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Wild Seed

The Patternist Series, Book 1

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Wild Seed

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Robin Miles
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About this listen

As the acclaimed Patternist science-fiction series begins, two immortals meet in the long-ago past - and mankind's destiny is changed forever.

For a thousand years, Doro has cultivated a small African village, carefully breeding its people in search of seemingly unattainable perfection. He survives through the centuries by stealing the bodies of others, a technique he has so thoroughly mastered that nothing on Earth can kill him. But when a gang of New World slavers destroys his village, ruining his grand experiment, Doro is forced to go west and begin anew. He meets Anyanwu, a centuries-old woman whose means of immortality are as kind as his are cruel. She is a shape-shifter, capable of healing with a kiss, and she recognizes Doro as a tyrant. Though many humans have tried to kill them, these two demi-gods have never before met a rival. Now they begin a struggle that will last centuries and permanently alter the nature of humanity.

©1980 Octavia E. Butler (P)2020 Recorded Books Fiction Genre Fiction Science Fiction

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Critic reviews

“Richly evocative...particularly striking.” (Chicago Tribune)
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loved it, deep and different, I could hear and feel the characters, Octavia Butler, a great talented writer.

seeing from a different view

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A truly brilliant story, well written and well read. Loved it. A different sci-fi story, so original and moving.

Just brilliant

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I loved the story and characters. A little apprehensive at first as not the type of narrative I am used to; however, ended up being a brilliant saga with political themes addressed in an interesting way. Looking forward to reading next book in series.

Uniquely imaginative and captivating story.

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Similar themes to Xenogenesis, but I was confused by the setting, and would have liked to have had more technical explanations of how things worked.

Slightly confusing

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Strong characterisation. A truly unique storyline in a world where life was brutal and cheap. The action and drama hold the reader's attention throughout; while at the same time the writer's "fantastic" concepts are explored and developed in detail. Let your imagination go with the story and embrace a new take upon old myths.

A new take upon old myths - great story, well told

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loved it, not my favourite of her books but it's up there for sure. would recommend

loved it

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I really love the dedication to portraying genetics without any use of the technical terms. I love the uniquely womanly perspective that I can’t seem to find by any other author.

Fantastic

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I am in awe of this compelling story. Reading by listening to the audiobook was a true pleasure. I was intimidated by the length and how long it may take for me to listen to it but I needn’t have been. I found myself finding moments to hear more outside of when I normally listen on dog walks. All I can say is it is beautifully written, compelling narration and sumptuous to consume. Bravo to both narrator and especially the author for creating such a masterpiece.

Exceptional

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excellent characters and pace the story subjects and their powers and how they navigate the world

Wildseed

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I cannot get into this. Good premise but so slow and nothing exciting happens - like ever. I am giving up.

Bored!!!

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