Very interesting book. I'm not a sci-fi reader; I make occasional forays into the genre for award-winning writers like Butler whom I want to check out. This book did not disappoint. The plot is fairly simple, involving 2 species at war in a kingdom of sorts, and the battle for the head position of "Patternmaster." What makes the book interesting is the very detailed description of mind linkage, and the mental powers that the book's subjects possess (or don't possess, thus putting them in subservient positions). I don't know if this concept extends through other Butler books - I will be checking out more of her work in future. But even as a stand-alone, the book is very well-written, engaging, and even a bit thought-provoking. Quick read at 200 short, easy-to-read pages.
Yes, I love Octavia Butler & I loved her before I read this book, so I'm biased. This is part of a series & a good read even if you haven't read other parts of the series. I'd call it philosophically challenging sci-fi.
Maybe my favorite of Octavia Butler's books. Unique and unusual story-line.
