Annihilation, written by Jeff VanderMeer, is the first book in the Southern Reach Trilogy. It tells the story of an expedition into a mysterious and dangerous area known as Area X. The protagonist, a biologist, joins a team of scientists to uncover the secrets of the alien artifact that has transformed the landscape and threatens to consume everything in its path. Annihilation is a haunting and atmospheric novel that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and mystery.