Wednesday 10 April 2013

Review & Giveaway: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave, #1)

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication date: May 7th 2013
My rating: 5 Stars


The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

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.
 


Wow! I was blown away by this story!!  I was completely riveted by every single word!  My heart raced, and I was on the edge of my seat pretty much the entire time.  

The world as we know it is over.  Aliens came, kicked ass, and all that’s left of humanity is three percent of the original population.  One of the “lucky” survivors is sixteen year-old Cassie.  She lived through all Four Waves that’s decimated the human race, and is trying to stay alive by staying alone, because that’s the only way to stay safe.  The aliens have cleverly disguised themselves to look like us, so to stay alive you must trust no one.  The only thing keeping Cassie going is a promise made to her little brother, five-year old Sammy, to come find him.  Then Evan Walker shows up, a savior, and her resolve to stay alone waivers, because surely, he can help rescue her brother, right?  I guess we’ll see. 

I don’t know why, but I love end-of-the-world scenarios.  Add in some aliens, and the possibility of mass destruction and you’ve got my attention.  Maybe it’s the exciting adrenaline rush I get from the life and death situations laid out before me.  Maybe its how life boils down to what really matters, and all the mindless, busy details of our everyday suddenly become unimportant.  I always end up asking myself, “what would I do?” and I wonder if I could survive.  Rick Yancey captures everything that excites me about these stories flawlessly. 

This 5th Wave was an exhilarating ride filed with action and suspense, and don’t forget my personal favorite: romance.  All of it is well done with twists and turns that have you anxious about what happens next.  A future with this set of possibilities is frightening.  

Cassie was a tough but realistic heroine, one I easily liked and identified with from the beginning.  It was easy to put myself in her shoes, and agree with the decisions she made.  When Evan shows up, things get even more interesting.  I couldn’t help but swoon over him with “his soft chocolate eyes, thick wavy hair, and lopsided grin.”  Evan is strong and shy, with an intensity that’s hard to ignore. *sigh*

Besides Cassie and Evan there is a whole set of secondary characters that make an impression and a few that found a way into my heart.  Sam, Cassie’s little brother is at the top of that list, and I just wanted to wrap my arms around him in a tight hug!  Five years-old is still practically a baby!    

The 5th Wave ends in a place that’s bearable, but that doesn’t mean I’m not lusting after the next book!  This story is far from over, and I’m curious about how things will play out.  Who is friend and who is foe?  I’m wondering over a few, but maybe that’s just the paranoia that set in while reading this!


I LOVED this story so I'm giving my ARC away to one lucky reader.  The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win.  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

112 comments:

Nara said...

I think it depends on what type of aliens. If they were weird bug looking ones I would attempt to make a fortress out of my house. But if they were like the ones in Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series.... ;)

selkiereads said...

I agree with Nara. If they're as hot as Daemon, they can abduct me anytime they want ;)

elin said...

Afraid and excited

Marius Viktor Aragon said...

Depends on what kind of Aliens :) But definitely I'd be afraid

Unknown said...

After watching as much Doctor Who as I have, I would definitely be wary, leaning to afraid. Thanks for the giveaway, it sounds like a really interesting book! :)
Mel - Mel Reviews Books

nurmawati djuhawan said...

afraid but intrique...

Vegan YA Nerds said...

I keep hearing so many good things about this book, I am going to make a point of reading this asap!

Unknown said...

Ha! Id be terrified.. I remember as a child my grandmother watched unsolved mysteries and the only thing that gave me the heebie jeebies was the alien stories.. NOT THE GHOSTS OR KILLERS BUT THE ALIENS!

_Sandra_ said...

Good question!!! Probably a little bit of both. Since I'm pretty curious person by nature, I would certainly be intrigued and fascinated. But on the other hand, my mind would probably scream at me "run baby, run". LOL!
Thanks for a giveaway! This book sounds awesome! :)

Haraiah said...

Part excited, part afraid. I mean, if it's Daemon Black and his gang then I'd welcome them with open arms. LOL. Anyway, thanks for the giveaway! I'm so excited to read The 5th Wave. Heard good things about this. I tried requesting from NetGalley but I'm not from Aus or UK so I wasn't able to get a copy. So glad you loved this, too! :)

Cassi said...

I would definitely be afraid. I would lock myself in a basement :)

All the Ups and Downs said...

I probably wouldn't believe it at first, but then I'd be really afraid!

Keertana said...

I've heard so much about this one, so I can't wait to read it! It sounds incredible and I absolutely love aliens and apocalyptic novels in general. Plus, I love that Cassie is such a tough heroine and books that are un-put-downable are easily some of the best. Great review, Rachel!(:

Majer Gabriella said...

I would be afraid and curious.

Catherine@thebookparade said...

