Annihilation: Book Review

Today, we will be reviewing Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, the first novel in the Southern Reach Series. Keep reading to find out what we thought of this novel and if you should add it to your never ending reading list!

Annihilation Summary

Four women, a biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist, and a military-trained surveyor are traveling to Area X, an unspecified location near the coast that only a select few can go to. This group is part of the twelfth expedition and the narration is told by the biologist of the group.

We never learn the names of the women as they are have to follow certain rules when entering Area X. The psychologist is the leader of the expedition and she is able to hypnotize the group to help them relax as they explore Area X.

Soon after entering Area X, they see a tower structure that isn’t on the map that was provided to the group. The agree to explore it and soon after entering the tower, the biologist is exposed to spores. They discover writing on the wall that mystifies them.

The group return to base and decide how they want to go forward. But the biologist realizes that the spores are already having an effect on her. The next day, something unusual happens that raises suspicion. And the next few events foreshadow events that the group might succumb to if they don’t tread carefully in this unknown territory. 

Commentary

Annihilation was released in early 2014 and was inspired by VanderMeer’s hike through St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Also, inspiration came from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident. The lighthouse is based on the St. Marks Lighthouse.

The novel went on to win the 2014 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 2014 Shirley Jackson Award for best novel. Reading a sci-fi and horror novel is something everyone needs to do at least once. There is nothing else like it and the atmosphere the novel creates is special. 

I ended up devouring this novel in one day and could not put it down. My only regret is that I didn’t read this novel and series earlier and will be correcting that mistake. 

What make this novel special besides the plot is the mystery and horror of it all. If you have ever gone hiking, then you know how terrifying the woods can be. Vandermeer does an amazing job of making the setting feel like another character, one that is unknown and limitless. 

There are countless mysterious in this book and you are constantly trying to solve them. But new information comes fast and just like the protagonist, you have to figure it out all. How much of what anyone says is reliable is up to you to determine. 

I have read countless sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery novels in my life. And yet, this novel doesn’t compare to anything I’ve read before. It is unique and fresh and does a wonderful job in worldbuilding without giving much away.

Conclusion

Annihilation is one of the better sci-fi and fantasy novels that I read this year. It is a great feeling to find a novel and series like this knowing that there will always be amazing books to read. If you are a big sci-fi and fantasy fan like I am, then you will love this unique horror infused novel. Happy reading!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook