51 pages • 1 hour read
Adulthood Rites
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
277
Novel • Fiction
Earth • Distant Future
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler, Lilith Iyapo's human-Oankali hybrid son, Akin, is born and kidnapped by human resisters, leading him to experience life in conflicting environments. Raised in an Oankali-controlled settlement, he later advocates for human self-determination by proposing a settlement on Mars, reflecting themes of genetic intervention, coexistence, and identity. Descriptions of violence appear in the book.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
27,377 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Octavia E. Butler's Adulthood Rites is praised for its thought-provoking examination of humanity and alien integration, with rich character development and a compelling narrative. However, some readers feel its pacing drags and requires familiarity with the first book. Overall, it is a powerful continuation of the Xenogenesis trilogy.
Who Should Read Adulthood Rites?
Readers drawn to Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler will likely enjoy complex, thought-provoking science fiction that delves into themes of identity, transformation, and coexistence. Fans of Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness and N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season will find similar appeal in Butler's masterful exploration of societal evolution.
27,377 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tate
Tate
A prominent human character who acts as Akin's maternal figure in Phoenix, showing compassion and empathy toward him despite widespread mistrust. Her character embodies the complexities of human resistance and openness in the face of change.
Lilith
Lilith
A key figure in the Xenogenesis series and Akin's mother, who plays a vital but secondary role in the narrative. Her influence and teachings continue to shape Akin's thoughts and actions throughout his journey.
277
Novel • Fiction
Earth • Distant Future
1988
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.