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Aug 18, 2018isaachar rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I purposefully avoided the highly recommended movie until I read the original novel. While I have only read the first book in the series, I have to say I really enjoyed a lot of it. At the same time, there were definitely a couple of things I did not like as much. Other reviewers have described Annihiliation as having an almost Lovecraftian horror vibe, and in my opinion that comparison is spot on. A particular Lovecraft short story, "The Colour out of Space", shares a lot in common with Annihiliation. A strange an indescribable area where plant and animal life experience horrific changes. Changes that also effect people who observe them. Annihilation is almost a modern re-telling of the 89 year old tale. As with the lovecraftian story, I enjoyed the psychological horror aspects of this tale. The main character can be seen as unendearing due to her being a social introvert, but I actually found that refreshing. She knows who she is, and withstands pressure to change or pretend to be a person she isn't just to fit in. As great a read as it is, the thing I enjoyed least about the novel has been brought up by other reviewers as well. The overall story plays out like the first few seasons of LOST. The questions pile up, but no explanation or background is given. It felt as if the author wanted the reader to come up with their own explanation of what's going on and why. There's nothing wrong with that kind of storytelling, but it needs a strong ending that gives a purpose to the story. In that aspect, Annihilation fails a bit. I finished the book thinking "Well that was pretty trippy, but it was just a story about someone visiting a place I know nothing about, for no explanable reason, to which nothing was resolved". Its a fun ride, but the substance of what you went through fades as the ending putters out. I still plan on reading the sequels though, so the story did its job in hooking me in at least.