welmoed 's review for:

Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer

4.0

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I'm interested in how divisive this book is and side with both the lovers and haters. I adore how the short stories are prequels that add to the worldbuilding (the rabbits! The Tyrant! The S&S Brigade! I can go on and on), but will also freely admit I did not finish The First and the Last. Landry was just too crass, and if I had a shot for every "fuck" I'd be blackout drunk within the first page. I also agree with some other reviewers that Old Jim being from Central felt a bit shoehorned in. And yet the mysteries aren't and will never be solved, Central is an ever evolving, ever growing beast that will never stop unless stopped and there is enough of an open ending to wonder and ponder the what-ifs and maybes. So yes, while it had its flaws, I feel that Absolution is a welcome final installment that answers some questions and raises others. Not quite what I had expected, but a solid finale.