Breath of Oblivion

This sharp-witted, galaxy-spanning sequel to Broaddus’s Sweep of Stars entertains while setting the stage for an explosive series finale. Tensions heighten in the Muungano Empire as Jaha and Wachiru become embroiled in planetwide unrest, while double-agent Ishant is tasked with recruiting an aide close to Old Earth’s leadership. On Mars, Amachi embarks on a spiritual journey under the guidance of a new mentor. Meanwhile, stranded on the other side of the wormhole known as the Orun Gate, Stacia loses trust in her crewmates as they venture further from Muungano society, while Epyc Ro’s makeshift fleet grows with each alien encounter—all with implications back home. Broaddus continues to center Black people and culture within his vibrant transglobalist future, creating a vast and immersive galaxy and probing the transformative philosophy of Muungano society. The results allow for deeper explorations of the nature of empire and the costs of exodus, without veering into didacticism. A helpful glossary elucidates potentially unfamiliar concepts. The Astra Black trilogy continues to be a must-read for fans of afrofuturism. (Nov.)