A review by jiffy145
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
this is technically my second engagement with this book, but i think experiencing it again through audio format was beneficial to my experience. i was excited to log notes in the reading journal as i listened, and having it read to me allowed me to absorb details i missed on my first read with a print book.
all in all, i think it's a great book and an interesting premise. it's a sort of midway point between pre and post-apocalypse; there is still an outside world, untouched by area x, but the existential reality of the amount of destruction and rebirth within area x is well explored.
it doesn't give away all the secrets of the setting, barely answers any questions it poses, but instead of feeling frustrating, it's tantalizing. i can only imagine what it must have felt like to read this when it was published and having to wait for the sequels.
i'm excited to continue on with the rest of the southern reach trilogy, and if will permits, the rest of vandermeer's body of work. i can feel something great brewing here, and can't wait to taste it.
all in all, i think it's a great book and an interesting premise. it's a sort of midway point between pre and post-apocalypse; there is still an outside world, untouched by area x, but the existential reality of the amount of destruction and rebirth within area x is well explored.
it doesn't give away all the secrets of the setting, barely answers any questions it poses, but instead of feeling frustrating, it's tantalizing. i can only imagine what it must have felt like to read this when it was published and having to wait for the sequels.
i'm excited to continue on with the rest of the southern reach trilogy, and if will permits, the rest of vandermeer's body of work. i can feel something great brewing here, and can't wait to taste it.