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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Before we begin I just wanted to say that this series is a bit strange with what was published when and where it falls into the chronology of the series. After a little bit of interneting, I decided to start here. Time will tell if that was the best choice for me or not.
Wild Seed feels like all the other Butler novels I have read. It is brutal and complex and clever. There are conversations about bodies and breeding and race. There is excellent character work and wonderful prose and engaging plotting and pacing. At times, it can be frustrating to read as we delve into the darker side of the human condition. At other times it is brilliant and bright and beautiful, in part because we went to those dark places and came out the other side. Which usually leaves me conflicted after I have read one of Butler's novels. I think they are masterful in a lot of ways but in other ways, I'm not sure how enjoyable they are to read. They are certainly worth it but man, they can be rough. This book gave me those vibes as well. But I keep coming back and recommending her books to people so there is always something in these tales that stands out.
And lastly, I'm so excited that Robin Miles has narrated this series. With those audiobooks being released this year I'll have to bump this up my TBR.
Wild Seed feels like all the other Butler novels I have read. It is brutal and complex and clever. There are conversations about bodies and breeding and race. There is excellent character work and wonderful prose and engaging plotting and pacing. At times, it can be frustrating to read as we delve into the darker side of the human condition. At other times it is brilliant and bright and beautiful, in part because we went to those dark places and came out the other side. Which usually leaves me conflicted after I have read one of Butler's novels. I think they are masterful in a lot of ways but in other ways, I'm not sure how enjoyable they are to read. They are certainly worth it but man, they can be rough. This book gave me those vibes as well. But I keep coming back and recommending her books to people so there is always something in these tales that stands out.
And lastly, I'm so excited that Robin Miles has narrated this series. With those audiobooks being released this year I'll have to bump this up my TBR.
Not my favorite of Butler’s but important in terms of the genesis of a lot other themes explored in later novels. Particularly crucial to the Xenogenesis trilogy and the exploration of using genetics to further create “supreme” beings. The incredible abusive relationship between Anyanwu and Doro (see: OBEY ME) is tolerable only through Anyanwu’s continued defiance.
emotional
reflective
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
Wow.
This is my first Octavia Butler book and i can't believe it's taken me this long to read one. A quote from I believe the first chapter of the book mentions that you are either a slave or a master of slaves, and she rather be a master than slave anymore. To see this idea play out throughout the book between Doro, someone who poses as the ultimate master as he can not be killed, and Anyawhu as she is once again put in enslavement by him initially but ultimately breaks this notion is beautiful. Those with power and loneliness are dangerous, those with power and empathy can nurture beautiful communities and relationships built on respect rather than fear.
This is my first Octavia Butler book and i can't believe it's taken me this long to read one. A quote from I believe the first chapter of the book mentions that you are either a slave or a master of slaves, and she rather be a master than slave anymore. To see this idea play out throughout the book between Doro, someone who poses as the ultimate master as he can not be killed, and Anyawhu as she is once again put in enslavement by him initially but ultimately breaks this notion is beautiful. Those with power and loneliness are dangerous, those with power and empathy can nurture beautiful communities and relationships built on respect rather than fear.
dark
slow-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Stalking
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence
challenging
dark
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Slavery, Murder
Minor: Rape
adventurous
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:
Yes
My first Octavia Butler experience and I loved it. Magic combined with ethical/moral dilemmas—what sci-fi does best—using a different world to help us step outside of ours and consider the type of world we want to live in.
I cried (maybe a few times) in the middle. But I won’t say where. :)
I cried (maybe a few times) in the middle. But I won’t say where. :)
The characters are interesting and relatable, while the ideas are exquisite. A great place to start a fascinating new series