Als der Seelenmeister starb

I was really surprised to learn that this last in the series was actually the first book written. The five stars is really for the series as a whole because it sweeps its themes of humanity, slavery, and tradition from pre-colonial Africa to a distant and terrifying dystopia of a future. Three strains of humanity, one cast aside as prey for one group and pack animals for another, struggle to survive in a world where even your mind isn't safe. This is what Doro's great labor wreaks, and it is definitely nothing like I would have predicted. Butler was a master, and even when I find myself getting angry at the characters for their bizarre notions, I see how their inclusion in the story highlights themes that are sadly always relevant.