Speculative Futures #12...

Topics: Dark Matter, Diaspora, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women in Science and Speculative Fiction

Song of Blood & Stone:
Earthsinger Chronicles Book 1
By Leslye Penelope

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where she is feared for both the shade of her skin and her magical abilities. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive – an injured spy who steals her heart.

More at: http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/page/book-of-the-month
Author site: http://lpenelope.com/books/song-of-blood-and-stone/

Amazon.com Review

Dark matter: the nonluminous matter, not yet detected, that nonetheless has detectable gravitational effects on the universe.

Dark matter: the Afro-American presence and influences unseen or unacknowledged by Euro-American culture.

Dark Matter: the first anthology to illuminate the presence and influence of black writers in speculative fiction, with 25 stories, three novel excerpts, and five essays.

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Though Black women's literature spans every genre imaginable, the visibility of Black women in speculative fiction is often low. These women create work that not only speaks to their experiences but imagines new worlds and possibilities. Their stories take us on journeys. And while though the work may offer temporary moments of escape, when we return we're better able to interpret our own place in the world. If you're interested in taking the trip, you'll want to check out these Black women science fiction writers. For Harriet