Obviously, I would expect no less from Octavia Butler, but what an innovative vampire story. The exploration of the cultural difference between humans and "vampires," the science-based explanation of vampirism the social structureit creates between humans and vampires that it creates is fascinating. Fledgling takes a look at age gaps and perceived age in way that is deeply uncomfortable at times without being a weird male fantasy or attempting to give easy answers. The navigation of familial and romantic/sexual relationships, of memory and lackthereof, of attempting to negotiate a system that you do not understand, to deal with rage and grief and love, are all reflected upon, amid a sometimes action-packed mystery turned legal drama. And, it expertly explore race, the prevalance of anti-Black racism, the lengths to which all manner of people will go to attempt to destroy. Despite the tragedy that is present in many ways in this book, it and its characters maintain a certain hopefulness and resistance, a refusal to be destroyed. This is a very deep and cool addition to and twist on the genre.