Annihilation has been an unsolvable mystery. The uncountable scientists that went into Area X either died, or they were absorbed by the terrifying conundrum. It remained impenetrable from the outsider's perspective of Southern Reach, the governmental research facility located at the outskirts of the zone. After decades the haunting presence has been clouded in secrecy as the too out-there facts have been covered up by whoever might really be in charge.

In the beginning it looks as if we know. A man fittingly called Control takes up the position as director of the aging institute. However, he quickly learns that he has very little actual authority over his staff. Not everyone is as hostile towards him as his assistant director, yet there is no support or intelligence as to where to go from there. And the data poses as much confusion about the area as it does about the individuals currently or previously working in the facility.

For the most part the novel reads as much like espionage fiction as it concerns itself with the mysteries explored in the first novel. In fact, there is very little new information. Instead, facts are re-discovered in different guises and re-evaluated by new theories. Aliens rarely figure in those reflections. If a truth is out there, there are forces at work that control how it would be revealed.

So, if you came back to the series for answers you might be disappointed. The depressing state of the project actively deprives you of all hope. Although not necessarily an appealing figure (or interesting in his own right), its only the protagonist's determination that pulls through the sluggish motion all around him. By the end, internal discoveries do relate to what happens within Area X, only before the status quo is thoroughly shaken.

It's not exactly an exhilarating read. I'm sure the book has been compared to Kafka, in that Control's attempts to deal with his staff can assume almost absurd features. Frankly, maybe it's even lacking some substance. Still, if you are in the mood for something dark, the novel's thick atmosphere will sure be fully immersive. It might not quite be The Road or anything, but be prepared for this to properly drain your energy.

Southern Reach is a microcosm capable to send shivers down your spine, as much as Area X did in Annihilation.

Rating: 3.5/5