Fledgling

“Fledgling” was the last novel Octavia Butler wrote, and it is both a disturbing and fascinating story. The protagonist, Shori, wakes up severely injured and with amnesia. She literally has no idea of who she is or where she came from. She begins to explore her world, and discovers that she has both inhuman needs and abilities. Over the first half of the novel she learns that she is a member of a species known as the Ina, who are essentially vampires. They form symbiotic families with individual humans, who become addicted to their venom. This aides both parties and the Ina cannot survive without bonded symbiotic humans. Shori is a genetically modified Ina, who has been enhanced by African DNA, giving her resistance to sunlight, as well as allowing her to wake and be active during daylight. She has to discover who has destroyed her family and is still trying to kill her, as well as who she is and what is her role in Ina society. The novel essentially analyses race relations and eugenics through the use of another intelligent species.

It was refreshing!! I’ve been reading Dracula books since I was 12. I am a great great grandmother.

Initially got lost in the history and world building of the Ina. Aside from that, great novel!

A wonderful take on the vampire genre.

Vampires in Washington state a la Octavia Butler: SF not fantasy. They have their own creation myths!

I just wish there could be more. The loss of Ms. Butler was a terrible one indeed.

You need to make a sequel. I've fallen in love with the plot its really addicting from start to finish. Please come out with another book to this and make it a series. Your a fantastic author with a talent of making addicting books!!!! Please please please!!! Xoxo