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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I get the strong sense that this series almost shouldn't have been split into three parts, because even though the characters and plots change, the theme continues to develop. Humans are still the shitdicks who destroyed Earth and are continuing to hurt each other for no discernible reason; Oankali are still the seemingly all-powerful aliens who see genes as trade goods—but the main character, a construct (and Lilith's child) with characteristics of both species, sees more.
Butler's writing is, as in the previous book, more utilitarian than necessarily beautiful. The world-building and concepts continue to be the strongest thing about this series.
I get the strong sense that this series almost shouldn't have been split into three parts, because even though the characters and plots change, the theme continues to develop. Humans are still the shitdicks who destroyed Earth and are continuing to hurt each other for no discernible reason; Oankali are still the seemingly all-powerful aliens who see genes as trade goods—but the main character, a construct (and Lilith's child) with characteristics of both species, sees more.
Butler's writing is, as in the previous book, more utilitarian than necessarily beautiful. The world-building and concepts continue to be the strongest thing about this series.
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
I liked Adulthood Rites much better than book one, which feels a bit weird typing out because I really liked Dawn. There were fewer explicit alien sex scenes, which helped out my overall enjoyment, and a new main character that is great. Akin starts out this book being an infant but he won me over early on and didn't let go. Just having the hybrid child be the main character for this next installment I thought was a brilliant choice. It advanced a lot of the conversations and plot lines from book one in an organic way. This decision also allowed for interesting conversations on gender and the human condition that are just as relevant today as I hope they were in the late 80s when this novel was first published. In short, I cared about the characters, I cared about the plot, and I found the story to be cleverly and beautifully written. An A+ read with plenty of food for thought for days after finishing it.
dark
hopeful
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
This is such a beautiful example of sci-fi done right. The plot could so easily have turned into a bad ScyFy Channel Original; human looking genetically engineered alien half-breed gets kidnapped by human resisters and finds that his alien ancestry isn't as simple as it seems. But Butler never lets it seem cheesy or cliche. For a book that so carefully explores aspects of gender, sexuality, right and wrong, violence, childhood, adulthood, intelligence, humanity, and what it means to be alien, Adulthood Rites never preaches and never condescends. Every character is painted in their own shade of grey and no decision made is ever truly right or wrong.
That said, I did find this book to be a bit of a slog at times, not because it was bad or slow, but because there was so much to think about. This is by no means a light read. It is worth reading through, though. And, unlike the better-known classics by cis white male authors which are often bogged down with misogyny and racism, this work is blessedly present with its depictions of women and race. A must read for any SF fan.
That said, I did find this book to be a bit of a slog at times, not because it was bad or slow, but because there was so much to think about. This is by no means a light read. It is worth reading through, though. And, unlike the better-known classics by cis white male authors which are often bogged down with misogyny and racism, this work is blessedly present with its depictions of women and race. A must read for any SF fan.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Slow at times but good themes of what does it mean to be human, humanity, understanding, communication
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
Even better than the first book in the series - I could not put this down!
The main character is particularly captivating but the expanse and humanity that he grants all the characters we meet in this book is what made this story as good as it was for me.
The main character is particularly captivating but the expanse and humanity that he grants all the characters we meet in this book is what made this story as good as it was for me.