On an Earth that is a desert wasteland ravaged by climate change, the city of Veniss persists, and Nicholas, an aspiring, struggling Artist, makes a fateful trip to the maverick biotech Quin that has far-reaching consequences for his family and Veniss itself, as the oppressed begin to revolt. 10,000 first printing.
"The first novel (originally published in 2003) by Jeff VanderMeer, author of Annihilation, including approximately 50,000 words of new material exclusive to this edition"--
From the New York Times bestselling author of Annihilation, Jeff VanderMeers first novel, Veniss Underground, takes readers on a journey to a labyrinthine city of tunnels, and the dangers lurking behind each turn. This special hardcover edition features five bonus stories from the Veniss universe, including the novella Balzacs War.
In a dark and decadent far future, the city of Veniss persists beside a dead ocean. Earth has become a desert wasteland ravaged by climate change. Veniss endures on the strength of its innovative tech of almost Boschian intensity, but at what cost? Where does the line between made creature and person lie?
Against this backdrop, Veniss Underground spins the tale of Nicholas, an aspiring, struggling Artist; his twin sister, Nicola; and Shadrach, Nicolas former lover. A fateful trip by Nicholas to the maverick biotech Quin will have far-reaching consequences for all threeand for the fate of Veniss itself, as insurrection stirs and the oppressed begin to revolt.
Veniss Underground is Jeff VanderMeers first novel, a spectacular surreal foray into a world as influenced by Alejandro Jodorowsky as by Ursula K. Le Guin. Readers of VanderMeers later work will be enchanted and horrified by the marvels within, including the authors signature fascination with the nonhuman and the environment. By turns beautiful and powerful, Veniss Underground explores the limits of love, memory, and obsession against a backdrop of betrayal and biological mutation.
This reissue includes a new introduction by the National Book Awardwinning author Charles Yu and five bonus stories from Jeff VanderMeer.