Adulthood Rites

By: Octavia E. Butler

Narrated by: J.D Jackson

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

From the award-winning author of Parable of the Sower: After the near-extinction of the human race, one young man with extraordinary gifts will reveal whether the human race can learn from its past and rebuild their future . . . or is doomed to self-destruction.

In the future, nuclear war has destroyed nearly all humankind. An alien race intervenes, saving the small group of survivors from certain death. But their salvation comes at a cost.

The Oankali are able to read and mutate genetic code, and they use these skills for their own survival, interbreeding with new species to constantly adapt and evolve. They value the intelligence they see in humankind but also know that the species—rigidly bound to destructive social hierarchies—is destined for failure. They are determined that the only way forward is for the two races to produce a new hybrid species—and they will not tolerate rebellion.

Akin looks like an ordinary human child. But as the first true human-alien hybrid, he is born understanding language, then starts to form sentences at two months old. He can see at a molecular level and kill with a touch. More powerful than any human or Oankali, he will be the architect of both races' future. But before he can carry this new species into the stars, Akin must reconcile with his own heritage in a world already torn in two.

©1988 Octavia E. Butler (P)2023 Grand Central Publishing

Intriguing view of humanity.

This sequel to Dawn was even more thought provoking and, in unexpected ways, compassionate and inspiring.

Fantastic Sci Fi!

This book continues the story from book one, as a new human/Oankali hybrid is born. Skin bridges the gap between the species, but it is a dangerous place to be. More conflict, more violence, more resistance to what the Oankali are trying to do. It’s kind of depressing seeing humans continue to be shortsighted and their own worst enemy. I had to stop reading at one point because the humans were being so stupid. This is not to say that they behaved in any way out of the ordinary - they were just greedy, cruel, and shortsighted. Just being typical humans. And that was frustrating.

The book is still brilliant! We learn even more about the Oankali and their genders and abilities. I, personally, would be thrilled to let them enhance me genetically!!

TW for a brief description of a horrific rape, and other brutal violence.

The Rest of the Story

I appreciate the character and plot development as well as the blanks filled in and the dots connected. Engaging and well done.