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Looking to shake up your reading list with some seriously enchanting stories? 

African fantasy books are full of magic, mystery, and myth, with stories that are deeply rooted in African culture and folklore. 

This list covers everything from epic battles between good and evil to deeply personal quests for identity and belonging, all set in vivid worlds where the ordinary and the mystical collide. 

Whether you’re new to African fantasy or already a fan, these novels will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Best African Fantasy Books to Check Out ASAP

1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi  

In Orïsha, magic once thrived until a ruthless king wiped it out, leaving people like Zélie, who comes from a line of powerful maji, without hope. 

Now, Zélie has a rare opportunity to bring magic back. With a fierce runaway princess by her side, she embarks on a journey to outsmart a prince who is dead set on destroying magic once and for all. 

Along the way, Zélie has to navigate the dangers of this magical, violent world while wrestling with her own powers and conflicted feelings about her enemies.

I loved how Adeyemi created such a vividly immersive world that feels rich in culture, magic, and history—like stepping into another reality. 

Zélie is such a fierce character; her resilience is contagious, and I was rooting for her the whole time. 

Plus, the tension between her and the crown prince? Let’s just say it kept me turning pages way too late at night! 

If you’re into fantasy with real stakes and characters you can’t forget, this is for you.

2. Daughters of Nri by Reni K. Amayo  

After an ancient war drives the gods away, two twin sisters, Naala and Sinai, grow up apart, unaware of their divine heritage and each other’s existence. 

Naala, adventurous and headstrong, lives a modest life in her small village, while the reserved Sinai navigates the politics of the royal palace in Nri. 

Both sisters begin to discover a mysterious power within themselves as they encounter challenges that test their strength and spirit, eventually leading them to confront the mighty ruler who banished the gods.

The contrast between the lives of the two sisters makes for such a compelling read, and I loved seeing how each sister developed and found their inner strength in unique ways. 

It’s a beautiful exploration of identity, family, and power, with a dash of mythology that feels fresh and authentic. 

There’s also something so satisfying about watching each sister grow into her potential, knowing they’re heading toward a powerful reunion. 

3. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor  

Sunny, a twelve-year-old who feels like an outsider due to her albino appearance and American background, finds herself drawn into a hidden magical world when she befriends Orlu and Chichi. 

Together, they uncover their latent powers as members of the Leopard People and form the youngest Oha Coven. 

As they learn to harness their gifts, they’re tasked with tracking down a sinister figure who’s been kidnapping children—a journey that tests their courage and abilities in unexpected ways.

This book is just pure magic. Okorafor takes you on an adventure where magic and reality blend seamlessly, and I loved how each character brought something unique to the group. 

Sunny’s journey, especially, is both relatable and inspiring; she’s learning to embrace who she is and discovering that her “flaws” are actually her greatest strengths. 

The worldbuilding is so lush and vibrant, it felt like I was right there with them. 

If you’re looking for a young adult fantasy that’s fresh and empowering, this one’s a gem.

Related: Top 12 Short Fantasy Novels (Less Than 350 Pages) You Can Read In One Day

4. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko  

Tarisai has always craved a sense of belonging, having grown up isolated under the control of her mysterious mother, The Lady.

When she’s sent to the capital of Aritsar, she’s chosen to compete for a spot on the Crown Prince’s Council—a position that would bond her to the Council members more deeply than family. 

But her mother’s true motive is dark: Tarisai is under a magical compulsion to kill the prince once she gains his trust. 

Now, she must decide whether she can break free from her mother’s hold and create her own path.

This book hit me right in the feels. Tarisai’s longing for connection and belonging is something anyone can relate to, but her journey is so much more intense as she faces dark secrets and betrayal. 

The emotional stakes are sky-high, and Ifueko’s writing makes you feel every bit of Tarisai’s struggle. 

I loved watching her wrestle with her choices and ultimately stand up for herself. The story has incredible depth, and the world of Aritsar is rich and complex. 

5. Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa  

In the city of Bassa, Danso is a scholar who doesn’t quite fit in. 

While everyone else seems content to follow tradition, he’s fascinated by forbidden stories of the world beyond the city’s borders. 

