maybe if i had realized this was based on a podcast i would've liked it better! as it was, i felt that it meandered and i wasn't really invested in the characters or plot. i thought the plot was cool after the fact, i just didn't care much in the moment, maybe because this kind of liminal/existential horror is not among my usual reading material. i'm more for antagonists with depth and morally explored motivations, not mindless drones. 3 stars for "meh" feelings on this book!