what an unbelievable slog of a book! i received an ARC in october from netgalley and was physically unable to make it any further than around 90 pages. between the fact that i had to read it on my laptop and that very few pieces of this book are connected in any legitimate way to the previous novels, i really struggled to finish it. this book was marketed as "tying up loose ends" but not only do i feel like no loose ends were tied up, this book doesn't contribute almost anything of substance to the series as a whole. i can appreciate that the author wanted to explore this world a bit more, but the only really interesting part was the biologist's files, and that couldve been a novella.

i hated lowry's pov more than words can describe. i understand that his character is meant to be boorish and rather unlikeable, but in order to care about a story that is being narrated by a character, you have to at connect at least a little with a character. and i did not. not only that but it felt impossible to even begin to because the writing in his chapters were disjointed. i couldn't keep track of any of the plot because it was hidden in a torrent of swears. i was also disappointed–when the tapes of the first expedition were revealed in acceptance, it felt like it would be more like annihilation. truthfully, i had to skim a lot of his section because it was just so difficult to read, but i was hoping for more freak horror weirdness and suspense. i did not find much of this.

overall disappointing and lowkey infuriating. i loved all of the other books and i wish this one had come through for me too. all i can say now is i'm glad it's over.