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Magic in the Melanin
In this anthology, everybody is Black.
Filled with epic battles, complicated families, soft kisses, and sharpened blades, Magic in the Melanin is an adult fantasy anthology that showcases Black authors who write magical stories of all kinds. Featuring full-page artwork to accompany your adventure through the pages, this anthology is what fantasy looks like when Blackness is centered and the imaginations of Black creators are unhindered. Dive into these stories and discover countless worlds where magic is truly in the melanin.
The proceeds from this anthology will go to supporting the Melanin Library, an online database of books written by Black authors. Share and support to ensure the library remains a free resource for everyone.
Filled with epic battles, complicated families, soft kisses, and sharpened blades, Magic in the Melanin is an adult fantasy anthology that showcases Black authors who write magical stories of all kinds. Featuring full-page artwork to accompany your adventure through the pages, this anthology is what fantasy looks like when Blackness is centered and the imaginations of Black creators are unhindered. Dive into these stories and discover countless worlds where magic is truly in the melanin.
The proceeds from this anthology will go to supporting the Melanin Library, an online database of books written by Black authors. Share and support to ensure the library remains a free resource for everyone.
Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2025
6 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Lockhart
9 books138 followersC. M. Lockhart (also known as Chelsea) is a Black writer of fantasy because she loves creating worlds, exploring relationships, and writing stories about Black girls who aren't all that nice. She is the founder of Written in Melanin LLC — which encompasses a weekly podcast and YouTube channel of the same name — and the Melanin Library, an online database of books written by Black authors.
She is also a lover of video games and anime, so whenever she isn't reading and writing — or talking about reading and writing — she's watching anime, playing her Switch, and dreaming about the day her books get animated.
She is also a lover of video games and anime, so whenever she isn't reading and writing — or talking about reading and writing — she's watching anime, playing her Switch, and dreaming about the day her books get animated.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 10, 2025
4.75 stars
This book promised to be the Blackest book I've ever read and it did not disappoint!
Thank you Melanin Library for the gifted digital arc of this~ :)
As with every anthology there are some hits and misses for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book~
Ash Of Cinders - L. Penelope: A gender bent retelling of Cinderella that reads like a YA romance novel, cute, reads like a novel written for the younger end of YA which makes sense considering that is a fairytale retelling, this was exactly what it should have been. 3.75 stars
Keeper Of The Spirit Gates - Celeste Harte: This one might be one of my favorites in this collection for the plot. I found this to be very heartwarming and sweet despite the turmoil happening around the main character. I loved this one for it's simplicity and sweetness. Adding this author to my "to read" list! 5 stars
The Promised Road - Omari Richards: Great world and character building. This felt more like and excerpt from a longer novella than a short story, but it was very well written! I would love to read a full version of this one! 4 stars
To Kill A Living Nightmare - D.L. Howard: Not one of my favorites in this collection, the writing seemed a bit juvenile. The plot was pretty predictable and a bit confusing as well. 2.75 stars
True Nature - Shakir Rashaan: I did not enjoy this one. The writing was not up to par with the rest of the collection, the characters were extremely flat, the plot was predicable and over done, the "romance" portion was non believable and badly written. :( 1 star
We're Going On A God Hunt - C.M. Lockhart: One of my favorites! Beautifully written, rich full characters, wonderful world building and imagery. This too felt like an excerpt and I so want to read the full version if it exists! This was original and exciting to read. This author is definitely on my "to read" list now! 5 stars
Mama Cactus Sky - Moses Ose Utomi: I want start out by saying the overall message of this I do not stand with. Definitely very misogynistic even if it was done very poetically, however it was written so very beautifully that I have to give it high ratings lol. Utomi knows how to write, no doubt about it. With such a short story I was able to really connect with the storyline and characters. 4 stars
I Think I Wanna Kiss His Sister - La Purvis: Cute story line, however there are parts that don't make sense. I do not understand why the apple was a part of this at all.
