Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Aspect (1997), Reprint, Paperback
Pages
304
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. HTML:The futures of both mankind and an alien species rest in the hands of one hybrid son in the award-winning science fiction author's masterful sequel to Dawn. Nuclear war had nearly destroyed mankind when the Oankali came to the rescue, saving humanity�??but at a price. The Oankali survive by mixing their DNA with that of other species, and now on Earth they have permitted no child to be born without an Oankali parent. The first true hybrid is a boy named Akin�??son of Lilith Iyapo�?? and to the naked eye he looks human, for now. He is born with extraordinary sensory powers, understanding speech at birth, speaking in sentences at two months old, and soon developing the ability to see at the molecular level. More powerful than any human or Oankali, he will be the architect of both races' intergalactic future. But before he can carry this new species into the stars, Akin must decide which unlucky souls will stay behind. At once a coming-of-age story, science fiction adventure, and philosophical exploration, Butler's ambitious and breathtaking novel ultimately raises the question of what it means to be human. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Octavia E. Butler including rare images from the author'… (more)
Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — Science Fiction Novel — 1989)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1988-06
Physical description
304 p.; 6.8 inches
ISBN
0446603783 / 9780446603782
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User reviews
LibraryThing member Literature_Owl
This continuation of the series held up to every standard and expectation I had. I'm thrilled to continue with the final chapter of humanity's story!
LibraryThing member AHS-Wolfy
I decided not to wait too long before delving back into this series with this 2nd book of the trilogy. It picks things up a couple of decades or so after the conclusion of [Dawn]. The remnants of humanity have returned to Earth but the price of the trade with the Oankali was too much for some.
Although this is a middle book from a trilogy there was no feeling that it was a bridging beween the start and end of a story that you sometimes get in such cases. I think the switching of primary character certainly helped with this and Akin's tale is certainly an interesting one. As with the previous volume there are a lot of important questions being asked throughout the story but the main theme for this time around is identity. Can a child born into two very different cultures be truly accepted by either. Would it be right to choose one over the other. If he can help bring a greater understanding between them then is it his duty to try? This is a book that expands on the Oankali vision hinted at in the first of the series providing a much greater insight into their culture but also looks at whether the human race is destined for extinction without some kind of intervention for the path it's taking, Are we destined to ultimately destroy ourselves? This is another enjoyable and thought provoking entry into the series and I'm looking forward to reaching its conclusion in the third book.
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Those that accept the shared Oankali/human cross-breeding program have started producing the next generation known as constructs. Those that don't are allowed to live in Resister villages but without the option to procreate. Lilith is once again a test subject as she is the first human woman to give birth to a male construct and this book is very much his story. Akin looks mostly human when he is born with only his tongue providing the sensory input of the Oankali and it's this that provides the greatest incentive to his kidnappers. He is taken to be sold to a resister village to offer at least the illusion of having a child to those unable to produce their own. He should fetch a high price. The cost to Akin will also be extraordinary and he cannot understand why his own family have chosen not to rescue him and left him in the care of some old familiar faces. Why has Akin been abandoned and what does fate have in store for him? This book follows Akin's story from his birth up until his metamorphosis into young adulthood and the choice for his life's work. As a product of two cultures he must come to terms with both sides of his heritage and if he can accomplish this then who knows what's in store for not just his own future but that of Oankali and humankind also.Although this is a middle book from a trilogy there was no feeling that it was a bridging beween the start and end of a story that you sometimes get in such cases. I think the switching of primary character certainly helped with this and Akin's tale is certainly an interesting one. As with the previous volume there are a lot of important questions being asked throughout the story but the main theme for this time around is identity. Can a child born into two very different cultures be truly accepted by either. Would it be right to choose one over the other. If he can help bring a greater understanding between them then is it his duty to try? This is a book that expands on the Oankali vision hinted at in the first of the series providing a much greater insight into their culture but also looks at whether the human race is destined for extinction without some kind of intervention for the path it's taking, Are we destined to ultimately destroy ourselves? This is another enjoyable and thought provoking entry into the series and I'm looking forward to reaching its conclusion in the third book.
