A review by latoyadawson13
Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Octavia E. Butler does it again with a captivating and thought-provoking novel. While on the surface, this book appears to be a vampire mystery, at its core, it delves into mental health, sexuality, race, and prejudice. It is a heart-wrenching story that manages to incorporate fantasy while also exploring themes of tolerance and overcoming adversity.

The characters in this book are incredibly well-developed and offer not only depth but also impart knowledge and insights onto the protagonist and the reader. What is surprising is that, for a fantasy novel, the world-building is virtually non-existent. Despite this, the story is still incredibly immersive and does not suffer from the lack of detailed world-building that is often present in the genre. Butler's storytelling is so captivating that readers don't even miss the usual exposition-heavy world-building present in most fantasy novels. The only clues readers get are that the story takes place in the US, in California, and in a town called Washing. Butler leaves the time period and other details deliberately vague, allowing readers to focus solely on the characters and the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is a fantastic read and a testament to Butler's remarkable storytelling abilities. It is also worth noting that this was Butler's last book before she passed and was intended to be a series, making it a bittersweet and poignant reminder of her talent and legacy.