Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Author: Nnedi Okorafor
Published: 2025
Genre: Science Fiction, Afrofuturism, Suspense
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Introduction
One of the most anticipated book releases by an African woman author this year—2025—is Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor. It is a gripping, multi-layered sci-fi saga.
Book Summary
Death of the Author follows the fascinating life of Zelu, a Nigerian-American woman who transitions from a struggling writer and educator to an overnight sensation after publishing a groundbreaking novel. Zelu wrote the Novel that would be her making – Rusted Robots after losing her job and when her life was seemingly descending into a dark and spiralling tunnel. Death Of The Author, however, has so many stories intertwined that you feel like you are reading three novels in one – Zelu’s life, her phenomenal book Rusted Robots, and interviews of family and friends about Zelu.
Zelu’s story is compelling. She is the epitome of intersectionality—a paraplegic and a black African woman living in America. Her life choices disappoint her Nigerian family, leading to constant disagreements that leave Zelu unsupported.
At first, I was baffled by how unsupportive her family was. I understood that they often disagreed with her life choices, but their level of unsupportive dismissal even was astonishing, especially when she shot to fame and success following her highly acclaimed novel, Rusted Robots. Towards the end, however,I started to somehow understand their apprehension as Zelu made riskier and riskier decisions. At the same time, I understood where Zelu was coming from. Her zeal for life and tenacity are amazing.
The book’s unexpected twists and turns kept me hooked, and I found myself constantly trying to predict how it would end. Let’s just say—I did NOT see that ending coming! Grab a copy to discover the thrilling conclusion for yourself.
What I Loved About This Book
✔ The way the power of stories and storytelling is emphasised in Rusted Robots
✔ The fusion of Nigerian and South African characters – Zelu’s partner is South African
✔ The post-human world where robots live in Nigeria
✔ Zelu’s fearless attitude—she lived life on her own terms
✔ The rich Afrofuturistic sci-fi elements
✔ the epic running scene!
✔ The unexpected plot twists that kept me guessing until the last page
Who Should Read This Book?
If you love science fiction, Afrofuturism, and multi-layered storytelling, this book is for you. Death of the Author is a thought-provoking novel that blends suspense, identity, and futuristic storytelling in a way only Nnedi Okorafor can.
About the Author: Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor is a Nigerian-American writer acclaimed for her work in speculative fiction, Afrofuturism, and fantasy. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Nigerian parents of Igbo heritage, her stories are deeply rooted in African culture, mythology, and futuristic storytelling.
Notable Works:
📖 Who Fears Death (2010) – Award-winning novel, currently in development as an HBO series.
📖 Binti Trilogy (2015–2018) – Hugo and Nebula Award-winning series about a young African girl’s interstellar journey.
📖 Lagoon (2014) – Sci-fi novel set in Lagos featuring an alien arrival story.
📖 Akata Witch series – Often referred to as the “Nigerian Harry Potter”.
Achievements:
🏆 Hugo Award Winner for Binti (2016)
🏆 Nebula Award Winner for Binti (2016)
🏆 Eisner Award Nominee for her work on Marvel’s Black Panther: Long Live the King and Shuri.
Read more about Nnedi Okorafor HERE
Final Thoughts
Death of the Author is an exhilarating read that takes you on a journey through time, technology, and identity. If you haven’t yet explored Okorafor’s works, this is the perfect starting point.
🔗 Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in this mind-bending sci-fi masterpiece!
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Jen Nghishitende
Jen Nghishitende is a Namibian writer, researcher, and mother based in the UK. She is the founder of African Queens' Ink, her passion project launched in December 2024. The blog amplifies the voices of African women and women of African descent through storytelling, literature, and advocacy. Jen is a former lecturer and postgraduate researcher, and she now works as an Equality and Human Rights Project Manager. Her work weaves together personal experience, scholarly insight, and deep cultural roots—exploring themes such as motherhood, migration, identity, and freedom. She holds a PhD focused on the lived experiences of women who have survived modern slavery. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s exploring the great outdoors, traveling, or making and eating delicious food with her daughter.