'Fledgling' by Octavia E. Butler follows the story of Shori, a genetically modified vampire who wakes up injured and with amnesia. As she unravels her past, she discovers that she belongs to a unique race of vampires called the Ina. The novel delves into themes of genetic engineering, race, and prejudice as Shori navigates through dangers and tries to piece together her identity. Butler's writing style is described as compelling, exploring societal and human aspects through the lens of science fiction and fantasy elements.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Fledgling includes significant content warnings, notably for themes of racism, complex consent scenarios involving a child-like vampire, and potential triggers related to pedophilia.
Has Romance?
Romantic elements are prevalent in the novel, exploring complex relationships between vampires and their human symbionts.
From The Publisher:
Fledgling, Octavia Butler's last novel, is the story of an apparently young, amnesiac girl whose alarmingly un-human needs and abilities lead her to a startling conclusion: she is in fact a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. Forced to discover what she can about her stolen former life, she must at the same time learn who wanted-and still wants-to destroy her and those she cares for, and how she can save herself. Fledgling is a captivating novel that tests the limits of "otherness" and questions what it means to be truly human.
Ratings (24)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (7) | |
Liked It (7) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (72):
Read It (24) | |
Want To Read (33) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (13) |
2 comment(s)
This was Butler's last book before her untimely death in February 2006. It takes a fresh look at the vampire mythology so popular in today's fiction. A lot of things annoyed me about this book....but I still enjoyed it. Butler will be missed.
Because I love vampires so much, I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building in
Fledgling. And I agree with Ashton in the sense that it's nice to see restorative justice practices in literature. It’s also interesting that the book involves disability, polyamorous relationships, racism, and questions what it means to be human, but I don’t think these themes are investigated fully enough. And, truth be told, I just really don’t like the sex stuff.
Fledgling is interesting, but I feel fairly unsatisfied after reading the book.
What can you read after
Fledgling?
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