A review by heyshey
Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler

4.0

Book 2 of the Xenogenesis series, where Akin Iyapo has five biological parents. Yep. Butler's imaginative mind was such a masterpiece that she made it happen and nailed it.

Spoiler

This is well thought-out, also creative, and insightful. This book focuses more on Akin’s perspective than Lilith's, so there’s a touch of difference from the first book. While it follows Akin’s development from early childhood to adulthood, it also explores the nature of humanity—the good, the bad, and the disturbing ones. I appreciate the writing style here. This is science fiction, and it’s not my go-to genre. Topics about genetic engineering, DNA matching, sensory powers, and stuff about alien-human cross-breeding have been discussed, but Butler explains them in a very approachable manner. It was easy for me to connect with the story. There are unsettling and gross moments here, but Butler still manages to make them...compelling. I'll finish the series, but not soon. I'm still overwhelmed by the weirdness of Oankali's act of mating and their sensual encounters, or whatever they want to call them.

- this is not really a spoiler.