I love the sound of this book - I love exciting new dystopians!! If aliens were coming to Earth...hmm, I would probably be very excited/curious but also pretty anxious...I'm not sure if I would really like the idea...I'd probably prefer it if scientists could just examine them from afar... :)

The Cover Contessa said...

A little of both! This sounds awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Definitely afraid I think!

Anonymous said...

I'll be excited. I don't think they're bad at all. :))

Unknown said...

Aliens? Well, I would have alot of questions before I became excited or afraid. I think in the end I would be terrified though :)

Unknown said...

I'd be afraid that people AROUND me would be afraid and start acting irrational. In the end, it would just be a new species though. :)

Unknown said...

Oh wow, I can't believe I haven't heard of this before. It sounds like such a great story. And it's nice to have an ending that's satisfying, yet left you wanting more.

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I love end-of-the-world scenarios, too! Even better when there are aliens. ;) It's been a very long time since I've genuinely been terrified by the thought of an alien invasion, and I loved that this book was able to draw that response from me. I really liked Cassie and Ewan, too, though I wasn't really feeling Cassie's initial reaction to him. Otherwise, love this book! Great review, Rachel. :)

Jess (A Book Addict's Bookshelves) said...

I would be excited and scared!
Sounds like a great book. Can't wait to read it.
Thanks for the giveaway :)

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I can't wait to read this one. It's been on my list for long and your review makes it sound so amazing!! :) I'm so happy that you enjoyed this book. Great review and thanks for the giveaway Rachel :)

ahz1 said...

Aliens on the way - be very afraid. I think I am just reflecting all of those alien invasion movies I saw as a kid. I'm really looking forward to reading this book.

RIN said...

If aliens were approaching earth? I'd probably be afraid. I really don't think much good would come of that.

jarkin33 said...

I think I'd definitely be afraid!!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
xo
jaime

Unknown said...

I've been seeing this book crop up in a few place but I wasn't really sure about it until I read your review. It sounds wicked! I so want to read it.

Also if I were told aliens were coming...? I'm not sure I'd be apprehensive definitely. Probably a bit scared because they've obviously got technology we don't and are more advanced than us if they've managed to build ships that can travel the galaxies. But I'd also be excited to see if they were good and if there were things we could learn from them. Different doesn't necessarily mean bad.

Anonymous said...

I have always been fascinated with aliens, ghosts etc. So I would welcome the alien invasion! :-)

Suzanne (Parabooklover) said...

I've only read the first paragraph of your review Rachel because I plan to read this one soon and don't want to spoil anything :)

Anonymous said...

I would be excited!! What we could learn from each other!!!

Janhvi said...

I think excited but wary :)

婕西 said...

I'd be afraid. It's an invasion, how can you not be?

Julie R said...

I think I would be afraid. Too much unknown.

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

It depends! If they are here to start the destruction of human kind, I will be terrified of course. If they are here in peace, it should be fun! I would love to learn their habits and stuff like that.

Mel@thedailyprophecy

erinlee20 said...

I would be a bit excited but also a little afraid...I mean, it's aliens and who knows what to expect. :)

Carmen B. said...

I don't know... probably either wary or indifferent. If they let us know they're approaching my guess would be they're not evil, otherwise they would have just blasted us to hell or sneaked in.

Carina Olsen said...

Amazing review, sweetie :D Although I didn't read all of it, because I want to be surprised by this amazing book, hih (A) but I'm so so so glad that you loved it :D I'm just dying to read it. Sigh. And omg. Thank you for the perfect giveaway :D I would be excited and afraid. Think it would be awesome, though ;)
Love, Carina

Cindi said...

Honestly, I would be terrified. Not surprised though. I do believe there's something out there. I just hope it's nice;)

cc_clubbs[at]yahoo[dot]com

Charlie said...

I honestly don't know... Maybe it depends on the kind of aliens.

x,
Charlie @ Letter Trails

erin said...

Excited :) But also terrified as I've seen too many alien invasion movies!

Anonymous said...

I watch Doctor Who, so I think I'd be cautious but prepared. My TV watching abilities would pay off & hopefully I'd keep my wits about me.

Erinberry said...

I would definitely be afraid. Just seen too many movies and read too many books where aliens never had good intentions.
Thanks for the giveaway!

Erin K.

Unknown said...

Probably afraid!! :/ Thanks for the giveaway!!

Unknown said...

I'd definitely be afraid because I don't think we could communicate effectively or react the right way. It'd probably turn into war, and everyone seems to believe they're more powerful/advanced than we are already!

PuttPutt1198Eve said...

Afraid, definitely afraid!

Unknown said...

Definitely afraid. Like pissing my pants afraid. Whenever I think about any world changing event happening I also freak out because of how unprepared I would be for something like that! I don't think I'd last very long. lol

Karen said...

