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mik_ 's review for:
Annihilation
by Jeff VanderMeer
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
weird and creepy from the start. surreal ecology horror with lush, vibrant and mysterious landscape. “Lost” meets “Alien” and Algernon Blackwood. maybe T. Kingfisher took some inspiration from this down the line?
the way Vandermeer writes about the plants and creatures of Area X is with beautiful reverence. he talks about the bugs and insects with care. the molding, rotting paper left behind is tended by cockroachs and silverfish and beetles.
the way Vandermeer describes human emotions and needs is tender and relatable. he compares surroundings and memories to only things someone who observes and respects nature would know.
nature reclaiming and transition are huge themes here. the land and the people/creatures are constantly morphing and it appears that humanity is receding. the book gets meta; the exploration of Area X is turning into the history of Area X. would recommend for those who prefer psychological horror to gore horror. and for those who need nature in their horror.
I want to dig into “Authority” right now.