The apple was not well explained and, honestly, was not needed at all. I think without that part this would have been better. 3.75 stars
Sickle Cell - Joel Anthony Hamilton: This one reads like a folk tale, which I enjoyed, but the lore needed to be better explained in order for it to make the impact it needed to. Enjoyable but could have been more fleshed out for a better understanding of the protagonist. 3.75 stars
Of Celestial Flame - Doyin Aderele: A very well written and exciting read! This one was well done and had a plot that I found to be exciting to read and get into to. I loved the world building and characters and would love to know more about this world that blends mythology, folk lore, religion, and sci-fi! An author to add to my "to read" list for sure~ 5 stars
The Bane Of The Damned - Shelby N. Rose: This was a lovely tale of family bonds, found family, freedom, trust, and betrayal and I loved every minute of it! I would love to find out more about our main character and his journey. This is the makings of a great short story, I love when they keep me wanting more. Definitely and author to keep an eye on! 5 stars
Lost In Thought - James Gettys: Tied for my least favorite in this collection. The only reason this is getting anything more than a 1 star is because I am a maladaptive daydreamer and I liked the day dreaming fantasy portion of this. Other than that, the characters are flat, the storyline is flat, predictable, and lack luster, and there is not enough explanation into what is actually going on. To top it off the main character is a misogynistic piece of garbage who learns very little in the end and uses the phrase "daddy express", gross. :( 1.75 stars
To Shape The Night - Tonja K. Johnson: I find this one hard to rate because romance is not my thing. This read like a YA romantacy. I loved the imagery of the cottage, it was both gross and intriguing, which tells me that this writer know how to set a scene. Overall, this would be a great read for anyone that likes romance YA novels. 3.75 stars
Today We Are Generals - Tatian Obey: This was such a sweet ending to this anthology~ I really liked the characters, the plot, the imagery, and the writing. This was sweet, funny, sad, and wholesome. 5 stars.
Overall, I really liked this anthology and what it offers. I think this a book all Black reader should read and have on their shelf. I enjoyed the journey even if for me personally there were some stories that weren't my cup of tea. This is definitely worth the read!
Once again thank you Melanin Library for the ARC, I greatly enjoyed this one and am so happy I got the chance to experience and review it.
This book promised to be the Blackest book I've ever read and it did not disappoint!
Thank you Melanin Library for the gifted digital arc of this~ :)
As with every anthology there are some hits and misses for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book~
Ash Of Cinders - L. Penelope: A gender bent retelling of Cinderella that reads like a YA romance novel, cute, reads like a novel written for the younger end of YA which makes sense considering that is a fairytale retelling, this was exactly what it should have been. 3.75 stars
Keeper Of The Spirit Gates - Celeste Harte: This one might be one of my favorites in this collection for the plot. I found this to be very heartwarming and sweet despite the turmoil happening around the main character. I loved this one for it's simplicity and sweetness. Adding this author to my "to read" list! 5 stars
The Promised Road - Omari Richards: Great world and character building. This felt more like and excerpt from a longer novella than a short story, but it was very well written! I would love to read a full version of this one! 4 stars
To Kill A Living Nightmare - D.L. Howard: Not one of my favorites in this collection, the writing seemed a bit juvenile. The plot was pretty predictable and a bit confusing as well. 2.75 stars
True Nature - Shakir Rashaan: I did not enjoy this one. The writing was not up to par with the rest of the collection, the characters were extremely flat, the plot was predicable and over done, the "romance" portion was non believable and badly written. :( 1 star
We're Going On A God Hunt - C.M. Lockhart: One of my favorites! Beautifully written, rich full characters, wonderful world building and imagery. This too felt like an excerpt and I so want to read the full version if it exists! This was original and exciting to read. This author is definitely on my "to read" list now! 5 stars
Mama Cactus Sky - Moses Ose Utomi: I want start out by saying the overall message of this I do not stand with. Definitely very misogynistic even if it was done very poetically, however it was written so very beautifully that I have to give it high ratings lol. Utomi knows how to write, no doubt about it. With such a short story I was able to really connect with the storyline and characters. 4 stars
I Think I Wanna Kiss His Sister - La Purvis: Cute story line, however there are parts that don't make sense. I do not understand why the apple was a part of this at all.
