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| Octavia Butler's One Simple Prophesy - Image - Literary Hub |
Welcome to the March 2026 issue of Fiction Predictions here on the Supernatural Underground Blog. I hope you are enjoying the series.
The Author
She was often referred to as the “Grand dame of science fiction.” Born in Pasadena, California, on June 22, 1947 (the sun at the auspicious 0° Cancer). She died February 24, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of stories and adoring fans.
The Predictions
Unlike Jules Verne and William Gibson, Octavia Butler didn't so much foresee a new technological future as portray a dystopia festering with social injustice, inequality, populism and global warming.
In her series beginning with The Parable of the Sower, she presents a society startlingly like our
own. What makes it more chilling is that it was written in the late 80s and early 90s, but set in our current times, California 2024.
own. What makes it more chilling is that it was written in the late 80s and early 90s, but set in our current times, California 2024.
The Parable of the Sower predicted catastrophic effects from climate change, ravaging California wildfires, increased social injustice, gangs, crimes and prisons, seen through the eyes of a young black girl who still had hope.
The second novel of the series (written in the early 90s), Parable of the Talents, predicts a country divided and a presidential candidate running with the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’.
Note: this was penned two decades before the current US president officially entered politics.
Was Octavia Butler a Seer?
How else to say it?
Yes.
In 1988, she saw California in 2024 as a state crippled by unattended environmental and economic crises that led to social ruin. Her main character, Lauren Olamina, a preacher’s daughter living in Los Angeles, is protected from these dangers by the walls of her gated community... until they come tumbling down.
In a breakneck escape, what begins as a fight for survival leads to something much deeper: a brighter vision of human destiny and the birth of a new faith.
Octavia said:
I began writing about power because I had so little.
—Octavia E. Butler, in Carolyn S. Davidson's
"The Science Fiction of Octavia Butler"
And throughout this writing, she continues to open eyes and hearts, long after her death.
Have you read her?
Please let me know in the comments, and also if you have a favourite book you'd like to explore this way.
Isn't it all so interesting?
xxKim
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About Kim Falconer
The Amassia Series
Kim Falconer, also writing as AK Wilder, has released Crown of Bones, a YA Epic Fantasy with Curse of Shadows as book 2 in the series.
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| Quantum Enchantment |
Throw the bones on the AKWilder.com site.. See you there!
“There is no doubt fiction makes a better job of the truth.”
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