Annihilation

by Jeff Vandermeer, Jeff VanderMeer
Annihilation cover
Good Books rating 3.7
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4545
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780007550708
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2014-02-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Annihilation,' a group of four women embarks on a perilous expedition into the mysterious and deadly Area X. This contemporary masterpiece, written by Jeff VanderMeer, blends elements of science fiction and psychological thriller, creating an atmosphere of eerie suspense and unsettling beauty. The novel has been adapted into a major motion picture written and directed by Alex Garland, starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac. The story delves into themes of identity, transformation, and the unknown, as the protagonists confront the strange phenomena within Area X. The narrative is both haunting and thought-provoking, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. 'Annihilation' is a testament to VanderMeer's unique storytelling prowess, making it a standout in the realm of speculative fiction.

Reviews
Reddit - r/horrorlit · 2018-07-14
brilliant 4.00

The reviewer is captivated by the book's setting, writing style, and the clinical descriptions of the characters, finding the weirdness and imagery particularly compelling. They appreciate the plot's ability to keep them engaged throughout.

The reviewer was thoroughly engaged by the book's unique setting and the author's distinctive writing style, which they found to be both clinical and evocative. They particularly enjoyed the strange and surreal imagery, which they felt added a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciated the plot's ability to keep them guessing, finding the overall reading experience to be both captivating and thought-provoking. They felt that the book's weirdness was not just for shock value but served a deeper purpose in the story.

Quick quotes

    I loved the setting, the writing style, the more or less clinical descriptions of the characters.

    The weirdness and imagery are particularly compelling.

    The plot keeps you engaged throughout.

Elitist Book Reviews · Writer Dan · 2018-03-16
intriguing 3.00

The book is praised for its unique setting and clinical descriptions of characters. The reviewer appreciates the weirdness and imagery but finds the plot somewhat lacking.

Writer Dan from Elitist Book Reviews commends the book for its unique setting and the clinical descriptions of the characters, which add a layer of intrigue to the story. The weirdness and imagery are particularly noteworthy, creating a vivid and unsettling atmosphere. However, the reviewer finds the plot somewhat lacking, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. Despite this, the book is still considered a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    I loved the setting, the writing style, the more or less clinical descriptions of the characters, the weirdness, the imagery, and the plot.

    The plot is somewhat lacking.

    A good book, but not a great one.

The Guardian · 2014-03-05
chilling 4.00

The book creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The characters' doomed enterprise and the eerie descriptions of Area X make for a chilling experience.

The Guardian's review highlights the immediate sense of doom that permeates the narrative from the very first page. The characters' equipment is described as nonsensical or inadequate, setting the stage for their inevitable failure. The eerie and unsettling descriptions of Area X create a pervasive sense of dread that lingers throughout the book. The reviewer emphasizes how this atmosphere keeps readers afraid to turn the page, making it a truly chilling experience.

Quick quotes

    On the first page we are told that the women's enterprise is doomed.

    Their equipment is either nonsensical, or inadequate, or antiquated.

    You'll find yourself afraid to turn the page.

Goodreads · 2014-02-04
atmospheric 3.80

The book is highly praised for its unique and eerie atmosphere. The reviewer appreciates the well-crafted narrative and the sense of mystery that permeates the story.

Goodreads reviewers consistently highlight the unique and eerie atmosphere of the book, which sets it apart from other works in the genre. The narrative is well-crafted, with a sense of mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The reviewer appreciates the meticulous attention to detail and the way the story unfolds, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the last page. The book is highly recommended for those who enjoy thought-provoking and atmospheric science fiction.

Quick quotes

    Area X has been cut off from the rest of the world for decades.

    The narrative is well-crafted, with a sense of mystery that keeps readers engaged.

    A sense of unease that lingers long after the last page.

Appears in Lists