I would be afraid because I have watched too much Doctor Who to have any faith that we would not shoot first.

Kelley said...

I think I would be both excited and afraid if I were told that aliens were landing on Earth. I mean, who know WHAT to expect? A large part of me hopes that our first contact with other beings happens where we land on their planet, not where they land on ours.

Zemira said...

Since I think they would murder us all I would hide in my basement and pray they never find me. Same goes for the zombie apocalypse. :D

I want to read this book really bad,ever since Wendy wrote her review.

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I totally want to read this one, but I couldn't snag an ARC. I have had this authors first series: Monstrumnologist on my wish list forever. I can't wait to get my claws on this one! THanks for the chance to win.

Hanna said...

I really want to read this book!

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

I was a little apprehensive about the end-of-world scenarios but after reading how much you enjoyed the adrenaline rush, maybe I'd have to get a copy when the book comes out. Thanks for sharing, Rachel!

Unknown said...

I would be kind of afraid.. Curious but afraid to see what they want and what are they after.. if they 'come in peace' ill be ok..

Unknown said...

I'd be terrified! That's a scary thought, indeed! But then again, they could be kind beings :D

alicia marie said...

I'd probably be a little of both. I'd be afraid that the aliens might be evil, but I'd also be excited because if they weren't evil it would be pretty interesting to meet them : )

Bystander said...

I think I'd be pretty excited. But it depends on if we are talking like Aliens aliens or ET?

Ina M. said...

Hmm... Good question. I think I'd be both excited and scared. They are, after all, the great unknown ^_^

Videoclimber said...

I would be scared

brandileigh2003 said...

I would be afraid.
Great review, I can't wait to read this one

Unknown said...

I'd be terrified! That's scary!

Jen (Books and Other Happy Ever Afters) said...

Rachel! THANK YOU FOR LOVING THIS BOOK. I've been nervously waiting for your review of this ever since I saw it in your Showcase Sunday. I NEED THIS BOOK NOW. I'm so happy that you loved it, you don't even know. The premise is very scary and mysterious indeed, and I really want to meet these strong main characters now. SAM. He sounds so adorable. <3 Oh, and Evan... *fans self* The 5th Wave sounds absolutely phenomenal and I can't wait to read it. Brilliant review, Rachel!

Ali @ Ali's Books said...

Definitely afraid! Maybe I've watched Independence Day one too many times.

Amanda said...

This book sounds so intriguing! I know that Yancey already has tons of fans from his Monstrumologist series, so that makes me expect great things from this new series. I agree with you on end of the world stories - they freak me out, but I also kind of like the adrenaline rush they provide. And they make me question so much about what I'd do and all. Sounds like you had a great time reading this book. Wonderful review, Rachel!

Christine said...

I'd be excited to see what aliens were like, but overall I'd be terrified beyond belief!

sarah said...

Just like the human race has the good and bad, I would hope that any aliens that want to meet us are the good ones.

iLuvReadingTooMuch said...

Majorly. Freaked. I would probably think the world was gonna end and start hiding under my bed or something :P Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

Rabiah

Gaby Pendragon said...

A mixed of both but majorly afraid, we all fear what we don't know so I guess it'd be natural, and of course there's all those movies that only enhance that fear, right? lol

Unknown said...

I think I'd be terrified! Thanks!

emongskie said...

Excited! maybe they will be the key for the world to change :) unless they eat man meat to survive hahaha

Ellie @ Ellie Reads All the Books said...

Would love to read this one. Sounds really interesting! :)

Book Passion for Life said...

Lovely review Rachel. I'm not entering the giveaway but wanted to comment anyway, sounds interesting but not sure it would be my cup of tea! Glad you enjoyed it though x xo

Sayomay said...

Hopful that everything would be peaceful and being prepared for use humans to screw things up and it all go to hell.
Mary G Loki

Ashfa said...

I'll be freaked out!!!

Thanks for the giveaway, looks like a great book.

Mary Preston said...

I'd be VERY afraid. I saw SIGNS.

starryeyedjen said...

Ya know, I hadn't seen anything about this book until a few weeks ago, and now it's everywhere! And I want in on the secret! End of the world + aliens!?! How do you know who to trust, or can you ever really trust ANYONE? I want it...I want it NOW! :)

Dana said...

I'd be afraid! Great review and I have this one on my TBR list. Sounds so good! Glad you loved it!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

Oh, wow, this sounds totally promising! I had a very good feeling about it from the start, but now I know I'll love it! Aliens! Apocalypse!
Wonderful review, Rachel!

Jess said...

I received a review copy of this the other day so am really happy to see the 5 stars out Rachel! You've got me so excited to read this, it sounds pretty scary!

Kailia Sage said...

EVERYONE loves this book it seems and well, your review was great too! I especially love "A future with this set of possibilities is frightening." Being the weirdo that I am, I'm ALWAYS thinking about this. Reading books like The 5th Wave would not only creep me out but intrigue me!

