The Evolution of Science Fiction discussion

This thread is to discuss June's group read Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

I've bought my copy and plan to start reading it soon. It's quite a short book, only 195 pages. This may help me to read some of my pending books this month (if it's good). I should mention i'm behind in my reading challenge for the year.

Having started this today, so far it seems like a mixture of ideas from other books. Although a slightly different premise the start really reminded me of Ammonite and Area X immediately makes me think of Roadside Picnic but without the bleakness. Both of these are books I really liked, so this bodes well provided it's develops the ideas in an alternate way.

Jo wrote: "Having started this today, so far it seems like a mixture of ideas from other books. Although a slightly different premise the start really reminded me of Ammonite and Area X immediat..."

I haven't read either of those books, Jo, so I can't comment on that other than to pop them into my TBR list. Finished Annihilation though, and found it so gripping that I've continued with the trilogy, moving on to Authority. For me, it was the Lovecraft feel that was most enticing, but then, Vandermeer is known to draw heavily from that. Indeed, from the beginning, I'd wondered if Area X might be the remnants of Lovecraft's fictional Arkham, but reading through to the end, I'm not so sure now. Perhaps the rest of the trilogy will illuminate this point.

Jo wrote: "Having started this today, so far it seems like a mixture of ideas from other books. Although a slightly different premise the start really reminded me of Ammonite and Area X immediately makes me think of Roadside Picnic but without the bleakness. Both of these are books I really liked, so this bodes well provided it's develops the ideas in an alternate way. "

I can see Roadside Picnic in Annihilation. Haven't read Ammonite.

I haven't read Lovecraft, he's on my list - I bought a compilation containing several of his books some time ago but i've been saving it for when I have a holiday as it's quite long.

It's quite intriguing so far this book. I hope it will keep it up.

I read this last fall. It's a little strange. Rated it three stars. I can see how some readers will really like it.

Here is a link to my review, which includes a reference to Lovecraft https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A little strange indeed. Reads a bit like a video-game, solving riddles in a mystical environment. Until now I only read Lovecrafts Kadath, a fascinating book and much more dramatic than this one.
I'm halfway now and the book still makes me curious. Also like to know more about the other two books of this trilogy, Authority and Acceptance.

I think that's what makes it so compelling, it's strangeness and the fact all the characters bar one are quite anonymous. I think i'm going to have to read the second book. I'm interested to know if it picks up from the first book or if it's completely separate.

I just realized you guys are reading this. My meetup group read the trilogy a few months ago. I read one background on the book because it reminded me so much of Roadside Picnic. Vandermeer claims he's never read that book or seen Stalker, the film made from it. I haven't read Ammonite, but have it. Maybe I'll slot it in soon. I have to admit, I haven't read the third book from this trilogy yet, so that'll come first.

Well, an ending with no answers. Or should I say no facts that I recognised as answers. That's odd. Maybe the next two books will provide more.

A mixture of X-Files and HG Wells (the use of career titles instead of names is pulled, it seems, right from Time Machine), VanderMeer's book is really vintage science fiction. Area X is an enigmatic place, filled with bizarre and fearful effects, which no one has really calculated or quantified, despite numerous expeditions in the past. The Biblical type quotes, written in organic material on the walls in the buildings, suggests the place has some sort of symbolic significance. Whether the place signifies religion rotting in our midst or some imminent Biblical plague remains to be seen in future novels. The effect is truly haunting and eerie but also profound. I plan to get around to the sequels eventually. VanderMeer, I think, is fast becoming a major voice in science fiction.

I went on reading Authority, halfway now. I'm glad I did, in my opinion it's an on-going story and Annihilation isn't a stand alone book.

Leo wrote: "I went on reading Authority, halfway now. I'm glad I did, in my opinion it's an on-going story and Annihilation isn't a stand alone book."

You're quite right, Leo. I went on to read Authority, too, and Acceptance is in the queue on my kindle.

Just finished the Southern Reach trilogy. A lot of pages but not one moment I wanted to put it aside. That really means quality - for me anyway. Disappointed about the lack of answers to all the mysteries Vandermeer so beautifully describes for us. Reading the reviews, I see that there is a group of readers that miss answers too. But also a lot of people tell me that this really is my personal deficiency. Who needs answers? Can't you think of anything yourself?
Anyway, if you have the time and you liked Annihilation I can recommend you the other two books. That's unless you want all the questions answered.

I'm half way through Authority and I really like Vandermeer's writing. He writes so beautifully that it just doesn't seem an issue that nothing is really clear. I'm so intrigued that i'm going to have to get the final book and read through to the end.

I'm hoping that the fact that the trilogy will end with questions means the end is not going to be disappointing.

Now onto Acceptance and the style is changed compared to the first two book. The first half changes between characters so it doesn't have the same flow as the first two books. Still enjoying it but not quite as much so far...

Jo wrote: "Now onto Acceptance and the style is changed compared to the first two book. The first half changes between characters so it doesn't have the same flow as the first two books. Still..."

I'm about halfway with Acceptance, having decided to continue with the trilogy as well (reading them in between monthly group reads). Have to admit to feeling a little disappointed with Authority, as I didn't think it was as gripping as Annihilation. However, now that we're back inside Area X with the last book, I'm totally engrossed again. Must check out some of Vandermeer's other novels ...