Books from Nigeria are booming. There are so many books published by Nigerian authors or from the Nigerian diaspora. Many of these draw on the rich heritage, mythology and everyday life of West Africa. In this blog, I’ve pulled together five of my favourite books by Nigerian authors.

These stories span a range of genres, from literary and historical fiction to thrillers and fantasy, showing just how diverse Nigerian storytelling can be. Nigerian authors continue to shape global literature with powerful, original voices.

If you want to read the world through books, Nigeria is a perfect place to start.

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Dark, witty and completely addictive, My Sister, the Serial Killer is one of the most distinctive thrillers of recent years.

Set in Lagos, the novel follows Korede, a nurse who repeatedly helps her younger sister Ayoola clean up after murdering her boyfriends. Ayoola is beautiful, charismatic and seemingly incapable of stopping her deadly habit, leaving Korede constantly torn between loyalty and morality.

I loved how this book flips the serial killer trope, with the pretty girl being the murderer and the men being her victims. If you love thrillers and want a short read, then this book is definitely one for you.

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

If you want a novel that combines history with deeply human storytelling, Half of a Yellow Sun is essential reading.

Set during the Nigerian Civil War of the 1960s, the novel follows several characters whose lives become intertwined during the Biafran struggle for independence. Through their experiences, the book explores love, loyalty, class and the devastating effects of war.

Adichie’s storytelling is powerful and emotionally rich, bringing an important period of African history vividly to life.

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré

The Girl with the Louding Voice tells the inspiring story of Adunni. She is a determined teenage girl growing up in rural Nigeria who dreams of getting an education and finding her “louding voice”. She is determined to find her power to speak up and be heard.

After being forced into marriage at a young age, Adunni escapes and becomes a housemaid in Lagos. Here she faces new challenges but continues to pursue her dream of learning and independence.

This book completely blew me away. I adored Adunni’s voice and her experiences and found it such an inspiring story.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

For fantasy lovers, Children of Blood and Bone is a must-read.

Inspired by West African mythology, the story follows Zélie, a young woman determined to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha after it was brutally suppressed by a tyrannical ruler.

As Zélie and her allies embark on a dangerous quest, the novel explores themes of oppression, resistance and identity. This is a YA fantasy that rivals any of the Western stories on the market. I was reminded of the Grishaverse and Throne of Glass while reading, if you like those, you need to read this.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Another standout fantasy, Raybearer introduces readers to Tarisai, a young girl raised with one mission: kill the crown prince.

But as Tarisai grows closer to the prince and becomes part of his council, she begins to question the destiny forced upon her.

I read Raybearer when it first came out and have not stopped thinking about it since. If you love a political fantasy with a gorgeous found family, then pick this one up.

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

A final recommendation from me, is Girl, Woman, Other. This is a groundbreaking novel that follows the lives of twelve interconnected characters, most of them Black British women.

Though set largely in the UK, the novel reflects the Nigerian diaspora and explores themes of race, gender, identity and belonging across generations.

Each character’s story weaves together to create a vibrant portrait of contemporary life and the complexity of womanhood.

Discover Nigerian Literature

These five books from Nigeria showcase just how diverse Nigerian storytelling can be—from sharp thrillers and historical epics to sweeping fantasy adventures.

Whether you’re new to African literature or looking to expand your reading horizons, Nigerian authors offer powerful stories that explore culture, history and identity in unforgettable ways.

Which Nigerian book should you read next? Start with one of these and discover a literary landscape full of incredible voices. If you like these, check out our list of books from South Africa, or our recent blog on South Korean literature