I really wish I had read the review for this first, because I think I would have started with ANY OTHER Octavia Butler first. Would I have read it knowing that there's nothing pseudo about the pedophilia in this story. Nah, would have been a hard pass. I don't mind dark topics, but I'm not a fan of sex scenes with minors. It's too freaking disturbing for me.

Everything else about this was incredible though - the writing, plot, politics, characters, social issues, and settings - I freaking loved it all.

It's definitely a story that will stick with me and really make me think, and I am definitely interested in reading more of Ms. Butler's work.