Based on 1st read:
This was the first Octavia Butler book I read, and I loved it. Even when I disliked the characters or disagreed with what they were doing, they still felt relatable/ human. I first read this at a time where I felt trapped, so Anyanwu's persistence and ability to make a way out of no way was something I needed to read. Butler explores some very interesting questions about free will and made me think. Although I think the concept of people with superpowers is played out, Butler creates new powers I hadn't thought of (mainly with Doro and Anyanwu) and is generally inventive with the concept of mutants/ superhumans. I read this book in a day and have re-read it several times. I thought the ending was a good twist/ resolution.