Should I keep reading The Southern Reach Trilogy ? ...

Submitted by treefruit t3_11yiyih in books

I just finished Annihilation, and oh man... best book i have read in a long time, an instant favorite for sure.

Part of me really loved the ending and felt no need to push further, I kind of felt like i understood all that I needed to about Area X, and really enjoyed the open ended mysteries, like who the lighthouse keeper was. Im not sure I really want his backstory layed bare for me (which ive heard is explained in the third novel, but not enough to explain the Crawler), unless of course its really really interesting !

I guess im afraid somewhat of Authority and Acceptance over explaining all the mystery and ambiguity that i loved about Annihilation, and in such a clinical way that robs you of the awe and wonder it left.

The thing I enjoyed so much about the first book was how it conjured such a sense of existential admiration at the beauty of nature and all its terrifying complexities... I think most of that tone came from the Biologist's attitude and descriptions. Things were terrifying yes, but tempered by an understanding and appreciation of not knowing or comprehending certain forces. So far Authority, and Control, are somewhat stripping away that feeling and replacing it with a sort of grey depressing, narrow and stuffy viewpoint. Which seems to be the intention, I guess I just liked the taste I was left with... this feels a bit like drinking orange juice after brushing my teeth xD

I am only about 70 pages into Authority, and well, yeah... Im not hating it, I have seen some people express a real frustration for it, but im also aware that im only at the 70 page mark, and that it apparently stays somewhat dull until the very end when it explodes and gets really good. Nothing so far had really been at all interesting... but it is beautifully written !

The only real questions I would maybe like to see explored, is where the real Biologist ended up, and what the island was all about, but even that im not mad about knowing, I guess everything else im cool with leaving unanswered xD

Atm im leaning toward leaving it for another day, maybe in a few years ill re read Annihilation and then the others - because im not hating Authority, and I have a feeling I would probably love it if I didn't have the lingering taste of having just read the first book for the first time. I think maybe im seeking more of the same tone, like the open awe of wilderness.

I think as well, im just not very interested in Control, and if the main body of the book is about him then yeah...

I feel like maybe atm all I really want is to devour the Wiki so i can get more info on certain things without completely losing the flavor that the first book left in my mind. Like sifting through SCP files.

So, do you think its okay to leave Annihilation as a stand alone, at least for now ? Or am I missing the best the Southern Reach has to offer ? Would it be like stopping LOTR after the fellowship ? (probably a terrible analogy) I read someone say they consider them all one big book.

I wish it were easier to just put down a book your not loving, without feeling as though you are giving up xD

Thanks !

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EDIT -------------- ----------------- ---------------

So I ended up reading it all ! xD

So glad I decided to stick it out in the end, after the 2/3 mark I think i had finally settled into the flow of the book and I was actually sad when it ended, Control grew on me, and the whole slow vibe was justified in its quickening toward the end. I enjoyed Acceptance allot more, but i think part of that was due to the build up of Authority. My fear of having everything diluted and solved was not realized. Some aspects of mystery left by Annihilation were doused, but quickly replaced by even bigger fires by the end. My mind is still racing and trying to piece together all the elements !

To anyone out there who is at a similar crossroads as I was at the start of this post, i would say it was worth it in the end, and I greatly enjoyed both the journey of the books, and the aftertaste it left .

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Comments

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TTzara999 t1_jd7stu1 wrote

The second and third books have their strengths and weaknesses but if you’re worried about things being overexplained, don’t. The full trilogy just deepens the mystery - a few things are clarified but you will leave with more questions than answered.

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Salarian_American t1_jd9jmgs wrote

Yeah this is pretty much what I was going to say. Learning additional information doesn't mean anything makes sense. It actually just makes it more existentially horrifying.

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twenty-six-sixty-six t1_jd80ih2 wrote

i liked them all, and they don't overexplain

i think people dislike 2 and 3 because they are longer and slower, whereas the first one is short with a simple and irresistible premise. but they're all good imo

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CaptainKipple t1_jd91rc2 wrote

In fairness, Authority and Acceptance do have pretty drastically different stylistic approaches. The shift from Annihilation to Authority (with its more grounded, office-intrigue style) in particular can be pretty jarring.

Not that I'm complaining -- I think each book fits with the others, and books 2 and 3 each build to their own forms of weird horror (for lack of a better term!) that are only possible in the contexts they build. I love each book and the trilogy as a whole. But books 2 and 3 aren't just "more Annihilation", and I can see why some people might be put off by that (even if I think they should approach those books on their own terms!).

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twenty-six-sixty-six t1_jd91z96 wrote

yeah they are different. i think i liked authority because i've worked at a giant bureaucratic government agency and he gets a lot of things right

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treefruit OP t1_jd9bhgg wrote

Lol yeah I havnt ever worked in an office, maybe that's why I'm not picking up on the vibe.

