Reviews

Black Empire by John A. Williams, George S. Schuyler

hopeloveslit's review against another edition

3.0

I loved ‘Black No More’ by Schuyler. Naturally, I thought I’d love this book. However, it was just okay, to be honest. I enjoyed Schuyler’s humor and wit as I expected. However, my interest in the story was in and out. 

Black Empire is about a black scientist and his homicidal goal to take back Africa and make black people the superior race. The premise is innovative and very intriguing. I was hooked during some parts, but it just never lasted! 

Although this book wasn’t life-changing I’m glad I read it. This novel introduced me to the Afrofuturism genre, and I can’t wait to explore it more. 

easyer's review

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

ok_karla's review

5.0

First read this about 12 years ago. It remains one of my favorites!

d_mafa's review

adventurous funny informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

atsundarsingh's review against another edition

adventurous challenging fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I have so many conflicting feelings about this. I do thing the writing propelled the story and made me want to read more, but I am very confused about whether/how to integrate the author's politics into the story. I think there is *so* much fodder here for analysis, and the comparisons to a non-pacificist Wakanda I think are warranted and interesting. 

kingkong's review

3.0

You can really tell that it was a serial

mburnamfink's review

3.0

An odd book. Basically, evil genius Dr Belsidus decides to exact revenge against Whitey, by building a new Black Empire in Africa. It's totally amoral, focusing of subterfuge, unconventional warfare, and Science! Supposedly, there's a deeper message here, but all I see is second rate Golden Age sci-fi mixed with Black Nationalist paranoia.