Length 336 pages
Format hardcover
Published 2017
Series Standalone
My Copy I bought it
I wasn't sure I was going to like Borne early on. The setting is clearly post extension level event (ELE) and the characters; two scavengers who live off odd and difficult-to-imagine biotech / hybrid organic/man-made food gave little away by means of personality or purpose (other than to eat enough to make it through to the next day).
Then there's the huge flying bear described as being three stories tall that roams the skies and decimates the landscape when it lands by the name of Mord - a creation of an elusive though often referenced 'Company' which is hard to imagine and harder swallow with any degree of plausibility.
Lastly, there's Borne. He/she/it is something altogether different and highly imaginative; I'm thinking a blob-like entity but more colorful and personable. Borne doesn't do a lot early on.
So with that opening I wasn't sure if I was into the book. But this is Jeff VanderMeer and his books haven't let me down previously so I read on - and I'm glad I did as this is one heck of a read that really pulls on the readers heartstrings and slowly evolves into something completely different from what I was expecting.
Borne is a deeply driven character story that uses a post ELE setting to its advantage; not only as a means to introduce weird creatures but also to convey a struggle that has the reader rooting for the leading characters. There's great character development and some real emotion written into the interactions between Rachel and Borne which often set the plot spiraling in another direction.
My rating: 5/5 stars - I highly recommend reading Borne, it's one of my best finds of 2017.
You can read my reviews of the Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer by clicking on the below links:
Review: ANNIHILATION by Jeff VanderMeer (book 1)
Review: AUTHORITY by Jeff VanderMeer (book 2)
Review: ACCEPTANCE by Jeff VanderMeer (book 3)
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