The characters are witches, schoolgirls, sisters, rebels - highlighting the fact that heroines come in all shapes and sizes. Folk tales are retold and alternative realities are explored. Engaging stories centre around strong women and gender-nonconforming individuals, existing in worlds from the past, present and the future. The tales are from bestselling and award-winning authors who explore the Black female experience through fantasy, science-fiction and magic. Sixteen stories of Black girl magic, hope and resistance have been gathered together by Patrice Caldwell into this unique collection. From a novice sorcerer who unleashes killer unicorns to a girl who can stop time, and another whose heart is slowing turning to ash, the collection is filled with beauty, fierceness and excitement. * The Scotsman *Ī treasure-house anthology of science fiction, fantasy and magic stories centred on black women. From Elizabeth Acevedo's story exploring a slave revolt in 1522 to Ibi Zoboi's piece inspired by Carribean lore to Somaiya Daud's entrancing fantasy and Patrice Caldwell's vampires reimagined, there is something in this anthology for everyone. The anthology contains 16 engrossing short stories by some of the best authors of colour. Publisher: Hot Key Books ISBN: 9781471409301 Number of pages: 368 Weight: 269 g Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 21 mm MEDIA REVIEWSĪ Pheonix First Must Burn: Sixteen Stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance and Hope edited by Patrice Caldwell is a must read. Witches and scientists, sisters and lovers, priestesses and rebels: the heroines of A PHOENIX FIRST MUST BURN are unforgettable and shine brightly. Filled with stories of love and betrayal, strength and resistance, trauma and heroism, this collection contains an array of complex and true-to-life characters in which you cannot help but see yourself reflected. It will take you on a journey from folktales retold to futuristic societies and everything in between.

With fantasy, science fiction and magic at their core, the stories are sharp, atmospheric and visual explorations of histories, relationships and alternate universes that you can't help but to get lost in.

McKinney, Danielle Paige, Rebecca Roanhorse, Karen Strong, Ashley Woodfolk, and Ibi Zoboi.Įvoking Beyonce's Lemonade for a YA audience, these authors have woven worlds to create stunning narratives that centre Black women and gender nonconforming individuals. Marcelle Corrie, Somaiya Daud, Charlotte Nicole Davis, Justina Ireland, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, L. With stories by: Elizabeth Acevedo, Amerie, Patrice Caldwell, Dhonielle Clayton, J. Sixteen tales by bestselling and award-winning authors that explore the Black experience through fantasy, science fiction, and magic.

A phoenix first must burn