Astra Black

Sweep of Stars (#1)

“A hugely ambitious and notable work of postcolonial science fiction. This takes the genre in an exciting and challenging direction.”

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review!

"The first of this Afrofuturist trilogy takes off with an epic array of characters and plotlines that will enmesh readers in the politics and power struggles set across the stars."

Library Journal, Starred Review!

"With plenty of fascinating characters faced with steering their empire through threats internal and external, Sweep of Stars will leave readers eager for the next entry in this series."

Shelf Awareness, Starred Review!

"Richly detailed and intricately plotted, with descriptions of advanced biotechnology, a close investigation into African diasporic culture, and complicated lead characters, Broaddus' first novel in the Astra Black series will draw in readers of epic science fiction."

Booklist

"Sweep of Stars is the masterly work of a mature and serious novelist with high literary and political intentions."

Asimov's

"The beginning of a trilogy, Sweep of Stars is an engrossing read filled with culture, spiritualism, and adventure."

Apex Magazine

"A fast-paced, action-filled plot unfolds, with plenty of challenges and characters to root for. This first book reaches a satisfactory stopping point, leading the reader to entertain possibilities as to what may lie in store in the next installment of the trilogy."

Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine

“Maurice Broaddus’s Sweep of Stars marks the opening gambit in a great saga, told with a unique voice and a talent that challenges and rewards in equal measures. It’s epic in scope, yet intimate. It breaks the mold of what’s expected, yet is as welcoming as a warm campfire on the darkest night. Let this debut of a new series sweep you away.”

James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestseller of The Starless Crown

“An intelligent political space opera tackling big themes through intimate points of view. This sprawling tale of kinship, community, and identity is sure to leave you eager for the next installment.”

J. S. Dewes, author of The Last Watch

“A fascinating utopia-building saga that balances exuberant optimism with a sharp eye to harsher reality.”

Everina Maxwell, author of Winter's Orbit

"The Astra Black series promises to clear a wide field for dreaming and action that can be truly transformative. Sweep of Stars is the brilliant beginning of a major series."

SciFi Mind

Standalone

Unfadeable

"This heart-wrenching story of friendship, family, and belonging is a perfect read for the middle-grader looking for action and attitude with a considerable dose of do-good."

Booklist, STARRED review!

"Readers will immediately root for [Bella] throughout this well-paced story that addresses the impact of gentrification and the power of young voices. The clear narration sends readers a strong message about civic responsibility and how they’re never too young to get involved in decision-making that affects their communities."

Kirkus, STARRED review!

"Broaddus has created an unforgettable protagonist in this novel that deals with creating community and fighting back against injustice[...] A must-buy for elementary and middle school collections. Sure to be popular with readers who enjoy books by Kelly Yang, Jason Reynolds, and Chrystal D. Giles."

School Library Journal, STARRED review!

"A testament to personal empowerment, community, and art. Broaddus delivers an optimistic story that champions community engagement and encourages standing up against oppressive systems."

Publishers Weekly, STARRED review!

"[A] thought-provoking story about the power, resilience, strength, and determination of young people, and how adults underestimate these rising voices."

Indiana Authors Awards

"Through Bella’s experiences, readers might learn how they, too, can speak truth to power"

The Spokesman-Review

The Usual Suspects

“Readers will love watching these two uniquely gifted black boys explore the complicated tensions between impulses and choices, independence and support, turnin’ up and getting through.”

Kirkus, STARRED review!

“A rare and much-needed glimpse into the world of exceptional learners.”

School Library Journal

"I want this book, so full of wit and intelligence, raw honesty and clever plotting, to be so well known that when I say “The Usual Suspects” to a room of librarians, their first thoughts involve neither Casablanca or Keyser Soze but this work by Maurice Broaddus."

School Library Journal, Review of the Day!

“[Broaddus] sheds revealing light on the nature of systemic profiling, based on class, race, and neurodiversity, at schools and within society.”

Publishers Weekly

"Through its discerning, young Black protagonist, [The Usual Suspects] tackles difficult subjects with nuance, humor, and heart, always bringing it back to the characters. A great choice for upper middle-graders in search of a fun and meaningful read."

Booklist