I really really loved this book, but I will say—I don’t think it would have been nearly as enjoyable if I hadn’t watched the movie. When I saw the movie, I was blown away by the creativity and uniqueness of the world within Area X (or, “the shimmer”).

The book doesn’t follow the same storyline as the movie, but it still scratched that itch for me with the weirdness and creativity of not-quite-right creatures and plants. It might have been more difficult for me to follow or become as invested if I wasn’t already in love with the world—the writing can get kind of abstract and overly descriptive. But overall, I loved it, and really want to read the next books.