The complete series about an alien species that could save humanity after nuclear apocalypse—or destroy it—from “one of science fiction’s finest writers” (The New York Times). The newest stage in human evolution begins in outer space. Survivors of a cataclysmic nuclear war awake to find themselves being studied by the Oankali, tentacle-covered galactic travelers whose benevolent appearance hides … benevolent appearance hides their surprising plan for the future of mankind. The Oankali arrive not just to save humanity, but to bond with it—crossbreeding to form a hybrid species that can survive in the place of its human forebears, who were so intent on self-destruction. Some people resist, forming pocket communities of purebred rebellion, but many realize they have no choice. The human species inevitably expands into something stranger, stronger, and undeniably alien. From Hugo and Nebula award–winning author Octavia Butler, Lilith’s Brood is both a thrilling, epic adventure of man’s struggle to survive after Earth’s destruction, and a provocative meditation on what it means to be human.
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Octavia E. Butler including rare images from the author’s estate.
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What can I say about Octavia Butler that hasn’t already been said? Her work weaves fascinating allegory of the African American’s experience into a sci-fi framework, and she does it the best here, with the experience of Lilith Iyapo, a human rescued after a nuclear war nearly destroys the Earth, and brought aboard an alien ship, healed of her wounds, and awoken to a new life as part of the first humans to be brought back to Earth, but forever bound to the kind, but hideous-looking Oankali, the alien race that rescued humanity from certain death, and now offer a trade: a guarantee of survival in perpetuity, at the expense of their own humanity. This is a work that combines fascinating biology and technology with an allegory of dominance and life as second-class citizens, in three unforgettable tales of Lilith and her inhuman progeny by way of the Oankali, who are compelled to add the genetic uniqueness of humans to their own. It is a trilogy that I have read many times, and will read many more. And it is a trilogy that I give my highest recommendation to.
Explores humanity and the world in a way that intrigues and challenges the reader. I enjoyed the whole trilogy and recommend to anyone looking for a good science fiction book that challenges and stimulates.
This series is my favorite book series of all time. Seriously, I reread all three books at least once a year. Butler has rightfully been placed on the pedestal she deserves for giving the world the story of Lilith Iyapo and her children. I come back to this tale time and time again for the same reason I think a lot of people do; to process the inhumanity and bestial nature of the human beings we have to live within the real world. Everything from descriptions of humanity falls into chaos to descriptions of the strange but compelling sexual experiences of blending with another species is horrifying and undeniably a stroke of genius. I am grateful to have had the chance to go on this ride and highly recommend you to visit this eye-opening universe where we can’t look away from the ugly parts of our own nature.
After reading DAWN, I decided I really needed to know what happened to humanity after being merged with the Oankali. As I predicted, humanity devolved back to almost medieval, primal ways (looting, pillaging, raping) and the people who chose to become the new generation of humanity with the Oankali have figured out how to make it work. I’m amazed at how Butler has made the aliens feel right and natural and the humans to feel, well, inhuman. She’s a skilled writer and I found everything to be very relatable.
Not the standard viewpoint or direction. Takes a look at an end-of-world situation from a different angle. Makes you wonder.
I had no idea what I was in for with this series. Truly a masterwork on every level. If you haven’t read Butler before… what are you waiting for?
I enjoyed reading this trilogy. Good story that dives into our emotions. Good science fiction. Recommended.
I read this series years and years ago, and I’ve never quit thinking about it. I forget my own kids’ names, so the fact I remember so much of these books is impressive. The worldbuilding is unique and amazing. Recommended, and it will not be what you expect!
I just love these books – aliens at their most fascinating…
Thought provoking.
Thought-provoking, philosophical
I think this trilogy is a profoundly brilliant metaphor for the fluidity of gender and the extreme difficulty of Afro-Americans receiving the dignity of human beings in America.
Excellent series—highly recommended!
Fantastic book!
thought-provoking
Amazing writing which makes any book great. Good follow through throughout the series. Highly recommend.
This isn’t your hot-blue alien seeks helpless earthling romance. Full review here: https://www.cgockelwrites.com/2020/04/12/book-review-liliths-brood-by-octavia-butler/
Oh. So. Slow.
I don’t usually give up on a book, but I couldn’t get through this one, let alone the whole series.
I wanted to like it. I’ve heard good things about the author, and she seems to have a loyal readership. However, I couldn’t find much to relate to in these characters or their world. I stuck with them across an ocean and two continents. I kept waiting for the stage to be set and the actual story to start, but eventually got tired of looking for something else on the horizon. Life is short, and there are too many other books out there.
Classic Butler, well worth your time
Octavia Butler does not disappoint! I’m about 70% through this trilogy and having a very hard time putting it down. This construction of a post apocalyptic alien human encounter is original in concepts and while challenging at times, quite compelling.