Survivor

Returning to print after nearly 50 years, Survivor completes Octavia E. Butler’s thrilling Patternist series, including a short story from the Patternist saga and new historical essays from a major Butler scholar.

This deluxe edition includes:

• An incredible new cover and package
• Premium French flaps and newly designed, full color interior covers
• High-quality paper with elegant deckled-edges

The Patternist books (Wild Seed, Mind of My Mind, Clay’s Ark, and Patternmaster) comprise Butler’s longest, most complex series, stretching from late 17th century Africa to outer space in the far future, as rival factions of humanity develop incredible powers–only to use them to subjugate others. For nearly half a century, the fourth volume, Survivor, has been out of print at Octavia E. Butler’s request.

It tells the story of Alanna, a colonist fleeing a plague-scarred Earth. But the planet she lands on is inhabited by the alien Kohn, whose battling tribes soon trap Alanna in their war. She must make alliances–while plotting betrayals. She must protect her heart–while putting it at risk. And she must decide if the best way to retain her humanity … is to leave it behind.

Now, Survivor is put into its proper historical context thanks to contributions from scholar and Octavia E. Butler Fellow Alyssa Collins. This long-awaited volume also contains “A Necessary Being,” the only short fiction set in the Patternist universe, to finally, fully bring together and complete the Patternist series for readers everywhere.

Author: Octavia E. Butler
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 09/01/2026
Series: Patternist #4
Pages: 320
Size: 8.00h x 5.25w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781538766170
Language: English