logo

51 pages 1 hour read

Authority: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jeff VanderMeer

Authority

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

341

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern Reach Facility • Contemporary

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Authority, the second book in Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach trilogy, John "Control" Rodriguez becomes the new director of the Southern Reach, a government facility studying the mysterious and dangerous Area X in Florida. Control struggles to understand the anomaly through files, interviews, and confrontations with an uncooperative colleague and the enigmatic survivor "Ghost Bird," while grappling with his own deteriorating mental state as Area X's influence spreads.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.8

99,612 ratings

55%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jeff VanderMeer’s Authority captivates with its intricate atmosphere and deep psychological tension, continuing the mysteries of the Southern Reach trilogy. Praise highlights its eerie, immersive quality and complex, introspective characters. Critiques focus on its slower pacing and occasionally convoluted narrative, which some find less engaging than its predecessor, Annihilation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Authority?

Authority by Jeff VanderMeer appeals to readers who enjoy immersive, mind-bending tales that blend science fiction and psychological thriller elements. Similar to fans of House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski and Annihilation by VanderMeer himself, these readers crave complex narratives with eerie, atmospheric settings.

3.8

99,612 ratings

55%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

John Rodriguez (Control)

The thoughtful, observant narrator and protagonist, also known by his nickname "Control," is a director at the Southern Reach who is tasked with solving the mystery of Area X. He struggles with his need for authority and self-control while navigating complex relationships and challenges.

A highly intelligent and concise character who serves as both a catalyst for change and possible ally for Control. She is a duplicate of a human with her own distinct personality and desires to understand her identity.

The clever and persistent assistant director at the Southern Reach who often opposes Control. She is deeply loyal to the former director and has her own views on the nature of Area X.

Book Details
Pages

341

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern Reach Facility • Contemporary

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.