Having read, reviewed, and reconsidered and re-reviewed the first novel in Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach trilogy, and with the movie of Annihilation coming out in February, what the hell, I read the last two books. And I have to say that while they had their highlights, they weren't worth the slog. There are some interesting ideas brought up, and of course lots of wonderful weirdness, but it's all overpowered by the political maneuverings within the government organizations investigating the weirdness. The two books just drag and drag, and the payoffs and reveals aren't enough to warrant a reader's time.
Ah well, there were a few moments of "hey, I know that place" recognition that were confirmed in the author's acknowledgments. That was pretty cool. And I'm still looking forward to the movie this coming February. But as for the books... well, maybe if you're really into New Weird and a fast reader who doesn't mind plowing through hundreds of pages of bureaucratic maunderings, then give it a shot. As for the rest of us, admire the inside-cover illustrations, see the movie, move on.
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