Who is this book for?
- Fans of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction looking for a gritty, realistic take on societal collapse.
- Readers interested in exploring themes of religion, philosophy, and social justice in speculative fiction.
- Those who enjoy strong female protagonists and diverse casts in their science fiction.
- People concerned about climate change, wealth inequality, and other current social issues who want to see them explored in fiction.
- Fans of Octavia Butler's other works or readers looking for influential African American science fiction.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers sensitive to graphic depictions of violence, especially sexual violence and child abuse.
- Those looking for a more optimistic or hopeful vision of the future.
- People who prefer their science fiction with more advanced technology or space travel elements.
- Readers who dislike religious themes or newly invented belief systems in their fiction.
- Those who prefer more action-oriented plots or faster pacing in their dystopian stories.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Frighteningly prescient and relevant to current sociopolitical issues
- Vivid and engaging portrayal of a dystopian future
- Thought-provoking exploration of religion, change, and survival
- Strong, resilient female protagonist in Lauren Olamina
- Compelling world-building of a collapsing society
- Fast-paced and adventurous plot
- Insightful commentary on climate change, inequality, and social breakdown
- Exploration of community, empathy, and human resilience
- Unique concept of hyperempathy syndrome
- Powerful critique of capitalism and corporate power
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Extremely bleak and depressing tone throughout
- Graphic depictions of violence, especially sexual violence
- Underdeveloped secondary characters
- Some find the Earthseed religion concept unconvincing or underdeveloped
- Prose can be flat or lacking emotion at times
- Plot pacing issues, especially in the second half
- Some logical inconsistencies in the world-building
- Protagonist Lauren can come across as unlikeable or preachy to some readers
- Heavy-handed messaging at times
- Ending feels abrupt or unsatisfying to some