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twenty-six-sixty-six t1_jd9dmlv wrote

the main thing i remember that won me over is that on control's first day he can't use his office because his computer is being set up... checks out

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treefruit OP t1_jd9bco4 wrote

Yeah, I think maybe I could benefit from some time between Annihilation and Authority. Also the fact that the Biologist at the end of the book pretty much says "Don't follow me." I feel like that whole event needs some room to breath in my mind a little while longer.

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Wumbo_Anomaly t1_jd7wo3l wrote

The second and third book have some excellently crafted terrifying scenes and a lot of building tension. The mystery is not ruined by reading more, if anything it deepens.

Annihilation is the best in the trilogy, and if you're not too interested in Control you may struggle with the second book. What I found more engaging in Authority was the exploration of the Southern Reach itself and Ghost Bird as opposed to Control.

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lucia-pacciola t1_jd8mxyi wrote

> I guess im afraid somewhat of Authority and Acceptance over explaining all the mystery and ambiguity that i loved about Annihilation, and in such a clinical way that robs you of the awe and wonder it left.

You may have some problems with Authority and Acceptance, but this will absolutely not be one of them.

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Mississimia t1_jd979bn wrote

Exactly. I was actually kind of eager for some answers and then was like... oh. nevermind.

Still enjoyed all three.

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treefruit OP t1_jd9e22l wrote

Haha, yeah this is my fear. It's like I would love to delve deeper into this world... But not like this, through the eyes of Agent Smith.. Bring back the Biologist's wide eyed respect for the terrifying beauty of Gaia! Show me plants not piles of files! xD

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Slick_Tuxedo t1_jd7yvzd wrote

I was in the same boat as you, then decided to go ahead and read them and I am very glad I did. Annihilation is still my favorite and the best of the three, but I still enjoyed the others. Authority has one of the only scenes in any book that actually creeped me out. The buildup and tension of it is all just great. Both of the sequels still have that fever dream, mysterious quality to them as well. I know others didn’t enjoy them as much, but for what it’s worth, I would say absolutely read them.

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treefruit OP t1_jd9fzgs wrote

It feels like the creepiness has shifted to more of a humans going crazy and deranged type of thing, rather than cosmic horror, nature watching you kind of thing ? Like event Horizon compared to Alien.

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Slick_Tuxedo t1_jd9nryp wrote

If you keep going I think it starts to come back around. And Acceptance is a lot more like Annihilation than Authority, as the setting returns to Area X. Again, it’s your decision, but I highly recommend continuing.

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staffsargent t1_jd8e2jd wrote

Honestly, I loved all three, and I enjoyed exploring Area X and it's history from different characters' perspective. I know a lot of people felt that the quality dropped off between the first and second book. I didn't necessarily feel that way, but I can understand it.

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HumOfEvil t1_jd7r1dw wrote

This is a rare occasion I'd say no don't bother. Personally I found the 1st the best by far. The others are less interesting and only dilute the mystery.

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brademerika t1_jd7sdnj wrote

Still, there are moments that live in my mind rent free. Ones I'd miss.

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teachbirds2fly t1_jd7wivl wrote

I found it really hard to get into the sequels and gave up, despite loving the first one and reading it in one weekend. Totally lacked the pull and intrigue of the first. I would just leave it after Annihalation. Also check out the Alex Garland film on netflix loosely based on it - enjoyed it a lot!

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treefruit OP t1_jd7xipv wrote

The movie was what made me read the book xD I thought it was really great, I love that they did their own thing, it has its own sinister beauty that works really well, and made the novel still completely fresh.

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rasputin415 t1_jd81b6p wrote

The movie is completely different. It’s more “a southern reach story” than anything.

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treefruit OP t1_jd820he wrote

Yeah, I don't even really think of them as the same characters or events, the Shimmer and Area X are two separate places in my head.

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cr0wj4ne t1_jd8amk5 wrote

Yeah, agreed. I was able to get through the second book but gave up on the third. I think Annihilation really stands on its own; the sequels are a whole lot slower.

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loosewire95 t1_jd7z1t5 wrote

I read all 3 and annihilation is by far the best imo, its just a new reading experience different to what I usually read. I think the other two develop the world more and as other said keep the mystery going, but I think it's done in a more structured way. I don't have a problem with it but it gives a different reading experience. All in all I'm glad I finished the trilogy - there are some amazing scenes in there that match annihilation

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minousht t1_jd818ix wrote

The first one is amazing and then the second is like ok... am I still interested in what's happening next, could it get better again? And the third was just bad. Honestly the sequels ruined how much I loved Annihilation.

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Beiez t1_jd8dl28 wrote

This was exactly my experience. The second is not good, but at that point I was still so hyped and invested in the story that I breezed through it. The third however… ugh.

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Low_competence t1_jd892oy wrote

Overall I loved the Southern Reach trilogy but book 2 is one of the worse things I have ever forced myself to read. It was worth it for the end and to set up book 3 but I never, ever want to read it again.

