Authority: A Novel (10th Anniversary Edition)

This is a prime example of a great bridge novel between the first and 2nd.The main character, known to his peers as Control brings a lot of depth to the "interrogation" of the biologist. He provides a much needed insight into the Southern Reach, the station who sends out the expeditions into Area X as well as a great soundboard for the biologist to interpret what she experienced in the first novel to an outsider. Jeff Vandermeer writes a very compelling world of underhanded interactions, oddly disjointed relationships, and a mystery woven with existential dread and horror. A great read and continuation to the first novel.