I want to start by saying this was enjoyable and I really liked the overall concept and vision of the book, and what I'm about to say has no bearing on the book itself since it's not the books fault I am attaching this memory to it.

With that said: It reminded me a lot of the book/movie "Annihilation" (they are not the same, just similar in a few aspects) and that movie haunts me to my CORE. Did I still really love this book and can't wait for the sequel: 10000%. The characters are all likeable, albeit mysterious. I'm not sure I care at all about the Kal x Auri attraction, but we will see where the sequel takes us.