Overall Rating: 3.5

•The Blue House by Dilman Dila- 3.5/5
•March Magic by W.C. Dunlap- 3/5
•IRL by Steven Barnes- 2.5/5
•The Deification of Igodo by Joshua Uchena Omenga- 3/5
•Mami Wataworks by Russell Nichols- 4/5
•Rear Mirror by Nuzo Onoh- 4/5
•Door Crashers by Franka Zeph- 3/5
•The Soul Would Have No Rainbow by Yvette Lisa Ndlovu- 3.5/5
•A Dream of Electric Mothers by Wole Talabi- 4/5
•Simbi by Sandra Jackson-Opoku- 4/5
•Housewarming for a Lim Goddess by Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga- 4.5/5
•A Knight in Tunisia by Alex Jennings- 3.5/5
•The Devil is Us by Mirette Bahgat- 3/5
•Cloud Mine by Timi Odueso- 3.5/5
•Ruler of the Rear Guard by Maurice Broaddus- 4/5
• Peeling Time(Deluxe Edition) by Tlotlo Tsamaase- 2.5/5
•The Sugar Mill by Tobias S. Bucknell- 4/5
•The Carving War by Somto Ihezue Onyedikachi- 3/5
•Ghost Ship by Tananarive Due- 4.5/5
•Liquid Twilight by Ytasha Womack- 4.5/5
•Once Upon a Time in 1976 by Oyedotun Damilola Muees- 3.5/5
•A Girl Crawls in a Dark Corner by Alexis Brooks De Vita- 4/5
•The Lady of the Yellow-Painted Library by Tobi Ogundiran- 5/5
•When the Mami Wata Met a Demon by Moustapha Mbacke Diop- 3.5/5
•The Papermakers by Akua Lezli Hope- 3/5
•A Soul of Small Places by Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo- 3/5
•Air to Shape Lungs by Shingai Njeri Kagunda- 3.5/5
•Hanfo Driver by Ada Nnadi- 3/5
•Exiles of Witchery by Ivana Akotowaa Ofori- 4/5
•The Taloned Beast by Chinelo Onwualu- 3/5
•Star Watchers by Danian Darrell Jerry- 3/5
•Biscuit and Milk by Segun Falowo- 3.5/5

I like how the narrators' accents give nuance to the stories, and the stories themselves are great. You can find anything in this book, sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, and even horror. I was enjoying listening to this.

Overall, I liked this collection. There were some pieces that were stronger than others and some that didn't fit my interests. I'm glad I read it because it's outside of my usual reading taste, especially the more sci-fi-based stories. I would seek out some of the authors again.

This is a collection of 32 distinct and eclectic short stories. If you choose to read it, be aware that it includes science fiction, horror, dystopia, and a lot of triggering content. Several stories were outstanding, most were very good, and a few didn’t feel quite as impactful. I really enjoyed learning about and finding connections to African folklore. This was certainly one of the most challenging and unique collections I read this year.
Overall I’d recommend this collection for anyone interested in African folklore, science or dystopian fiction. If you love short stories, this would be an excellent choice.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Abuse/Violence (all kinds), Racism, Colonialism
Categories: Short Story Collection, Science Fiction, Anthology

A collection that is a sure read for sci-fi aficionados, I found this collection too long to be adequately captured in an audiobook experience and would recommend that readers with a high affinity for sci-fi pick this tome up. As someone who loves their sci-fi with a bit of fantasy, many of the stories included here did not appeal to me. I am interested in re-reading the collection a bit at a time in physical form - though it is not a high priority.

African ancestor worship blends seamlessly with advanced AI to deliver what Arthur C. Clarke would recognize as magic. “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

For the past two years, I’ve traveled to Malawi Africa on mission trips. I hope to return again next year. Each time I go, I fall more in love with the people, the culture, and the history. Each visit brings into stark contrast the opposing forces of tradition and progress, old beliefs and new faith. It is a fascinating place and people. Africa Risen showcases every dream of the continent through the shop front window of futurism.

The anthology delivers on the hard work of award-winning editorial team Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, and Zelda Knight. Thirty-two original stories showcase the breadth of fantasy and science fiction from Africa and the African Diaspora.

