Dawn

Dawn is the first book by Octavia E. Butler that I have ever read, and I thought it was almost perfect. The (human) characters are so real, so perfectly human, without being stereotypes or caricatures. The plot made sense, and avoided dubious twists to surprise the reader. The story went where it made sense, without being predictable. I realize I am reviewing this book by comparing it against badly written science fiction. I guess after reading many poorly constructed books, it is refreshing to read one that is so well done, but I have only its inferiors with which to compare it. All the thumbs up, and I look forward to reading more of Ms Butler's work.