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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
slow-paced
I couldn't get through this one. The relationship between aliens and humans is so rape-y, and I'm sure that's intentional by Butler but it's too yucky for me.
The second book in the Xenogenesis trilogy, the earth has been destroyed and remade by aliens and the remaining humans are either resisting or joining them for this new era on the planet. This one follows Lilith, but then more so follows her hybrid (alien/human) son, Akin.
As with the first book, I’m blown away at times that this book was published in the late 80s. There are so many aspects to this story that feel timeless, yet so now and also v the future. I will say that some of it also feels dated, more so regarding some of the gender or sexuality aspects. I’m curious still about the alien relationships in this world, how heteronormative they read despite a few things. Like, they have a 3rd gender, which is fascinating, yet the relationships still feel deeply binary in a sense. They’re very… unconventional relationships (groups), yet still feel… normative. It’s interesting.
Another major point in the text is about men. Human men being seen as dangerous, and essentially trying to engineer out the toxic traits in men. I was really interested in this concept because it felt both relatable yet a bit gender-essentialist. At the same time, men are just so often… horrible lol so I basically was fascinated by the directness of that idea in this one. Similarly, there is just inherently a conversation about colonialism in this story that's fascinating. Knowing that humans destroy things, yet wanting them to continue on. It’s just an overall interesting look at humanity and its worthiness of change. It feels surprisingly optimistic, esp from Akin's point of view (which is the main pov in this one).
Cannot wait to get to the last in the trilogy!
As with the first book, I’m blown away at times that this book was published in the late 80s. There are so many aspects to this story that feel timeless, yet so now and also v the future. I will say that some of it also feels dated, more so regarding some of the gender or sexuality aspects. I’m curious still about the alien relationships in this world, how heteronormative they read despite a few things. Like, they have a 3rd gender, which is fascinating, yet the relationships still feel deeply binary in a sense. They’re very… unconventional relationships (groups), yet still feel… normative. It’s interesting.
Another major point in the text is about men. Human men being seen as dangerous, and essentially trying to engineer out the toxic traits in men. I was really interested in this concept because it felt both relatable yet a bit gender-essentialist. At the same time, men are just so often… horrible lol so I basically was fascinated by the directness of that idea in this one. Similarly, there is just inherently a conversation about colonialism in this story that's fascinating. Knowing that humans destroy things, yet wanting them to continue on. It’s just an overall interesting look at humanity and its worthiness of change. It feels surprisingly optimistic, esp from Akin's point of view (which is the main pov in this one).
Cannot wait to get to the last in the trilogy!
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A deeply immersive dive into a strange world that leaves you with the complexity of both sides of a conflict.
Another great entry in this trilogy from the Master Octavia E Butler. Following the events of book 1, this story is from the perspective of Akin, the son of Lilith. Akin is a bridge of sorts. To the future of humanity, and to the remnants of the past still vying for a place in this new existence. The title of this book could refer to Akon’s singular journey and humanity’s as a whole and I reckon that there are some valuable lessons for us to apply to the times today. Can’t really say much more without spoiling. Delivers solidly in just over 300 pages
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great follow-up to the first book. The problems of the next generation are convincing and philosophically interesting, and I liked reading about the societies built on post-war earth. I was less attached to the characters than in Dawn, but maybe that's because they're becoming increasingly less human.
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated