Authority (The Southern Reach Trilogy)

by Jeff VanderMeer

Published Feb. 14, 2001 by Fourth Estate Ltd.

ISBN:: 978-0-00-813911-7

(17 reviews)

For thirty years, a secret agency called the Southern Reach has monitored expeditions into Area X, a remote and lush terrain mysteriously sequestered from civilization. After the twelfth expedition, the Southern Reach is in disarray, and John Rodriguez is the team's newly appointed head. From a series of interrogations, a cache of hidden notes, and more than two hundred hours of profoundly troubling video footage, the secrets of Area X begin to reveal themselves.

7 editions

sifuCJC reviewed Authority by Jeff VanderMeer (FSG originals)

A respite, then a continuation

3 stars

I was definitely engaged in the beginning. The confusing nature of the first book gave emotion to the investigation of Area X. This second book also ended well, a nice cliff-hanger toward the final story. But in the middle I got lost twice.

In plot, you can have confusing or dream-like parts. Similarly in the text, you can get poetic. VanderMeer tries both at the same time, walking a thin line. Of course I think this is done on purpose, mirroring the border line of Area X, amorphous and drifting. But when I as a reader cross it, this means I have lost communication. I then have to skim past words until I can pick up the narrative again.

I will continue on to see how the trilogy ends though.