This is a really excellent book which perfectly ends the wonderfully unique and gripping Southern Reach trilogy. Told from the viewpoints of several different characters, it reveals the origins of Area X and more fascinating backstory about the main characters. Secrets are revealed and many different threads are brought together to finally answer the many questions from the previous two parts. It's a riveting read, and like the first two books, utterly addictive and haunting. If you are looking for a richly detailed, epic sci-fi story with lots of mystery, then get the Southern Reach trilogy as you will not be disappointed. It's sci-fi/fantasy like you've never read.

A fantastic final instalment in an amazing trilogy. I don't usually read science fiction but this has had me gripped from page one of book one. Apart from the wild sci-fi and moments of dark horror, the characters are so well drawn and engaging and the writing is beautiful. Loved this.

A solid final book to the trilogy of Area X by VanderMeer and a return to form after the slightly disappointing Authority. The lack of closure and 'this is what is what it really all was' idea was very satisfying; the fact that Area X is never fully explained is far more entertaining and poignant than a typical 'Hollywood ending'. VanderMeer's writing style continued to entertain me; the first person viewpoint of the Director's story was a great addition and I really enjoyed the Lighthouse Keeper's POV too; his gradual succumbing and eye witness account of Area X's encroachment was captivating and probably the best story of all three books. The Southern Reach Trilogy is a great, refreshing Sci-Fi tale that leaves the reader feeling truly spooked and as desperate to know about Area X as much as the characters themselves were. Apart from the slight meandering of the second novel, it's a must read for Sci-Fi fans