Black from the Future: A Collection of Black Speculative Writing

Within this revelatory 22-piece anthology of prose and poetry across the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres, editors Allen and Cherelle have gathered works by some of the best and boldest voices in African-American speculative writing. The collection opens with “Caramelle 1864,” a riveting story about vampires on the Underground Railroad by Jewelle Gomez, the godmother of queer black vampire fiction. Many of the works center experiences of queer black woman- or girlhood, from the intimate horrors of pregnancy in Allen’s “Luna 6000” to the neo-colonization of space in Leila Green’s “Some Far-Off, Frivolous Galaxy,” and their richly developed characters shine. Some stories are unsettling, including Tyhitia Green’s cannibalism-focused “After School Special” and Kivel Carson’s sharp zombie story, “The Night Has No Eyes.” Readers who prefer complex time travel or fun steampunk adventure will find those here, too. There’s something for everyone in this outstanding anthology. (Aug.)