Adulthood Rites: Xenogenesis [Hardcover]

Octavia E. Butler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1988 | Series: Xenogenesis

In this sequel to Dawn, Lilith Iyapo has given birth to what looks like a normal human boy named Akin. But Akin actually has five parents: a male and female human, a male and female Oankali, and a sexless Ooloi. The Oankali and Ooloi are part of an alien race that rescued humanity from a devastating nuclear war, but the price they exact is a high one the aliens are compelled to genetically merge their species with other races, drastically altering both in the process. On a rehabilitated Earth, this "new" race is emerging through human/Oankali/Ooloi mating, but there are also "pure" humans who choose to resist the aliens and the salvation they offer.These resisters are sterilized by the Ooloi so that they cannot reproduce the genetic defect that drives humanity to destroy itself, but otherwise they are left alone (unless they become violent). When the resisters kidnap young Akin, the Oankali choose to leave the child with his captors, for he the most quothuman" of the Oankali children will decide whether the resisters should be given back their fertility and freedom, even though they will only destroy themselves again. This is the second volume in Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis series, a powerful tale of alien existence.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The product of alien genetic intervention designed to save humanity by altering its genotypic structure, Akin faces a world of hostile humans who recognize him as the son of the woman who either betrayed or saved the human race. This sequel to Dawn portrays a young man's coming of age in a world forever changed. Recommended where the author has a following. JC
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 277 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books (June 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446514225
• ISBN-13: 978-0446514224
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,229,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006) was the author of many novels, including Dawn, Wild Seed, and Parable of the Sower. She was the recipient of a MacArthur Award and a Nebula Award, and she twice won the Hugo Award.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I simply cound NOT put this book down. So intense!, January 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Adulthood Rites: Xenogenesis (Hardcover)

I enjoy books that make me think. This one did. I have only read 3 of Octavia's books, but they are all dynamite. I rarely read a book through at one sitting, but I raced through all three of the exogenisis series. The many layers of meanings made me think about so many things in the "real" world. These books challenged me in many ways and I am still expanding as a result. Thank you, Octavia!!!!!!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid book - follows "Dawn", July 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Adulthood Rites: Xenogenesis (Hardcover)

Aduulthood Rites is a solid continuation of the story line begun with Dawn. Lilith Iyapo continues life with the Oankali. This story has the feel of struggle concerning racial domination (of the extraterrestrial kind) and how kindness from your rulers can complicate but not necessarily alleviate a situation. Layers upon layers of meaning here. Warning: Octavia Butler is highly addictive. Read one and others are sure to follow.