Nuzo Onoh releases ‘Futility’, second novel in two months
…New book heightens author’s creativity in horror writing
Nuzo Onoh, an award-winning Nigerian-British writer of Igbo descent, has released ‘Futility’, another bestseller novel.
The horror fiction masterpiece, released on October 14, 2025, is coming barely two months after the release of ‘The Fake Ghost’ on August 12, 2025, while also riding on the success of her numerous best-selling books, and consolidating her leading position as the Queen of the African horror genre.
Like ‘The Fake Ghost’, a 300-page horror novel, published by Dead Sky Publishing, ‘Futility’ dwells in the path of horror, while also offering the readers a monstrous, gleeful, bitingly funny tale of murder, body-swapping and bloody vengeance.
Of course, Nuzo, the author and a recipient of the Bram Stoker Award (R) for Lifetime Achievement, lived up to the expectations of the readers and billing as the ‘Queen of African Horror’ in ‘Futility’.
Written in English, the 288-page ‘Futility’ is published by Titan Books, amid an intriguing horror-embedded storyline.
It trails the stories of two women, who were betrayed by the men in their lives, hence they seethe with rage and bitterness. More also, when a trickster spirit offers them the gift of revenge, they cannot resist.
Chia, one of the two women, runs one of the best restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, and is renowned among the male clientele for her captivating beauty and delicious hot pepper soup. But her hot pepper soup has a secret ingredient, and her beauty is not what it seems.
But Claire, on her part, is a 50-year-old British woman living in Abuja with her young Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, Shadé. Consumed by jealousy and resentment, Claire’s carefully organised life spirals into chaos after a night out at Chia’s infamous restaurant.
In their separate reviews, other authors are commending Nuzo for taking her craft a notch higher in ‘Futility’.
Eric LaRocca, author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, commented: “Gleefully demented and simmering with such wit and verve, Futility by Nuzo Onoh is an unpredictable and fiercely inventive literary entrée centred around retribution and punishment. Onoh’s masterful prose is so unique, so captivating. She remains a singular voice in horror fiction, impossible to imitate.”
Neena Viel, author of Listen to Your Sister, said: “Vengeance has never been so thrilling. Feminist rage at its finest and so darkly funny you’ll laugh until your stomach hurts.”
Del Sandeen, author of This Cursed House, noted, “A dark and twisted tale permeated with African spirits and horror.
Nuzo Onoh brings the vivid beauty of Nigerian folklore and culture to life, alongside chilling vengeance and justice rendered. This is one book I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.”
‘Futility’, as well as ‘The Fake Ghost’, are available for purchase on Amazon.
Nuzo Onoh is an award-winning Nigerian-British writer of Igbo descent. She is a pioneer of the African horror literary genre. Hailed as the “Queen of African Horror”, Nuzo’s writing showcases both the beautiful and horrific in African culture within fictitious narratives. Nuzo’s works have been featured in numerous magazines and anthologies. She has given talks and lectures about African Horror, including at the prestigious Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies, London. She has also appeared on many radio shows and podcasts, including BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Her works have appeared in academic studies and been longlisted and shortlisted. She is a Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