When he encounters a warrior who wields ancient magic, he’s pulled into a conflict that unveils the city’s hidden history. 

As he sets out to uncover these secrets, Danso realizes he may be on a collision course with forces that could tear the empire apart.

Danso’s curiosity and unwillingness to conform make him such a relatable protagonist, and I enjoyed every moment of his journey as he digs deeper into Bassa’s history. 

Okungbowa builds a world that feels textured and alive, with complex politics and cultures. It’s got adventure, mystery, and a sense of wonder that’s hard to find. 

If you’re into stories where characters question everything around them, this one will definitely keep you hooked.

6. Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen  

Simi is a Mami Wata—a mermaid tasked with guiding the souls of those who perish at sea. 

But when she saves a drowning boy, she goes against ancient rules, risking punishment from the gods. 

Now, to protect her people, she must journey to the Supreme Creator and seek forgiveness. 

Along the way, she faces deadly creatures, powerful spirits, and challenges that could change her world forever.

This is such a beautifully woven story, which blends myth and fantasy in a way that feels completely fresh. 

Simi’s character is compelling and relatable as she faces impossible choices, and I loved seeing her challenge the rules in order to follow her own sense of right and wrong. 

Bowen’s portrayal of underwater worlds and mythical beings is both haunting and stunning—it’s honestly like stepping into a folktale. 

I genuinely cannot recommend this enough if you’re up for a mermaid story with depth and adventure.

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7. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter  

Tau is a young man born without magical powers in a society driven by endless war. 

While others around him wield extraordinary gifts, Tau only wants to escape the constant fighting. 

But when tragedy strikes and he loses loved ones, Tau’s desire for revenge drives him to become the deadliest warrior in his land, willing to fight anyone to achieve his goal.

Winter has created a brutal, high-stakes world that keeps you on edge, and Tau’s relentless pursuit of revenge is both heartbreaking and thrilling. 

His transformation from someone wanting to escape to someone willing to sacrifice everything is gritty and raw. It’s a story of anger, loss, and the lengths we go to for those we love. 

If you’re into epic fantasy that’s dark, fierce, and all about pushing limits, this is the book for you.

Must-Read African Speculative Fiction Books

8. The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu  

In an eerie, dystopian version of Edinburgh, Ropa—a young ghostalker—earns a living by passing messages from the dead to the living. 

When she discovers children are being targeted by dark magic that leaves them hollow shells, she dives into a mystery that leads her to a hidden, mystical library and a series of dangerous secrets. 

Along the way, she relies on her Zimbabwean heritage, a trusty mbira, and a whole lot of nerve to uncover the truth.

Ropa’s a fantastic character—she’s witty, tough, and just has this cool, rebellious vibe that’s refreshing to see in a supernatural detective story. 

The blend of Zimbabwean magic with Edinburgh’s darker side is done in such a unique way, and it brings this haunting charm to the setting. 

Plus, the pacing builds up to some pretty tense moments! If you’re into ghostly mysteries with a sharp lead and a fresh cultural twist, you’ll love this one.

9. Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi  

Shigidi, a Nigerian nightmare god feeling pretty fed up with his job, meets Nneoma, a succubus with a complex past. 

Together, they try to break away from the confines of the Orisha spirit company and take on the ultimate heist that brings them face-to-face with rival gods, powerful magicians, and a world of both danger and adventure.

Their journey unfolds across Lagos, Singapore, and London in a battle of wills and spirits.

This book is such a refreshing twist on urban fantasy—kind of like a heist movie but with gods and spirits.

Shigidi’s a fascinating character who’s not your typical hero, and his interactions with Nneoma bring out so much depth. 

I really enjoyed how Talabi pulled in Nigerian mythology and gave it a modern twist, making the story feel original and vibrant. 

This is a great pick if you want a fantasy that’s fast-paced with a lot of character.

Also See: 13 Lovely Science Fiction & Fantasy (SFF) Books by Black Authors

10. Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi  

In the city of Kos, mages pull sins out of people, turning them into sin-beasts that only the aki (young sin-eaters) can destroy. 

