The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave, #1) in Audiobook Junkies

Apr 24, 2013 ☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When I read the synopsis and saw “The Passage meets Ender’s Game” I knew I had to read Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave. I am not familiar with Ender’s Game but I am a huge fan of Cronin’s epic novel The Passage. This was an outstanding dystopian that gave me chills with characters I couldn't help but root for. At almost five hundred pages I quickly consumed this as I slipped into Yancey’s world. Three word review: epic, believable, genius.

The prologue set in 1995, gave me chills and immediately drew When I read the synopsis and saw “The Passage meets Ender’s Game” I knew I had to read Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave. I am not familiar with Ender’s Game but I am a huge fan of Cronin’s epic novel The Passage. This was an outstanding dystopian that gave me chills with characters I couldn't help but root for. At almost five hundred pages I quickly consumed this as I slipped into Yancey’s world. Three word review: epic, believable, genius.

The prologue set in 1995, gave me chills and immediately drew me into the story. Fast forward to present day when the planet is attacked. Through Cassie we get an account of the events that occurred leading up to the 5th Wave and here our journey with Cassie begins. When her little brother is separated from her she vows to find him. To survive she trust no one that is until she meets Evan Walker. To fulfill her promise, she may just need to take a chance and the tale that unfolds left me breathless.

I love mankind's ability to lift ourselves up and survive when all seems lost. Granted not everyone does that. Some close their doors and wait for the end, others end it themselves. Then there are those who find a purpose and continue despite the odds and these are the characters that Yancey brings to life. Cassie is a strong character and her voice rang true throughout the novel. She is a fighter, even when she wants to crumble and hide. She isn't a skilled survivalist, and heck she can't even shoot, but she promised her brother she would come and with a little luck and kick-ass persistence she sets out to find him. Along the way she faces conflict and characters who make her question her own rules. We see growth in her throughout the novel and I would be honored to call Cassie my friend. From the squad team at Camp Haven to the boy at the first base camp Cassie encounters the other characters and perspectives are fleshed–out. Even the briefest of characters has their own distinct voices. There is a romance and the possibility of a triangle but these do not take center stage and only deepen our understanding of the characters.

Told from multiple perspectives with outstanding, original world building I could not put this novel down. Yancey is an impressive storyteller and his weaving of events seemed so plausible it gave me chills. It blurred the line between fiction and reality. The pacing was perfect and the author gave me a panoramic view of the world through his characters. I didn't feel rushed nor did I feel we straggled. The details and world description flowed effortlessly from his pen to the pages and allowed me to completely immerse myself. His characters are strong, complex and believable. I found myself rooting for each of them. Yancey brings this tale alive on so many levels from the intense understanding and powerful emotions we feel for Cassie and her family to the horror of what is happening to our world. The waves that occurred are brilliant and the perfect road map for anyone looking to destroy Earth’s inhabitants. Trust, being alone, survival and humanity are all questions raised throughout the novel. Yancey even forces us to see the alien’s position. The tale can be dark and depressing at times but humanities will to survive uplifts you and compels you to read on. This novel positively blew me away. I could not put it down nor could I stop thinking about it and talking about it. It’s a book whose details you will remember a year from now. It’s one that will pop up every time you recommend a book. I lived it, consumed it and still I want more.

The 5th Wave is an outstanding dystopian tales that will quickly distinguish itself from this flooded genre. Yancey has created a world and characters that I will want to visit again and again. This tale can be enjoyed by everyone from teens to adults and has excellent cross-over appeal for science-fiction lovers.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published Caffeinated Book Reviewer
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May 04, 2013 Mogsy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia, apocalyptic, science-fiction, horror, young-adult, aliens

Posted at The BiblioSanctum.

Having really enjoyed Rick Yancey's The Monstrumologist, I became interested in checking out the author's other works and decided to pick up his new young adult book The 5th Wave.

The book tells the story of an alien invasion, happening over a period of time in a series of planned attacks called "waves". The 1st wave was an electromagnetic pulse-like burst that knocked out electricity and almost everything that runs on power. The 2nd wave wiped out all cities on the wo Posted at The BiblioSanctum.

