November is First Nations Month, so I’m reading and recommending quite a few amazing indigenous authors in genres spanning from epic fantasy, dystopian Grimdark fantasy to horror and weird fiction.
Rebecca Roanhorse
I’m currently reading Mirrored Heavens in the final in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy by Rebecca Roanhorse. This is an amazing epic fantasy starting with Black Sun and Fevered Star with thorough and fascinating world building, strong characters and a beautiful inspiration from indigenous historical, cultural and legends. I’ve also read the first two books in her dystopian grimdark fantasy beginning with Trail of Lighting and Storm of Locusts with very strong female protagonist, dystopian world building and indigenous legends.
Stephan Graham Jones
I’m reading The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, the latest release from the indigenous horror author, Stephen Graham Jones. A strongly atmospheric thriller and history horror, with unique and compelling characters and mysterious plot.
Among other works that I’ve enjoyed by Graham Jones include slasher series, My Heart is a Chainsaw, Don’t Fear the Reaper, The Angel of Indian Lake, werewolf novel, Mongrels, indigenous legend inspired The Only Good Indians, weird horror novella, The Night of the Mannequins.
Nick Medina
I am currently reading The Whistler, the latest release inspired by indigenous legend from horror author Nick Medina.
Another stand-alone novel I enjoyed from Nick Medina was Indian Burial Ground, inspired by indigenous legend and strong folkloric roots. Both works have strong protagonists, dark fiction elements and crime themes.
Shane Hawk
Last year I read the indigenous horror anthology Never Whistle At Night edited by Shane Hawk.
This anthology delves deep into indigenous horror with varied stories from modern, semi-futuristic, contemporary, historical and fantasy. As the title indicates, in many indigenous cultures, to whistle at night is call attention to yourself from the supernatural world lurking in the shadow.
Laurie L. Dove
I am also reading the recent release Mask of the Deer Woman by indigenous author, Laurie L. Dove.
The novel incorporates a lot of the legends surrounding Deer Woman and her role often as a supernatural enforcer of revenge against murdered or wronged women. Dove brings strong new voice to indigenous horror.
Caskey Russell
The Door on the Sea (Raven & Eagle Series) is the first instalment in an exciting new epic fantasy series from Caskey Russell, a Tlingit author.
As a debut novel, I am unfamiliar with anything else by Russell but this novel is genuine, both dark and light at times, and a strong sense of found family to assist the protagonist Elān in his quest alongside Trickster figure Raven.
Cassondra Windwalker
I’m currently also reading indigenous horror novel Ghost Girls and Rabbits by Cassondra Windwalker, an Alaskan author.
This is indigenous horror as much as it is psychological horror with a raw, unnerving determination to shine focus on the may missing indigenous women each year and the high level of violence against indigenous women.
Leanbh Pearson 