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LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
Even before I finished reading Dawn, I knew that I would be pursuing the rest of the Xeogenesis trilogy (also known as Lilith's Brood) and just about anything else that Octavia E. Butler had written. Adulthood Rites follow Dawn and is the second Xenogenesis book. Dawn is easily one of the best
Shortly after humanity destroyed itself in war, the Oankali arrived and rescued the few remaining fragments doomed for extinction. However, their actions weren't entirely altruistic--they plan on genetically merging with the surviving Humans in order to continue their own race. Akin is the first Human-born male construct to exist. Genetically engineered, he is both Human and Oankali, an important link in the creation of the next generation. Kidnapped as a young child by Human resisters, he is forced early on to confront and understand what makes the Humans so dangerous and yet so appealing to the Oankali. Ultimately, he may be the only hope for the Human race's survival.
Even when the narrative perspective changes to another character, the book is still very intimately about Akin. His importance to the Humans (both resisters and partners) and the Oankali is paramount to the novel. As a Human-Oankali construct, Akin must earn acceptance from others, but even more so he must learn to accept both sides of his heritage. One of the things that I liked so much about Dawn is that the characters weren't static and changed as the novel progressed--particularly Lilith (Akin's mother). Unfortunately, Akin seemed to stay very much the same person throughout Adulthood Rites despite his traumatic experiences and his eventual dramatic physical transformation. The Oankali are very strange, and Butler captures this superbly. I'm not sure if it's because I took so long between threading the first and second books, but some details did seem inconsistent--but I could just be misremembering. Sometimes it seemed like Butler was just making things up as she went along, especially in regards to Oankali culture. Then again they are supposed to be truly bizarre from the perspective of a Human.
While the book didn't capture me quite as much as Dawn, Adulthood Rites still explores a plethora of engaging ideas. Much of the novelty of Oankali gender relationships has worn off, but their relationships with Humans continue to be tense, uncomfortable, and a little creepy. Butler's style in Xenogenesis is very direct with very little superfluous description. I really wish that I hadn't waited so long between books because of this; many important elements and details were lost or forgotten. I definitely will be picking up the last book in the trilogy, Imago, sooner rather than later.
Experiments in Reading
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pieces of science fiction that I've read recently; it completely blew me away. So, I had high expectations for Adulthood Rites. I wasn't too disappointed, either.Shortly after humanity destroyed itself in war, the Oankali arrived and rescued the few remaining fragments doomed for extinction. However, their actions weren't entirely altruistic--they plan on genetically merging with the surviving Humans in order to continue their own race. Akin is the first Human-born male construct to exist. Genetically engineered, he is both Human and Oankali, an important link in the creation of the next generation. Kidnapped as a young child by Human resisters, he is forced early on to confront and understand what makes the Humans so dangerous and yet so appealing to the Oankali. Ultimately, he may be the only hope for the Human race's survival.
Even when the narrative perspective changes to another character, the book is still very intimately about Akin. His importance to the Humans (both resisters and partners) and the Oankali is paramount to the novel. As a Human-Oankali construct, Akin must earn acceptance from others, but even more so he must learn to accept both sides of his heritage. One of the things that I liked so much about Dawn is that the characters weren't static and changed as the novel progressed--particularly Lilith (Akin's mother). Unfortunately, Akin seemed to stay very much the same person throughout Adulthood Rites despite his traumatic experiences and his eventual dramatic physical transformation. The Oankali are very strange, and Butler captures this superbly. I'm not sure if it's because I took so long between threading the first and second books, but some details did seem inconsistent--but I could just be misremembering. Sometimes it seemed like Butler was just making things up as she went along, especially in regards to Oankali culture. Then again they are supposed to be truly bizarre from the perspective of a Human.
While the book didn't capture me quite as much as Dawn, Adulthood Rites still explores a plethora of engaging ideas. Much of the novelty of Oankali gender relationships has worn off, but their relationships with Humans continue to be tense, uncomfortable, and a little creepy. Butler's style in Xenogenesis is very direct with very little superfluous description. I really wish that I hadn't waited so long between books because of this; many important elements and details were lost or forgotten. I definitely will be picking up the last book in the trilogy, Imago, sooner rather than later.
