Looking for your next read? Check out Book Review: Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler, reviewed by Fulco Library staff, Rishi J.
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler is the first novel in the Patternist series. It sets up the mythos behind two main characters that has a major influence through the rest of the series. Wild Seed involves two immortal beings originating from Africa with unique powers. These two beings build a relationship that spans multiple centuries and inhabits the whole spectrum of human emotions. This story ties various complex themes together within the backdrop of slavery.
Doro is an ancient spirit with the unique ability to possess human beings, devouring their soul and taking over their body for his own needs. He fears no one and seeks to create a race of humans with unique abilities similar to himself. Anyanwu is a shape shifter with many unique abilities of her own like super strength, and the power of healing others through her bite. She has a very nurturing personality who only wants to heal and protect other humans from harm. Doro and Anyanwu weave a compelling history of bloodshed, violence, slavery, incest, abuse, compassion, hatred, and love into a mythology that will stand the test of time.
Octavia E. Butler is an African American science fiction author that pushes that boundaries of science fiction further than ever before seen through her passionate portrayal of humanity. Personally, I admire this novel because it draws out all the different elements of a love story through the backdrop of a science fiction/urban historical fantasy setting that depicts a relationship between two very different characters. It is an excellent example of how opposites attract each other and how they interact with one another. I recommend Wild Seed, and the Patternist series by Octavia E. Butler to anyone interested in the African-American take on science fiction. She is a definite must read for the science fiction genre.
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The Complete Patternist Series: Seed to Harvest eBook
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