The 5th Wave definitely opens with a bang. I've heard it compared to Justin Cronin's The Passage - and I can see where people see that similarity. Much like in The Passage, The 5th Wave has dual POVs among multiple characters that seem to have nothing to do with each until it all comes together late in the book. For the first few chapters, I was completely captivated. Cassie's descriptions of the world and how it has all but ended were haunting. The way she described the desperation and desolation that the remaining humans faced was so realistic, it often had me feeling a little desperate myself.
Cassie was a strong character. Early in the story, she makes some decisions that are questionable - but she's still a relatable character. In fact, one of the greatest things about the characters in this story are the ways in which they are all so realistically flawed. They struggle, they make mistakes, they will drive you crazy - but they'll also come to feel like your friends. As though you're right there with them, one of the very last surviving humans on Earth waiting for The Others to finish it off once and for all.
Unfortunately, the pacing in The 5th Wave disappointed. Even though it had a kick-butt start, the dual-POVs and excess of details really slowed down the action for a huge middle chunk of it. Huge amounts of The 5th Wave take place in the character's minds and memories, which is all well and good, except that it hindered the action. Although it all did pick up by the end, I'm not sure it fully made up for all the time I felt I had invested in the backstory and build-up. I'd be interested to read upcoming books in this series, now that the lion's share of the world and character building have been laid out.
Be warned, The 5th Wave ends suddenly. This is even more so accented by the fact that the last 30-some pages of the book are actually a preview of another Rick Yancey title. Nothing wrong with that in theory, except that it made the ending feel that much more stunted and unexpected.
Oooh nice review!! I still have to read this one! I have read lots of stunning reviews on it. A few mention the slow pacing and a few had issues with the dual POV. But I still think it sounds like an intriguing read! One I hope to read one of these days!!
ReplyDeleteOnce again fab review!