Must-Read Sci-Fi/Fantasy Authors

Nnedi Okorafor, a "Naijamerican" writer, blends her Nigerian and American heritages in works of Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism, exploring themes of change, transformation, and the overcoming of prejudices about African peoples. Her characters often confront technological innovations inherited from their ancestors, challenging preconceptions of Africa's "backwardness". *Who Fears Death* explores ethnic cleansing, FGM, women's rights, rape, and racism, while still incorporating stories of love. N.K. Jemisin made history as the first Black author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel, and the first to win it three years in a row for her *Broken Earth* trilogy. In 2020, she received a MacArthur Fellowship, often called a "genius grant". Jemisin's work delves into issues of racism, cultural conflict, and family relationships. Octavia Butler's work has had a profound influence on science fiction and Afrofuturism, paving the way for more diverse voices in speculative fiction. Inspired by a schlocky B-movie, she integrated social issues like race, gender, and power into her narratives. NASA paid tribute to her influence by naming the Mars rover's touchdown site Octavia E. Butler Landing. Ursula K. Le Guin often explored social and political themes, including race, gender, sexuality, and coming of age in her writing. Cultural anthropology, Taoism, feminism, and the writings of Carl Jung all had a strong influence on her work. Her novel *The Left Hand of Darkness* explores themes such as space exploration and future history and destroys the gender binary. Joe Abercrombie's *The Devils* is a historical fantasy horror romp set in an alternate medieval Europe threatened by elves. The novel follows a motley crew of horror-inspired characters assembled by Pope Benedicta to unite the land. Some reviewers found the plot repetitive and the humor grating, while others praised the action and character work. Shen Tao's *The Poet Empress* follows Wei, a poor girl who becomes a concubine to the Azalea Dynasty's heir. The story explores political intrigue, poetry magic, and the theme of survival in a cruel world. Some found the pacing uneven, but praised Tao's exploration of humanity and the concept of literomancy.