The Fist of Memory

Talabi’s skilled writing presents a unique meeting of big concepts and elegantly-crafted action * Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Hugo-Award winning series Children of Time *
Wole Talabi weaves memory, mythology, and the mysteries of the cosmos into a taut, propulsive novel. The Fist of Memory will have you turning pages while you question the nature of reality * Ray Nayler, author of Locus Award-winning novel The Mountain and The Sea *
An edge-of-your seat near-future thriller tinged with the fabled sense of wonder. But The Fist of Memory is more than just the sum of its parts. Talabi, one of the brightest new voices in 21st-century science fiction, has important things to say; the world needs this book * Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of The Downloaded *
This novel was a rollercoaster. A genre bending work that riffs off the thriller, noir, hard SF, Africanjujuism, political drama, and the alien invasion narrative, all deftly woven together. We have something special here. Outstanding! * T. L. Huchu, author of The Edinburgh Nights series *
The Fist of Memory is unlike anything I’ve ever read…. It’s Big Object in Space alien invasion but also cosmic fear and social reaction. Immersive. Don’t miss it * Tade Thompson, author of Rosewater and Far from the Light of Heaven *
A quantum entanglement of fundamental physics, mysticism, and hard-driving assassins in the shadow of first contact, woven together by verdant writing that compels you to turn the page. Well worth the trip * Adam Oyebanji, author of Line of Descent *
A bold first contact story that incorporates philosophy, religion, and technology into a near-future Nigeria. This novel is a brilliant addition to the canon of modern science fiction * S. B. Divya, Hugo and Nebula-nominated author of Machinehood *
The Fist of Memory is a masterclass of visionary storytelling and is entertaining from start to finish. Talabi resets the standard for brilliant science fiction, balancing high stakes action with an incisive exploration of the human condition. You will rip through these pages, guaranteed * DaVaun Sanders, author of the Keynan Masters series and Minecraft: The Tournament *
Thrilling, wild, and philosophical, Wole Talabi’s beautifully written tale of first contact between humans and aliens will have you turning pages late into the night and questioning what it means to be human. An action movie crossed with a fairy tale. Absolutely masterful * Annalee Newitz, bestselling author of Automatic Noodle and Stories Are Weapons *
Taut, timely, and smart! The Fist of Memory is exactly what I love about science fiction. Talabi masterfully blends futurism and philosophy inside an action-packed thriller, serving up a beautiful first contact story about breaking the cycles of violence chaining us to the past and envisioning a better, more connected future * Samantha Mills, multiple-award winning author of The Wings Upon Her Back and Rabbit Test and Other Stories *
A dizzying, vivid and ultimately hopeful look at a future Nigeria where corrupt politicians, contract assassins and astronomers see their paths collide with a mysterious alien object * Aliette de Bodard, Nebula-award winning author of Navigational Entanglements *
Talabi gives familiar science fiction ideas a distinctive perspective. While speculative fiction in the anglosphere often treats science and mysticism as belonging to separate genres, The Fist of Memory presents them as compatible ways of understanding reality … fans of Neuromancer will find much to enjoy here * Books+Publishing *

Wole Talabi is an engineer, writer, and editor from Nigeria. He is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Shigidi And The Brass Head Of Obalufon, named one of the best books of 2023 by The Washington Post. Talabi has lived in various places around the world and currently resides in Australia.

He has been a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards, as well as the Caine Prize, and is a winner of the Sidewise Award for Alternate History. His work has been translated into seven languages. Talabi’s fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, F&SF, and Clarkesworld, and is collected in the books Incomplete Solutions (2019, Luna Press) and Convergence Problems (2024, DAW Books).

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