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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
Apparently lots of readers hate Doro with an intense zealousness, but I found him to be gradually more understandable as the book went on. The possibility of living forever obviously is not fathomable to me, and I found that I learned more about why he is the way he is based on his forced immortality.
Aside from that, I also love the alternate world created in the book. Not loved like I wanted to be in it, but it held a fascination for me much like Panem of hunger games. Overall I have to admire Octavia for the creativity and details of this book, as well as the depth and familiarity with which one knows Doro and Anyanwu at the end of it.
Aside from that, I also love the alternate world created in the book. Not loved like I wanted to be in it, but it held a fascination for me much like Panem of hunger games. Overall I have to admire Octavia for the creativity and details of this book, as well as the depth and familiarity with which one knows Doro and Anyanwu at the end of it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
One of my favorite books ever! I'm obsessed with the main character and her powers. Immortal? check. Self-healing? Check. Physical transforming abilities? Check.
Meh.
The bizarre sexual undertones and the "sex slave" aspect seemed... boring, cliched, and frankly unerotic. For the main character, Anyanwu, being such a strong woman, her motives behind agreeing to the entire situation seemed empty.
The bizarre sexual undertones and the "sex slave" aspect seemed... boring, cliched, and frankly unerotic. For the main character, Anyanwu, being such a strong woman, her motives behind agreeing to the entire situation seemed empty.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fascinating, disturbing, thought-provoking, beautiful.
To have science fiction where the science fiction is not centered on technology but on biology and anthropology…. Is to be reminded of the possibilities beyond the narrow categories we have been taught are normal. And Octavia Butler’s writing is so beautiful even as she writes about horrors.
To have science fiction where the science fiction is not centered on technology but on biology and anthropology…. Is to be reminded of the possibilities beyond the narrow categories we have been taught are normal. And Octavia Butler’s writing is so beautiful even as she writes about horrors.
I found this utterly compelling even if very uncomfortable to read in places. The palpable hatred and fear surrounding Doro is brilliantly portrayed. The proud and powerful Anyanwu is just a fantastic character - in my mind I always picture looking like Nina Simone! What is brilliant is the way that Butler uses science fiction to shine a lot on very real issues of identity and race without ever seeming forced. It’s only my second book I’ve read by her and the first in this series but I’m already onto the next book.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes