The Complete Xenogenesis Trilogy (The Xenogenesis Trilogy)

Incredible story, intense well developed character that grow on you until you cannot be without them. Truly tragic to end the books. Amazing and depthful and dealing with all the things we all struggle with unconsciously or consciously.

I found the first book mostly interesting, the story just starting dying a little for me and I lost interest in the continued development of the plot. Into the 2nd book I just couldn't do it anymore. It's kind of a world building (species building) intellectual exercise and I'm not all that interested in finding out where it goes.

One of the most unique and bizarre alien encounter stories I've ever read. Never really cam across anything like it. That said, I definitely enjoyed the first book the most. I really liked the character of the second book. (Each book has a different POV character). I found the third book good, but the least interesting and innovative of the three. The first book Dawn, however, definitely has earned it's place in the sci fi cannon.

Fantastic book, explores ideas of culture, sex & fear of the unknown 'others' that we usually hide from internally.
Awakens the consciousness to ideas & thoughts that we do not want to think or even be aware of. Recommend as outstanding Reading and thinking about our culture in a very direct way.

This trilogy starts off well..at four stars and falls of to three for the second and third books. The world is well constructed and the first book is the most engaging, as you explore that world. They are fun, quick reads. I did want more from the second and third books, though.

I have no regrets, but could wish for more.

This tale is beautifully thought out. The intricacies and consequences of the interspecies procreation are fascinating and the characters are believable. Butler was one of our finest sci-fi authors.

Lilith's Brood is essential scifi/fantasy, with its emphasis on alien-human relationships. But it is more than this, exploring Butler's favorite themes: freedom, survival, family, loyalty, trust, and love. Not to be missed.

I read the Xenogenesis trilogy when I was in college, and just re-read it to remember Butler's work. I love the ideas she weaves into her stories. I will be the first to admit, however, that Butler clearly lets her ideas on gender roles in society be known. She breaks the stereotypical roles of men and women -- and even goes as far as to bend the lines of what it means to be female or male. From reading this series, I also found myself wondering why she seems to bleed away her own race -- usually making African-Americans genetically blended with other races. In most of her books (not just this series), we usually find a strong black female character surrounded by other characters that are inter-racially mixed. I don't have a problem with this concept, I am only noting this because it sheds some light about how Butler views herself as a black person. It is also clear from this series (and others) that she does not have a high opinion of men (especially black men) -- note the only black male character in this series is a woman beating attempted rapist. Despite this all, I still find Butler to be one of the best science fiction writers of the 20th century. This trilogy may have moments when it seems to trudge along, but these moments are far and few between.

Lilith's Brood is essential scifi/fantasy, with its emphasis on alien-human relationships. But it is more than this, exploring Butler's favorite themes: freedom, survival, family, loyalty, trust, and love. Not to be missed.

I read the Xenogenesis trilogy when I was in college, and just re-read it to remember Butler's work. I love the ideas she weaves into her stories. I will be the first to admit, however, that Butler clearly lets her ideas on gender roles in society be known. She breaks the stereotypical roles of men and women -- and even goes as far as to bend the lines of what it means to be female or male. From reading this series, I also found myself wondering why she seems to bleed away her own race -- usually making African-Americans genetically blended with other races. In most of her books (not just this series), we usually find a strong black female character surrounded by other characters that are inter-racially mixed. I don't have a problem with this concept, I am only noting this because it sheds some light about how Butler views herself as a black person. It is also clear from this series (and others) that she does not have a high opinion of men (especially black men) -- note the only black male character in this series is a woman beating attempted rapist. Despite this all, I still find Butler to be one of the best science fiction writers of the 20th century. This trilogy may have moments when it seems to trudge along, but these moments are far and few between.

This is a convenient collection of Butler's trilogy, available on the Kindle for $6. Together they tell the story of a new beings--human and Oankali--who have a better chance as hybrids to survive. As always in Butler's novels, the characters are engaging and the plots will keep you turning the pages.

Octavia Butler was a great writer and this trilogy is one of her best. Any SF fan who enjoys reading about alien cultures will be thoroughly engrossed. Great characters and a compelling plot in well written novels that are tremendously creative and thought provoking. Fans of Ursula Le Guin and James Tiptree, Jr. will not be disappointed.

This series is simply one of greatest works of science fiction I have ever read. Butler writes wonderfully deep, truly human characters. I found her books by complete accident just a few months back, and now I'm off to go work my way through the rest of her catalogue!!

