AFRO Sci-Fi Anthology

by Stafford L. Battle

Leap into the Black Fantastic. Afro Sci-Fi is an eye-opening anthology of stories with an unique AfroCentric viewpoint. Sword and Soul, Black Weird West, Afro Horror, and Space Opera reward the reader with unexpected and exciting perspectives in speculative literature. African fairies, galactic slavers, Nubian demigods, mad scientists, and monsters will push your imagination to the limit.

Two African warriors use magic and muscle to gain favor with a beautiful priestess and defy an aging god. Down South in America, a Yankee reporter disturbs deadly supernatural forces. A wealthy Black family faces Nubian demons and demi-gods that could transform America. In Earth orbit, a traditional wedding is interrupted by galactic slave traders. This Anthology explores what makes Science Fiction and Fantasy Black.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Anthologies, Short Stories, Science Fiction Fantasy

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2012

Reviews

[Moken Marsai · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a mixed bag. I found the concepts surrounding most of the stories interesting, but they needed to be developed more even in a short story format. Many didn't have a resolution or even a thoughtful twist or cliffhanger. My biggest gripe however is that almost every story without fail includes a scene with a man lusting after a woman, which added absolutely nothing to the plot. In one story, the main character alluded to attraction to his aunt. While another had the protagonist locking lips with a woman who turned out to be the spirt of his grandmother. The descriptions of the women were one note, often referring to them having teenaged bodies despite their age. The lustful subplots didn't add any value to the stories as many would've been fine without.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The essays at the back were significantly better than the short stories.

[BMR, LCSW · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first wade into Afrofuturism, this was a great introduction. Some stories were outstanding and warranted a full novel, others were merely okay and I was thankful for the brevity.

It introduced me to some authors I intend to read more from.

I'm going to read it again later this year, and see if I feel any differently about the stories I did not like...