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berrydelight's review against another edition
3.0
Wasn’t interested in the first novella much, and that was 85% of the the book. The second much shorter one, “Childfinder”, had great potential for more.
greesman's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
amarieads's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
naomireadsworld's review against another edition
3.0
Unexpected Stories collects two previously unpublished short stories by Octavia Butler.
The first, titled “A Necessary Being,” takes place in a fantasy world in which leaders are biologically determined, whether they are willing or not. While the concept was interesting, I felt disconnected from the protagonists, and not invested in their story.
“Childfinder” is the second story, following a protagonist who specializes in finding children with special abilities. This was my favorite of Butler’s two stories, but it felt woefully short. I wanted to really know this world Butler offers a glimpse of, and read more about what happens to the protagonist and the children.
Overall, I had mixed/lukewarm feelings about the stories themselves, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Butler’s earlier writing. The chance to read and understand the development of her writing style is something I recommend for fans of the long-reigning queen of speculative fiction.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first, titled “A Necessary Being,” takes place in a fantasy world in which leaders are biologically determined, whether they are willing or not. While the concept was interesting, I felt disconnected from the protagonists, and not invested in their story.
“Childfinder” is the second story, following a protagonist who specializes in finding children with special abilities. This was my favorite of Butler’s two stories, but it felt woefully short. I wanted to really know this world Butler offers a glimpse of, and read more about what happens to the protagonist and the children.
Overall, I had mixed/lukewarm feelings about the stories themselves, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Butler’s earlier writing. The chance to read and understand the development of her writing style is something I recommend for fans of the long-reigning queen of speculative fiction.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
surfybridge's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rosemmaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aische24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
rebeccazh's review against another edition
I love Octavia Butler's heroines. It was wonderful to read her stories and spend time with her absolutely awesome main characters.
dominic_piacentini's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The way Butler doles out worldbuilding bit by bit, and only on an as needed basis, is a feat, especially in works these short, posthumously published stories.
Childfinder is a short story that could easily fit within Bloodchild — it’s even in the name. A Necessary Being is mesmerizing as it switches between two blue-skinned, alien leaders negotiating a future for their communities.
Great audiobook for a short(ish) drive.
Childfinder is a short story that could easily fit within Bloodchild — it’s even in the name. A Necessary Being is mesmerizing as it switches between two blue-skinned, alien leaders negotiating a future for their communities.
Great audiobook for a short(ish) drive.
filesm's review against another edition
5.0
I love Octavia’s short stories and novellas but they always leave me like WAIT WHAT NOW
As always a slay
As always a slay