I read this series every couple years and always get something new out of it. A classic work by a titan of the genre, exploring a range of themes and ideas with complexity and sensitivity. My highest possible recommendation, even for those who don't usually care for science fiction.

This story pushes you to think about what it means to be human, and the sacrifices that might be required to guarantee that some aspect of -us- continues. This subtle (and not so subtle) examination of bias and bigotry demonstrates why Octavia Butler's untimely death was a great loss to YA Science Fiction and the world as a whole.

This book was FANTASTIC!
The story was engrossing, the characters were lovable yet also quite realistic.
I have always had such a hard time picking out books, most of them don't make me "think" the way someone does when they are confused and intrigued at the same time.
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone and everyone!

Octavia Butler is the best writer of human nature. Her death in 2006 was a devastating loss for us all. I re-read her books all the time. The three books of the Xenogenesis Trilogy are her masterpiece(s?). The books in the Patternmaster series are her early works. When you read those after Lilith's Brood you can really appreciate how much her talent and insight grew over the years.

Just discovered Octavia Butler. Not sure how I missed her since I’ve been an avid reader of sci-fi my entire life. She is a fantastic writer and I am currently binge reading all of her work. Lilith’s brood is incredibly well written and entertaining.

I read this book in hardcover first and loaned it to a friend - and never got it back! I had to ask the store to ask the publisher to make this an e-book, and they did! It is a wonderful book, written very well, and the trilogy is included in this one book. If you have a Nook, you have to buy all three books separately (which is a rip off). You will love this book and read it over and over again as I have!

This was an amazing trilogy. So many new ideas that I read it twice back to back and then walked around in a daze trying to process everything. I've read it 4 times since and still find new things to consider. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who isn't xenophobic and likes to think about new (slightly uncomfortable) things.

I recommend this series to anyone wanting to expand their imagining of what the human race is capable of. Butler's intricacies of character, race, and world require the readers imagination to work at fast paced, engaging in a way few other books do.

Great story about humans merging with an alien species. The hybrids should be difficult to relate to. But Butler keeps the reader in touch with the essence of the new characters - both human and something else.

Well imagined post apocalyptic human/alien encounter. I enjoyed most of the three books, however, Imago felt a little too cute at times and I felt like the drive to be creative was lost in the first person narrative.I would recommend this series to any sci-fi fan.

So much thought-provoking material conveyed in a very economical method you don't even realize how much material you're absorbing. I had a little trouble with the basic concept of the flaw in humans, the co-existence of intelligence & hierarchical thinking, until I read "Life of PI" and it's description of animal behavior. What a shame this author was taken from us so early.

This was a very interesting book to read. Lilith is an African American woman held captive by a race of aliens Called Oncali who manipulate and assismilate other species genetically. Humans are particularlly fascinating to them and particularly vulnerable because we are hard wired genetically to destroy ourselves with war. Human couples become the mates of the aliens families (the Oncali have 3 genders)and the children they produce end up having five parents. Many humans fight themm and become resisters even though it means the extinction of mankind. I enjoyed the book. I thought the concepts were very unique. Enjoy!

With its multilayered stories and extreme complexities, I did not realize what an undertaking it would be to finish this trilogy, but I am very glad I did it. I have to admit I loved Lilith' s and Akin' s
stories much more than I did the last third that dealt with the character names Jodahs, but every section is worth reading. After this read, I have become a genuine Butler fan.

Science Fiction - couldn't put it down, This is the third book I've read by this author and what I've noticed is the consistent excellence of every book. The writing is superb, the premise logical, and the ideas thrilling. This book is for those that can loose themselves in the possibilities of tomorrow.

Science Fiction - couldn't put it down, This is the third book I've read by this author and what I've noticed is the consistent excellence of every book. The writing is superb, the premise logical, and the ideas thrilling. This book is for those that can loose themselves in the possibilities of tomorrow.

Ms. Butler, a great storyteller, provides a provocative look at the end of and new beginning for humanity. I cannot give one explanation for why her writing draws me in and keeps me absorbs. The stories leave me thinking.

I felt this trilogy suffered from diminishing returns. The first installment, Dawn is gripping, uncomfortable and challenging as it explores Lilith's experience with being awoken into Earth's new future. As the story opens and brings in more characters over the course of the next two books, the power is diluted.

AMAZING READ!!!!!!! Should be required reading for high school and college students. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
My only disappointment is that Ms. Butler isn't still with us to discuss it. Her writing was way before its time!!!!!!!