The 'Dreamblood' duology by N. K. Jemisin is also great. It's set in a world where magic is tied to the blood and dreams. Jemisin's rich world - building and complex characters make this a standout in black fantasy. She creates a unique and immersive world full of political intrigue and magic.
One of the best is 'Kindred' by Octavia Butler. It's a powerful novel that combines time - travel and the exploration of slavery and race relations within a fantasy framework. The protagonist is yanked back in time to the antebellum South, facing the horrors of slavery and her own complex connection to that time period.
One of the best is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It combines elements of mystery with a harrowing look at the history of slavery. The concept of a literal underground railroad as a means of escape creates a sense of mystery and danger throughout the story.
The 'Autobiography of Malcolm X' as told to Alex Haley can also be considered among the best. It is not a traditional novel but it is a powerful narrative of Malcolm X's life, his journey from a troubled youth to a powerful advocate for black rights. It gives an in - depth look at the civil rights movement and the ideas and struggles of African - Americans during that time.
I would also recommend 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston. The story of Janie Crawford is filled with rich language and cultural exploration. There are parts where the dialogue and the situations Janie gets into have a certain charm and humor that are characteristic of black southern life at that time.
One of the great ones is 'Horus Rising' by Dan Abnett. It sets the stage for the Horus Heresy series really well, with complex characters and an engaging plot that delves into the politics and power struggles within the Imperium of Man. Another good one is 'Soul Hunter' by Aaron Dembski - Bowden. It has a really cool protagonist and a dark, gritty atmosphere that is typical of Black Library novels.
Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a must - read. It follows Janie Crawford's journey in search of love. Janie experiences different kinds of relationships, from the controlling to the truly loving. The novel beautifully captures the essence of black love in the South during the early 1900s. It shows how love can be a force for self - discovery and growth.
I think 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family' by Alex Haley is among the best black history novels. It traces the family history of Haley back to Africa and through the slave trade to America. It gives a very in - depth look at the history of slavery and how it affected generations. Also, 'Native Son' by Richard Wright. This novel shows the effects of poverty, racism and oppression on Bigger Thomas, a young black man in Chicago.
Another great one is 'The Good House' by Tananarive Due. It tells a spooky tale set in a small town. The story has elements of voodoo and family secrets, and Due's writing really draws you into the horror and the lives of the characters. It shows how the past can haunt the present in a very terrifying way.
Richard Wright's 'Native Son' is also a top pick. It shows the life of Bigger Thomas, a young black man in Chicago. The novel exposes the effects of poverty, racism, and the limited opportunities available to black people at that time, making it a very important work in black fiction.
Some good black magic novels include 'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Although it's more of a humorous take on magic, there are elements of darker magic in it. 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch also has some magic elements that border on the darker side. In addition, 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King, which has a lot of dark and magical elements that could be considered related to black magic in the sense of the dark forces at play.
One of the best is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It tells the story of a former slave haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter. The narrative is deeply emotional and explores themes of slavery, motherhood, and trauma.