The collection follows in the footsteps of the pioneering Dark Matter anthology series. African science fiction and fantasy is celebrated with vibrancy and diversity, while demonstrating the reach and cultural impact of her talented writers.

Several of the tales stood out more than others. Topics covered by all thirty-two tales are vast. A small cross section of those stories exhibits the wide variety and exceptional writing craft of the talented contributors.

"A Dream of Electric Mothers" by Wole Talabi welcomes readers like a brochure announcing the world fully delivered by Phillip K Dick in Minority Report. Hosting conversations with ghosts - real or electronic - will quicken the pulse of any reader, and leave them questioning the advice of the ancients. While the story had a rough opener, those who stick with the tale will enjoy a most satisfying twist.

"IRL" by Steven Barnes is reminiscent of Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash or Mike Pondsmith’s Cyberpunk worlds. The line between virtual and reality blurs as threats to the protagonist get more stark. Readers are rewarded with complex character development, and exploration of a world just out of our current grasp. (* Keep trying Zuck.)


“Mami Wataworks” by Russell Nichols warns ‘keep your tears to yourselves’ and for good reason. The harsh, unforgiving, dystopia envelopes readers - gripping their parched throats as tight as the hold it has on the main character. The way through surprises and delights, but not before breaking hearts. The story sticks with you, forcing reflection. The implications of which could change our current society.


"March Magic" by W. C. Dunlap illustrates the arrival of African goddesses to the swamps and soils of the New World. The vivid depiction provides entry for old faiths trying to make a place for themselves in the midst of modern struggles. Readers will sense, and cheer on, the coming judgment of established prejudice. And if not, make readers as themselves why.


"Rear Mirror" by Nuzo Onoh is a wonderful, spooky, and exhilarating tale. Dealing with the dead is tricky business not for the faint of heart, weak of mind, or timid in spirit. And especially not for anyone unwilling or unable to follow the rules of engagement. The wrestling match between faith and religion is evident without being heavy handed. The experience delivers a satisfying full bodied story for the characters and readers alike.

as most other collections of short stories, especially ones that are collaborations between different authors, i found africa risen to be a bit of a mixed bag. some of the stories were fine, others not so much.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tordotcom for my access to the audio book of Africa Risen.

This anthology of science fiction and magical realism spans the breadth of Africa and the African Diaspora. In 32 stories, the authors paint vivid pictures of the future rooted firmly in African and Diaspora traditions, stories, and experiences. Each story invites readers to sit, listen, and absorb. Each one is unique, and taken as a whole, they show Africa as whole, vibrant, and powerful.

Collections of short stories present options for all types of readers. Not everyone will resonate with every story, and yet each of these stories is well crafted and is worth reading.

This book was easy to savor and appreciate. I know I will be haunted by some of these stories forever. Here are 10 that I am still thinking about.
Mami Wataworks - Why would a towns leaders lie to the town about rain clouds?
Rear Mirror - In a battle of traditional beliefs and Christianity, will the wishes of the Dead be stronger than the will of some of the living?
A Dream of Electric Mothers - If you could ask your ancestors one question, what would it be? Would it be them answering you?
Housewarming of a Lion Goddess - What happens when you live so long your memories become tangled up?
Cloud mine - If the only way you can get rain is to strip a person of their humanity would you do it?
The Sugar Mill - When your only property for sale is a sugar mill built on top of the bodies of your ancestors, will you listen to their ghosts or your own material needs?
Ghost Ship - What happens if you are on a ship with a mysterious package and everyone else goes missing?
A Girl Crawls in a Dark Corner - If you were enslaved and your enslaver forced you to hurt young children, what would you do if you had enough courage?
Exiles of Witchery- Your magical vehicle is acting up, when its doors open somewhere you didn't want them to, what will you do, find the girl, save the witch, kill the agressors?
The Taloned Beast - What if the housekeeper and you are both victims and prisoners of your cruel uncle? Would you run away or would you work to free her too?