Experiments in Reading
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LibraryThing member heidilove
i read this one first, not realizing it was in a series. i really like what is brought up about the nature of the Other, what makes us human, and the human condition.
LibraryThing member ragwaine
This one got better toward the end. My only problem with this series is the names and how complicated the "mating" system is. The combination makes it hard to tell what's going on sometimes. Other than that some very cool unique situations. Butler had a way of portraying fantastic situations (like
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crazy looking aliens) as if they were mundane. It doesn't feel like your reading fantasy/sci-fi but instead another reality. Show Less
LibraryThing member jshillingford
This sequel to Dawn is just as good. Lilith has given birth to a human-looking son, Akin. But, he is actually a genetically engineered hybrid of human and Oankali. But, not all humans are willing to be "saved" by merging with the Oankali. They want to rebel, but the Oankali are technologically
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superior. But, they may find salvation in an unlikely advocate - Akin. Show Less
LibraryThing member stubbyfingers
I loved the first book in the Xenogenesis series, Dawn, and this, the second book, was not a disappointment! It's full of great ideas to make you think. I was enthralled the entire time I was reading it, never wanting to put it down. The characters and the ideas were all very interesting. This
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could easily have been a much longer book with more details about the characters' lives and decisions, but it definitely works the way it is. I can't wait to read the third book! Show Less
LibraryThing member jamclash
OE Butler is outstanding. This series is all good.
LibraryThing member MoniqueReads
In Adulthood Rites, Butler picks what where she left off. It is about 30 years after Dawn and Lilith has bore and contains to have alien hybrid (constructs) children. Adulthood Rites is the story of one of those children. Told in a limited third person narrative, Adulthood Rites is the look into
Pros: Writing, Characters, Plot
Cons: N/A
Overall Recommendation:
This book in my opinion is better than Dawn. It could just be because I like the outcome more in this book than the other. But I would recommend this book to anyone that has read the first. But it is important that the books are read in order, so of the important themes and events are needed to make the story make flow accurately.
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the struggles that the Akin (Lilith's only human born constructs male child) and the humans resisters that now inhibit the earth. As in the first book (Dawn), Butler contains to explore the theme of what it means to be human and the contradictions that are inherent in humanity. Even though the story is in third person, the reader only gets to see the world through Akin's senses. This position allows readers not only to connect with the human resisters but also evaluate aspects of humanity that lead the Oankali make humans resist sterile. Through Akin, readers get to see how humans make choices that lead to violence, rage, despair, and sorrow. But they also get to see that for most people the idea of the future and progress, mainly through children, is what makes up want to achieve greater heights. Butler is able to do all this expertly in a simple narrative that is less than three hundred pages.Pros: Writing, Characters, Plot
Cons: N/A
Overall Recommendation:
This book in my opinion is better than Dawn. It could just be because I like the outcome more in this book than the other. But I would recommend this book to anyone that has read the first. But it is important that the books are read in order, so of the important themes and events are needed to make the story make flow accurately.
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LibraryThing member creighley
Lilith has given birth to a boy, Akin, who appears to be human. However, Akin has five parents: a male and female human, a male and female Oankali, and a sexless Ooloi. The Oankali have saved what is left of the human race from its own extinction. However, the alien species merges with its humans
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and alters the genetic make up. There are resisters who have been sterilized. Akin has been selected by the Oankali to see whether or not the humans should be allowed to reproduce despite the human tendency towards self-destruction. Show Less
LibraryThing member salimbol
Intelligent, perceptive and frequently disquieting, this was an excellent introduction to Octavia Butler's works.
LibraryThing member zjakkelien
Another thought-provoking novel by Octavia Butler. In general, it doesn't show humanity at its best, but it does show some of the good things as well. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child half human, half Oankali was fascinating, particularly considering the quick mental development of
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Akin. I thought the frustration of the humans, even the ones that have joined the Oankali was well described. It shows very clearly how non-human the Oankali are, how different their thinking is. And in a way, how arrogant they are to impose their world-view on others, even if they are saving the lives of those others. I was glad to hear Lilith's view on her first pregnancy and the frustration this caused her, because this was a bit glossed over in the first book. I'm definitely reading the third book! Show Less
LibraryThing member nngrey
This is the second book in this series. Very similar to the first, except the plotting seemed to wander a bit. A lot of world building. Again, the author explores the theme of difference. Not a lot of hard science, but some interesting ideas around genetics and heredity. Looking forward to the next
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installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member Eric_the_Hamster
Octavia Butler always leaves me breathless with her creative mind, and the level of her inventiveness.
