A review by samdalefox
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

adventurous mysterious reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Incredibly disappointing after the first book. For the first 10% of the audiobook I actually quite liked the change in perspective, I thought it would be interesting to gain insight into the authority and researchers behind area X. But no, what this book is instead is a steady stream of conciousness from the new Director of the Southern Reach (John Rodriguez/Control). We only get small, unsatisfying, tidbits about area X that neither inform or grow the mystery, only frustrate the reader (in a bad way). We get long winded descriptions of the Director's daily habits that do not build suspense, only boredom. He frequently over anaylses and describes things by what they are not, rather than what they are, which is infuriating. We get no substantial insight into the 'authority' of the Southern Reach. Where there is any possibility for an insteresting sub-plot, it is completely forgotten about e.g.,
Whitby's artwork or the plant, mouse, and mobile phone.


At over double the length of 'Annihilation', I frankly don't see why this book is justifiable, or even necessary at all. I guessed the indicators of theings going awry e.g.,
the rotting honey smell, the doppelganger biologist, the voice using hypnotic control
and did not find any of the story's 'revelations' shocking e.g.,
Control's fieldwork fuck up, the old Director returning, or the area X border advancing/breaching.
Overall, this is mostly useless filler story, I will however read the final installment with high hopes of a better ending since the first book was so excellent. 
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