It's hard to keep it to ten. Some are more haunting (A Soul of Small Places) others charming and relatable (Hanfo drivers), and more are beautiful and magical (The Paper Makers). Each chapter is new, thoughtful, and moving in its own way.

Audio Review: This audio book is well-narrated. The voices change off chapter by chapter so it makes it an easy and engaging listen. It is long, but it was perfect to listen to during my trips to town and doing chores around the house.

I loved it so much I bought a hard copy as a gift for a friend and a hard copy for myself.

This was an absolutely spellbinding collection. These short stories cover a variety of fiction subgenres, from fantasy, to historical fiction and scifi.

The audiobook is narrated by a truly phenomenal cast of voice actors who bring them alive. I was partial to the SciFi stories, in particular the opening and closing stories I felt were particularly magical. As with any short story collection, there are going to be ups and downs, and there were a few I was less fond of (and one near the middle I was REALLY not a fan of)

I love what this collection is doing, and think it's definitely worth the listen. 4.5/5

While there where many stories in this collection, none of them felt to similar. The book was also not divided into a fantasy section and a sci-fi section, which helped every story to stand out against its predecessor. Like in all collections, some stories stood out to me personally a bit more than others, but I really liked this short story collection overall.

Africa Risen
Sheree Renée Thomas
Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki
Zelda Knight

Within the covers of Africa Risen I found beautifully written stories but also found some that didn’t mesh well with.

The audiobook was also fantastic to listen too. I really did enjoy the tones used throughout.

I think maybe anthologies aren't my thing... there were so many good stories in here that should have their own full-length novel because of how interesting they were, and even more stories that fell short because they weren't long enough.
I really enjoyed all the narrators as well. They all seemed passionate about their jobs and I appreciated that they were able to pronounce all the words correctly (or at least I think they erreur pronounced correctly... I unfortunately have no experience in any of the indegenous African languages).
I have no authority ok determining if these stories are valid representation-wise as I'm the dry white toast kind of white so I'll leave it up to others within the POC demographic to determine that.
I'd like to look into the works of a few of the authors, namely Dilman Dila, Russell Nichols, and Steven Barnes.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me listen to the audiobook version of this book. I love all of the narrators and most of the stories. The writing styles are different for a lot of the stories, and have quite different storylines.

I don't want to spoil anything since the stories are all pretty short, but I'll share a few of my favorite sections. They might be called chapters, but in the audiobook they were separated by sections. Some of my favorite stories: section 5, section 8, section 15, Section 21, section 23, & section 24. "Gentrification is the new colonization." It is just one of the many quotes that stuck with me throughout the book. It's a wide ranging anthology that had a variety of interesting characters, who people can connect with. Some of the stories were hard to read and made me emotional. Definitely recommend for everyone except kids, and there are trigger warnings you should look up first. 4 out of 5 stars!

Africa Risen is full of a few stories that I liked, none that I disliked, and so many that I loved so much that I have already gone back for a relisten. Favorites include:

- IRL by Steven Barnes
- Mami Wataworks by Russell Nichols
- A Dream of Electric Mothers by Wole Talabi
- The Carving of War by Somte Ihezue Onyedikachi
- Ghost Ship by Tananarive

The writing is incredible, and the narration is incredibly fitting to each story. Genres span from speculative fiction, horror, sci-fi, and Afrofuturism. This is a great introduction to a number of African and Afrodiasporic authors, and I look forward to exploring more of their works.

AFRICA RISEN edited by Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, and Zelda Knight is an anthology not to be missed if you enjoy speculative fiction! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This collection has a wide range of stories that felt immersive right from the beginning. A cast of six narrators took turns with each story giving them life and feeling. I loved the reference in one story to the Tardis from Dr. Who, as I felt like this was a trip all over time and space with alternate versions of what was or would be. Some stories were sad or hard to get through, and some were filled with fresh magic. Several included the Islamic "jinn" which I have only heard about in passing, so that was interesting. Ultimately, what was really great besides the incredible creativity of the stories, is that I immediately imagined each character in darker skin tones. The leads and the supporting roles were Black unless an author said otherwise.

My only difficulty with this anthology was that it felt like one of the narrators was simply reading the story. When he read, I wished I had the physical book instead of, or along with this to help impart a bit more drama.

