Top 6 African American Urban Fiction Books

Some see African American literature as a trend these days. However, this genre has been an integral part of general literature for decades now. It depicts ideas from a different culture and perhaps a different lifestyle, too.

When it comes to African American urban fiction, there’s plenty to choose from. New books pop up every year, some better than others. I won’t bother you with too many details, but here are some of the best releases in the genre from recent years.

What Are some Outstanding African American Urban Fictions?

The Collective, by James H Roby, Ryan D. Patterson Sr, Steven Van Patten, Jonathan Staley, Alex Cage (2024)

I believe The Collective is one of those books that should be turned into a movie. This is only the first book in the series, so get ready for more action; trust me, you'll crave for it. Anyway, the action takes us to a city that's far from what we know. Invisible killers, chaos and people running for their lives.

No one really knows what's happening, but people need to find a way to survive. And, of course, you'll need a few heroes and their magic. At first, I thought it would be some sort of a superhero kind of book, but no.

There are more stories blending in, each with its own drama and unique consequences. A father is accused of a crime. He’s desperate to prove his innocence, but he’ll have to go the extra mile. And on top of that, he’ll need to save his daughter from the chaos as well.

Then, you have a retired army man. Instead of enjoying his retirement years, he ends up pulled into a story filled with drama and corruption. Nothing seems fair in this new world, and sooner or later, things become personal for him.

A private investigator fighting dark magic and a consultant caught in a killer game complete the scenario. There are all kinds of secrets to reveal. But all together, you have five stories and five heroes. The one thing they have in common? I'll let you figure it out.

The book stands out because you'll most likely find yourself (or at least someone you know) in today's society, too. Sure, a few things are unreal, but overall, you'll notice that society keeps chasing justice while negative characters try to push the people away from it. Definitely a must read thriller!

Trash, by Andy Mulligan (2011)

Like I said before, I’ll only give you the best of the best. Trash is an African American urban fiction book that's been adapted into a movie. It's not just any movie; it's also been nominated for a BAFTA, so it's definitely worth it.

But then, you know what it's like, books are much better. They give you more detail, and they trigger your imagination. If anything, I recommend starting with the book and then watching the movie.

Anyway, the story follows Raphael. Not the best life, he lives on a dumpsite. He has nothing else better to do than to dig through the rubbish with his two friends, Rat and Gardo. But one day, their lives change when they find something.

It looks amazing, but it carries a curse. It’s there by accident. Someone’s lost it. And now, corrupt people running the city will do everything to get their stuff back. What looked like an amazing discovery has turned into a death trap.

The action takes you from dodgy and dangerous slums to exquisite mansions and an elite world. Will three youngsters from the dumpsite manage to outsmart the elite coming for them? It's not really about money but more about life and death.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie, by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (2024)

Lies, compulsive behaviors, drama, action, betrayal, revenge and mystery, that’s pretty much what you can expect from Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s masterpiece.

Sade Hussein has just made it to the Alfred Nobel Academy. It's a prestigious institution, so she's proud to be there. She gets a bad vibe once she gets in there, though. It almost feels like an inner voice told her she's just made the biggest mistake of her life.

The new boarding school has a reputation when it comes to secrets and tradition. And then, Sade ends up sharing a room with Elizabeth. They don't get to bond too much because Elizabeth ends up missing on Sade's first night in the boarding school.

Suddenly, the entire school turns to Sade. Everyone's talking about her, but not for the right reasons. Even the most popular students in the school look like they have some gossip about her. Surprisingly, Sade thinks the professors don't care at all.

I thought that would be the plot, everyone accusing Sade. But no, it gets worse. That’s when the action begins. Things go from bad to worse when a student is found dead. Sade realizes that the Alfred Nobel Academy is more than just a school. There are secrets out there that no one wants out.

There’s definitely a vibe about this book because just when you think you figured it out, things go even further. I won’t give you too many spoilers, but Sade’s personal secret could be even worse. I’ll let you discover it in the book.

Keisha The Sket, by Jade LB (2022)

Grim artist Stormzy (one of my favourites, actually) called this a true British classic, so I thought I had to give it a try. Now, this book would probably make more sense if you're British or familiar with British culture.

But don’t get me wrong. If you’re not, you’ll love discovering a completely different lifestyle, especially when it comes to the youth in the UK.

Anyway, Keisha is one of the most ambitious girls out there. She's a top sket, according to those around her, but she's making things work.

Things change when she meets her childhood crush, Ricardo, who has some admiration for her as well. This time, their connection works wonders. Keisha ends up having everything. Life is stable, there's romance in her life, and things go in the right direction.

But you know what life’s like. Her life goes upside down, forcing her to make one difficult decision after another.

To some, it may look like classic African American urban fiction somewhere in the British culture. It's quite interesting, but to me, I think the author tries to underline what defines a young girl and what turns her into a woman.

It’s not some dramatic story, but it’s filled with lots of action, adventure and the feelings we all experience at some point or another.

Dear Martin (Dear Martin Series Book 1), by Nic Stone (2018)

I'm not 100% sure how to define this book. There's a bit of urban drama, some fiction, action, a mix of feelings and, of course, social and family issues. It's a classic African American urban fiction book, and unlike others on my lists, it approaches a completely different theme.

Justyce is one of the most prominent students in the class. He’s ready for the Ivy League, but his life changes overnight when he ends up handcuffed by the police. He’s left all the drama behind, trying to build a future. But at the end of the day, the past can always come haunt every now and then.

Trying to find answers to his everyday struggles, Justyce relies on Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings for solutions. But do they still apply in today’s society? And that’s when the best part of the book begins, as Justyce starts writing a journal to Martin Luther King Jr.

His life falls apart one random day when he's just driving along with a good friend and gets picked on by a white police officer. Bad words, shots, drama, it all starts unfolding now.

I find it hard to describe the drama in words, but somehow, this is the kind of book that makes you realize that history tends to repeat itself if we don’t change anything about it.

Money Devils 1 (Cartel Book 8), by Ashley Jaquavis (2020)

The story follows the LaCroixs, four women who come together by both blood and money. Their business looks like a classic venture capitalist business, but as the book unfolds, you realize there’s much more to their connection.

The four sisters have a strong focus on wealthy business people. Their pattern is simple to understand. First, they find a target. Second, they come up with a problem. Then, they turn up and provide a solution. Obviously, this solution doesn’t come free.

Sutly leads the group. She has no mercy and an impressive talent for finding new victims. But everything changes when she runs into West, an oil tycoon who provides access to a life she's never had. A life that she and her sisters have never truly wanted anyway.

Sutly ends up stuck between the love for her family and culture and the love of her life. It sounds like a classic cliché, but trust me, there are plenty of plot twists to hook you in.

Bottom line

African American urban fiction is definitely a genre worth some attention. There are plenty of good books out there, and the list is probably longer if I think about other cultures too, but the above-mentioned titles will most likely keep you busy for a while.

If you interested urban fantasy books check out some good titles also in this genre.