This is book 2 of the Xenogenesis series, developing the theme of a post-apocalyptic world, where the few surviving humans are saved and genetically adapted by the alien Oankali. This species
In this second book, the first of the human/Oankali hybrids are born, and have to bridge the gap between the two parent species. The first male is a danger to both species, and himself.
This is book 2 of the Xenogenesis series, developing the theme of a post-apocalyptic world, where the few surviving humans are saved and genetically adapted by the alien Oankali. This species
Show More
travels the universe absorbing other species into its genetic family. The story not only describes the fascinating science behind this premise, but also the complex emotions expressed by humanity at what the Oankali have done to them (albeit as a benign invader).In this second book, the first of the human/Oankali hybrids are born, and have to bridge the gap between the two parent species. The first male is a danger to both species, and himself.
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LibraryThing member ajlewis2
This part of the story was almost as good as the first book, but it seemed a little heavy on philosophy to me. Even so, I'm on to the third book now, because it is an excellent story. The book doesn't end with a cliff hanger, but we know there is more to follow and I'm eager to see what that future
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holds. Show Less
LibraryThing member billycongo
I didn't finish it, so feel free to disregard my comments. Butler is really good at writing disturbing stories. The thing that ultimately made me put it down was the attitude of the Ooloi, who seemed very rapey to me. Coercive intermediaries telling you "This is what you want." They just got under
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my skin. Show Less
LibraryThing member Noeshia
This book fixed just about all the things in the plot that did not sit well with me. If I said anything else, other than good job, Akin, main character, then I'd be giving you spoilers. Starting the final book now.
LibraryThing member froxgirl
Lilith of Dawn becomes a mother of a child who is partly human and partly Oankali - Akin. Born into extraordinary consciousness, Akin is kidnapped by Resisters, and left with them when all of his parents decide that it will be valuable for everyone for him to get to know rebellious humans. This
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action prevents him from bonding with his almost-born sibling, but has vast reprecussions when Akin becomes mature and decides to bring Resisters with him to populate Mars, made possible by the skills and knowledge of the Ooloi and the Oankali. As beautifully written by the fantastic world builder, this second novel suspensefully leads into the final one: can humans and partial humans curb their violence and make a new world? Show Less
LibraryThing member raizel
Having an alien-human child be separated from his family and live among humans makes it easy to describe life on Earth after humans nearly destroy themselves and aliens arrive.
LibraryThing member Luminous-Path
There was one major, major plot point that required complete suspension of disbelief. And that is when we discover that the humans and Oankali from Low (sorry, I listened to the audiobook so I'm not sure of spelling) didn't rescue Akin from Phoenix...because they couldn't find him?!?
So
But it's also out of character that they would never look for him in the one resister village that they were most familiar with. What the hell! And they seem really good at finding their way around. Based on every characterization of Oankali up to that point, they would have zero trouble tracking down Akin.
I think I'm going to go down to four stars on this book. It was great, but I do not appreciate such a terrible plot hole. It's like Butler knew there was no way Akin would be left that long, so she tried to handwave it away.
Still highly recommended.
So
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disappointing. I was expecting an intriguing explanation, like maybe they wanted him to really experience the resisters, or something. I started getting confused when Akin missed bonding with his sibling, because it was of utmost importance. And my concern grew as the cavalry still didn't show up, because I couldn't imagine the Oankali allowing that to happen, and I was thinking they were surely much crueler than the series had yet led us to believe. Just that thought was so out of character.But it's also out of character that they would never look for him in the one resister village that they were most familiar with. What the hell! And they seem really good at finding their way around. Based on every characterization of Oankali up to that point, they would have zero trouble tracking down Akin.
I think I'm going to go down to four stars on this book. It was great, but I do not appreciate such a terrible plot hole. It's like Butler knew there was no way Akin would be left that long, so she tried to handwave it away.