While some stories hit harder than others, this was a really great listen that shows African voices are very much a force in this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the chance to listen to this advanced listening copy. I took my time on this one and listened at 1.5X speed and only listened to a few per day. This collection is out now!

Really enjoyed this diverse collection of stories. Quality varies a bit, but even those that didn't work on the craft level for me, still explored interesting ideas and mythology.

Audiobook narration is always subjective, but I did struggle with a couple of the voiceover artists and would suggest grabbing the ebook for anyone else who has the same experience.

Overall, a great anthology. I've read several of the authors before, but appreciated the chance to read stories from writers whose work I wasn't familiar with and will be keeping an eye out for more from them.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a review copy of Africa Risen.

I love short story collections period, but this was something else! There were highs and lows here but overall, a true work of art. All stories focused on the African Diaspora and I enjoyed every second of it. I thought this was going to be purely Sci-Fi but was pleasantly suprised with lots of magical realism, monsters, gods, and all type of paranormal shenanigans. Beautiful, unique writing styles and loved all the narrators! Listening to this as an audiobook felt like a whole production and it was quite a memorable experience.

One of my favorite stories featured a lost library book and an otherworldly librarian hell-bent on revenge for the misplaced item. Another featured a deceased woman who would go to great lengths to stop her body from being cremated by Christians. The heavily Sci-Fi stories were so cool but I feel like if I tried to describe them it would not do them justice. Highly reccomend, diversify your bookshelf!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC!

The thing about short stories is that not every story is for you. Not every story is going to appeal to every reader, but there is more than enough stories for one to like. I had some favorites and some that were just okay, but the most appealing part about this collection is the overall project.

Africa Risen is a collection of speculative stories that are interesting, fun, dark, emotional, and unapologetic. It's an absolute delight to have this many short stories that focus on African and African Diaspora voices, and a huge range of them at that. I've read from SO MANY new authors in this collection too, which is so important and exciting. New (to me) voices telling new stories the way they want - it's so good.

Me he dado cuenta de que hace bastante tiempo que no publico reseñas de antologías, principalmente porque ahora leo menos recopilaciones. Es una laguna en mis lecturas, porque muchas veces la ficción corta te da la intensidad que los relatos más largos no consiguen mantener, así que pensé en leer este Africa Risen, que además tiene unas premisas muy atractivas, ya que todos los autores son africanos o pertenecen a la Diáspora africana, lo cual les da un punto de vista distinto al que estamos acostumbrados. La labor de edición corre a cargo de Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki y Zelda Knight.

“The Blue House” de Dilman Dila


Es toda una declaración de intenciones comenzar una antología con un relato que mezcla ciencia ficción y fantasmas. En un mundo postapocalíptico, una robot sobrevive rebuscando en las antiguas construcciones humanas. Resulta muy curiosa cómo se muestra la toma de decisiones del ente como una lucha entre sus distintas subrutinas.

“March Magic” de WC Dunlap

Un relato bastante corto con un marcado tono político, en el que se entremezclan los hechos históricos con la influencia mágica.

“IRL” de Steven Barnes

No me apasionan mucho las historias que juegan con la realidad virtual como zonas de escapismo, pero creo que Steven Barnes ha conseguido equilibrar su cuento con la crítica a los volátiles mercados financieros y, sobre todo, a un sistema judicial totalmente manipulable por la riqueza.

“The Deification of Igodo” de Joshua Omenga

Omenga rompe un poco con la tendencia que tenía hasta ahora la antología con un estilo muy clásico, desgranando la leyenda de un rey que pretendió ascender a la divinidad.

“Mami Wataworks” de Russell Nichols

Mensaje ecologista sobre la necesidad de proteger los escasos bienes del planeta, en especial el agua pura. Situado en un futuro no muy lejano, donde la escasez y el valor del agua recuerdan a Dune.

“Rear Mirror” de Nuzo Onoh

Muy curiosa esta historia sobre zombis, o más bien sobre muertos andantes, pero sin violencia ni comer cerebros. Nuzo Onoh muestra el enfrentamiento entre las viejas creencias y el nuevo cristianismo, con un buen toque final.

