Butler's predictions of the future are both incredibly grim and eerily parallel to our own current reality. Reading about the growth and destruction of the fledgling Earthseed community, founded in the previous book Parable of the Sower was heartbreaking. Overall I found this book a little less tightly plotted than the first but still a vital read. Those of you who are reaching for 1984 and Animal Farm, add this series to your list.