@jacek @setsuna I hadn't thought about that aspect of the Patternist books, but you're absolutely right.
Also, to be more explicit on Xenogensis, it moves into symbiosis territory for reproduction. (As I recall, it's been a long time since I've read the latter two)
Seeking Science Fiction
@setsuna First thought is Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis trilogy, but since you mention Bloodchild you've probably already got that one.