I love this series so much. This is the second book in the Xenogenesis trilogy, also known as Lilith's Brood. (The first book is Dawn.) I know it's probably not for everyone, but I found it to be incredibly deep and insightful. Some of it is painful, especially the social commentary, and the loss of purpose felt by many of the humans in book 2. The book feels very special to me.
I think this book is my favorite of the three. It focuses on Lilith's son Akin, who is part human and part Oankali. I really liked this character. He has enhanced intelligence, memory and other skills. Even as a baby, he can speak and understand people. He is kidnapped by a group of violent humans who intend to sell him to a childless couple, and his time with the humans gives him a sense of purpose about what he might do with his life. Dawn provided great insights on culture and the process of acculturation. Adulthood Rites has interesting insights on identity, purpose, leadership (learning what the followers need) and conflict between groups.
I think this book is my favorite of the three. It focuses on Lilith's son Akin, who is part human and part Oankali. I really liked this character. He has enhanced intelligence, memory and other skills. Even as a baby, he can speak and understand people. He is kidnapped by a group of violent humans who intend to sell him to a childless couple, and his time with the humans gives him a sense of purpose about what he might do with his life. Dawn provided great insights on culture and the process of acculturation. Adulthood Rites has interesting insights on identity, purpose, leadership (learning what the followers need) and conflict between groups.