Still highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Guide2
Well thought story about growing up being an alien in a new world. Connects very well to the previous story while setting up the conclusion nicely.
LibraryThing member DanTarlin
Book two in the Exogenesis (Lilith's Brood) series.
This is very inventive sci fi, with extensive world building- Butler created a species, the Oankali, that is very complex, and she is really thoughtful about lots of details around how they live, procreate, heal, etc.
One of the challenges of
Butler doesn't do that. She rather has characters spend long paragraphs explaining to each other or in inner monologues all the rules of the society and all the powers that the Oankali have. And in the end, that's why I find these books a little unsatisfying. The books are too filled up with world-building explanation, and there isn't enough room to make the characters interesting.
So the story is cool, the Oankali are a fascinating society, but I don't love the writing.
Anyway, this book follows the childhood and growth of Akin, a child of Lilith and the first male Oankali-human "construct". He is kidnapped early on, as a baby, by human "resistors", those who choose not to join the Oankali in their project and who are therefore made infertile.
A different spin on this could have been following plucky humans struggling to take control back from the Oankali, but that's basically a non-starter, as the Oankali are too superior in every way. So it's about Akin growing up and struggling with how to deal with the Resistors.
It takes a pretty dim view of human nature - humans have already destroyed the world with nuclear war once, and they basically stay unreasonable and violent here too.
Quick read anyway, and I'll be checking out the last book in the trilogy. But I find Butler's sci fi to be just OK.
This is very inventive sci fi, with extensive world building- Butler created a species, the Oankali, that is very complex, and she is really thoughtful about lots of details around how they live, procreate, heal, etc.
One of the challenges of
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writing this sort of sci fi is that the reader doesn't understand many things. Unlike fiction that is set in the present or past, with familiar rules and societies, the world has to be explained somehow. Some sci fi writers do this by writing scenes as if these things are understood, and trust the reader to eventually figure it out. I sometimes find this sort of writing difficult and frustrating, but this way there is room for characters to be developed and plot to move.Butler doesn't do that. She rather has characters spend long paragraphs explaining to each other or in inner monologues all the rules of the society and all the powers that the Oankali have. And in the end, that's why I find these books a little unsatisfying. The books are too filled up with world-building explanation, and there isn't enough room to make the characters interesting.
So the story is cool, the Oankali are a fascinating society, but I don't love the writing.
Anyway, this book follows the childhood and growth of Akin, a child of Lilith and the first male Oankali-human "construct". He is kidnapped early on, as a baby, by human "resistors", those who choose not to join the Oankali in their project and who are therefore made infertile.
A different spin on this could have been following plucky humans struggling to take control back from the Oankali, but that's basically a non-starter, as the Oankali are too superior in every way. So it's about Akin growing up and struggling with how to deal with the Resistors.
It takes a pretty dim view of human nature - humans have already destroyed the world with nuclear war once, and they basically stay unreasonable and violent here too.
Quick read anyway, and I'll be checking out the last book in the trilogy. But I find Butler's sci fi to be just OK.
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LibraryThing member JudyGibson
I read straight through this one, including--okay so sue me--skipping going to work one day. I had read the first without realizing that there were two more, so had a bit of trouble picking up the storyline. But it was definitely worth picking up. I have immediately reserved the third book so I
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won't have such a long wait this time. Show Less
LibraryThing member mbmackay
This is intelligent scifi - not all technology and gizmos. It is about aliens and earthlings shining a light on how 'earthlings' treat each other.
I'm enjoying the series, and the author gets the reader thinking about the content - if only all scifi was as good!
But, having said that, this second
But I'll be back for the final volume.
I'm enjoying the series, and the author gets the reader thinking about the content - if only all scifi was as good!
But, having said that, this second
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book in a trilogy is not as good as the first - the pace lags, and the plot doesn't seem to move forward.But I'll be back for the final volume.
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LibraryThing member MarshaKT
For a short book, it dragged on interminably. I gave up on it with 80 pages to go. I cannot understand why Octavia Butler gets such accolades. Her writing is in no way compelling and her plots are incomprehensible