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koreanlinda's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.5
I read all three books of Xenogenesis series and decided to leave a review for the series here. The series is exceptional. It has the complexity of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi or The Expanse by James S. A. Corey. The expanse of imagination reaches a lot farther involving aliens called Oankali. They are not regarded as a mere threat to humanity or a subject of human curiosity. They are heavily involved in interacting with humans in the process of building a new world. (Parts of the book is actually written in their point of view.)
I gave 4.5 starts because the last book, Imago, fell a bit short of the first two. There was a feeling of rushed wrap-up at the end. It still has an open ending for readers to imagine what could happen afterward. The beauty of this series is the unclear symbolism of various elements in the story. Ooloi, a type of Oankali, has no gender. Often humans misunderstand them as being both male and female, but that is not true. Ooloi reminded me of transgender people and non-binary people, but they are not exactly the same. Oankali as a whole can serve as a symbol of foreigners and immigrants (just people who humans are not familiar with). Of course, their interaction comes with a great deal of prejudice and discrimination.
I strongly recommend the book for young adult and adult readers. It provides bountiful fodder for thoughts and discussions. (The edition I read came with a list of discussion questions at the end.) I also recommend Parable of The Sower by the same author. I enjoyed reading the graphic novel version.
Review by Linda (she/they) in August 2023
Instagram @KoreanLinda
Essay writer at DefinitelyNotOkay.com
Podcaster at AmericanKsisters.com
I gave 4.5 starts because the last book, Imago, fell a bit short of the first two. There was a feeling of rushed wrap-up at the end. It still has an open ending for readers to imagine what could happen afterward. The beauty of this series is the unclear symbolism of various elements in the story. Ooloi, a type of Oankali, has no gender. Often humans misunderstand them as being both male and female, but that is not true. Ooloi reminded me of transgender people and non-binary people, but they are not exactly the same. Oankali as a whole can serve as a symbol of foreigners and immigrants (just people who humans are not familiar with). Of course, their interaction comes with a great deal of prejudice and discrimination.
I strongly recommend the book for young adult and adult readers. It provides bountiful fodder for thoughts and discussions. (The edition I read came with a list of discussion questions at the end.) I also recommend Parable of The Sower by the same author. I enjoyed reading the graphic novel version.
Review by Linda (she/they) in August 2023
Instagram @KoreanLinda
Essay writer at DefinitelyNotOkay.com
Podcaster at AmericanKsisters.com
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Transphobia, War, Xenophobia, and Violence
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