Picture a Brooklyn-born storyteller with Sierra Leonean roots, weaving magic through a Depression-era carnival—meet Veronica G. Henry! This fantasy author has captivated readers with her unique blend of African folklore, American history, and speculative wonder. From her North Carolina home, fountain pen in hand, Henry crafts tales that pulse with cultural richness and otherworldly allure.
Henry’s debut, Bacchanal, skyrocketed to #1 on Amazon bestseller charts, earning praise for its haunting, immersive storytelling. Her work invites readers into worlds where magic is as real as the struggles of her characters, making her a rising star in modern fantasy.
The Making of Veronica G. Henry
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Veronica G. Henry grew up with a deep connection to her Sierra Leonean heritage, a trip to her ancestral homeland shaping her worldview. A graduate of the Viable Paradise Workshop, she honed her craft among fellow speculative fiction writers. Her early career included contributions to online publications, but her passion for storytelling led her to novels. Inspired by pioneers like Octavia Butler and Samuel R. Delany, Henry set out to carve her own path in fantasy, infusing her work with African traditions and historical depth.
Veronica G. Henry’s Unforgettable Stories
Henry’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of fantasy, mystery, and speculative fiction. Her debut, Bacchanal, set in a 1930s traveling carnival, follows Eliza, a young woman with latent magical powers confronting a sinister force. Critics, including Kirkus Reviews, lauded its rich folklore and vivid cast, comparing it to Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus. The Mambo Reina series, starting with The Quarter Storm, introduces Reina, a Vodou priestess solving crimes in New Orleans. This urban fantasy explores African spirituality while tackling themes of cultural misrepresentation.
The Foreign Exchange, the second Mambo Reina book, deepens Reina’s journey, blending suspense with magical intrigue. Henry’s latest, The Canopy Keepers, an ecological science fantasy, draws inspiration from Richard Powers’ The Overstory, pitting siblings against nature’s wrath. Her writing style—lush, character-driven, and steeped in cultural nuance—creates worlds where magic feels tangible, earning her a Manly Wade Wellman Award nomination.
Henry’s versatility shines in short fiction too, with stories in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and FIYAH Literary Magazine. Whether crafting novels or short tales, she balances fantastical elements with real-world issues, making her work both escapist and thought-provoking.
Why Veronica G. Henry Matters
Veronica G. Henry’s impact lies in her ability to amplify underrepresented voices in fantasy. By weaving African folklore and Black history into her narratives, she challenges genre norms, offering fresh perspectives on magic and identity. Her exploration of Vodou in the Mambo Reina series dismantles stereotypes, while Bacchanal reimagines a dark era through a Black lens. As a member of SFWA and MWA, Henry inspires aspiring writers, proving speculative fiction can be inclusive and boundary-pushing.
Her work resonates with readers seeking diverse, immersive stories. Fans and critics alike celebrate her as a vital new voice, with Publishers Weekly calling her “a writer to watch.” Henry’s legacy is still unfolding, but her stories are already leaving a magical mark on fantasy literature.
- Born: Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: Bacchanal, The Quarter Storm, The Foreign Exchange, The Canopy Keepers
- Awards: Shortlisted for the Manly Wade Wellman Award
- Fun Fact: She writes longhand first, favoring fountain pens!
Snag Bacchanal or dive into the Mambo Reina series to experience Veronica G. Henry’s spellbinding fantasy worlds!