Four Upcoming Native and Indigenous Speculative Fiction Releases
A curated selection of new science fiction and fantasy titles by Indigenous authors.
1The Rise of Speculative Fiction
Speculative fiction is currently experiencing a golden age, with science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres seeing significant growth. The year 2026 has already showcased a variety of high-quality releases. This trend continues as readers seek diverse narratives, specifically focusing on Native and Indigenous perspectives that blend traditional storytelling with modern genre conventions.
2Colonialism in Dark Academia
H.E. Edgmon’s upcoming novel, Hollow is the Heart, scheduled for August 2027, explores the violent history of colonialism within a dark academia setting. The narrative centers on a trans single father living in a college town and a student whose historical research inadvertently awakens an ancient, potentially divine, entity in the wilderness.
3Gothic Curses in Hawaii
Shay Kauwe’s gothic fantasy, House of Salt, also arriving in August 2027, follows a bartender named Mahina. After deceiving tourists with fake curse readings, she is summoned to a secluded manor by the wealthy Salt family. There, she discovers that their ancestral curse is not merely local folklore but a terrifying reality.
4Literary Speculation and Landscapes
Michelle Porter’s A Glacier’s Guide to Dying offers a literary approach to speculative fiction. The story follows a Métis man named Robbie searching for his estranged father. During his journey through a glacier landscape, Robbie experiences visions and communicates with the ice, questioning whether this is a cultural connection or a mental illness.
5Epic Shamanic Fantasy Series
Eden Robinson, known for the Trickster trilogy, launches a new epic series with The Sorceress of Sky Serpents. The protagonist, Yuala, struggles with her identity as she possesses the unique ability to communicate with creatures labeled as monsters. She must master these gifts to protect her clan from a rising rival power.
6Supporting Indigenous Literary Voices
While Native American Heritage Month provides a dedicated time for awareness, the author emphasizes that support for Indigenous writers must be consistent throughout the year. Readers are encouraged to look beyond established names like Rebecca Roanhorse or Stephen Graham Jones to discover debut authors and small press publications that enrich the genre.
7Beyond Seasonal Awareness Campaigns
The article stresses that advocacy for marginalized voices should not be limited to specific calendar months or awareness weeks. Just as support for banned books should persist after Banned Books Week, the commitment to reading and sharing Native and Indigenous literature remains a vital, ongoing responsibility for all members of the community.
8Expanding Literary Horizons
By highlighting these four specific titles, the list aims to broaden the horizons of readers interested in speculative fiction. These works represent a growing movement of Indigenous storytelling that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Engaging with these narratives helps ensure that diverse perspectives continue to shape the future of science fiction and fantasy.
Original article: Book Riot — Four Upcoming Native and Indigenous Speculative Fiction Releases