Fae's Vtuber Model next to the cover of Absolution by Jeff Vandermeer
If ever there were a series I would want other people to theorize or do a deep dive on it would be the Southern Reach novels. The Area X books are some of my favorite entries in cosmic/eco-horror. I didn't ever think we would ever get another addition, and it sounded like Jeff VandeerMeer didn't either but thankfully here we are.
If you're hoping this provides clear cut reason for why/how Area X became the way it is you might be disappointed. In some ways Absolution presents more questions than answers, all trapped behind the red tape at Central, but it's a facet of the world that I still enjoy. Like his other works, this story demands your attention. The Lowry section can be a bit of a slog to get through, but it also provides some of the more horrific encounters within Area X that I find particularly fun to read. I don't know if we'll ever get another entry into this series, or if we even need one, but I was glad to be a part of it. 4/5
I wasn't sure the #southernreach trilogy needed another story but I'm glad we have one! Absolution may not be everyone's cup of tea- its three stories vary in tone/horror/absurdism but I love this series with my whole heart. I also got my copy signed so I may be a bit biased. #bookreview