The apple was not well explained and, honestly, was not needed at all. I think without that part this would have been better. 3.75 stars
Sickle Cell - Joel Anthony Hamilton: This one reads like a folk tale, which I enjoyed, but the lore needed to be better explained in order for it to make the impact it needed to. Enjoyable but could have been more fleshed out for a better understanding of the protagonist. 3.75 stars
Of Celestial Flame - Doyin Aderele: A very well written and exciting read! This one was well done and had a plot that I found to be exciting to read and get into to. I loved the world building and characters and would love to know more about this world that blends mythology, folk lore, religion, and sci-fi! An author to add to my "to read" list for sure~ 5 stars
The Bane Of The Damned - Shelby N. Rose: This was a lovely tale of family bonds, found family, freedom, trust, and betrayal and I loved every minute of it! I would love to find out more about our main character and his journey. This is the makings of a great short story, I love when they keep me wanting more. Definitely and author to keep an eye on! 5 stars
Lost In Thought - James Gettys: Tied for my least favorite in this collection. The only reason this is getting anything more than a 1 star is because I am a maladaptive daydreamer and I liked the day dreaming fantasy portion of this. Other than that, the characters are flat, the storyline is flat, predictable, and lack luster, and there is not enough explanation into what is actually going on. To top it off the main character is a misogynistic piece of garbage who learns very little in the end and uses the phrase "daddy express", gross. :( 1.75 stars
To Shape The Night - Tonja K. Johnson: I find this one hard to rate because romance is not my thing. This read like a YA romantacy. I loved the imagery of the cottage, it was both gross and intriguing, which tells me that this writer know how to set a scene. Overall, this would be a great read for anyone that likes romance YA novels. 3.75 stars
Today We Are Generals - Tatian Obey: This was such a sweet ending to this anthology~ I really liked the characters, the plot, the imagery, and the writing. This was sweet, funny, sad, and wholesome. 5 stars.
Overall, I really liked this anthology and what it offers. I think this a book all Black reader should read and have on their shelf. I enjoyed the journey even if for me personally there were some stories that weren't my cup of tea. This is definitely worth the read!
Once again thank you Melanin Library for the ARC, I greatly enjoyed this one and am so happy I got the chance to experience and review it.
July 6, 2025
'Magic in the Melanin' is a breathtaking testament to the boundless imagination of Black creators in fantasy literature. This anthology doesn't just promise to center Blackness—it delivers with stunning artistry and uncompromising vision.
The collection's greatest strength lies in its remarkable diversity of storytelling approaches. From L. Penelope's enchanting gender-bent "Ash of Cinders" to Moses Ose Utomi's poetically haunting "Mama Cactus Sky," each story demonstrates a distinct voice while maintaining thematic coherence. The writing styles range from lyrical folklore to pulse-pounding adventure, showcasing the versatility of Black fantasy authors.
Omari Richards' "The Promised Road" deserves special recognition for its exceptional character development and intricate world-building—this story reads like a tantalizing glimpse into a larger universe that begs to be explored further. Richards demonstrates remarkable skill in creating a narrative that feels both complete and expansive, leaving readers hungry for more adventures in this beautifully crafted world. These stories don't merely transport readers—they immerse them in richly imagined universes where magic flows as naturally as breath.
The anthology's form brilliantly balances accessibility with depth. Stories like Doyin Aderele's "Of Celestial Flame" blend mythology and sci-fi with remarkable skill, while Tatiana Obey's "Today We Are Generals" provides a perfect, wholesome conclusion that resonates long after reading.
More importantly, this collection proves that when Black voices are unhindered and centered, fantasy literature reaches new heights of creativity and emotional resonance.
'Magic in the Melanin' is essential reading—a powerful reminder that the most extraordinary magic happens when diverse storytellers are given the space to dream without limits.
This book is highly recommended for all fantasy lovers.
The collection's greatest strength lies in its remarkable diversity of storytelling approaches. From L. Penelope's enchanting gender-bent "Ash of Cinders" to Moses Ose Utomi's poetically haunting "Mama Cactus Sky," each story demonstrates a distinct voice while maintaining thematic coherence. The writing styles range from lyrical folklore to pulse-pounding adventure, showcasing the versatility of Black fantasy authors.
