A review by applesodaperson
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • 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

4.25

This was actually a really good sequel to this series. In true sequel fashion, it created way more questions than it answered. Like the reader still has no idea what Area X is, or what created it. It just seems to make things more twisted and spooky.
The number one thing this book created more questions about was the director/the psychologist from the first book. Her old office was so atmospheric and borderline gross. I swear I could smell the icky, mildew-y carpet smell. And what was going on with the plant and the mouse in the drawers? It also brought her connection to Area X to life, because
she knew the lighthouse keeper when she was a child.
It is just interesting that this character was given such depth, because in the first book, she is definitely a secondary antagonist, the first being Area X itself. But I guess that just serves to show that the biologist is not necessarily a reliable narrator. This book also gives some insight into the biologist. Because now it is revealed
that the biologist that came out of Area X is the double, not the original, and is seemingly not afraid to be open about that.
Very spooky. It also brings the question of if the other 2 who came back were doubles (it is implied that they were). And also why didn't a double of the psychology come back?
I also liked the new character of control. He felt pretty realistic and was entertaining. He is basically a nepo baby himbo. But I liked the way he slowly went crazy and started to doubt his perception of the Southern Reach. Only for it to be revealed that he has been
hypnotized to forget certain things by Lowry and his mom.
I also liked his strange alliance with Ghost Bird at the end. 
My only criticisms were that it wasn't as scary as the first book, and didn't give me that breathless, edge of my seat terror. 
I also think that there were a few too many characters. The simplicity of the cast in the first one was definitely a strength.
Overall I liked this book though.
Read borrowed copy from Hannah.
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