51 pages 1 hour read

Octavia E. Butler

Adulthood Rites

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler, Lilith Iyapo's human-Oankali hybrid son, Akin, is born and kidnapped by human resisters, leading him to experience life in conflicting environments. Raised in an Oankali-controlled settlement, he later advocates for human self-determination by proposing a settlement on Mars, reflecting themes of genetic intervention, coexistence, and identity. Descriptions of violence appear in the book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Octavia E. Butler's Adulthood Rites is praised for its thought-provoking examination of humanity and alien integration, with rich character development and a compelling narrative. However, some readers feel its pacing drags and requires familiarity with the first book. Overall, it is a powerful continuation of the Xenogenesis trilogy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Adulthood Rites?

Readers drawn to Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler will likely enjoy complex, thought-provoking science fiction that delves into themes of identity, transformation, and coexistence. Fans of Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness and N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season will find similar appeal in Butler's masterful exploration of societal evolution.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Themes

Identity: Race

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Self Discovery