Picture a Nigerian-American storyteller who blends the wonders of science with gripping human drama—meet Kemi Ashing-Giwa! This rising star in science fiction and fantasy has taken the literary world by storm with her debut novel, The Splinter in the Sky, and a slew of captivating short stories. With a knack for crafting immersive worlds grounded in her scientific expertise, Ashing-Giwa is redefining speculative fiction with tales that resonate far beyond the stars.
Born and raised in Southern California, Ashing-Giwa grew up devouring sci-fi and fantasy, a passion that now fuels her storytelling. Her unique blend of academic rigor and narrative flair has earned her a spot as a USA Today bestselling author, celebrated for her anti-colonial themes and richly drawn characters.
The Making of Kemi Ashing-Giwa
Kemi Ashing-Giwa’s journey to authorship is as fascinating as her stories. Raised in the San Gabriel Mountains, she was shaped by a steady diet of Star Trek and fantasy novels. Her academic path led her to Harvard University, where she earned a degree in integrative biology and astrophysics, followed by a PhD program in Earth and planetary sciences at Stanford. This scientific foundation informs her writing, infusing her worlds with plausible details that captivate readers. Writing began as a creative escape during the COVID-19 lockdown, when she rediscovered her love for storytelling and tea—a motif central to her debut novel.
Kemi Ashing-Giwa’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashing-Giwa’s debut, The Splinter in the Sky (2023), is a breathtaking space opera that follows Enitan Ijebu, a tea expert turned spy in a colonized lunar province. Praised as a “thought-provoking novel” by Lightspeed Magazine, it explores themes of cultural appropriation and resistance, drawing comparisons to N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy. Her forthcoming novella, This World Is Not Yours (2024), promises a claustrophobic queer sci-fi horror experience, showcasing her versatility.
Her short stories, like “Paper Suns” (named one of 2021’s best African sci-fi tales by Wole Talabi) and “Sunta,” have appeared in prestigious outlets like Tor.com and Anathema. Ashing-Giwa’s style is marked by evocative prose, complex characters, and a deep critique of colonialism, often woven with her love for tea rituals. Her influences—Jemisin, Ann Leckie, and Arkady Martine—shine through in her intricate worldbuilding and focus on marginalized voices.
Whether she’s crafting a sprawling empire or a tense interpersonal drama, Ashing-Giwa’s stories are both accessible and profound, appealing to fans of soft sci-fi and fantasy alike. Her ability to balance scientific accuracy with emotional depth sets her apart in the genre.
Why Kemi Ashing-Giwa Matters
Kemi Ashing-Giwa’s impact lies in her ability to weave anti-colonial narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Her work challenges imperial legacies, spotlighting the resilience of marginalized cultures through a sci-fi lens. By grounding her stories in real-world issues like cultural theft and oppression, she invites readers to reflect on history and hope for a more equitable future. Her growing presence, from bookstore talks to the 2025 Locus Awards, signals a bright trajectory in speculative fiction.
As a Black, queer, Nigerian-American author, Ashing-Giwa brings vital diversity to a genre often dominated by homogenous voices. Her stories empower readers to imagine new possibilities, making her a beacon for aspiring writers and fans alike.
- Born: Southern California
- Key Works: The Splinter in the Sky (2023), This World Is Not Yours (2024), “Paper Suns” (2021)
- Education: Harvard (BA, Integrative Biology & Astrophysics), Stanford (PhD, Earth & Planetary Sciences)
- Notable Recognition: USA Today Bestseller, 2025 Locus Awards Featured Local Author
Snag The Splinter in the Sky and dive into Kemi Ashing-Giwa’s thrilling space opera! Her blend of science, culture, and heart will leave you eager for more.