• Wild Seed

  • The Patternist Series, Book 1
  • By: Octavia E. Butler
  • Narrated by: Robin Miles
  • Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,381 ratings)

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Wild Seed  By  cover art

Wild Seed

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Robin Miles
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Publisher's summary

As the acclaimed Patternist science-fiction series begins, two immortals meet in the long-ago past - and mankind's destiny is changed forever.

For a thousand years, Doro has cultivated a small African village, carefully breeding its people in search of seemingly unattainable perfection. He survives through the centuries by stealing the bodies of others, a technique he has so thoroughly mastered that nothing on Earth can kill him. But when a gang of New World slavers destroys his village, ruining his grand experiment, Doro is forced to go west and begin anew. He meets Anyanwu, a centuries-old woman whose means of immortality are as kind as his are cruel. She is a shape-shifter, capable of healing with a kiss, and she recognizes Doro as a tyrant. Though many humans have tried to kill them, these two demi-gods have never before met a rival. Now they begin a struggle that will last centuries and permanently alter the nature of humanity.

©1980 Octavia E. Butler (P)2020 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Richly evocative...particularly striking.” (Chicago Tribune)

Featured Article: The Essential Octavia Butler—A Listening List for Fans and Newcomers Alike


Octavia E. Butler was a renowned Black author who wrote in, and revolutionized, the science fiction genre. Her body of work, including such acclaimed novels as Kindred and Parable of the Sower, is lauded for its trenchant social commentary and continued pertinence. When it comes to sci-fi, there are few authors more impactful than Octavia E. Butler. Here's everything you need to know about the visionary writer.

What listeners say about Wild Seed

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Standing Ovation

Octavia E. Butler is one of the most imaginative and gifted writers ever. Her use of social commentary, fiction, history, and mystery takes us into the air and deep into the sea within these chapters. A love story like no other, I'm humbled by the and care taken with every description. Robin Miles did an incredible job bring these characters to life with voice and inflection. This a world I am glad I entered and didn't once desire to leave.

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Excellent writing. Excellent narration

I’ve never heard anyone one floor so easily between different bounces while not dramatizing them. I really enjoyed robin miles performance. The story is truly intriguing between the characters and their powers. Sandra it sci fi fans alike should like this. I would recommend this for young teens since it deals with the subjects of rape and killing frequently. Although it feels to be a well thought out telling of how ones life might shape out when living with those threats.

Strong female lead. Not a comedy not a total tragedy.

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EXCELLENT READ!

Always loved Ms. Butler's work. listening to her stories being told only increases the enjoyment. 🥰

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Wild Seed

This is not my usual style of novel but I got caught up in the story. How many of us wish we could live forever with out thinking through the details? Are these two primal gods? Are they just the last vestiges of ancient beings? Why do some survive the transformation and others do not? I also like the adult take on the romance angle. Hate him a decade, love him the next decade, forget him a decade. Guess I will explore book two in hopes of finding some answers. Robin Miles’s fine narration pleases my ear pronouncing the lovely African names and words.

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This is an S-tier audiobook. Listen to it.

I have like 50 titles in my library. Unfortunately, I usually don’t finish most of the books I pick because the story drags or the narrator doesn’t narrate well. I’d listened to the audio book of Parable of the Sower by Butler and completely fallen in love with it, so I figured I’d give this one a shot. I’m happy to announce that this book is EVEN BETTER.
The plot? Fucking incredible. The characters? Unique, mesmerizing, and their relationships with each other are FASCINATING. And the narrator? I think the reason I’m rating this as high as I am is because her voice is unbelievably magnetic. From start to finish, this book is a masterpiece.

Will I be listening to this again? You’re damn right I will be. And you should too.

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Different, like I like it!

I love this book! It was not the usual type storyline and the characters were richly described and unexpected. Some grisly events but a great ending. Narrator was amazing!

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Mindblowing!

What can one possibly say about this epic book? The reader was phenomenal (Thank you!) and the story is seared into my mind for the rest of my life. Thank you Ancestor Octavia for your brilliance!

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Pure Magick

If you believe in magick read it, if you don’t believe in magick this may make you a believer so still read it!

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Wonderful tale fantastically read

A great story told very well. At times I was confused and frustrated by Anyanwu’s behavior towards Doro, but how could I hope to understand a character as deep and complex as she. It left me craving more of the story.
Robin Miles did an incredible job of bringing each character to life. She gives them each a unique voice, and at times I forgot it was just one person narrating. One of the best narrators I’ve heard.

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Engaging and interesting story!!!

Now I want to experience more of Butler - so that’s a rave review coming from me! :)

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