Picture a British-Nigerian storyteller who swapped brain scans for starships—meet Temi Oh! Born in London in 1993, this neuroscience graduate turned science fiction author weaves tales that blend scientific curiosity with raw human emotion. Her debut novel, Do You Dream of Terra-Two?, snagged the prestigious ALA/YALSA Alex Award, launching her into the sci-fi spotlight with a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is heartfelt.
With a knack for exploring the frontiers of human experience, Temi Oh’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that challenge the mind and tug at the heart. From interstellar journeys to futuristic dilemmas, her narratives invite us to ponder what it means to be human in a universe brimming with possibility.
The Making of Temi Oh
Temi Oh, born Temitoyen Ochugboju, grew up in London with Nigerian roots, attending Bishop Thomas Grant and Emanuel School in Battersea. Her passion for science led her to King’s College London, where she earned a BSci in Neuroscience in 2015. While studying the brain, she founded a book club called “Neuroscience-fiction,” diving into sci-fi novels that explored the mind. This blend of science and storytelling sparked her creative journey. After graduating, she pursued an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh, setting the stage for her literary career.
Temi Oh’s Unforgettable Stories
Temi Oh’s debut, Do You Dream of Terra-Two? (2019), follows a group of young astronauts on a decades-long mission to a distant planet. Praised for its emotional depth and diverse cast, it won the 2020 Alex Award and was an NPR Books We Love pick. The novel’s introspective take on space exploration showcases Oh’s ability to marry technical detail with human vulnerability.
Her second novel, More Perfect (2023), is a sci-fi retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. It explores a future where brain implants connect minds to the internet, raising questions about identity and fate. Critics lauded its lyrical prose and bold themes. Beyond novels, Oh has written for Marvel’s Black Panther, Doctor Who, and Overwatch, and contributed to Netflix’s Castlevania: Nocturne and CBBC’s Silverpoint. Her short film Murmur, funded by Sky Arts and the BFI, won a Broadcast Digital Award for its “astonishingly beautiful” storytelling.
Oh’s style is immersive and character-driven, blending neuroscience insights with speculative worlds. Her themes—loneliness, identity, and the cost of progress—resonate across genres, making her a versatile voice in modern sci-fi.
Why Temi Oh Matters
Temi Oh is redefining science fiction by centering diverse voices and emotional narratives. Her work, like the iconic cover of Do You Dream of Terra-Two? featuring a Black astronaut, challenges the genre’s traditional imagery, inspiring readers who rarely see themselves in space epics. Her neuroscience background adds authenticity to her speculative worlds, while her storytelling bridges cultural and emotional divides. As a screenwriter and novelist, Oh’s influence spans books, TV, and film, marking her as a rising star in speculative fiction.
- Born: 1993, London, UK
- Key Works: Do You Dream of Terra-Two?, More Perfect, Murmur (short film)
- Awards: 2020 ALA/YALSA Alex Award, Broadcast Digital Award
Snag Do You Dream of Terra-Two? and dive into Temi Oh’s galaxy of heart and wonder!