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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
Brutal violence including the destruction of communities, shootings, and graphic depictions of enslavement and re-enslavement
Language
Some
Moderate language reflecting the brutal world
Sexual Content
Some
Sexual violence including rape depicted as part of the dystopian reality
Substance Use
Barely any
Some substance references
Emotional Intensity
A lot
Extremely heavy themes of religious extremism, fascism, rape, slavery, and the destruction of the people you love
What this book is about
The second Earthseed novel is Butler's darkest, featuring the destruction of Lauren's community by religious extremists, rape, slavery, and brutal dystopian violence. This is deeply important science fiction that confronts America's worst tendencies, with content that is extremely difficult. Adults only.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Graphic violence
Rape and sexual violence
Religious extremism
Fascism and enslavement
Devastating character losses
Reader Verification
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