Wild Seed

by Octavia E. Butler

Paperback, 248 pages

English language

Published Aug. 7, 1990 by VGSF.

ISBN:: 978-0-575-04819-5
OCLC Number:: 22628363

(7 reviews)

In an "epic, game-changing, moving and brilliant" story of love and hate, two immortals chase each other across continents and centuries, binding their fates together -- and changing the destiny of the human race (Viola Davis). Doro knows no higher authority than himself. An ancient spirit with boundless powers, he possesses humans, killing without remorse as he jumps from body to body to sustain his own life. With a lonely eternity ahead of him, Doro breeds supernaturally gifted humans into empires that obey his every desire. He fears no one -- until he meets Anyanwu. Anyanwu is an entity like Doro and yet different. She can heal with a bite and transform her own body, mending injuries and reversing aging. She uses her powers to cure her neighbors and birth entire tribes, surrounding herself with kindred who both fear and respect her. No one poses a true threat to Anyanwu …

13 editions

Matt B Gets Lit reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (Patternmaster, #1)

Review of "Wild Seed"

5 stars

I finished this one a little over two weeks ago. This was the first book I've read by Octavia Butler, and I don't think it will be my last.

Sci-fi and fantasy aren't my usual genre preference (though, now I'm not sure I even have a preference), so I wasn't sure initially how I'd like this book.

The pacing and language of the book was skilled and enjoyable; I really felt like I was sitting down and listening to a story over a fire. The book explores themes of power, control, and freedom, and challenges traditional ideas of morality. Following the relationship of two immortal Africans over a hundred years, the book also speaks to larger social and cultural issues.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn the book was published in 1980. Some books do not age well–usually due to standardized sexism, racism, or homophobia of that writer's era–but I …

I finished this one a little over two weeks ago. This was the first book I've read by Octavia Butler, and I don't think it will be my last.

Sci-fi and fantasy aren't my usual genre preference (though, now I'm not sure I even have a preference), so I wasn't sure initially how I'd like this book.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn the book was published in 1980. Some books do not age well–usually due to standardized sexism, racism, or homophobia of that writer's era–but I didn't detect any of that here.

All in all, I found it thought-provoking and captivating, and the rest of the Patternist series has now been added to my very long "Want to Read" list.

roxdub reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler

Radical classic

5 stars

This book tells the story of the relationship between Doro and Anyanwu, two beings with special powers - very different powers - and how they choose to use them. Wild Seed is a classic, one that is much needed in these times of crisis. Significant and radical.

outofrange reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (Patternmaster, #1)

Review of 'Wild seed' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Butler's way of introducing a superhuman premise up front in a matter-of-fact way then getting right to the implications for human characters and works well. You can feel strong undercurrents while engaging with a good story. Looking forward to continuing the series.

loppear reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (Patternmaster, #1)

deeply imagined

4 stars

Bizarrely horrific struggle for coexistence and release from under fear between well-matched but incongruous powers.

loppear reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (Patternmaster, #1)

deeply imagined

4 stars

Bizarrely horrific struggle for coexistence and release from under fear between well-matched but incongruous powers.

moving to outside.ofa.dog reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (Patternmaster, #1)

Review of 'Wild seed' on 'LibraryThing'

4 stars

This was one of the most disturbing, uncomfortable books I have ever read, because it goes so deep into dehumanisation by those who wield power. And yet I finished it in a week because the key characters and the strange world Butler set up were so compelling.

moving to outside.ofa.dog reviewed Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (Patternmaster, #1)

Review of 'Wild seed' on 'LibraryThing'

4 stars

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