ANNIHILATION (SOUTHERN REACH #1) by Jeff VanderMeer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I can’t tell if I loved this or found it frustrating. Maybe both by the end.

It reads like a novella or short story, definitely enough intrigue to keep pulling me in, but not as much payoff to feel totally satisfied. Moments of terror, moments of confusion, moments of beautiful imagery. My wife mentioned that she really didn’t care for it, as I’m noticing many other people mentioned in their reviews, and I’m not sure if I pushed harder to enjoy it in spite of that or if I truly did.

I’ll give it 4 stars because there’s something special within that surely someone will notice and appreciate. Scenes that strike fast and deep. A wild premise that I HAVE to see expanded in the other two books. And luckily, it moves quick across only 195 pages, another reason for the higher mark. I’ve read a lot longer and a lot less interesting stories. I’m not sure I really understand every detail or “bright” description, but I’m into it, even with all my unanswered questions.

But I’m a geek, so 🤷🏻‍♂️