Title: A Journey into the Unknown: My Thoughts on Swallowed by Meg Smitherman
When I first stumbled upon Swallowed, I was instantly captivated by the promise of a hauntingly beautiful exploration of a new planet, beautifully penned by Meg Smitherman. The premise of a broken Earth contrasted with the alluring mysteries of a living, breathing alternative world beckoned to me—could this be the adventure I’d been craving?
As I delved into the narrative, I found myself enchanted by Jill Jones, the determined botanist yearning to uncover the Planet’s secrets. Her conviction that this lush, perfect terrain could be humanity’s salvation struck a chord in me, a reminder of our hopeful yearning for a better future. The tension mounts swiftly as Jill’s team encounters increasingly disconcerting phenomena, not to mention the chilling disappearances of her colleagues. I felt a palpable dread along with her, a sense of urgency tinged with paranoia that kept me turning the pages.
Smitherman’s writing is nothing short of poetic. Her intentional use of language paints vivid pictures of the Planet’s flora and fauna, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that can only be described as psychedelic. I was often left breathless by her metaphors, as if I were experiencing the Planet’s beauty and horror alongside Jill. The pacing struck me as masterful; it balanced tension with moments of introspection seamlessly. I felt like I was stumbling through the labyrinth of both the Planet’s surface and Jill’s psyche, edged on by whispers of danger that felt as real as the love blossoming between her and Ben, an equally compelling character.
There were moments of electric tension that felt almost skin-crawling in their intimacy—like when Jill begins to sense the Planet affecting her mind. One line that stayed with me was Jill’s reflection, “The flora here seems sentient,” which carried an eerie blend of allure and foreboding. It was through such intimate glimpses into Jill’s thoughts that I found the perfect blend of science fiction and psychological horror, a resonance that echoes in my mind long after the last page.
While readers have varied opinions—some appreciating the depth and relationships, while others hoped for more fleshed-out character backstories—I found that the book’s brevity worked in its favor. The succinct narrative was notably impactful, allowing for a rapid immersion into this lush yet dangerous world. It felt like a haunting dream, one that invites you in but leaves you bewildered while you try to navigate its twists.
I highly recommend Swallowed to fans of speculative fiction who appreciate a blend of science fiction, horror, and romance. If you enjoy stories that explore the edges of human emotion amidst cosmic uncertainties, this novella will resonate deeply with you. It left me pondering not just the fate of Jill and her team, but our own connection to the Earth and beyond. A breathtaking journey, both thrilling and unsettling, it’s a tale you won’t soon forget—just don’t be surprised if you start eyeing your houseplants a little differently afterward.