Reviews

I am genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! It combined a lot of things that I don't usually love (vampires, amnesia as a storytelling mechanism) into a story that I just couldn't put down. In typical fashion, Octavia Butler didn't *just* create an interesting story about vampires, and instead wove in fascinating ideas about racism, society, power dynamics in relationships, and what defines humanity. The About The Author hit me like a gut punch knowing that she died so soon after this book was published. I would have loved to see any sequels she would have written in this world so like our own.

libraryloading_'s review against another edition

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4.0

I think it was very thrilling and new way to see vampires. In order to get rid of the story that comes with vampires, using the name Ina gives way to create a new idea. The addictive saliva and control that the Ina exhibit makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint in order to keep themselves safe. The only thing that does make me a bit uncomfortable is the appearance of her main character being a young child. Seeing it from my mind's eye it does become pretty uncomfortable especially after certain events happen. Overall, however, I'm always an avid fan of Octavia Butler and this was a thrilling book; only wish would be to read more of it.

emilyb_chicago's review against another edition

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1.0

Characters are wooden and unbelievable. The pacing is inconsistent with lots of telling, not showing. The first couple chapters have a lot of potential and by mid book it’s a slog through stilted dialog. By the end the characters are so over the top I was thankful it was over. This ends with an obvious setup for another novel, though I am not interested.

In general, I’m surprised this was one of her later works. Definitely skip this book.

theworldisatext's review against another edition

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adventurous dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Definitely recommend this one as an audiobook. This read dug up a little vampire movie & book nostalgia.

Took a lot of effort to get over Shori’s initial intimate relationship with a human with her childlike appearance. Due to memory loss, not even she knows her own age. I justified this unease with the intended discomfort all good vampire books/movies give me.

Identity as an othered, genetically modified, black vampire is a major theme as Shori struggles to find where she fits as a powerful female in a male-dominated society. Really enjoyed the lore and sociological exploration Bulter gave with this novel.

Just a little blood—
Modified, I’ll heal from sun.
Death leaves me undone.

kailunthecat's review

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challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

klparmley's review against another edition

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3.0

Well enough written to keep me engaged. Not a rereader. Thankfully, the vampires don't sparkle.

owl_eerie's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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