The 5th WaveAuthor: Rick Yancey
Series: The 5th Wave #1
Published by: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.
Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.
Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.
Last year everyone went gaga over The 5th Wave. I procrastinated when it came to reading it, because I just wasn’t in the mood. But I finally did it, and now I understand why so many people love it. I’m not necessarily over the moon for it, but it is definitely a great book. I will say that the first 30% of the book was my favorite, partly because I figured out what was going on. My feelings waned a little after that, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
The 5th Wave is somewhat dark, which I love. Aliens have invaded earth, and they did not come in peace. They managed to wipe out billions of people and no one had even laid eyes on them yet. Bastards! The aliens aren’t little green men though, they’re … well, you’ll just have to find out. It’s actually pretty cool though. Different.
There are three main POVs with a couple of short ones interjected throughout, and the author pulled them off wonderfully. It really gives you a feel of what’s going on with the different characters, and their various experiences with the aliens. And then the author pulls it all together nicely.
The characters are well-developed and interesting. Cass can be such a smartass sometimes, so of course I loved her. She’s strong and determined, and manages to be badass without being over the top. I admit, though, it wasn’t love from the start for me with Evan, but he definitely grew on me. As for the other guy I won’t name, it was about the same with him too.
When Cass’s little brother gets separated from her, she is determined to get him back. The journey is dangerous and intense at times, but there’s a lot more to the story than just a girl after her brother. After all, those pesky aliens intend to finish what they started.
Overall, The 5th Wave is an exciting addition to the YA genre. I’m glad I waited to read it, because now I don’t have to wait long for the next book, The Infinite Sea.
I’m so glad you liked it. It was a great book and yes, I can’t wait to read the next book too. I was also hesistant on reading this series because Alien invasion is not my cup of tea but I’m glad I did. The changing of POV is one thing I liked. We get to see more side of the story. I want to know more about Evan and his race though. Is he ancient? How do they look like without human bodies?
I like alien type stories, but I have to be in the mood.
I really enjoyed this so I am glad to hear you liked it. Thank goodness we don’t have long to wait for book two.
But then the waiting for the 3rd book begins.
Dark and mystery read, mmmm, I think I’ll join the wave and read it 🙂
Lol – yeah, that usually catches my attention too.
Like you, I had to warm up to Evan, but I liked Cass from the start. I wasn’t too crazy about this either, but I enoyed it enough to be excited about the next book. I actually pre-ordered The Infinite Sea and I can’t wait for it to arrive.
I’ll probably still wait a little longer to read it, because I then I’ll just have to wait for the third book. 😀
I received The 5th Wave last year too but I haven’t had the chance to read it yet! Now that the movie is coming out it definitely pressures me to read it. Cass sounds like a really entertaining and strong character to love. Great review Christy!
The movie played a part in pushing me to read it, hopefully it’ll be good. I’m sure you’ll like it. 🙂
Aliens??? Okay, I’m sold. I didn’t know this was about aliens. I love alien books. And dark reads are the best IMO.
Plus, there is a movie coming out, so you need to read it before then. 😉
I remember everyone loving this book too, and was curious myself even though I never read this genre. And I’m interested in what kind of aliens we have here. So glad you enjoyed!
Well, you can read it or wait for the movie. 😉
“Last year everyone went gaga over The 5th Wave. I procrastinated when it came to reading it, because I just wasn’t in the mood.”
SAME!!!! I do want to give this one a try though, and now seems like a perfect time since book two is almost out. I think I’ll be a big fan of Cass, like you, I have a soft spot for people who can be smartasses at times because I can definitely be one myself:) Looking forward to your thoughts on The Infinite Sea Christy!
You haven’t read it yet? I’m surprised. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, Jenny.
I LOVED it, I mean, aliens. I haven’t come across that many in YA (not like these anyway), bad aliens! Especially since lately, aliens in YA are hot with powers etc, BAD ALIENS AGAIN! Whoo. Though, what I loved most about it was the back-and-forth are they really good, are they really bad? What the fucks going on? Haha, didn’t know who or what to trust at all, kept me guessing that’s for sure. I’ve been waiting over a year for The Infinite Sea, so FINALLY this month!
Heh. It’s almost here! I think I’m still going to wait longer to read it so I don’t have to wait so long for the 3rd book. 😀
This sounds good… but aliens are hit or miss with me. I think I heard of it before though. Definitely worth checking out 🙂
Yup, plus there’s a movie on the way.
I bought this when everyone was raving about it as well and then put it on hold. I don’t always love books about aliens but if you loved it (or at least liked it well enough) then I am sure I will too.
I might wait until book two comes out though and see how everyone loves that first.
Have a great weekend Christy!
I liked it a lot, and I think you would like it even more than I did. I’m definitely eager for the next book.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe that book 2 is due out soon, so I am not surprised to see The 5th Wave resurfacing after last year’s fandom. I don’t like aliens, and only recently started reading Dystopians which means that I have no plans on adding this series to my TBR, but I am glad that you enjoyed it even after so much procrastinating. Hehe 😀
I’m waiting until The Infinite Sea comes out to read this first book but I’m pretty happy I’ll be able to join in on the excitement soon!
Bastards indeed! Cagey things. I totally missed seeing this one before. Was living under a blogger rock last year I guess. lol
I really liked this one too especially the first half, and yes I agree the second half and ending were not as exciting. Still I am anxious to read the sequel.
I’ve been thinking of doing this one on audio, but I’m just not sure. I may read it instead. Oh you have reminded me I must try this series.
I am looking at this one sitting on my shelf. *hangs head in shame* I need to get reading it soon, hopefully before the second book is out. Maybe I can clone myself… Glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂
Ah yes I remember when everyone was reading this one. My co-blogger reviewed it as well but I confess I don’t remember what her feeling was… too long. But I’m glad you had a good time and you’re right it’s always the best when you don’t have to wait for the sequel.
I love how the whole time the author was telling us what the fifth wave was and yet we don’t see it until the end. That’s my favourite part. 🙂
Does it sound pretentious if I say that I knew at 30%? That’s part of why my interest fell some. I knew when they went to the camp and took her brother, but made the 100% sure note in my kindle when we first meet ‘zombie’ in the hospital after the ‘attack’ on the base.
I’ve been seeing this in IG and though I’m not a big sci-fi reader, I can’t get into aliens, I do love watching them onscreen. I will be skipping the book but I sure will watch the movie instead. I hope the adaptation does this justice
I’m not exactly a fan of aliens in my books with exception of Daemon from Lux series :), but glad it was good for you. Thanks for sharing!
I’m not a fan of books with aliens. But now, I’m broadening my horizons, and after reading your review, I think I’m gonna give this a shot. A lot of my friends also said this is a great book so I’m sold!
Well you definitely had a better experience with it than I ever did! Haha. I remember buying the hype this had last year, becoming all so excited, only to be let down so bad resulting to my ranting on a video review haha. But I’m glad you liked it! The first thirty percent was the one I liked the most too, the rest, I couldn’t care less ^^;; Still looking forward to The Infinite Sea, definitely.
Glad you enjoyed this! I loved Cass too. I wish I had waited to read it like you because I’m struggling to remember everything that happened. Maybe I should re-read before the Infinite Sea. Awesome review!