36 pages • 1 hour read
Annihilation
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Book Brief
208
Novel • Fiction
Area X • Near Future
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer follows a biologist who joins an all-female expedition into the mysterious Area X, a region cut off from the rest of the world. The team encounters strange phenomena and discovers hidden truths about previous expeditions. As the biologist delves deeper, she confronts both physical and psychological challenges, ultimately questioning reality and her own identity.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
271,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jeff VanderMeer's Annihilation has captivated readers with its mesmerizing prose, atmospheric tension, and enigmatic plot. Reviewers have praised the haunting, immersive world-building but noted the characters can feel underdeveloped. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, eerie exploration of the unknown that may frustrate those seeking clear resolutions.
Who Should Read Annihilation?
An ideal reader for Jeff VanderMeer's Annihilation is someone who appreciates atmospheric, thought-provoking science fiction with an eerie, unsettling edge. Fans of H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror or those who enjoyed the mysterious narrative style of William Gibson's Neuromancer will find this novel captivating.
271,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Psychologist
The Psychologist
The leader of the 12th expedition, notable for her ability to control expedition members through hypnotic suggestion.
The Surveyor
The Surveyor
A former military member of the expedition, known for her toughness and possession of an assault rifle.
The Anthropologist
The Anthropologist
A member of the 12th expedition, who encounters a mysterious entity known as the Crawler.
The Biologist’s Husband
The Biologist’s Husband
A member of the 11th expedition known for his sociable nature and love of boating, who shared a complex relationship with the biologist.
The Crawler
The Crawler
A mysterious entity that writes on the walls and is associated with the tower within Area X.
The Lighthouse Keeper
The Lighthouse Keeper
A figure connected to the Crawler, identified by a circled face in a found photograph.
208
Novel • Fiction
Area X • Near Future
2014
Adult
18+ years
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