The first book of this trilogy is told by a (nameless) biologist. It describes an expedition to the mysterious region X. This has formed several years ago, and no one knows precisely (and more I do not want here reveal) She moves only gradually out with their backstory and otherwise the book is rather subtle. Vandermeer just manages here without big bang effects to produce a very disturbing mood (know just at the beginning, the expedition members not really know what makes them worried and nervous eiugentlich exactly). He is firmly behind "The unknown is the greatest horror" - splatter or action can not be expected here. Thus, it reminds me of the horror in The Blair Witch Project - there one knew until the last scene not know what's going on, but the whole was very creepy. Even better perhaps fits the comparison with Lovecraft: The main characters are getting crazier, the more they learn, appear without truly open horrors. I can understand if one is too subtle, but I think it's great. I know no other book that the mood of an expedition into the unknown, which somehow goes wrong, as well as captures extinction. The last book that fascinated me so, House of Leaves was that spread a similar sentiment. I'm on the other volumes curious (and I do not expect that everything is 100% is explained)!
