VanderMeer continues the trend of not writing books I dislike. I’m a fan. I like to think this takes place before Borne; it sure feels like it. An atypical woman, bodybuilder, self described as somewhat of a giantess, unable to navigate social circle and curry favour—is covertly given an envelope that starts her down a rabbit hole of eco terrorism at the same time as her life is falling apart due to similar circumstances in our lives currently: global eco deformation and climate change, refugees, and further disenfranchisement and stratification of class.

This is a fractured narrative but that’s what made it so compelling. She isn’t a likeable person to follow, but I tend to also like that. It’s lyrical and biting about social issues. It’s tense and has action at the right times, but is otherwise oratory a character study that shows how and why people, especially those on the margins, fracture. Yet they are still people of interest and substance and there are forces with interest that work to combat any eco changes. It’s a nice line this one walks. A very nice line.