From ';one of science fiction's finest writers': A young woman with tremendous psychic power battles to set a new course for mankind (The New York Times). The baby's name is Mary, and her father is immortal. For thousands of years he has orchestrated a selective breeding project, attempting to create a master race capable of controlling others through thought. Most of his attempts have resulted in volatile mutations, but Marywhom he has raised in the rough part of a Southern California townis the closest he has come to perfection. If he doesn't handle her carefully, this greatest experiment will be his last.As Mary comes of age, she begins to grow aware of her psychic powers. And when she learns of her father's plans for her, she refuses to acquiesce. She challenges him to a psychic war, battling to free her people and set a new course for mankind. Multiple Nebula and Hugo awardwinning author Octavia Butler's epic and thought-provoking Patternist series has fascinated generations of readers, exploring the effects of power and what it means to be human.This ebook features an illustrated biography of Octavia E. Butler including rare images from the author's estate.