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

Sep 20, 2015 Red rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, series, sci-fi, dystopia-apocalypse

Update, now that I've finished all three volumes:
The entire trilogy is solid, engaging sci-fi with a fascinating alien culture, complex characters, and weighty, thought-provoking themes.

9/24/15
I am holding off on a rating until I've read more of the series. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Sep 22, 2012 Marian rated it really liked it

Interesting and well written. Reminds me of LeGuin's works a bit. ...more

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Feb 26, 2017 Abby rated it really liked it

Shelves: own

4 1/2 stars. Envisioning another species and its culture is difficult to do convincingly, but Ms. Butler was up to the job. Bought the other two books in the series based on the strength of this one.

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