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A review by naomireadsworld
Unexpected Stories by Octavia E. Butler
3.0
Unexpected Stories collects two previously unpublished short stories by Octavia Butler.
The first, titled “A Necessary Being,” takes place in a fantasy world in which leaders are biologically determined, whether they are willing or not. While the concept was interesting, I felt disconnected from the protagonists, and not invested in their story.
“Childfinder” is the second story, following a protagonist who specializes in finding children with special abilities. This was my favorite of Butler’s two stories, but it felt woefully short. I wanted to really know this world Butler offers a glimpse of, and read more about what happens to the protagonist and the children.
Overall, I had mixed/lukewarm feelings about the stories themselves, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Butler’s earlier writing. The chance to read and understand the development of her writing style is something I recommend for fans of the long-reigning queen of speculative fiction.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first, titled “A Necessary Being,” takes place in a fantasy world in which leaders are biologically determined, whether they are willing or not. While the concept was interesting, I felt disconnected from the protagonists, and not invested in their story.
“Childfinder” is the second story, following a protagonist who specializes in finding children with special abilities. This was my favorite of Butler’s two stories, but it felt woefully short. I wanted to really know this world Butler offers a glimpse of, and read more about what happens to the protagonist and the children.
Overall, I had mixed/lukewarm feelings about the stories themselves, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Butler’s earlier writing. The chance to read and understand the development of her writing style is something I recommend for fans of the long-reigning queen of speculative fiction.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.