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A review by luhos
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Annihilation was a tough act to follow. It built so much mystery and revealed it masterfully, developed some likability in the characters, had an interesting and unique story. Authority continues where Annihilation left off - back in the world outside of Area X, at the Southern Reach. We're introduced to Control - the acting director of the Southern Reach - whose task seems to be to try to un-mess the mess that has been created by the former director and the last expedition.
Pacing was a huge issue for me - there were so many moments that just lingered for too long; a lot of Control's backstory felt unnecessary, especially considering he was an unlikeable nepo baby and I barely cared about his motivations for 85% of the book. About 1.5 characters were fleshed out in a meaningful way, and I didn't really care for any of them, and what I wanted more of was not given (the biologist - although maybe to come in book 3?).
I did get into the story in the latter third of the book and totally bought into it, although a lot of the 'reveals' I thought a bit predictable, especially the inevitable ending.
I'm looking forward to Acceptance but just hope that it is a bit faster paced and with better characters and character development.
Pacing was a huge issue for me - there were so many moments that just lingered for too long; a lot of Control's backstory felt unnecessary, especially considering he was an unlikeable nepo baby and I barely cared about his motivations for 85% of the book. About 1.5 characters were fleshed out in a meaningful way, and I didn't really care for any of them, and what I wanted more of was not given (the biologist - although maybe to come in book 3?).
I did get into the story in the latter third of the book and totally bought into it, although a lot of the 'reveals' I thought a bit predictable, especially the inevitable ending.
I'm looking forward to Acceptance but just hope that it is a bit faster paced and with better characters and character development.