Annihilation

Fascinating and intriguing I really enjoyed this, with an ending that leaves so many questions unanswered. I just hope that the next 2 books can answer a few of them for me, otherwise the whole thing might not make a lot of sense. Really looking forward to the movie too, I'm certain Natalie Portman will nail it.

The world building, tension creation and use of enigma is done well but only sometimes comes to fruition. I found the writing to be somewhat lazy or clumsy in places. The level of description in parts is comprehensive, yet reads like a fifteen year old's GCSE coursework as it goes through the protagonist's senses. The author could have elaborated on parts but doesn't seem to bother. Paradoxically, some aspects were elaborated upon in too great a detail, derailing the pace. With clearer direction, this story could have been a brilliant horror or a great scientific adventure, yet it tentatively walks the line between both. It's this genre indecision that I believe stops the narrative from fulfilling it's true potential. Overall, Annihilation is an unsatisfactory read.

After a series of duds from supposed recent top rated sci fi I find this. A reaffirmation in the talent out there - thank you. Wonderfully written and lean. Made me think of Lovecraft directed by Tartovsky. Swiftly moving on to the second novel now.