Having really enjoyed Rick Yancey's The Monstrumologist, I became interested in checking out the author's other works and decided to pick up his new young adult book The 5th Wave.

The book tells the story of an alien invasion, happening over a period of time in a series of planned attacks called "waves". The 1st wave was an electromagnetic pulse-like burst that knocked out electricity and almost everything that runs on power. The 2nd wave wiped out all cities on the world's coastlines. The 3rd wave was a plague that decimated the human population. The 4th wave made those still alive mistrust and turn on each other. Cassie is one of the few lucky (unlucky?) survivors, believing that striking out alone is the only way to stay alive. Those that are left now prepare for the worst; they know "the Others" aren't done with humanity yet, and a 5th wave is on the horizon.

I was really excited when I found out the premise behind the book, hoping to see a new take and fresh ideas on the alien invasion concept. Going on a tangent here, but I think most of us today take movies like Alien for granted; the image of the chestburster exploding out of a human chest cavity is a familiar one to us now that it's been propagated in pop culture, but can you imagine actually sitting in that theater seat watching that scene play out for the very first time on the big screen back in 1979? It was before my time, but I can't help but think it must have been one crazy, horrifyingly mind-blowing experience, simply because no one then could have expected it.

You could say I'm trying to I'm chase that feeling, I guess. I live for those moments when I'm surprised by my science fiction, those OMG-I-can't-believe-that-just-friggin'-happened moments. Anyway, I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it didn't quite get me there. Even so, it was great read. Never mind that some of the waves were based on familiar ideas, and there were themes reminiscent of stories like Invasion of the Body Snatchers or The Thing (TRUST NO ONE!), the horror of their relentless assaults was very well done, making the characters' fears seem very real.

In fact, I only have a very few minor gripes, and they mostly stem from the things the author threw in to make this book feel more mainstream YA, almost like he was deliberately trying for a Hunger Games vibe. There's that aspect of the young girl struggling in a survivalist situation, complete with a sappy romance with a cute boy with a lop-sided grin. Arrgh, seriously, why do they always always ALWAYS have to have the lop-sided grin?! Spare me!

I know it's a stereotype, and as usual there are going to be exceptions, but some male authors just can't seem to pull off writing convincingly and realistically from the point-of-view of a teenage girl. Some of Cassie's thoughts about crushes and boys are either giggle-worthy or cringe-inducing, and I get the feeling Rick Yancey simply used general ideas found in mainstream movies and books when it came to writing Cassie. She definitely didn't come across as naturally compared to his characterization of Will Henry in The Monstrumologist.

I only mention this because YA romances that feel corny or awkward have a tendency to drive me absolutely bonkers, but thankfully it was only mildly distracting here. Ultimately, there really wasn't much in this book that took away from my overall enjoyment. Despite incorporating a lot of elements I feel like I've seen before, I really have no complaints in terms of the story. It was entertaining, full of action and suspense and all I could ask for. ...more

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Oct 25, 2015 Angela Carr rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2016

4.5 Stars

Rick Yancey’s young adult novel, The 5th Wave was a thought provoking story. Watching the movie a few weeks ago sparked my interest in this series that I had to read the book. I was fascinated with what Cassie and the rest of the survivors would do to survive. The possibility of circumstances bothered me, and it left a lasting impression invoking discussion among my friends and family. How would things be, how will we handle it and will we survive?

Spaceships were hovering earth crea 4.5 Stars

Rick Yancey’s young adult novel, The 5th Wave was a thought provoking story. Watching the movie a few weeks ago sparked my interest in this series that I had to read the book. I was fascinated with what Cassie and the rest of the survivors would do to survive. The possibility of circumstances bothered me, and it left a lasting impression invoking discussion among my friends and family. How would things be, how will we handle it and will we survive?

Spaceships were hovering earth creating havoc. Cassie and her family along with the rest of the human beings are attacked by Aliens eradicating them by a series of waves. The last being “The 5th Wave” to fully wipe out earth of any human beings. It’s obviously a survival of the fittest and the last of the humans still alive will have to fight to stay that way.