Taj, one of the best, has his skin covered in sin tattoos that mark his sacrifices. 

But his power comes with a steep price, and when he’s called to tackle a royal sin, he gets tangled up in a plot that risks everything he cares about.

This one hooked me from the start—imagine a world where guilt and sin literally come to life.

Taj is such a layered character, who is dealing with his inner turmoil while being forced to face life-or-death situations. 

The city of Kos has this dark, almost gritty vibe that makes the stakes feel real. 

Onyebuchi’s writing is intense, and he doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, so if you’re after a gritty, unique fantasy with powerful themes, definitely check this out.

Top African Fantasy Books Based on African Mythology 

11. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James  

Tracker, a mercenary known for his near-supernatural sense of smell, gets hired to track down a boy who’s been missing for years. 

He breaks his rule of working alone, teaming up with a wild mix of characters, including a shape-shifter named Leopard. 

This story pulls from African mythology and folklore, blending dark fantasy and complex themes about truth, power, and ambition as Tracker dives deeper into a strange and dangerous world.

Tracker is such a strong, no-nonsense character, and the group he teams up with is unlike any other. 

Marlon James’s writing is pretty gritty, so it’s not a light read, but that’s part of what makes it unforgettable. 

The story is wild, a bit like a fever dream, with dark creatures and a fantasy world that’s so vividly written, it sticks with you. 

12. Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron  

Arrah feels like a disappointment in her powerful family of witchdoctors since she’s the only one without magic.

But when kids in her kingdom start disappearing, she’s desperate enough to buy magic by sacrificing her own years of life. 

It brings her closer to her family’s darkest secrets—and puts her in the middle of a terrifying plot she never expected.

This one had me hooked. I really felt for Arrah because who hasn’t felt like they’re just not measuring up? 

Her journey is intense, and the stakes feel super high, especially since she’s risking her actual lifespan to save people. 

It’s a mix of magic, mystery, and family drama with real emotional punch.

So, if you love stories with dark twists and characters who’ll do anything to protect the people they love, you’ll want to dive in.

13. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor  

In a post-apocalyptic Africa, Onyesonwu is born with powers that might be the key to ending a brutal genocide. 

Guided by a shaman and driven by her own desire to change the world, she faces supernatural forces, dark traditions, and her own fears as she tries to save her people from destruction.

This book hits hard—it’s powerful, emotional, and completely unique. 

Onyesonwu’s journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she grapples with her role in a world torn by violence. 

Okorafor dives deep into themes like justice, identity, and resilience, and it all feels so real even in this surreal, post-apocalyptic setting. 

This one’s for you if you want a thought-provoking read that combines sci-fi with deep cultural roots and powerful storytelling.

14. David Mogo, Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa  

In a Lagos where gods walk the streets after an epic celestial battle, David Mogo is a freelance “godhunter” trying to make a living capturing rogue gods. 

But when he captures a high god for a powerful wizard, he accidentally unleashes chaos on the city and has to team up with unlikely allies to save Lagos from an epic disaster.

David Mogo, Godhunter is just pure fun with a gritty edge. 

His world feels so alive, with Lagos practically buzzing as gods and humans interact, and the city’s personality is right there in the action. 

David is the perfect “reluctant hero” type—he doesn’t want the job but knows he’s the only one who can handle it. 

If you like urban fantasy with a cool mix of myth and adventure, this book has you covered.

15. The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm by Nancy Farmer  

Set in futuristic Zimbabwe, three children of a powerful general run away and get lost in a world filled with eccentric characters, from mutant crime bosses to wise priests. 

Their father hires three detectives with unique superpowers—Ear, Eye, and Arm—to find them, leading to a strange adventure through a wildly imaginative world.

The futuristic Zimbabwe setting of this book is refreshing and original, and the kids’ journey brings them through such unusual places that it keeps you guessing.

And, the detectives’ powers—like super hearing and vision—make for some hilarious and unique moments. 

It’s got a perfect mix of mystery, action, and humor that’s great for all ages.

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Do you think you’ll read any of these book? Let me know in the comment section.

And, if you love African literature, there are loads of more posts in the related posts section below – I guarantee awesome book recs. 

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