Omari Richards' "The Promised Road" deserves special recognition for its exceptional character development and intricate world-building—this story reads like a tantalizing glimpse into a larger universe that begs to be explored further. Richards demonstrates remarkable skill in creating a narrative that feels both complete and expansive, leaving readers hungry for more adventures in this beautifully crafted world. These stories don't merely transport readers—they immerse them in richly imagined universes where magic flows as naturally as breath.
The anthology's form brilliantly balances accessibility with depth. Stories like Doyin Aderele's "Of Celestial Flame" blend mythology and sci-fi with remarkable skill, while Tatiana Obey's "Today We Are Generals" provides a perfect, wholesome conclusion that resonates long after reading.
More importantly, this collection proves that when Black voices are unhindered and centered, fantasy literature reaches new heights of creativity and emotional resonance.
'Magic in the Melanin' is essential reading—a powerful reminder that the most extraordinary magic happens when diverse storytellers are given the space to dream without limits.
This book is highly recommended for all fantasy lovers.
July 15, 2025
(3.5 ⭐) Magic in the Melanin is a collection of Black fantasy stories, and the anthology was entirely created by Black authors, artists, and creatives.
It also intentionally excludes any commentary on race and systemic oppression. There’s still trauma and darkness here, and of course every piece has conflict, but racism does not play a role. I thought this was a lovely touch for an indie collection because traditional publishing often leans on Black trauma.
This collection includes: a Cinderella retelling, mediums navigating overloads of souls during a vicious war, powerful dreamweavers, a superhero origin story, women who hunt angels, a folkloric story featuring a towering protective cactus, sapphic mermaid princesses, dystopian worlds that blend magic and technology, assassins with secret dreams, and so much more.
There were a couple of really weak links here - which I know always happens with anthologies - but I wish they could have been traded out for stories that were better fleshed out and edited.
CW: death (parent/child), murder, misogyny, sexism, infidelity, child abuse, emotional abuse, gore, toxic relationship, pregnancy, kidnapping, grief, abandonment, classism
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
It also intentionally excludes any commentary on race and systemic oppression. There’s still trauma and darkness here, and of course every piece has conflict, but racism does not play a role. I thought this was a lovely touch for an indie collection because traditional publishing often leans on Black trauma.
This collection includes: a Cinderella retelling, mediums navigating overloads of souls during a vicious war, powerful dreamweavers, a superhero origin story, women who hunt angels, a folkloric story featuring a towering protective cactus, sapphic mermaid princesses, dystopian worlds that blend magic and technology, assassins with secret dreams, and so much more.
There were a couple of really weak links here - which I know always happens with anthologies - but I wish they could have been traded out for stories that were better fleshed out and edited.
CW: death (parent/child), murder, misogyny, sexism, infidelity, child abuse, emotional abuse, gore, toxic relationship, pregnancy, kidnapping, grief, abandonment, classism
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
January 26, 2025
Sigh …. PLEASE BUY THIS !! I took my time reading each of these stories. To back track,the introduction that this anthology begins with is officially one of the best introductions into a book I have ever read.I literally had tears in my eyes. To know that this book was created for us by us and you can feel that in each and every story. Every story was unique and engaging,that its hard to really say you love one over another. I read from a good majority of the authors who contributed ,but I can with confidence say that the authors I experienced for the first time,I immediately added their books to my list to continue into their catalogs. If you enjoy fantasy stories and black people….this is definitely a book to have. Your imagination and soul will be well fed from this amazing anthology. Thank me later ☺️.
August 30, 2025
Wow. Wow. Wow. I was looking forward to Magic in the Melanin when C.M. Lockhart first started promoting it. A book filled with fantasy stories that are Blackity Black Black with no trauma and this DELIVERED! And the artwork is gorgeous! I really enjoyed taking my time through the book and reading each story. Of course, with all anthologies, some stories were hits and some are misses. Personally, majority of them were hits for me and I loved all the artwork. But as a whole, it's worth a read. Honestly, it's worth owning so you can see this beautifully crafted book on your bookshelf or ereader.
I highly recommend this to if you love fantasy, love or want to experience fantasy with an all Black cast, and want to sample stories from various Black authors.
I highly recommend this to if you love fantasy, love or want to experience fantasy with an all Black cast, and want to sample stories from various Black authors.
