Forged in FIYAH
Celebrating Ten Years of Black Speculative Fiction
Edited by DaVaun Sanders
Reviewed by Galen Strickland
Posted October 25, 2026
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When I first heard of this anthology I thought it would be reprints of stories that had appeared in FIYAH Magazine throughout its first ten years of publication, but instead they are all new stories. In his introduction, editor DaVaun Sanders (who edited the magazine eight out of those ten years) said he put out an open call for submissions, but then worried there would be too many of a similar type. While I don't know how many he received, the eighteen stories here feature a wide range of styles and content, from science fiction to fantasy to horror. Six of them are from writers I have read, another three I'm familiar with but not read before now. Nine others new to me, but I should search for other stories since several were among my favorites. I won't go into detail, nor mention each story, only some of the plots and themes.
I don't want to say which are my favorites, nor the two that didn't work for me, since almost any story might prove to be what would please someone else. From a contemporary story about a pop-up funeral home, portions of which might be in a different dimension, to a fantasy of people who can weave magical garments, to a woman who escaped a tragic life and an oppressive regime, but is rescued by a drone robot built and programmed by her daughter. Just those first three stories prove you are in for a treat, and two of them are by authors new to me. There are stories with dragons, a black man house(and cat)-sitting in the suburbs, and an ex-con helped by a mysterious spirit. Also vampires, werewolves, a cryptid hunter, and a journalist investigating a shady cult leader. A man sees visions just before, or at the time of his death; a woman has to plan her father's funeral, with his help, since he is a "little god," and part of him is still in the real world; another woman has to contend with a minor goddess who wants to steal her love for the Sultana; and in a near-future SF tale, a technopathic girl with neural implants has to contend with her own dyspraxia and teachers who think she is faking the disabilities. Settings include various places in the US, as well as Africa, Haiti, some mythical lands, and alien planets.
Sorry my comments are so brief, but that is a contrast from when I reveal too much. All you need to know is the book is worth your consideration. It is one of the few I have purchased recently, rather than relying on the library, and I know I will be reading again. Highly recommended.
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