A review by alica2
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really liked the vibe and pacing of this book; the way information about Area X and the biologist's backstory was revealed felt very tense and haunting all the way through the end. In the grand scheme of the book I feel like not very much happens - she spends most of the book going back and forth to the tower and describing the scenery and past events - but somehow the author still managed to make it feel intriguing. Ultimately this book feels more like a character study of the biologist (and to some extent the side characters as well) rather than the sci-fi thriller I was expecting.

My main problem is that some of the descriptions and worldbuilding were difficult to follow, although this might have been more due to the fact that Libby only had the audiobook available to borrow from my library, which isn't the way I'm used to processing books. I think I would have felt more absorbed in the world and enjoyed the prose a lot more if I was able to read it rather than having to listen to it.

The ending also felt a little disappointing because I was hoping to understand more about what's happening in Area X, but on the other hand I think it was a fitting wrap up for the main character's story. I also know that there are more books in the series so hopefully those will provide more answers and understanding of all the strange phenomena that occurred. 
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