Welcome to Litsy!

Magrat is keeping my lap warm as I read.

I appreciate this warning! I hate when I start to read a book and the introduction spoils me. (Plus, I know plenty of people like spoilers, so this is useful for them, too!)

I will die with maybe one-ish regret: That I never could‘ve met Ambrose Bierce. This is a short freaking story and I‘m still thinking about it. Like, I want to throw up just thinking about it. I can‘t even tell you about it because you just need to read it. Consider me genuinely spooked, man. *shudders*

Immersive, as all of the Southern Reach books have been, and confusing, but perhaps less so than the third book, this fourth book of the trilogy doesn't really do it for me. Maybe I should have re-read the first three before reading this one. Or maybe a trilogy by definition doesn't need a fourth book. That said, Bronson Pinchot does a fantastic job on the narration, especially with the f-bomb-laden last section. #tob25longlist

VanderMeer and his Southern Reach series is a study in the surreal. This installment is the ‘prequel‘. We start a point that still has anchor between Area X and the ‘lost coast‘ (Florida area, I think). We start with spies and gators and the creeping distortions of another universe. We are then transitioned into the spear provoking the events of Annihilation and beyond. Excellent. Must read other books before to fully enjoy this one.

Happy Birthday, Lynn! I hope your day is filled with all your very favourite things! 📚🎂📚🎂📚

#49bdaygiveaway

Anyone reading this has probably already read the first three Southern Reach novels and so has some idea what to expect: a trippy mind-bending story, this time set in the days before the Forgotten Coast became known as Area X. It was a fascinating read, but I have to admit the first thing I did after closing it was to find a reddit thread discussing what it all might mean. Immersive and vivid, but not a light read!

⭐️⭐️ The #SouthernReachTrilogy did not need a “surprise 4th volume.” The final section was an utterly ridiculous stream of consciousness with what felt like 2000 f-bombs. The story got lost in f*cks. Literally. Truly a bad artistic choice. Additionally, I‘m no less confused now than I was after reading the original trilogy. Unsuccessful expeditions, weird rabbits, cryptic eyes, word-writing moss. I don‘t care about Area X anymore.

Not sure if it was me or the book? It has some strong moments, especially the bunnies or the last story, but was also dry and did not engage me over long(er) periods. To me it wasn't as strong as the first three books. But at least the book itself is a beauty.
If you have read the Southern Reach trilogy you can read this book, but don't have to. If you're unfamiliar with the trilogy, I would start there first.