Search - Dawn (Xenogenesis)

This first book in Butler's Xenogenesis trilogy takes place entirely aboard an alien race's massive living spaceship. Confining events to a few rooms is not good if you're looking for lots of fast paced action. The story rather focuses on thoughtful development of main character Lilith. This is what you should expect from 1995 MacArthur Fellowship "genius grant" recipient Octavia E. Butler.

In short, Lilith is one of a few survivors of man's nuclear war on earth. She was "rescued" by an alien race which wishes to reestablish the nearly extinct human species. This help requires a trade-off. Humans must accept extensive genetic modification that will not only improve their chances for re-settling post-apocalypse earth, but will require accepting something more.

What is it that makes us "human?" What can we surrender and still be human? A thoughtful read. Recommended. Look for "Imago" and "Adulthood Rites" to continue story. Note, "Lilith's Brood" contains all three in one 700+ page book.

Incredibly strange but well written-- leaves the reader not entierly sure how to feel or what to think about what they've read. May be very disturbing for some readers!

This, like all Octavia Butler's books that I've read, is emotionally wrenching, thought-provoking, eerily beautiful, and an addictive adventure. Read one, and you'll be looking for them all!

Superb. Stunning. Wonderful. Brilliant. I can't say anything bad about this book. Usually, in novels, I can easily pick a "side" and stick with it. In this one ... the issues were presented SO well that I could see both sides, and had no real idea what I would choose in such a situation. The conflict, drama was so well presented. I found myself cheering for both sides, angry with both sides, conflicted ... the book really made me think. Just brilliant.

On top of all of that, the writing is fantastic. I could not put this book down. I stayed up until 3AM reading it!

Very well crafted story with great characterization, many layered, complex social understanding, realistic portrayal of human interaction, intellectual, scientifically well-done. One of the few I rate 5 stars.

I really enjoyed this novel. It raises a lot of questions about identity, both individual and as a species. It was interesting how Butler predicted how different types of people would react to this extreme situation and what her characters reveal that she thought about human nature. I will definitely read the rest of the Xenogenesis series.