Originally posted to I Should Read That

I was initially very nervous about picking up Borne, despite the good reviews I had seen, because I had some trouble with VanderMeer’s best known work, Annihilation. However, I started the audiobook on a whim and ended up enjoying it!

Borne is much more accessible than Annihilation was, but still has the signature ‘weird’ factor that VanderMeer’s books seem to have. It is extremely well-written and not in the strange, lyrical style that I had so much trouble with. Although there isn’t much of a plot, Borne is a pretty easy science fiction/post apocalyptic read. I really loved the world that the book is set in — the imagery is so incredibly strong and he does a great job of setting up the desperation and devastation of the people living in the city. It is bizarre and wonderful and I could read many more books set in this world.

While the world building is the book’s strongest point, I just didn’t connect strongly with most of the characters. Rachael, our narrator, is a fine protagonist and I enjoyed her point of view, but she isn’t really someone who sticks in my mind. Wick, her partner, is similar — interesting enough while you’re reading the book, but doesn’t make a lasting impression. Borne himself, however, is absolutely marvelous. I think this is due in part to the audiobook narrator’s voicing of the character, she totally brought him to life. Sweet and innocent, but also kind of terrifying, Borne himself was a delight.

I really enjoyed this one and am planning to move onto the second book, Dead Astronauts soon!