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)

* Nominate books for the next discussions! (for late summer)
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last updated Aug 15, 2025 08:35AM

* August 2025: Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
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What Members Thought

Aug 09, 2007 Gertie rated it really liked it

Shelves: apocalypse, reread

Review of first reading:
A truly fantastic book (and series) you could recommend to any lover of sci-fi, and probably also to most people who tend to stick to other genres.

Butler really knows how to write a fascinating story, frequently with likable characters, and with a rare talent for originality.

Read everything of hers you can get your hands on. I believe you'd love at least 80% of it, and enjoy the rest of it.

Memorability Factor 8/10

Review of second reading

What a different experience this w ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Feb 19, 2019 Jane rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction

I hated to put this book down and can't wait to read the next one. I have loved everything that I've read by Octavia Butler, and this is no exception. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

May 21, 2007 Bonnie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scifi-fantasy

Octavia Butler also tops my list of best speculative sci-fit writers of all time. Her Xenogenesis series is exquisitely crafted, extraordinarily powerful, and exceptionally moving.

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