jiaojiao's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Acceptance picks up almost immediately where Authority leaves off. Unlike in Annihilation and Authority, no new characters are introduced; instead, VanderMeer expands on the story of characters we already know who seem to be prominently connected to Area X. We see the lighthouse keeper’s final moments, for example. Like Annihilation and Authority, Acceptance switches between present events and select events from each character’s past. In terms of pacing, I think this worked a bit better in here than it did in Authority, as the past events that come to light have more direct connections to either Area X or present events.
While I did like that a lot more loose ends were dealt with in Acceptance, I still felt like something was missing. I think it might just be that I was expecting from the trilogy. I’m used to novels that have more linear storylines, with clear resolutions. This trilogy, however, is very character-driven, introspective as a result, and focused more on the psychological horror of confronting an existential threat that, in the end, was impossible to control. There isn’t really a resolution. Just acceptance—and whatever peace that might bring. I’m left feeling kind of empty-handed.
I’m glad I finished the trilogy, but I’m not sure whether I’d pick up any other books by VanderMeer.
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Violence, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/injury detail, and Gore
roenfoe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
It's mostly cerebral (which is not new to the Area X series) and offers few resolutions to plot threads that have spanned the trilogy. I usually have absolutely no issue with not being handed answers, but after three books and about 800 pages it's fair to expect some plot substance. It seems that Acceptance only scratches the surface of Area X's potential.
I greatly enjoyed the lighthouse keeper chapters and all other details provided concerning the origin of the anomaly. I was intrigued by the biologist and Ghost Bird's story but was left feeling ultimately unsatisfied. I cared very little for Control (re: my problems with Authority).
My biggest letdown was VanderMeer's failure to cultivate feelings of buzzing, primal fear and unsettlement. These emotions were integral to my experience reading Annihilation, and I was disappointed to find him unable to evoke these same feelings (which are inseparable from Area X in my mind) in Acceptance. What was left felt like a theme park clone of a formerly frightening setting.
I enjoyed spending more time with Area X and its characters but was ultimately underwhelmed with the final installment in what could have been a great trilogy. I still plan to continue reading VanderMeer (his ideas always pull me in) but I hope that his other works are stronger.
Moderate: Body horror
muffmacguff's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In this concluding book I think that’s a strength and also something that irritated the hell out of me! It’s so fascinating and disorienting, and I keep hoping anything will make more sense but it never does. There isn’t much to explain why all this weird shit is happening. Which is FINE and VALID but also makes me so angry.
Anyway these were a really interesting read that gave me a headache.
Moderate: Body horror and Violence
jazhandz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Injury/injury detail
Moderate: Animal death
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, Body horror, Violence, Animal death, Gore, and Gun violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Homophobia and Suicide
jessthanthree's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror
charmtroll's review against another edition
4.0
Moderate: Body horror
shirku's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Body horror
subrosian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Terminal illness
jmcampbell57's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, and Cancer
Minor: Sexual content