Celebrate Black authors this month with these enchanting, thrill-seeking novels.

A diversity baseline survey conducted by Lee & Low Books in 2019 showed that in the book publishing industry, only 5% of authors are Black and 76% of authors are white. White authors take up over half of the publishing industry which doesn’t allow for Black voices to flourish and expand. Literature written by Black authors should be celebrated all year round, not just in the month of February. Here are some novels from various genres to put on your to-read list.

Reading stories that are unlike your own, and about characters who look and experience life differently is an important part of gaining a new perspective. The world is a diverse place, and for readers, our book intake should reflect it. During Black History Month, and all year round, supporting Black authors is a great way to start gaining that new perspective. 

Fantasy

“Beasts of Prey” by Ayana Gray

An alliance between an indentured girl and an elite warrior is formed when a great power is unleashed. When they ally themselves, neither knows if they’re really the hunter or the prey.

“Blood Like Magic” by Liselle Sambury

When a young witch tries to come into her powers but is given an impossible task, she becomes at odds with morality and family duty. The trial – kill her first love. The impossible – first, she must fall in love. 

“Witches Steeped In Gold” by Ciannon Smart

Set in an immersive fantasy world, two sworn enemies must come together to defeat a mutual enemy. But, power is sacred and neither is willing to give up what they have to win the twisted game of fate.

“A Master of Djinn” by P. Djèlí Clark

Clark’s alternate version of Cairo in 1912 is one filled with supernatural entities and a power large enough to open veils across realms. When a murder takes place, one agent is sent to investigate a supposed return of magic. 

Romance

“Seven Days In June” by Tia Williams

Full of mystery, love and witty characters, this book tells the story of two authors who get a second chance at falling in love after years of not seeing each other. 

“Happily Ever Afters” by Elise Bryant

When 16-year-old romance writer Tessa gets accepted into a prestigious art school, she finds it hard to write stories like she used to. She has a plan though – get herself into a real life love story of her own.

“And They Lived Happily Ever After” by Therese Beharrie

A romance author and a businessman share an unexpected kiss one day and go down a rabbit hole of exploring identity, connection and true love. This sweet rom-com offers a unique paranormal twist.

“On Rotation” by Shirlene Obuobi

The Coming-of-age novel “On Rotation” tells the story of a college student navigating the world through friends, family and her medical career. Obuobi crafts a sweet friends-to-lovers romance that will make the reader’s heart sing. 

Contemporary

“Open Water” by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Two artists meet in South East London and fall in love in this aching, slow-burn contemporary fiction novel. The appreciation of the self and of personal relationships is explored in this novel that reads like a movie.

“Early Departures” by Justin A. Reynolds

When Jamal’s best friend Q is brought back from the dead by a new healthcare technology, Jamal gets a second chance of redoing past mistakes before Q dies again. The catch – Q doesn’t know he’s going to die again, nor does he look human.

“Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi

Gifty is a candidate in neuroscience trying to grapple with family loss, grief and the contradiction between religion and science. With emotional writing, Gyasi crafts a profound narrative that gives insight into mental health and the struggles of the world around us. 

“Memorial” by Bryan Washington

The novel centers around two gay men of color who try to find love and acceptance while undergoing transformations of their own. Washington writes a humane story of two people who try to salvage their love for each other and their family.