This is kind of a begrudging 4* review because while I cannot deny the quality of Butler's art and craft in this novel, it just really truly wasn't for me.

Strong points of this work: the writing, the vision of the future feels very real, hyper-empathy syndrome was an interesting idea because how it plays out in the novel is completely contrary to my expectations.

Weak points of this work: I didn't feel like it offered much besides "Yup, everything is well and truly fucked." There weren't enough points of relief from the general violence and despair of the setting. I think the Earthseed portions of this work were intended to provide that, but I didn't find the religion in the book to be particularly captivating and as a fan of Carl Sagan, I feel like the religion should have appealed to me. It just didn't tho.

The lead is somewhat incomprehensible to me, but it feels like an intentional decision. Perhaps people who create religions can't be understood by normal people like me.