I read the series and have absolutely no recollection of any of it. Not even the genre, much less the plot.

Wow. I was checking this book out the other day and this thread has made me want to run out and buy it lol.

Was that just for the Baroque Trilogy or all spent on Anathem?

Maybe this is the norm for most copies but my copy has endnotes which explain a lot of older references, Bibilical references and archaic words and phrases. I just finished the book yesterday and it is my new favourite (10/10 for me!) and the endnotes were so helpful.

Underskirt, overskirt, chemise, petticoats, there was no central heating, and this is how people survived, by wearing layers. There are some great videos by reenactors on how people dressed in the 19th century on youtube.

I might be in the minority here, but I really enjoyed the sequels.

Authority is less sci-fi and more of a Paranoid Thriller.

I found Acceptance emotionally moving.

No problem: enjoy!

It's rare for a book to get its hooks into my brain so deep, so fast, but Wool had me by page 2 and I absolutely devoured the series in a few days. Such an exciting and rewarding read.

Nice I got the box set

I just saw someone asking for help trying to remember what this book was maybe a week or so ago in this sub, and it prompted me to pick it up.

Finished Wool and Shift so far, just starting Dust. Fantastic series so far, I'm a huge fan of post-apocalyptic novels but the perspective of this one is uncommon and a nice change of pace from the usual fare.

That series is amazing! You’re in for a treat if you choose to read the other two!

You should definitely keep reading them. Authority is much more of a slow burn, but it's still an enjoyable novel as the mystery deepens. Acceptance ties certain aspects of the story together, but nothing about Area X is over explained.

I really enjoyed the trilogy as a whole, as do the half dozen or so people I've recommended the series to. Made me a huge Jeff VanderMeer fan. His ability to shift his style and narrative techniques is incredibly impressive. Is the first book the best of the series? Yes, but the other two stand on their own merits quite well if you ask me.

I really liked the series. Some really great plot twists as you delve deeper into the storyline.

I loved these books. My friend recommended them to me a few years ago. I read all three in a week, I just couldn't put them down.

I am excited for the Apple TV+ show too, I really hope they do a good job with it.

Oh, agreed on that. Always need a palate cleanser sometimes.

It isn’t rocket science, but I just spent an entire year reading Neal Stephenson, so a page-turner was very welcome.

I’ve read the series years ago. I would say they’re not bad but certainty not up there with some of my favorites. 6/10.

> I guess im afraid somewhat of Authority and Acceptance over explaining all the mystery and ambiguity that i loved about Annihilation, and in such a clinical way that robs you of the awe and wonder it left.

You may have some problems with Authority and Acceptance, but this will absolutely not be one of them.

It can actually be done in minutes, provided you're used to it. And the most fastidious details were usually only for the most well off, so if you're a working class woman you won't need a maid to dress you :)

There are a lot of videos on youtube dispelling the myth of how difficult it was to actually put on and live in these clothes. Obviously it's more fuss that a t-shirt and jeans, but not all that much!

From my perspective: First book leaves you only with questions. Second book gives one or two answers and add another bunch of questions. Third book gives some more answers and leave a lot of unanswered questions.

Honestly, I loved all three, and I enjoyed exploring Area X and it's history from different characters' perspective. I know a lot of people felt that the quality dropped off between the first and second book. I didn't necessarily feel that way, but I can understand it.

This was exactly my experience. The second is not good, but at that point I was still so hyped and invested in the story that I breezed through it. The third however… ugh.

Yeah, agreed. I was able to get through the second book but gave up on the third. I think Annihilation really stands on its own; the sequels are a whole lot slower.

Overall I loved the Southern Reach trilogy but book 2 is one of the worse things I have ever forced myself to read. It was worth it for the end and to set up book 3 but I never, ever want to read it again.

But you’ve read the best the trilogy had to offer. Part one is far and away the best part to me and is the one I’ve re-read the most.

I always like when they pull their aprons over their heads in embarrassment (usually maids).