February 14, 2025
I absolutely LOVED IT!!! An anthology full of short Fantasy inspired stories with characters that represent me. This anthology gives you a mixture of various types of fantasy story ranging from Fairytale Retellings, Dark Fantasy, Superhero Fantasy, Portal Fantasy and Horror Fantasy.
Each story is awe inspiring and soul stirring. Reading the lore and leaning on the strength of our ancestors is what brought each story to life. That same strength we once again find ourselves leaning on in this day and age.
I can't say enough about this book, and I am so honored that I had the opportunity to read it.
Each story is awe inspiring and soul stirring. Reading the lore and leaning on the strength of our ancestors is what brought each story to life. That same strength we once again find ourselves leaning on in this day and age.
I can't say enough about this book, and I am so honored that I had the opportunity to read it.
April 16, 2025
This delightful collection of fantasy short stories ranges from a fresh fairy tale retelling (L Penelope’s romantic “Ash of the Cinders”) to action adventure (Tatiana Obey’s imaginative “Today, We Are Generals”) to spiritual (Celeste Harte’s profound “Keeper of the Spirit Gates.”) I was particularly touched by the stories that spoke to hope and healing, like “Mama Cactus Sky” by Moses Ose Utomi and “Of Celestial Flame” by Doyin Aderele. Overall, the stories flowed organically from one to the next, making the collection both enjoyable in its parts and as a book to pull from the shelf and re-read. Highly recommend for lovers of fantasy fiction!
March 5, 2025
A beautiful, expansive anthology full to the brim of creative characters, and stories that span the universe. Beautifully put together, and including art from independent illustrators. I hope this is the first of many from The Melanin Library that I get to read.
Shout out to my favorite author in the book, Shelby Rose! Your story gripped me from the first line- I can’t WAIT to read a full length version of “The Bane of the Damned”. You have such a unique talent, I know this isn’t the last I’ll see from you!
Shout out to my favorite author in the book, Shelby Rose! Your story gripped me from the first line- I can’t WAIT to read a full length version of “The Bane of the Damned”. You have such a unique talent, I know this isn’t the last I’ll see from you!
March 16, 2025
a very cool Fantasy anthology of all Black writers and illustrators. There is a different illustration for each story, which I love and wish other books would do!
Today we are Generals by Tatiana Obey was a charming story and one of my faves, which I won't spoil with details!
some of other my favorite stories were:
To Shape the Night by Tonja K Johnson
The Bane of the Damned by Shelby Rose
The Promised Road by Omari Richards
Keeper of the SPirit Gates by Celeste Hart
it was great to learn of some writers new to me so that I can look up their other work
Today we are Generals by Tatiana Obey was a charming story and one of my faves, which I won't spoil with details!
some of other my favorite stories were:
To Shape the Night by Tonja K Johnson
The Bane of the Damned by Shelby Rose
The Promised Road by Omari Richards
Keeper of the SPirit Gates by Celeste Hart
it was great to learn of some writers new to me so that I can look up their other work
February 18, 2025
Trying to get into fantasy but don’t want to commit to a full novel? Look no further! grab A Black Fantasy Anthology, Magic In Melanin.
It is composed of a bunch of black magical fantasy stories by black authors. This was perfect for me as I am new to the Fantasy genre and have a goal to stick my toe in it this year.
It is short, packed with action, and straight to the point! It is so easy to follow.
It is composed of a bunch of black magical fantasy stories by black authors. This was perfect for me as I am new to the Fantasy genre and have a goal to stick my toe in it this year.
It is short, packed with action, and straight to the point! It is so easy to follow.
Read
March 5, 2025I don't think I've ever rated an anthology before and I don't think I want to start now. There was a lot of variety amongst the stories and I'm glad that I have more black authors to support and check out.
Read
May 26, 2025I have a lot more to say, which you can check out at The Litt Librarian, but I'll say here that it needs another edit run.
DNF. No rating.
DNF. No rating.
December 16, 2025
The fantasy in these stories was amazing! I'm so glad the anthology was recommended to me, and I'm thrilled I got to experience the audiobook because the narrator brought each story to life. Ruthie is a narrating phenom!
April 9, 2025
This is what I've been looking for--Fantasy stories that aren't centered around Black trauma.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews