Octavia Butler's "Parable" series is a science fiction series that explores themes of power, identity, and human nature. The series consists of two books, "Parable of the Sower" and "Parable of the Talents," both of which were published in the 1990s.
In "Parable of the Sower," the protagonist, Lauren Olamina, is a young woman living in a near-future dystopian society that is plagued by environmental and social chaos. Lauren possesses a rare genetic trait called "hyperempathy," which allows her to feel the pain and emotions of others. She uses this ability to try to heal and help those around her, but her efforts are often thwarted by the violent and selfish actions of others.
As the world around her deteriorates, Lauren is forced to flee her home and embark on a journey of survival. Along the way, she encounters other survivors and begins to develop a new religion called "Earthseed," which is based on the belief that humanity's destiny is to colonize other planets and spread life throughout the universe.
In "Parable of the Talents," the story picks up several years later, with Lauren now leading a community of Earthseed believers. The community is threatened by a new regime, led by a charismatic but authoritarian leader named Andrew Steele Jarret, who seeks to stamp out all dissent and impose his own vision of the future on the world.
As Lauren struggles to protect her community and preserve the ideals of Earthseed, she must also grapple with the complexities of power and leadership, and the difficult choices that come with it.
Overall, the "Parable" series is a thought-provoking and deeply moving exploration of some of the most pressing issues of our time. Through the lens of science fiction, Butler manages to shed light on some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and the dangers of authoritarianism. At the same time, the series offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding us of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult challenges.