This was a great collection. All the stories have really distinct voices, which is refreshing. So often anthologies feel pretty one note in terms of voice, but Butler is great at creating individual vibes in each. I also loved seeing the progression of her talent as the anthology went on, the last two stories are absolute stunners.
 
 Bloodchild - 4.5 stars

Interesting ideas and freaky-deaky.
I was rather confused by Butler's afterword which stated this isn’t a story about slavery... They literally sell the humans to be unwilling hosts for impregnation, and in the past kept them drugged up in pens waiting for them to shag to breed the next generation of hosts. Sounds a lot like a form of slavery to me... even if it’s a kind of trade to keep them safe from the other aliens, it's still very much slavery.

  The Evening and the Morning and the Night - 4.5 stars

Really interesting ideas - but I wish it had gone further! I wanted more darkness and discussions around eugenics. This would actually make a great novel, I'm sad Butler didn't think so herself.

  Near of Kin - 3.5 stars

Well written as always, but seemed pretty pointless and tame. Especially with no sci-fi element to spruce it up.

  Speech Sounds - 5 stars
 
Really interesting and kinda spooky.
 
 Crossover - 4.25 stars

Good. Nothing special, but solid.

  Positive Obsession - 5 stars

A fab essay, which gave an amazing overview of Butler's writing career and made me like her even more than I already did.

  Furor Scribendi - 4 stars

Would definitely be more useful for a budding writer than me. But I completely agree with the 'persist' sentiment.
Interesting that she contributed to an L. Ron Hubbard project. I didn’t realise he was held in such high regard as a fantasy writer.
 
 Amnesty - 5 stars

Obviously a very rushed editing/proof reading job, but absolutely superb story.

  Book of Martha - 5 stars
 
Impeccable. Perfect for a short story. Truly made me question my own ethics in a way not much art can.