Upcoming YA Fantasy & Fiction Books by Black Authors (Feb–Summer 2025)

If you're a fan of YA fantasy and fiction, you're in for a treat this year! Several Black authors are bringing us stunning new releases filled with magic, mystery, and powerful storytelling. Whether you're looking for an epic fantasy adventure, a supernatural mystery, or a contemporary drama, there's something on this list for you.

Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated YA books by Black authors coming out in February and the summer of 2025—along with links to grab your copies!

✨ February 2025 Releases

1. The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley

📖 A tale of revenge, resilience, and reclaiming honor.

Set in a historical fantasy world, this novel follows a young woman determined to rise above humiliation and injustice to restore her name. Raughley is known for crafting intriguing, character-driven fantasy, and this one is set to be a must-read for 2025.

📅 Release Date: February 2025
🔗 Pre-Order The Queen's Spade

2. Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias

📖 A haunting tale of self-discovery in Jamaica.

Carina Marshall, searching for a fresh start, moves to Jamaica to work as an au pair for the wealthy Hall family. But when she arrives at Blackbead House, she finds herself drawn into mysteries and secrets hidden beneath its tropical beauty.

📅 Release Date: February 2025
🔗 Pre-Order Honeysuckle and Bone

🔥 Summer 2025 Releases

3. Bones at the Crossroads by LaDarrion Williams

📖 A magical sequel set at a historically Black university.

Following Blood at the Root, this novel continues Malik’s journey of self-discovery as a young Black man with ancestral magic. Now a freshman at Caiman University, he must confront new dangers while unlocking more of his hidden abilities.

📅 Release Date: July 29, 2025
🔗 Pre-Order Bones at the Crossroads

4. This Raging Sea by De Elizabeth

📖 A dark fantasy filled with haunted carnivals and oceanic monsters.

In a small Massachusetts town, 18-year-old Briar Winters stumbles upon secrets of centuries old, leading her on a magical adventure filled with danger and discovery. If you love fantasy with dark, eerie vibes, this one’s for you!

📅 Release Date: September 23, 2025
🔗 Pre-Order This Raging Sea

5. The Rules of Fortune by Danielle Prescod

📖 Wealth, family secrets, and racial identity collide.

After their billionaire patriarch dies, the Carter family uncovers long-buried secrets that challenge everything they believed about their wealth, power, and race. This book blends drama, humor, and a sharp social critique, making it a perfect page-turner.

📅 Release Date: Early 2025
🔗 Pre-Order The Rules of Fortune

📚 Final Thoughts

These books represent the best of YA fantasy and fiction from Black authors in 2025. Whether you're drawn to historical revenge tales, supernatural mysteries, or epic fantasy adventures, these stories promise rich world-building, deep characters, and powerful themes.

Which one are you most excited to read? Let me know in the comments!

📌 Sources & More Info:

1. Cup of Tea With That Book Please

2. People Magazine

3. Teen Vogue