Dawn
1987 • 320 pages

Ratings22

Average rating4

15

One woman is called upon to rebuild the future of humankind after a nuclear war, in this revelatory post-apocalyptic tale from the award-winning author of Parable of the Sower. When Lilith lyapo wakes from a centuries-long sleep, she finds herself aboard the vast spaceship of the Oankali. She discovers that the Oankali - a seemingly benevolent alien race -- intervened in the fate of the humanity hundreds of years ago, saving everyone who survived a nuclear war from a dying, ruined Earth and then putting them into a deep sleep. After learning all they could about Earth and its beings, the Oankali healed the planet, cured cancer, increased human strength, and they now want Lilith to lead her people back to Earth -- but salvation comes at a price. Hopeful and thought-provoking, this post-apocalyptic narrative deftly explores gender and race through the eyes of characters struggling to adapt during a pivotal time of crisis and change.


Become a Librarian

Series

Featured Series

3 primary books

#1 in Xenogenesis

Xenogenesis is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 1987 with contributions by Octavia E. Butler.

#1
Dawn
#2
Adulthood Rites
#3
Imago

Reviews

Popular Reviews

Reviews with the most likes.

June 22, 2022

4.5

November 19, 2016
March 22, 2019

Top Prompts

Featured Prompt

73 books

#8 in What are your favorite books by black authors?

The publishing industry has struggled to embrace new voices. Many amazing authors have managed to get their voices out–overcoming all obstacles. What books stand out to you as your favorites by bla...

#1
The Fifth Season
#2
How Long 'til Black Future Month?
#3
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
A Promised Land
Becoming
The Hate U Give
Dawn
Parable of the Sower
The Rage of Dragons
Homegoing
The Last Black Unicorn
So You Want to Talk about Race

Top Lists

See all (38)

List

43 books

2023

Montego
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Abaddon's Gate
Overdue
Dawn
Caliban's War
Waybound

List

154 books

Sci Fi

Cryptonomicon
The Gemini Effect
Sword & Citadel
Shadow & Claw
Mockingjay
Catching Fire
Dune

Related Books

Books

9 books

Readers of This Book Also Enjoyed

If you enjoyed this book, then our algorithm says you may also enjoy these.