I reviewed the first two books of Jeff Vandermeer’s Southern Reach trilogy here. Basically, a region of the United States has an alien infestation. The military call it “Area X.” They maintain a blockade around the area. Teams of scientists are sent into Area X, but they either die, disappear, or return deranged. I liked the first book in the series, Annihilation, best. I think Jeff Vandermeer needed to read some J. G. Ballard who also wrote about alien infestion, but much more effectively. Vandermeer’s constant flashbacks and second-person narration annoyed me. I can’t really recommend this trilogy. GRADE: C-
I don’t have to feel guilty about missing this one then!
Patti, you won’t be missing much! I was disappointed in this trilogy. I spent a lot of time reading these books, but got little in return.
I’m sorry to hear that. I loved the first one, it will make my list of favorite reads for the year, but haven’t taken the time to read the next.
Carl, like you I enjoyed the first book in the SOUTHERN REACH trilogy best. The next two books didn’t do much for me.
Perhaps the many people who were gaga about the books hadn’t even heard of Ballard, or other SF writers of his era, and thought this was a brand new concept?
Rick, could be possible. I, like Carl, thought the first book in the trilogy captured the strangeness of an alien landscape. But the next two books were disappointing.
JV is talented, and these books are getting a real push by the publisher…in the supermarkets and such. We’ll see, if I can get to them.
I have to agree with you, George. I gave up on book one. He’s no Ballard.
Jeff, things went downhill from the first book in the Southern Reach trilogy.