“Door Crashers” de Franka Zeph

Un relato sobre viajes en el tiempo y el espacio por unos agentes entrenados específicamente para ello que también utilizan su cultura ancestral como protección. La idea de partida resulta más interesante que el desarrollo, que me ha parecido bastante truncado.

“Lady Rainbow” de Yvette Lisa Ndlovu

Con una de las frases más bellas que he leído en la recopilación: “el alma no podría tener arco iris si los ojos no tuvieran lágrimas”, un bello cuento sobre lo que significa ser humano cuando es una elección y no una imposición del azar.

“A Dream of Electric Mothers” de Wole Talabi

Buscar el consejo de una inteligencia artificial basada en los recuerdos de los antepasados puede no dar el resultado esperado.

“Simbi” de Sandra Jackson-Opoku

No he terminado de conectar con este relato sobre la esclavitud.

“Housewarming for a Lion Goddess” de Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga

No es la primera vez que se usan las recetas de comida y las descripciones sobre lo que se hace en la cocina como hilo conductor de una historia, pero hay que reconocer que Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga lo borda con los recuerdos de la protagonistas.

“A Knight in Tunisia” de Alex Jennings

Muy curiosa esta historia de superhéroes con estrés posttraumático, con regresados de las colonias espaciales que no se acaban de adaptar a la sociedad. Por si faltaba algo en esta excéntrica mezcla, también hay telepatía.

“The Devil Is Us” de Mirette Bahgat

Este cuento está muy centrado en mostrar cómo la ambición humana es la principal puerta de entrada para las fuerzas del mal, criticando de paso el expolio arqueológico.

“Cloud Mine” de Timi Odueso

La escasez de agua es un tema recurrente en Africa Risen, pero en esta ocasión Timi Odueso utiliza una aproximación diferente al mismo problema.

“Ruler of the Rear Guard” de Maurice Broaddus

Con un gran mensaje político como en gran parte de la obra del autor, en este relato se hace referencia a la llamada de “vuelta a casa” de los herederos de la diáspora y también a la idea de África como un continente unido para afrontar el futuro. Tiene bastante material para reflexionar.

“Peeling Time (Deluxe Edition)” de Tlotlo Tsamaase

Lamento mucho que el tono monótono y repetitivo del lector de este relato me haya impedido disfrutar de una de las autoras que más me llama la atención últimamente.

“The Sugar Mill” de Tobias S. Buckell

Es curioso como el autor deja sin nombrar al protagonista de la historia cuando claramente tiene muchas referencias a su propia persona, como el hecho de pertenecer a una familia de color pero no tener el tono de piel “adecuado”. Las desventuras de un agente inmobiliario tratando de vender una propiedad se mezclan con los hechos terribles que ocurrieron en la plantación durante la esclavitud.

“The Carving of War” de Somto Ihezue Onyedikachi

Terrorífico relato sobre la ausencia de una madre y sus consecuencias.

“Ghost Ship” de Tananarive Due

Un relato con un ambientación muy atractiva, un viaje en barco tratando de llevar contrabando a los Estados Unidos, pero con un final truncado que para mí desvirtúa las cualidades que le habian hecho destacar en un principio.

“Liquid Twilight” de Ytasha L. Womack

Un historia sobre pertenencia a un lugar mágico y cómo los espíritus afines se acaban encontrando tarde o temprano.

“Once Upon a Time in 1967” de Oyedotun Damilola

Fantasía de lo más clásica con hombres-zorro y el auténtico significado de pertenencia a una familia.

“A Girl Crawls in a Dark Corner” de Alexis Brooks de Vita

Durísimo relato sobre la mutilación genital femenina, debería llevar varias advertencias porque ha sido desagradabilísimo de leer. Es cruel, específico, descriptivo y lo peor de todo, muy realista.

“The Lady of the Yellow-Painted Library” de Tobi Ogundiran

Este relato de terror es uno de los más destacados de la antología, por lo cotidiano de su desencadenante y por cómo se va cocinando la maldición a fuego lento, sin obviar detalles escabrosos.

