June Books 26) Dawn, by Octavia E. Butler
I thought this was a fascinating and gripping book, with Butler exploring symbiosis and slavery - topics she often returned to - in the context of renewing humanity after future disaster and alien intervention. In particular, her portrayal of human/alien intimacy, both physical and emotional, is pretty vivid without being titillating. Also commendably short. First of a trilogy; will look out for the other two.