are harassed by police offiers and a local drug lord, but rather than standing down, Starr finds the strength she needs to stand up and make a difference.

This book may be labeled as Young Adult, but EVERYONE needs to read this book, especially now with the Black Lives Matter movement and the rise of police brutality we are seeing.  Anything I say about this breathtaking book will not do it any justice.  From the very beginning I was drawn into the book, and could not put it down.  My mother in law even commented on how engrossed I was in this novel.  Part of me feels ashamed that I have not read this novel sooner, or reviewed it sooner.

The novel is an eye-opener.  Yes we hear things like this happening on the news all the time, but for some reason it doesn't full hit home until you read how the families and communities are in turn effected, down to the looting and rioting.  I would almost equate that action to the tearing of clothes and hair in grief discussed in the Bible.  There is an anger and grief that no amount of words can describe.  The things happening in our world today need to be discussed, and we cannot remain silent and Angie Thomas did just that.  She spoke out and man has she been heard.

The way she writes this story draws intense emotion, I cried a couple of times, got angry at characters and fell for others.  This is a book that I will forever think about and insist that my children read as they get older.  It needs to be talked about and addressed. Throughout this book we see a girl find her strength and acceptance of who she is deep inside.  She grows stronger as she speaks out about the injustices in her world, some as small as a so called friend making racist jokes to standing up for justice for Khalil. It makes readers aware of what they are saying and how they are saying it.  It makes readers want to stand up to the vast injustice in the world.

This is a book that demands to be read, and I recommend it above all others.