But you’ve read the best the trilogy had to offer. Part one is far and away the best part to me and is the one I’ve re-read the most.

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Hopeful_Meeting_7248 t1_jd8f962 wrote

From my perspective: First book leaves you only with questions. Second book gives one or two answers and add another bunch of questions. Third book gives some more answers and leave a lot of unanswered questions.

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GoodOhMans t1_jd8u20z wrote

I might be in the minority here, but I really enjoyed the sequels.

Authority is less sci-fi and more of a Paranoid Thriller.

I found Acceptance emotionally moving.

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[deleted] t1_jd7xre3 wrote

My life blew up in the middle of reading Acceptance, and I need to buckle down and knock out the last 50 pages or so, but it's not a quick read and I've fallen out of a good reading habit lol. Authority definitely felt a bit like work to read, but I enjoyed getting more story. I also gave a bit of time between reading Annihilation and Authority, so the comparison between the two wasn't as stark. Maybe just take a break and come back to it later.

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treefruit OP t1_jd9j1wm wrote

Yeah I was thinking a break between might be best, give the events time to breath in my mind. I mean the Biologist's final words were something like " Don't follow me. " xD

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ans-myonul t1_jd80w0d wrote

The second book was so boring and dragged on for ages, the third book felt like a waste of time. I only continued reading so that I could get answers for what happened in the first book, but I didn't even get those so it felt pointless

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bluebackpackedbear t1_jd8p5fd wrote

You should definitely keep reading them. Authority is much more of a slow burn, but it's still an enjoyable novel as the mystery deepens. Acceptance ties certain aspects of the story together, but nothing about Area X is over explained.

I really enjoyed the trilogy as a whole, as do the half dozen or so people I've recommended the series to. Made me a huge Jeff VanderMeer fan. His ability to shift his style and narrative techniques is incredibly impressive. Is the first book the best of the series? Yes, but the other two stand on their own merits quite well if you ask me.

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awildyetti t1_jd90lry wrote

Also note, by the authors admission, book #4 is in the works.

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jtherese t1_jd97v3f wrote

They do not overexplain at all. There’s just more weird stuff lol I didn’t like the second one that much but liked the third one. Overall I enjoyed the first one the most. I believe I rated them 5 stars, 3.5 stars, and 4 stars respectively

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Zoenne t1_jd98t3a wrote

I liked all three in their own way, and I'm very glad I read them all. Even if you end up not liking them as much, it won't ruin Annihilation for you!

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SherpaForCardinals t1_jd99u7i wrote

lol - 2 and 3 don't explain anything. You're fine. If anything, they expand the scope of the book to a maddening degree. The third was a slog, in my opinion, but I loved 1/2.

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kilgore_trout_42 t1_jd9a9kv wrote

just read the 1st book, books 2 & 3 are a complete waste of time (as bad as HHG books 4 & 5)

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smallblackrabbit t1_jd9alrt wrote

There are moments of brilliance, but I really found the last two a slog, not to mention predictable.

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UnicornDiscoDaddy t1_jd9clk2 wrote

Oh, I love the whole thing. It’s true that Annihilation can stand on its own, but the trilogy as a whole is like a gorgeous magic-eye picture where you never really see the whole picture, but it’s captivating and engrossing.

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treefruit OP t1_jd9exjf wrote

Oh that actually sounds quite wonderful :O

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NefariousnessOk3471 t1_jd9dkt7 wrote

I found book two to be excruciating to read and couldn’t finish it.

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wrongkeykong t1_jd9g2ok wrote

I remember struggling to stay awake for some of Authority, but ultimately I’m glad I stuck it out, and then Acceptance was more compelling.

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avivshener t1_jd9i72b wrote

I gave up in the first one.

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MattIvory t1_jd9kpei wrote

If you are doubting and even come here to ask us: no.

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webauteur t1_jd9loob wrote

I finally finished reading Acceptance. It didn't really answer any questions and only raised new ones. I don't think it really contributed much to the overall story.

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Autarch_Kade t1_jdalt3y wrote

Book 1 is amazing. Book 2 is 90% boring investigation that leads nowhere, followed by 10 pages of crazy action and interesting sci-fi when it abruptly ends unresolved. Book 3 is weird but almost a rehash of how book 3 was laid out, and you still won't be satisfied if you wanted to learn a lot about what's happening.

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left4ched t1_jdbnwvr wrote

I'm with you that Control is not a great protagonist, but what helped me appreciate Authority was realizing that Control isn't the main character of the book; he's the point-of -view character. The main character is the Southern Reach. Once that perspective shift hit, I enjoyed it much more.

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changelingcd t1_jdfsgg5 wrote

It gets so much more disappointing with Acceptance and the weak ending. I forced myself to complete the trilogy, but it was all downhill. Just don't expect complete answers if you continue. There's a reason the film adaptation changed so very much. :)

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