Questions About Borne (Borne, #1)

by Jeff Vandermeer (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (15)

I really liked Annihilation but not so much the other books in the Southern Reach Trilogy. Do you think I will like this book?

Jess Disclaimer: I'm only halfway through Borne. But in terms of writing style and the book's characteristics so far, I think you will. I loved all three S…moreDisclaimer: I'm only halfway through Borne. But in terms of writing style and the book's characteristics so far, I think you will. I loved all three Southern Reach books, but Annihilation is my favorite. Borne is written from a first person perspective and VanderMeer has a good grasp of writing in the female voice, which I felt was evident in annihilation. Borne's a complex character, but VanderMeer does a good job of describing him, and he also develops the human relationships as much as he does the action and drama of the science. I also feel that Borne holds a clarity in writing style that the Southern Reach books lacked. I read a chunk of the ending, and there seems to also be resolution, which is a trait that the Southern Reach trilogy definitely lacked. Hope you'll give it a shot!(less)

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The GoodReads synopsis reminds me of China Miéville's Perdido Street Station - that corrupt and conflicting behemoth of a city; a creature grown that may be a threat (the moth larvae in Perdido); illicit biotech business (moth's dreams and the drug in Perdido). Is it similar or different? I really disliked Perdido Street Station.

Naomi Not much similarity between Borne and Perdido Street Station except they are both dystopias with biological hazard themes and populations struggling f…moreNot much similarity between Borne and Perdido Street Station except they are both dystopias with biological hazard themes and populations struggling for survival. Mieville's fantasies are rife with senseless cruelty (the remade) and have stock characters that are difficult to empathize with. Borne is set in a very grim , destroyed civilization, but the characters are more sympathetic. (less)

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Daniel Klava

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If one thought Annihilation was a good idea but a terribly written book, might one like this book? Is the writing any less clunky, more polished?

Jessica I'll break the silence although I am only halfway through. I think the writing is MUCH better. Or maybe it's just simpler. I liked Annihilation, thoug…moreI'll break the silence although I am only halfway through. I think the writing is MUCH better. Or maybe it's just simpler. I liked Annihilation, thought Authority was okay and just outright did not like Acceptance. Part of my complaint was how VanderMeer's writing became more chaotic as the story became more chaotic. (I get the literary point, but it didn't make for great reading.) With Borne, at least so far, the story has been been straight forward both in narrative and in description. I have a real sense of the landscape and the creatures. The emotional life of the main character is pretty fleshed out, too. There are definitely secrets and mysteries and the story is compelling, but the writing is not nearly as esoteric as the Trilogy. I don't know if that makes it "more polished" but it is without a doubt an easier read. (less)

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Yona I always assumed it happened by accident! After all, Mord is known for smashing his way through any- and everything in his path. It seems like it was …moreI always assumed it happened by accident! After all, Mord is known for smashing his way through any- and everything in his path. It seems like it was inevitable that he'd pick up a, uh, passenger or two eventually.(less)

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