Honestly, aliens would be totally cool and I'd think it was amazing until they killed me or something. It might also happen because I might ask them waaaay to many questions, even if they didn't understand!

Tiffany Drew said...

I'd be TERRIFIED. Seriously, I'd probably have a heart attack. Can't wait to read this though, better to live that life through books than in reality :)

tammy216 said...

I would be a little excited because who wouldn't want to see aliens?But I've also, seen way too many movies and read way too many books where aliens coming to Earth ends badly for the humans. So I would definitely be afraid.

Filia Oktarina said...

I thinl i will afraid, but at same time, i am intrique too :)

maya said...

Both!

xXJackoXxT said...

I would be afraid

Books Glorious Books said...

I think I would be both - but leaning more towards afraid

Unknown said...

first, i will think i´ll hope they are hot .... next --- i will said ... we ´ll died
almendra in the rafflecopter

Wendy Darling said...

I am determinedly averting my eyes away from your review (DAMN YOU WENDY FOR NOT WRITING YOURS YET), but I am thrilled beyond words to see your 5 stars! yay. I shall endeavor to write my review so I can read yours, hah.

Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

Unknown said...

If aliens came to earth I think I would share Stephen Hawking's views on the subject. I'd be pretty wary. Curious but wary.

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle said...

If aliens came to earth I would be running away fast!!! Unless they were hot and friendly...but these don't sound like that kind. I am DYING for this book!! Less than a month until it releases.

Nicola said...

I'd be excited... that'd be a pretty cool time to be alive (I'd just be hoping I'd STAY alive!)

Unknown said...

I would most likely be a little afraid. They better be friendly!

Bea Tejano said...

I'll be absolutely terrified haha I just hope they won't kill me LOL

Dorky Girl said...

I would be a little bit afraid but mostly intrigued.

Brianna said...

First of all how credible is the person who is telling me about the aliens? If they were credible I would be afraid.

Megan R said...

I would definitely be scared out of my tree. I don't think they'd drive their ship all the way to earth to stop for tea!

Shelver506 said...

A little bit of both. I'd prepare as best as possible and then wait to see how it all turns out.

Angela @ Reading Angels said...

I'd be terrified!!!

YA Anonymous said...

Damn, I just had to scroll through 99 comments just to get to the comment box. I think that shows how anticipated this book is. Can't wait to read it!

-Maggie

sweety said...

I guess I'd be both afraid and excited at the same time.

Thanks for the international giveaway!!

Rafflecopter name - Rose L

Anonymous said...

Proubly both. But after it settled in I would proubly run the other way! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

GFC: Alicia Batista

Rafflecopter name: Either Alicia Batista OR Vannah Batista

Nuzaifa @ Word Contessa said...

I loved the Ender’s Game so seeing The 5th Wave compared to it makes want to read that book ASAP.The 5th Wave sounds like a dystopian with a sci-fi twist so that does increase the must-read factor for me! :D
Oh and Evan sounds irresistible! ;)
Great review,Rachel!

As for the answer to the question-I'd probably freak out but I think I'd be excited too.

mandy said...

Well, depends of the type of alien. I think I will be both, but most afraid of.

Unknown said...

Definitely AFRAID. I have no desire to see an alien.

Unknown said...

Uhh...neither. I wouldn't be the first to greet them, but I also would not be all: "OH EM GEE, ALIENS YAY!" xD

Christina said...

I think it would depend. I would initially be nervous because we don't know how they'll react-- either peacefully or aggressively. If it were a peaceful sort of thing, that would be so exciting to interact with another species and learn a lot about another culture. If aggressive, I think we'd all want to fight back.

Thanks!

Christina @ Ensconced in YA

Unknown said...

I think I would be both excited and afraid, but probably leaning more towards the scared side of things.

Unknown said...

It would definitely be exciting but I'd probably just watch from the sidelines whilst experts greet them!

Unknown said...

Frightened! I once had an entirely too vivid dream relating to alien abduction, and I definitely wouldn't wish to enact it in real life. If they came in peace, I might be a little excited ... but still leery of any probes they might brandish!

Michele said...

I am simply dying to read this book! What would I do? Scared to death, but thrilled that I was right all along about other life being out there somewhere. ;) Yes, I really am willing to go through an alien invasion just to be right about something. Ha.

mareb said...

Excited at first! For scientific stuff I always look at the bright side first. (Plus I have been largely influenced by Doctor Who so not all aliens are evil!)

Unknown said...

Need to have a copy of this :D Thanks for the amazing review!!

"This 5th Wave was an exhilarating ride filed with action and suspense, and don’t forget my personal favorite: romance. "

---Now I'm dying to read it :D

-Dannielle

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