Reviews
A Best New Science Fiction Pick for New Scientist | Gizmodo | Book Riot | Fansided | Transfer Orbit | Reactor
“In Broaddus’s version of a space opera, twisty conversations about community and spirituality are at least as important as the (genuinely thrilling) fight scenes…. Breath of Oblivion rewards the effort with its complex themes and entertaining space adventures.”—The Washington Post
“With detailed world building, social commentary on prison as another form of slavery, and epic space battles, sf readers who enjoy Octavia Butler and Samuel R. Delaney will enjoy will enjoy this entry in the Astra Black series. Highly recommended.”—Booklist
“Broaddus’s second ‘Astra Black’ book is another sweeping space saga, with a complex story that explores deep themes.”—Library Journal
“This sharp-witted, galaxy-spanning sequel to Broaddus’s Sweep of Stars entertains while setting the stage for an explosive series finale. . . . The results allow for deeper explorations of the nature of empire and the costs of exodus, without veering into didacticism. . . . The Astra Black trilogy continues to be a must-read for fans of afrofuturism.”—Publishers Weekly
“A bold and bright space opera that confidently tells the story of a new Afrofuturist spacefaring civilization…. Broaddus takes his story from Earth, to the stars, and back again in this second book in the series…. Boldly fly into this next volume, confident of the storyteller hitting on all cylinders. Think The Expanse meets Nnedi Okorafor, with Broaddus’ own rich style. “—Reactor, Reviewer’s Choice, Best Books of 2024
“Excel[s] at imagining the great cosmic expanse. Global Black culture emerges through the characters and Muungano culture, making the story a delicious blend of worlds that feel deeply familiar and new at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the novel engages with the historical consciousness of Black oppression as part of its interstellar explorations, as the colonial encounter is so inherent to mainstream science fiction that it often goes unnoticed.”—Locus
Praise for the Astra Black series
“Maurice Broaddus’s Sweep of Stars marks the opening gambit in a great saga, told with a unique voice and a talent that challenges and rewards in equal measures. It’s epic in scope, yet intimate. It breaks the mold of what’s expected, yet is as welcoming as a warm campfire on the darkest night.” —James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“This sprawling tale of kinship, community, and identity is sure to leave you eager for the next installment.” —J. S. Dewes, author of The Last Watch
“Powerful, sweeping Afrofuturist space opera … A hugely ambitious and notable work of postcolonial science fiction. This takes the genre in an exciting and challenging direction.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Takes off with an epic array of characters and plotlines that will enmesh readers in the politics and power struggles set across the stars.”—Library Journal, starred review
“Launches readers into the heart of an interplanetary struggle. . . . Sweep of Stars will leave readers eager for the next entry in this series. . . . The thrilling Black Astra trilogy kicks off with an array of intriguing characters.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review
“Richly detailed and intricately plotted … will draw in readers of epic science fiction.”—Booklist
“Not to be missed.”—Washington Post
“Sweep of Stars is the brilliant beginning of a major series ” —Sci Mind