“When the Mami Wata Met a Demon” de Moustapha Mbacké Diop

Un cuento sobre el amor filial y la persistencia de las antiguas creencias.

“The Papermakers” de Akua Lezli Hope

Este relato gira entorno a la fabricación artesanal de papel para imbuirlo de magia pero también habla sobre sororidad. Bastante recomendable.

“A Soul of Small Places” de Mame Bougouma Diene y Woppa Diallo

Un cuento tremendamente poderoso sobre cómo proteger a las niñas de las violaciones, cómo la sociedad deja de ver lo que no le interesa y no las protege, así que de todo ese dolor surge un espíritu vengativo que saldará cuentas. De los mejores, si no el mejor, de Africa Risen.

“Air to Shape Lungs” de Shingai Njeri Kagunda

Un relato poético que no consigue hacer llegar su mensaje.

“Hanfo Driver” de Ada Nnadi

Este es un relato que no se toma demasiado en serio a sí mismo y que se lee con una sonrisa en los labios. Tiene algo de crítica al sistema de sobornos que parece estar implantado en Nigeria, pero al final solo habla de las locas ideas empresariales del amigo del protagonista.

“Exiles of Witchery” de Ivana Akotowaa Ofori

Hay una línea sutil entre la comedia y el drama, entre tomarse demasiado en serio y reirse de uno mismo. Esa línea es en la que hace equilibrio Ivana Akotowaa Ofori, en un relato que mezcla magia y ciencia, fantasía y ciencia ficción.

“The Taloned Beast” de Chinelo Onwualu

Descubrir una historia de maltrato aderezada con voces de los dioses no deja de ser duro.

“Star Watchers” de Danian Darrell Jerry

La labor de estudiar las estrellas exige sacrificios de por vida a todos los gemelos que nacen en una determinada cultura, aunque algunos de ellos no estén de acuerdo.

“Biscuit & Milk” de Dare Segun Falowo

Un épico relato de colonización espacial que supone un gran colofón a una antología algo irregular.

Creo que es importante conocer las nuevas voces así como las más contrastadas en el mundo de los géneros no realistas y Africa Risen es una muy buena oportunidad para ello. Hay relatos muy variados, aunque me gustaría que se hubiera realizado una selección que no incluyera tantos relatos relacionados con violaciones, un tema que me crispa mucho. O al menos que se hubiera avisado sobre ello (es posible que esto aparezca en la versión impresa, yo lo he escuchado en audiolibro).

Del audiolibro en sí, me parece una buena decisión tener un casting muy variado de voces, aunque algunas no hayan sido especialmente de mi agrado.

Africa Risen is a speculative fiction collection full of beautifully written stories by BIPOC authors! As with any short story collection, there were certain stories I enjoyed more than others, but I really loved this collection overall. There was only one author I was already familiar with going into Africa Risen, so this book introduced me to quite a few new-to-me writers that I will definitely be keeping an eye out for!

Here are some VERY brief and honestly insufficient descriptions of a few of my favorite stories from Africa Risen:

"March Magic" by WC Dunlap:
A group of witches gather to conjure a dream into reality. 

"IRL" by Steven Barnes:
A virtual reality kingpin burns his digital empire to the ground to revenge an IRL attack on his family. 

"Rear Mirror" by Nuzo Onoh:
A group of priests face off against the spirit of a dead woman who does not want to be cremated. 

"The Sugar Mill" by Tobias B. Buckell:
A real estate agent tries to sell a former sugar mill but is haunted by the ghosts of those who died there. 

"Ghost Ship" by Tananarive Due:
A woman smuggling an illegal cat onto a ship finds that getting caught with the pet is the least of her worries during the voyage.

"The Lady of the Yellow-Painted Library" by Tobi Ogundiran:
When a traveling salesman borrows a library book and loses it, he finds himself stalked by a supernatural librarian determined to get her book back. 

"Exiles of Witchery" by Ivana Akotowaa Ofori:
Black female Doctor Who-esque character saves two girls from a witch hunt. 

This is only a few of the stories I loved! There were some I couldn't even begin to try describing in one sentence.