From the Bookshelf of Apocalypse Whenever…

Dawn (Xenogenesis, #1)

Octavia E. Butler

Start date: October 15, 2015

Finish date: November 1, 2015

Discussion: AW BOOK CLUB (spoilers)

Discussion leader: Gertie

Why we're reading this: Discussion begins November first. This one is pretty short, so don't start it too soon!

Lilith Lyapo awoke…more
[close] Discussion begins November first. This one is pretty short, so don't start it too soon!

Lilith Lyapo awoke from a centuries-long sleep to find herself aboard the vast spaceship of the Oankali. Creatures covered in writhing tentacles, the Oankali had saved every surviving human from a dying, ruined Earth. They healed the planet, cured cancer, increased strength, and were now ready to help Lilith lead her people back to Earth--but for a price.

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AW BOOK CLUB (spoilers)

* What is a good book for AW discussion? (Nominations pool)
By Gertie · 65 posts · 218 views

last updated Oct 18, 2025 05:31PM

* AW Book Club: what we've read
By Gertie · 16 posts · 1825 views

last updated Dec 10, 2019 09:01AM

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What Members Thought

Oct 19, 2008 Netanella rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, post-apocalyptic, author-octavia-e-butler, alien-encounters, women-of-the-future, 2021-wbtm-mix-match-challenge, 2021-wotf-mix-tape-challenge, 2021-december-reading-challenges

Current thoughts:

I just completed a re-read of this book for the BOTM selection at Women of the Future Goodreads Group. I don't usually do re-reads, but Butler is an amazing author, and it's been 15 years or so since I first read this novel. I remember being slightly shell shocked at Butler's ideas back then. I'm not so sure that hasn't changed now. I'm definitely icked out by some of the scenes of dubious consent with the aliens.

Original review from 2008:

I can't believe I haven't read Octavia ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Nov 22, 2014 Devin rated it it was amazing

This one has aged remarkably well. Other than some of the creaky references to the cold war (that was in full force at the time of this writing) this is a prescient study on what it is to be human and what it is to come to terms with what comes after humanity. It also does a nice job of leading the reader toward the second book in this trilogy without coming off as a novel-length preview.

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Sep 17, 2018 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018

My first Octavia Butler book! After I finished, I spent an hour pondering WTF did I just read. I love a good alien kidnapping book. Throw in some genetic modification, weird alien-human love triangles and rebuilding civilization and I’m a happy camper. This was well-written and engaging. Very believable. I already have the next two books standing by.

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Jul 16, 2008 Miranda rated it liked it

I don't know how I felt about this. It was definitely a page-turner, I couldn't put it down, but after finishing it, there are many things I an unsure about. I am hoping the second in the series will clear some things up. The overall idea is very interesting, and one that I have never explored before. ...more

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