The movie interpretation of this book was pretty close as far as plot wise. Several scenes were somewhat twisted and shortened. I assume to reduce the length of the movie, but I think it stuck close enough to the plot. I also think the actors did a pretty good job portraying the characters. Most specifically, Chloe Grace Moretz and Alex Roe(what a hottie). Seeing Cassie’s story in the film was both heartbreaking and enlightening. I will admit, reading it was a bit more painful. You experience all of Cassie’s thoughts. The raw emotions and the clear narration of her situation just broke me. Not to mention the suspense and heart-pounding moments had me turn the pages despite knowing what will happen. It was really good!

I love that Cassie at her age is more mature than the norm teen making her pretty much kickass during the trying times. Her brother, Sammy, her boy crush Ben and my fave Evan Walker were all great supporting characters. Maika Monroe as Ringer didn’t do too bad either. The touch of romance between Cassie and Evan, and possibly a love triangle with Ben was just too juicy not to mention. Evan was to die for sexy and mysterious. Ben with his dark persona was intriguing and the fact that he is Cassie’s school crush makes me wonder if there will be anything between them. There’s also a possibility of romance between Ben and Ringer, but we shall see. Excuse the romance reader in me; I may be inventing things out of nothing, but one can try.

Hold romance aside, this YA/dystopian/post-apocalyptic genre and this book, in particular, is not to be missed. The 5th Wave may be fiction, but Yancey brought the disasters, destruction, and the aftermath felt real enough that it will make you think twice of the possibilities.
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Apr 28, 2013 Julie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bookclub-reads, 2014-audiobook-challenge, 2014-ya-audiobook-challenge

The 5th Wave was one of those books that tries of offer a unique perspective on the human condition. I give it a very high 3.5 stars. I really liked Cassie and thought her reactions and behavior were relatable and real. She really gave a good understanding of what this type of alien invasion would feel like and look like. Her sarcastic attitude helped make the book enjoyable.

I also liked how smart this book was. There are some cool quotes you can pull and some good life lessons to be learned. Th ...more

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Jul 07, 2013 Darcy rated it liked it

Shelves: audio-book, listened-to-at-work, ya, post-apocalyptic, 2013

This one kept me guessing through out the book. It was hard to figure out who was a plain human and who wasn't. It seemed like each time you thought you had things down, something would happen to make you wonder again.

I did like that the story was told from multiple views. It was interesting to see how each person dealt with things, who they would trust, and how long it took for them to give up hope.

With the ending it will be interesting to see where things go from here for the group, will they ...more

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May 26, 2014 Haze rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014-books-read

I love this book! I love it! I love it!

I am so fangirling over this book! Cassie and Evan! <3

I'm sorry I can't write a coherent review right now, I stayed up until 5.15am this morning so I could finish this book. Lack of sleep plus all the feels!

Can't wait for the next book! September!! ...more

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Apr 07, 2015 Megan (ReadingRover) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: x-goodreads-challenge-15

Aliens usually aren't my thing but I really liked this book. It started off strong and didn't waver. I wasn't sure I was going to like the changing points of view but as I got further into the book I started to look forward to it. The characters were well developed and the world building was thorough. Cassie and Ben were both likable characters. I loved the fight in Cassie and I absolutely loved the transformation of Ben. Ben started as a high school jock, then was a broken boy, then a built int ...more

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May 30, 2013 Natasha Musa rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fiction, science-fiction-fantasy, 2013, series, apocalypse

Fast paced and actioned packed. Good storyline though I didn't think it was original. Had similarities to The Host. Overall, good read and entertaining enough for me to finish the book. The ending was left hanging to be addressed in the next book (like most series). I am quite interested to know what happens to Cassie, Evans, Sammy, Ben and Ringer so will definitely get through the series just so that I get some closure. ...more

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Jan 14, 2016 kaotickitten rated it liked it · review of another edition

This is one of those books that you wonder if. It takes a while to get into it, so you wonder if it is worth it. It reminds you of other books you have read, so you wonder if they stole the idea. It gets gripping, you wonder if? Your just wonder if. Some call it dystopian, others invasion fiction.

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