African writers are redefining the global fantasy and speculative fiction landscape by weaving together rich cultural heritage, mythology, and futuristic visions. From magical kingdoms rooted in folklore to urban fantasies set in bustling African cities, these stories challenge conventions and showcase Africa’s vibrant storytelling traditions. Whether inspired by Yoruba deities, Igbo cosmology, or pan-African myths, these books transport readers into worlds where the fantastical feels both deeply personal and universally powerful.
Here are 10 of the most impactful and celebrated African fantasy/speculative fiction books you should read.
1. Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi (Nigeria/US)
A West African–inspired fantasy that follows Zélie as she fights to restore magic to her people and resist oppression. Part of the bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series, it’s a modern classic of YA fantasy.
2. Akata Witch – Nnedi Okorafor (Nigeria/US)
Dubbed the “Nigerian Harry Potter,” this beloved novel tells the story of Sunny, a Nigerian-American teen who discovers her magical heritage. It blends Igbo folklore with an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure.
3. Rosewater – Tade Thompson (Nigeria/UK)
A speculative tour de force set in near-future Nigeria, where alien presence, psychic abilities, and politics intertwine. A Hugo Award finalist, it bridges sci-fi and African-inspired speculative fiction with gripping originality.
4. The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna (Sierra Leone/US)
A feminist fantasy where a girl’s blood determines her destiny. Rich in symbolism and world-building, it explores purity, power, and identity in a strikingly original way, while centering African voices in YA fantasy.
5. Beasts Made of Night – Tochi Onyebuchi (Nigeria/US)
Set in a fantastical city inspired by Nigeria, sins are magically made flesh and hunted by warriors. A dark, dazzling fantasy about morality, sacrifice, and the price of survival.
6. Black Leopard, Red Wolf – Marlon James (Jamaica, inspired by African myth)
Epic in scope and often compared to Game of Thrones, this fantasy draws heavily from African oral traditions. It follows Tracker, a mercenary on a mythic journey, weaving tales of gods, shapeshifters, and betrayal.
7. The Book of Phoenix – Nnedi Okorafor
A prequel to Who Fears Death, this Afrofuturist tale centers on Phoenix, a genetically engineered woman with extraordinary powers, fighting against exploitation and oppression.
8. Freshwater – Akwaeke Emezi (Nigeria)
Blending Igbo spirituality with modern fiction, this acclaimed novel follows Ada, a woman inhabited by ogbanje (spiritual beings). It’s a haunting, poetic exploration of identity, selfhood, and mythology.
9. David Mogo, Godhunter – Suyi Davies Okungbowa (Nigeria)
A Lagos-based urban fantasy where a demigod mercenary hunts down deities unleashed after the Falling. It’s action-packed, witty, and rooted in the chaos of modern Lagos life.
10. Daughters of Nri – Reni K. Amayo (Nigeria/UK)
An epic tale of twin sisters separated at birth who discover their divine heritage and must reclaim their kingdom. Lyrical and deeply steeped in Igbo traditions, it’s a celebration of African womanhood and mythology.