Blackheart Man

The magical island of Chynchin is facing conquerors from abroad and something sinister from within in this "immersive...engaging" (Kirkus Reviews) fantasy from the Grand Master Award-winning author Nalo Hopkinson.

Veycosi, in training as a griot (a historian and musician), hopes to sail off to examine the rare Alamat Book of Light and thus secure a spot for himself on Chynchin's Colloquium of scholars. However, unexpected events prevent that from happening. Fifteen Ymisen galleons arrive in the harbor to force a trade agreement on Chynchin. Veycosi tries to help, hoping to prove himself with a bold move, but quickly finds himself in way over his head.

Bad turns to worse when malign forces start stirring. Pickens (children) are disappearing and an ancient invading army, long frozen into piche (tar) statues by island witches is stirring to life--led by the fearsome demon known as the Blackheart Man. Veycosi has problems in his polyamorous personal life, too. How much trouble can a poor student take or cause all by himself as the line between myth and history blends in the "boldest reimagining of Caribbean culture since The New Moon's Arms...and [Hopkinson's] most linguistically inventive work to date" (Locus Magazine).

Author: Nalo Hopkinson
Publisher: S&s/Saga Press
Published: 08/05/2025
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.64lbs
ISBN13: 9781668005118
ISBN10: 1668005115
BISAC Categories:
- Fiction | Fantasy | Dark Fantasy
- Fiction | African American & Black | Historical
- Fiction | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology

About the Author
Nalo Hopkinson is the award-winning author of numerous novels and short stories for adults. Nalo grew up in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Guyana before moving to Canada when she was sixteen. Visit her at NaloHopkinson.com.