Quickies:
A thrilling post-apocalypse finale and a YA contemporary dud.
The Last StarAuthor: Rick Yancey
Series: The 5th Wave #3
Published by: Penguin
Publication Date: May 24, 2016
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Ben Yannette, Phoebe Strole
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
We’re here, then we’re gone, and that was true before they came. That’s always been true. The Others didn’t invent death; they just perfected it. Gave death a face to put back in our face, because they knew that was the only way to crush us. It won’t end on any continent or ocean, no mountain or plain, jungle or desert. It will end where it began, where it had been from the beginning, on the battlefield of the last beating human heart.
The end has come!
The Last Star picks up soon after the events of The Infinity Sea. I had to go back and reread the last few chapters of The Infinity Sea to refresh my memory, because I was having a difficult time getting back into it and remembering just what the hell is going on. But it didn’t take long for everything to come rushing back, and for me to remember the reservations I had about the direction the story seemed to be going.
Turns out The Last Star is a worthy finale and did the story justice. There’s action, twists and turns, heartbreak, and perseverance. The big question is who will be left standing, if anyone at all. I’m really pleased with the outcome, especially one certain aspect of it. I even wanted to high five Yancey at the end.
I read the first two books in the trilogy, but decided to go the audio route with The Last Star. Both narrators did a great job. I was worried about all the different perspectives, but it was super easy to distinguish them from each other.
So yeah, I enjoyed the entire trilogy.
Even If the Sky FallsAuthor: Mia Garcia
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: May 10, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 304
One midsummer night. Two strangers. Three rules: No real names. No baggage. No phones. A whirlwind twenty-four-hour romance about discovering what it means to feel alive in the face of one of life’s greatest dangers: love.
Who would you be if you had one night to be anyone you want?
Volunteering in New Orleans was supposed to be a change, an escape from the total mess Julie left at home and from her brother’s losing battle with PTSD. But building houses surrounded by her super-clingy team leader and her way-too-chipper companions has Julie feeling more trapped than ever. And she’s had enough.
In a moment of daring, Julie runs away, straight into the glitter, costumes, and chaos of the Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade—and instantly connects with Miles, an utterly irresistible musician with a captivating smile and a complicated story of his own. And for once, Julie isn’t looking back. Together Julie and Miles decide to forget their problems and live this one night in the here and now. Wandering the night, they dance on roofs, indulge in beignets, share secrets and ghost stories under the stars, and fall in love. But when a Category Two hurricane changes course and heads straight for NOLA, their adventure takes an unexpected turn. And, suddenly, pretending everything is fine is no longer an option.
What to say … I thought I would actually like this. Go figure. I mean, it has its moments, but it mostly just fell flat. Usually I’m drawn to characters like Julie and connect with them when others don’t, but that didn’t happen here. I get what she was going through, but it all felt so superficial. There was little depth, and she was pretty annoying.
There were a couple of bright spots. I loved the atmosphere of the festival in NOLA and the incoming hurricane. I also enjoyed the boys. I wish there had been more interaction and time spent with Mile’s friends.
That’s it. That’s all I have.
I watched the 5th W movie but they are not making more…but read more..eh
Yaaaay… then poo.
Glad the last book was good for you. I feel like final books in trilogies always seem to disappoint me. I have heard not so great things about the other one so yeah.
Still need to catch up with The Infinite Sea, so I think I’m good in that regards. You’re right the second book sounded like something I could enjoy too. But boo. I don’t think I can handle her insipidness.
I dropped the ball on Yancy and haven’t grabbed this one yet. Hmm, audio sounds good. Total bummer about Even If the Sky Falls.
Yay for the ending of the first being good despite your reservations going into it. Sorry the second story fell flat though. It seems more often than not anymore, that whole genre does that for me. It’s been hard trying to pick anything up in it.
I liked THE FIFTH WAVE, but I would probably have to go back and re-read it before moving on with the series. I’m glad you think the other books are worth reading, though. I’ll get to them eventually!
I’ve really been meaning to read the 5th Wave books but I keep pushing them off. I think I will just listen to them on audio. The cover for EVEN IF THE SKY FALLS is gorgeous!
I’m so sorry to hear about Even If The Sky Falls as it sounds like it held such promise and what a beautiful cover as well! I just finished reading The Last Star too and still not sure how I feel about it. I loved the last quarter and feel like the choice the author made really added to the overall urgency of the storyline (trying not to give anything away to people who haven’t read it yet) but it felt really slow to start for me and after book two being a bit lackluster where Cassie was concerned, I wish it was a little more action packed. Do you think there could be a spin off from how it ended though for one of the characters? Awesome reviews Christy, really enjoyed them <3
I’ve yet to finish the second book. It was slow going and I kind of lost interest,. I’ll pick it back up and finish so I can start the third one. The other books isn’t something I’ll probably try, especially as it fell short for you.
I need to pick up The Last Satr ASAP and see how it all ends:)
I still haven’t seen the 5th Wave movie nor read the books. Looks like I really need to pick them up, especially since they are all out now!
Oh and it sucks when you find the heroine annoying. Too bad that happened here for you. Brilly reviews!
After not enjoying the 5th Wave book, I don’t know whether I’ll continue with the series. It sounds like it was a really strong finale though as you said! The 2nd book sounds like it fell flat definitely, even if the cover is beautiful. Lovely reviews Christy!
I was expecting to love EItSF and I didn’t. I totally agree on the story falling flat and not having any depth. It had potential, though. Hopefully, the author’s following book is better.
Excited to read The Last Star soon! I’ve read similar thoughts on EITSF, so I’ll probably not even go there.
Now that I know The Last Star was a good ending, time to read the whole series at once. Thanks for doing the dirty work.
I’m glad that you enjoyed The Last Star Christy, on audio too! Sounds like the ending wrapped up well.
A shame Even If the Sky Falls fell flat for you!