A bit ago, I asked for suggestions on vampire books on Twitter and Fledgling was recommended multiple times as a book that was unlike others, but very worth the read. I'm so happy I decided to pick this up because... wow.

This is a short, deftly written story about a young vampire who wakes up severely injured and without her memories. She slowly pieces together that she's a vampire, she begins to feed, and explore the mystery of her family, who injured her, and how to recover her own life.

Deep at the heart of this story are explorations of race, sexuality, mental health and vampire lore. There are many ways that this book is uncomfortable, but it's because Butler makes us look at these things that are often erased or romanticized and won't let us look away. She refreshes vampire lore, but also takes pieces of it and makes us truly consider them. She bakes in commentary on race and prejudice and we are left with a thought-provoking masterpiece.

That, truly, is the driving factor of the novel. I was interested in the mystery and plot, but those who invest most of their feelings and interest there might be disappointed by the end and the relatively fast paced, short read.

Thank you to everyone who recommended this to me. It will be in my thoughts for a long time.