NUBIA

With a stronger grasp of their immense power, awakened Nubian teens navigate the inequities of the future as well as threats from the past in this sequel centering Black characters co-authored by actor Epps and author and editor Haynes.

Empath, telepath, and budding telekinetic Uzochi, 16, is revered for his role as a Nubian catalyst, someone expected to amplify and guide the re-emerging abilities of his people in late-21st-century New York City. But even without powers, he sees how much his friends and family rely on him and how much fear his community feels as targets of the wealthy and prejudiced denizens of the Up High. In fact, as Lencho, his powerful, energy-absorbing cousin, makes a home in the ritzy, floating Manhattan neighborhood as a reward for betraying the Nubians living below, it becomes clear that class conflict plus family dysfunction make for an explosive combination in the buildup to another big battle. After a rescue mission to the Up High goes awry for Uzochi and friends, a shocking discovery coincides with Lencho’s being overtaken by an ancient evil that benefits as much from his ambitions and insecurities as from his tremendous powers. The narration alternates between multiple perspectives, reinforcing how this generation of Nubian youth remains burdened by the mistakes of their ancestors and ultimately must forge their own paths forward, for better or worse.

An ambitious return to a future of promise, danger, and self-discovery that fans of the first volume will enjoy.