[Pride In Horror Month] - Listicle: Books by Queer Black Authors You Should Have On Your Shelves

Here at DeadHead Reviews we believe in amplifying marginalized voices in the Literary World, but during Pride In Horror Month we give focus specifically to our LGBTQ+ Fam. Check out this incredible list of TBR pile must-have's highlighting Queer Black Authors in the genres of Dark Fantasy, Dark Scifi, Horror, Thriller/Mystery, and Speculative Fiction. Each book has a small synopsis with it, but we highly recommend clicking through to the book link and reading the full summary for each!

(We have also included some works that cross into the genre of literary fiction with magical, spiritual, horror, or fantasy elements and smilier characterizations in hopes that you will try some new fare!)

Do you have a suggested Queer Black Author or Own Voices novel we've left off this list? Let us know in the comments below by linking your favorite titles and authors.

Remember that your support needs to be a daily thing, not just during times of crisis or as performative actions. Keep supporting diverse voices within the Bookish community and other media ALL THE TIME.

We would like to take a moment to suggest showing your support for Black Lives Matter by not only donating to bail funds, but supporting small Black owned businesses. You can start by purchasing these Black Queer Authors from Black owned Bookstores: Click here for a list of your local shops that you can support. Or do a quick Google Search and find one on your own!

A Blade So Black: A Nightmare-verse Book
By L.L. McKinney

This book fuses elements of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the best of Alice in Wonderland together in one in an Urban Fantasy retelling of Lewis Caroll's beloved classic. Alice must navigate the reality of life as a student in Atlanta, and battling the otherworldly beasts known as "Nightmares." Vampires, Romance, Adventure and Fantasy in one?! Sign us up! Best of all - this is just the first installment in a trilogy!

Follow LL McKinney on Twitter

Hood Witch
By Faylita Hicks

A haunting poetry collection celebrating Black Women and Nonbinary people reclaiming their bodies and their power. This collection is inspired by photographs from the author's own childhood. Elements exploring the connection between Christianity, Afrofuturism, and Modern Mysticism.

Follow Faylita Hicks on Twitter

The Marked Ones
By Trevaughn Malik Roach-Carter

Sam and Matty witness a horrible event and family tragedy, and through an unexpected series of events develop superhuman abilities. A secret organization, their grandmother speaking an ominous phrase over and over that seems to predict the end of days, a birthmark connected to their mother's murder. These siblings must work together to uncover the truth.

Follow Trevaugh Malik Roach-Carter on Twitter

The Deep
By Rivers Solomon with David Diggs, William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes.

A collection of stories centering the descendants of African Women Slaves tossed overboard into the ocean. Follow the journey of Yetu as she explores identity and coming to terms with her ancestry as keeper of the memories.

Follow Rivers Solomon on Twitter

Freshwater
By Akwaeke Emezi

This work of fiction is heavily influenced by the author's own life experiences and perspectives. The story of Ada deals with topics such as discovering personal, gender and sexual identities, exploring religion, and dealing with trauma. There is a dark, magical edge to this tale. Trigger warning for sensitive content.

Follow Akwaeke Emezi on Twitter

Sister Mine
By Nalo Hopkinson

A Fantasy focusing on the relationship between conjoined twin sisters, daughters of magical gods, and their journey of self-exploration and independence.

Follow Nalo Hopkinson on Twitter

The Gilda Stories
By Jewelle Gomez

In the 1850s, Gilda escapes the bonds of slavery, and begins working in a brothel in Louisiana. She is turned by two of the fellow women who work there, and spends the next few hundred years exploring her freedom and searching for a place she can finally feel at home.

Follow Jewelle Gomez on Twitter

Kindred
By Octavia Butler

Dana is turning 26 when she is suddenly thrust snatched away from California and transported to the antebellum Southern US. This work of Science Fiction explores history, racism, and the connection between our past and present.

Follow Octavia Butler's page on Twitter

White Is For Witching
By Helen Oyeyemi

There is something dark and foreboding about the Silver house and its residents. Four generations of women have lived in this home, and each are connected by mysterious threads. A book exploring topics of race, nationality, and family legacy through elements of horror and mystery.

Juniper Leaves: The Otherworldly Tale of A Lonesome Magical Girl
By Jaz Joyner



Follow Jaz Joyner on Twitter

Dhalgren
By Samuel R. Delany

A standout book in Magical Realism and Science Fiction, this book explores themes of Racism, Gender, and Sexuality. The entire population of Bellona has fled due to a mysterious incident, and the city has fallen into a dark dystopia. Strange things have appeared in the sky. Then one day, a mysterious person known only as The Kid arrives in town.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf
By Marlon James

A combination of Historical Fiction and Fantasy, this is the first installment in the Dark Star Trilogy. When Tracker is asked to find a mysterious boy who disappeared three years earlier, he begins to question everything he knows. Who is telling the truth, and who is lying?

Follow Marlon James on Twitter

Two Moons: Stories
By Krystal A. Smith

A four story collection of speculative fiction tales exploring our relationships with Heaven and Earth and the spiritual. A thought proving and emotional work of Science Fiction.

Everfair
By Nisi Shawl

Combining Science Fiction and Historical Fiction, this book is an alternate history retelling of life in the Belgian Congo. Everfair is a utopian colony filled with Congo natives and escaped slaves from America. Offers perspectives on the relationship between African, Asian, European, and African American societies. This book tackles concepts of colonialism, racism, dystopia/utopia, cultural heritage, and more.

Follow Nisi Shawl on Twitter

Brew
by Dane Figueroa Edidi

Brew is the first installment of the graphic novel "Ghetto Goddess" series. Brew explores the lives of two witches: a mother, Bembe, and her trans daughter, Arjena. They must each navigate their own personal life experiences and their relationship with one another while also facing outside dark forces.

Follow Dane Figueroa Edidi on Twitter

Skin Deep Magic: Short Fiction
By Craig Laurance Gidney

This collection of ten short stories in Literary Fiction all have a magical, fantasy element. A little bit of scary and mysterious, and a little bit of wonder.

Follow Craig Laurance Gidney on Twitter