The 5th Wave

Starred review from February 25, 2013
Yancey makes a dramatic 180 from the intellectual horror of his Monstrumologist books to open a gripping SF trilogy about an Earth decimated by an alien invasion. The author fully embraces the genre, while resisting its more sensational tendencies (rest assured, though, there are firefights and explosions aplenty). A rare survivor of the invasion, 16-year-old Cassie, armed with an M16 rifle and her younger brother’s teddy bear, is trying to reunite with her brother and escape the “Silencer” (assassin) trying to kill her. Meanwhile, 17-year-old “Zombie,” an unwitting military recruit, is facing a crisis of conscience. The story’s biggest twists aren’t really surprises; the hints are there for readers to see. Yancey is more interested in examining how these world-shaking revelations affect characters who barely recognize what their lives have become. As in the Monstrumologist series, the question of what it means to be human is at the forefront—in the words of cartoonist Walt Kelly, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” It’s a book that targets a broad commercial audience, and Yancey’s aim is every bit as good as Cassie’s. Ages 14–up. Agent: Brian DeFiore, DeFiore and Co.

If you get confused about who the good guys are in this story, don't worry. It's all explained in the end. The feeling of uncertainty is part of the plan to make listeners experience the horror of living in a world in which aliens have killed 93 percent of humanity--and are still hunting the remaining survivors. It's an effective tool, and listeners won't guess the ending or major developments, which adds to the pleasure. Brandon Espinoza and Phoebe Strole deliver the novel, with Espinoza taking the chapters narrated by a mystery man and Strole taking those narrated by a young female. As Cassie, a girl searching for her missing brother, Strole is particularly convincing. The emotion in her voice is a stark contrast to the lack of emotion in the voice of her savior. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine


bibliophile - Cassiopeia is a beautiful queen (but very narcissistic) who was set up in the heavens by Poseidon (cough cough Percy Jackson's dad) to become a constellation after boasting too much. Even though Cassie is named after Cassiopeia, Cassie isn't quite vain... in fact, she is quite intellectual, and you'll learn to love her. I think that girl heroes are awesome... Like the Divergent series... well Tris can really kick butt... and that's the same thing with Cassie... Girls can fight like guys... or maybe even better (now I'm not insulting the guys... I'm just simply stating the truth... okay.. just kidding XD... guys and girls are all awesome)... Anyways... As a teenager (Cassie) thinks about what teenagers normally think about... "OMG, did you see that cute guy!!!" or maybe "I hope I do well on that pop quiz that Mr. Daniels gave me" (now all of these scenarios are stereotypes, so don't take them personally)... but it shows that teenagers don't think about their own death... or even when the world is going to be abducted by aliens... So once the plane came crashing down during school... you can see how everything played out... a hot mess... the first wave came, then the second wave, the third wave, and the fourth wave.. while all the survivors are anxiously waiting for the fifth wave... After these four waves... Cassie becomes tired of running away... her mom passed away from an illness while her father is murdered right in front of Cassie's eyes! After the soldiers, who they say they are, take all the children... including Nugget (Sam, Cassie's adorable younger brother)... Cassie and Evan decides to take their plan in their own hands... There comes a time with many sacrifices.. and this is the time... Cassie must battle through this horrendous generation and help rescue her brother by passing through all these complex technology... but can she trust Evan... Who is Evan??? Will Cassie ever find Sam??? Or will he be lost like the other children??? Well to answer these questions... you must read this amazing book to find out... So i really liked this book... it had me hooked to the beginning and end.... there is no part in the book that'll make you feel bored... because the author makes this book so realistic (I know the end of the world... but the author really pulls you in) that it's like your like Cassie's shadow, taking in part of this journey... And one tiny warning... do not pronounce Cassie like Cass- ee- oh- PEE- a... it drives her crazy... But if you want adventure and suspense leading you on every page... this book is perfect for you!